by Caitlin Chander
Colours are really ‘in’ right now: in fashion, in makeup and now it’s moving to the home. To move with the season, we are choosing hot red tones for our living rooms and luminous yellows and greens for the bedroom. But do we know what these colours actually mean to us?
I recently read an article about the belief of Feng Shui and how it can contribute to your attitude, and life around you. It was so interesting to discover that the colours you choose for the rooms in your humble abode can seriously alter the atmosphere in them. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself!
So before we start painting the odd feature wall here and there, we must understand what colour our personality is attuned to. According to feng shui, colour can strongly affect the personality of a person in the room. While some tones can make you feel spritely and energized, others can make you feel calm and relaxed. Feng Shui also suggests that in order to lessen the intensity of a block colour in your room, it is necessary to use a monochromatic colour (i.e.light blue with a darker blue). It is vital that you carefully consider the meaning and the effect of each colour. Let me break it down for you:
Colour: Claire Wayman for Dulux, Forbidden Palette 4
Red: This colour denotes a strong, active and warm atmosphere. It can also give anger or ambitious feelings.
Yellow: Like the colour of the sun, it gives off energy and life. Yellow is often compared to gold, it can also denote luxury and prosperity – so it is a recommended colour for the study. Be aware, that too much yellow can also cause anxiety.
Blue: Ideal for the bedroom, blue is the colour of the ocean and the sky. It represents calm, peace, comfort and protection.
Purple: Denotes passion and also gives off more spirituality and mental healing.
Orange: Energising and stimulating, this friendly, social colour is ideal for the dining room. It can also spark creativity, and increases organization.
Green: This colour often has natural connotations, providing a quiet, relaxed and refreshing atmosphere, although it can reduce productivity.
Brown: Like green, it can be viewed as a natural colour, giving off a feeling of comfort, intimacy and warmth. Chocolate is a perfect colour for a large room to avoid feeling cold. Suitable for a living room.
White: Neutrals and beiges represent cleansing, innocence and purity. It is suitable for the kitchen, however too much white can lead to poor judgment and a lack of clarity.
Black: A strong, bold colour, black can be seen as elegant and majestic. But be careful not to use too much black, as it is known to remove energy from a room. 
Colour:Clair Wayman for Dulux, Forbidden Palette 4
Colour does not necessarily have to be restricted to paint of course. If you are not comfortable picking up a paintbrush at painting your bedroom cobalt blue, other features are acceptable. For example, introducing aqua green lamps in your living room, or having a burnt orange table setting in your dining room is sufficient enough to achieve good feng shui in your home.
While there are many different interpretations of feng shui colours, it is only you who can decide how each colour makes you feel. So give it a go!
For more info:
http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-color.php
http://www.passionepainting.com.au/painting/feng-shui-colours-for-your-office/
