Using Color to Create Your Sanctuary

Mental health professionals and designers agree that the color choices, when painting a home, should be carefully considered. Home is a sanctuary from our busy and often chaotic lives, so we should seek out colors that are inviting and that lift our spirits. Appropriate colors that complement the lighting sources will create those comfortable sanctuaries that we all seek.

Consider, for example, the kitchen. This is a high-energy room, where delicious food is created and where enticing aromas fill the air. Colors that enhance creativity include bright yellow, orange and red. Yellow symbolizes happiness, inspiration, sunshine and joy while orange is warm and reminds us of fall, and spicy, tantalizing smells. Red is a high-energy color, and when any of these colors are combined in the kitchen, a warm, energetic mood is created.

However, a room where bright yellow, orange or red would not be a good choice is the bedroom. This is a room for rest and contemplation. Soft greens and blues or neutral colors like taupe, cream and light browns are excellent choices for the bedrooms. These “nature” shades represent renewal, health, calm and tranquility and when mixed with comfortable furnishings, soft pillows and dim lights, a wonderful retreat is created.

And consider the kids playroom or game room. This would be the perfect place for a bright red or vibrant green. These colors can raise blood pressure and create excitement. Artwork in complementary colors to the wall colors can provide a striking room in which any teenager or child would love to play.

The perfect colors set the tone for the room, so ask your paint professional at Chism Brothers for color choice ideas. Chism Brothers Painting works with some of the best interior designers in San Diego. Small paint sample containers are available from most home improvement and paint stores and splotches on the wall often help when determining how the lighting will affect the color. Doing your homework before putting paint on the wall will create beautiful rooms in which to cook, rest or play!