Lots of people are afraid of color.
I'm not, but I understand the fear.
A bright room is a commitment, and it can cause some pretty strong reactions.
And also: There are about a bazillion paint colors out there so it makes sense why so many just throw up their hands (or their paint samples) and pick white.
Classic white is a go-to because it's easy, unfussy, and goes with almost any decor.
(I actually like the whole "white with pops of color" trend that's happening now because even a stark white room accented with a bright lamp or rug is better than a sea of beige.
) But I get most excited when our customers do want to work with color.
When a homeowner wants color but doesn't know where to start, whether for an interior or an exterior, I have them give at least some consideration to the psychology of color.
Here are a few color-choosing guidelines to consider: Warm colors, which consist of everything from browns, to yellows, to oranges, to reds and everything in between, expand with their warmth.
Because they stimulate, warm colors are best in places where activity takes place, like the kitchen, living room, and dining room.
Meanwhile, cool colors like blues, greens, and greys contract with their coolness.
They're for contracting rooms where concentration and calmness are needed; think hallways, studies, and bedrooms.
Blue: Blue is a classically calming shade, making it a great fit for the bedroom.
It also has a reputation for suppressing appetite and for having a cooling effect on a hot room.
Note that navy blue inhibits communication and so is not a good idea for living and dining areas.
Green: Green is nice to use in an office or library because it encourages reading, relaxation, and concentration.
Vibrant green is especially welcome in a kitchen or dining room because it may inspire communication.
Red: Red is associated with energy and power.
That's why people are often told to wear something red to a job interview.
Red can also make people feel warmer, and make food look more appetizing.
This makes a dining room the perfect candidate for a coat of red paint.
The color is also great for stimulating conversation, but can cause blood pressure to rise.
Yellow: Yellow spaces are generally bright and cheerful, encouraging optimism and activity.
You might want to consider using yellow to brighten a room that doesn't have much natural light.
If a yellow gets too bright, however, it can cause anxiety, which is why parents are warned to proceed with caution when choosing yellow for a nursery.
A University of Chicago study showed that babies cry longer in yellow rooms.
Purple: Purple both relaxes us and stimulates creativity, and is known for symbolizing wealth and romance.
But because purple doesn't occur very often in the natural world, it can look artificial in the home.
Brown: Brown is inherently earthy and natural, but be warned that it's also been associated with depression in some people.
Keep in mind that these color guidelines apply not only to wall colors but to trim and accessory colors.
We want to know: What's your favorite paint color and why?