Utilizing Color Beyond Decoration

Feeling a bit out of sorts lately but just unable to put a finger on the issue? Maybe you've got an important meeting or function to attend and you want to have a better sense of confidence in yourself. Or are you having a difficult time relaxing to fall asleep at night? Whatever the reason, changing the color of an outfit or room décor may be just the solution.

The use of color in daily life may help in achieving a certain mood or feel. From maintaining focus to simply lifting your spirit, surrounding yourself with the appropriate hue may help. There are some people that believe each color carries its own vibration or energy that may be felt by those around that color. For instance, a room decorated in soothing greens and earthy browns may have a very calm and relaxing feel while another room accessorized in orange tones has a sense of energy and stimulation. Want to change how you feel in a certain space? Try changing the color scheme to match the desired mood.

Understanding each color's energy is the first step in making color choices for your space. You may notice that each color holds more than one type of energy and may be used in different ways. Take advantage of this by making different combinations of hues to fit your personal tastes.

Comforting colors that heal and sooth work well for spaces such as bedrooms or living areas. These colors include shades of brown, green, blue, gray, and white. These colors have additional energies beyond healing. Green carries with it energy of prosperity, success and fertility. Blue symbolizes honor, loyalty and wisdom and also aids in sleep. Gray neutralizes any negativity leaving a peaceful feel. White is also very peaceful and a great color for meditating. Brown is a perfect color for household pet areas.

If your goal is to stimulate energy and the senses, go with tones of orange, yellow, red and purple. Orange carries with it one energy and that is to stimulate energy. Use this color in spaces where energy is necessary such as the kitchen. Yellow carries with it a feel of confidence, attraction and charm but is also great for study and stimulating the intellect. Red is a very passionate color and tends to boost confidence, willpower, physical strength and courage. Purple has a feel of power, success and independence and is also great for meditating.

Black may be desired as an accent color for its ability to absorb negativity. Try using black accent pillows on a living room couch to remove any negative thoughts that may be lurking around while you're trying to relax. Black also works well in the bedroom as the color of bed sheets to lull you into a peaceful sleep without harboring negativity from the day's stresses. If you're not a big fan of black, cover it up with decorative bedding so it will be your secret. Black also works well for meditation.

The metallic colors of silver and gold also carry with them their own energy. Their properties are ironically helpful during the holiday season with characteristics of encouragement, stability and removal of negativity for silver and all things relating to the sun for gold. Holiday decorations often times have these colors which may help us get through any stress or difficult times along with making up for the lack of sunshine during our day.

Color may be used in unlimited combinations to achieve a desired mood. Look beyond the norm and go with your gut feeling on how each color makes you feel. Wearing your favorite color may truly make you feel better throughout the day.