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Combat "winter blahs" with colour |
The winter months can be a beautiful and picturesque time highlighted by white powder snow landscapes and ice-covered tree lines. However, for many Canadians the grey, dreary winter can also be a difficult period leading to a downswing in mood and activity, otherwise
(NC)—The winter months can be a beautiful and picturesque time highlighted by white powder snow landscapes and ice-covered tree lines. However, for many Canadians the grey, dreary winter can also be a difficult period leading to a downswing in mood and activity, otherwise known as the "winter blahs".
But psychologists have discovered one way to fend off the adverse effects of old man winter on our psyche is to embrace the positive effects of colour in our homes.
According to Dominique Pépin, Senior Brand Manager at Sico and Chairholder of the Color Marketing Group, colour has a profound effect on our mood. In clothing, interiors, landscape and even natural light, a colour can change mood from sad to happy, from confusion to intelligence, from fear to confidence. "Particular colours have different effects on each individual," she explained. "Response to a colour can be influenced by a number of elements including the body's need for a specific colour and a sad or happy memory linked to a colour."
There are no absolutes in the world of colour. Some colours make you want to get up and move, others make you want to nestle down and read. Being aware of the emotions generated by different colours will aid in creating colour schemes that will help you ward off the winter blues. Following are some of the most typical responses to various colour groups.
Comforting neutrals
These earthy colors create a sense of peace and well being. They help foster quiet conversation with family and friends and can dispel loneliness. In addition to the earth colors in the neutral group are colours associated with sea such as Sico's Seashore Pebble (6230-31), Pyramid (6224-42), Whitish Clay (6213-21), and Stone Temple (6224-31).
Blues and greens
Also associated with nature, these colours help to calm and soothe our spirit. Green is a healing, revitalizing colour that helps us adjust to new environments and situations while blues offer an escape to more serene and restful places. Colours in this category include Sico's Low Tide (6164-21), New Brunswick Sky (6153-31), Zen Green (6168-73) and Mermaid's Eye (6200-63).
Reds and oranges
These are dynamic vivid colours that help stimulate your senses and stir your emotions. Red is an exciting, daring and dynamic colour that inspires passion and arousal. "It's been known to actually increase heart and respiratory rates," smiled Pépin. Orange is another in your face, vibrant colour associated with sunshine and warmth; it promotes adventure and creativity. Flamenco Red (6054-75), Calcutta Silk (6060-63), Echinacea Flower (6033-83) and Pumpkin Spread (6089-84) are some of Sico's popular colours in this category.
With this palette of stimulating colour choices you are now well armed against the dog days of winter. More information on the psychology of colour is available at sico.ca
Credit: www.newscanada.com |
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