The Pantone Color Institute researches how color influences thought, emotions and physical reactions. Some of their recent recommendations for interior decoration are:
Yellow: When the eye takes in yellow, it releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to feeling good. The institute recommends a soft chamois, butterscotch or honey yellow for a living room, entry or foyer. It will boost moods.
Blue: They say when the blue sky is above you, it’s hard to be anxious. Studies show that blue makes the heart rate slow, perspiration drop, and breathing deepen. Pantone recommends it for bathrooms and for any room where you want to relax.
Brown: It has emerged as a rich mocha linked to the flavors of coffee and chocolate. People love their wood floors and furniture. Brown is associated with stability of the earth. In bedrooms, it increases sleep-inducing sensations of safety and comfort, whether it’s on a wall, in furniture or bedspreads.
Red: It has an aggressive nature, commanding attention and demanding action. It may introduce a fight-or-flight reaction including elevated breath and pulse rate and an increase in adrenaline and perspiration.
Black: To banish sadness, limit the black and dark grays in your life. Leave pure white on the ceilings.
