Dark mornings. Days with gray skies. Evenings when the sun sets before the workday has even ended. Spring is weeks away, but we could all surely still stand a serious jolt of color to help give our spirits a big boost right now.
Color theory (i.e., using colors to influence our moods and behavior) is a fairly new discipline, and there’s good research to show that it can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and can change your mood. Color theory suggests that in carefully selecting a color (or color family) that you surround yourself with, you can positively impact your mental health and well-being.
For example? Bright, warm colors (such as reds, oranges, yellows) are said to stimulate energy and bring about responses that generate happiness. Cooler and more subdued colors (think: blues, greens, and purples) tend to make us feel more soothed and calm.
So how to best incorporate this into your everyday life? Let’s start at home. Give yourself and guests some exposure to bright, cheery colors in the dining room with the Courtney Hand Tufted Wool Rug ($270 on allmodern.com), in big, contemporary shades of of tangerine. Its playful abstract design is made in India from 100% high-quality wool that can stand the test of time, even if you want to swap it out for a different mood in the fall.
When it comes to work time, let the vibe be mellow yellow — with the super comfy Ataya Task Chair ($57.99 on wayfair.com), which also comes in bright turquoise, pink, and orange.
And your wardrobe? That’s almost too easy. Nothing wakes up winter like one single solid neon, as does the electric red-orange in AQUA Cashmere’s Turtleneck Cashmere Sweater ($79.99 on bloomingdales.com) or the Stevie Crewneck Sweater ($130 on revolve.com) in electrifying pink. That ought hold you over till at least St. Patrick’s Day…. When it’s time to start wearing bright green!
