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Can color vanquish the doldrums?  email this discussion to a friend?

myLot reputation of 97/100. shizuoka (158)   ranked 2,537 out of 32,948 in life 4 years ago

There has been a lot of discussion about the psychological effects of color. Red is said to be an exuberant or aggressive color, perhaps unsuitable for bedrooms. Yellow is sunny and lighthearted. Oranges and browns are earthy. Greens and blues can be revitalizing and harmonious. Well, there are varying opinions, but you get the picture.

Since I have moved to Portland, Oregon, I have noticed that many residents choose very unusual colors for their houses, and often paint their interior walls with very bright colors as well. I think that the bright colors help ward off the mild depression that sets in after months of rain.

The sky is dark and gray for long periods of time and our psyches begin to feel blue. I have actually begun to collect colorful accessories to keep in my own house. A brightly checked throw pillow on the sofa, colorful bathmats, bright flower appliqués in the children's room, and a lovely aqua comforter in my own are some examples.

How much do you think color affects our moods? Do you think that a colorful atmosphere can brighten your outlook during dull winter months?

 

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YorkieBear (980) response was accepted on 4/22/2008.
denotes best response, click it to go to the best response.
tags:  color therapy, oregon, portland, psychological effects of color, rainy months
 
1. myLot reputation of 64/100. YorkieBear (980)   4 years ago

Colors affect people in many ways, depending upon one’s age, gender, ethnic background or local climate. Certain colors or groups of colors tend to get a similar reaction from most people - the overall difference being in the shade or tones used.


myLot reputation of 97/100. shizuoka (158)   ranked 2,537 out of 32,948 in life  4 years ago

So people are affected differently depending on their age, gender, etc.? I didn't know that. I am often soothed by sea colors, as by the ocean itself. When living in California, I loved to sit on a cliff above the shore and watch the waves crash in. It lifted my spirits and filled me with a sense of welll-being. I think that those colors remind me of that response.


myLot reputation of 64/100. YorkieBear (980)  4 years ago

Here is some good information on colors that we wear.

Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.

Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.

The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.

The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.

Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.

The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.

Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.

In the U.S. flag, white stands for purity and innocence. Red represents valor and hardiness, while blue signifies justice, perseverance, and vigilance. The stars represent the heavens and all the good that people strive for, while the stripes emulate the sun's rays.

Food for Thought

While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed blue is served to study subjects, they lose appetite.

Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors. Red is often used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite stimulant.

My favorite colors to wear are red, black and blue. After reading the above, I think I am going to have to reconsider my favorite colors to wear. (lol)


myLot reputation of 97/100. shizuoka (158)   ranked 2,537 out of 32,948 in life  4 years ago

How on earth do you know all of this stuff? You are most definitely a font of information. Thank you!


myLot reputation of 64/100. YorkieBear (980)  4 years ago

The above I copied so you would have it in the correct wording. But, I knew about it prior to finding it for you and leaving it on a comment. I was at one time really
into color....the color you wore and what it represented or the color of roses and what they represented...that I had done a lot of research on it years back.


myLot reputation of 97/100. shizuoka (158)   ranked 2,537 out of 32,948 in life  4 years ago

You didn't have to tell me that - I thought you were a walking encyclopedia. LOL

I never really thought about color too much until I moved here. It is so gray and gloomy most of the time and the house colors are very unusual.

Anyway, thank you again, that was very nice of you.


myLot reputation of 64/100. YorkieBear (980)  4 years ago

Have to be honest. sad

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