Color Your World

“Ultimately, perhaps the best advice we can offer about colors is not a piece of ancient wisdom, nor is it scientifically proven. It’s simply this: Live with colors you love. They will make you happy.”
-Behr (paint, stain and varnish manufacturer)

Recently, I spent some time in a room devoid of color. “These walls need paint,” I thought. “Hmmm…maybe green.” I knew I’d be back, so I suppose I was trying to figure out a way to make myself, as well as others, feel more comfortable there. I stopped short of volunteering to paint the place.

There’s no denying that colors elicit emotional responses and influence mood. In regard to health and wellbeing, though, there isn’t solid scientific proof that color cures. Behr’s website includes an overview of color therapy with this disclaimer: “Using color as an aid in healing is not based on any well-developed science. Indeed, most medical professionals are rightly skeptical of claims about color therapy (also known as chromatherapy and colorology), and it should never be used as a substitute for sound medical advice.” (I love Behr paint. Now I respect it, too.)

I gravitate to green. As a child, I loved blue, but it appears I’ve grown into green. Without consciously choosing to, I’ve made green the predominant color in our home.

According to ancient Indian philosophy, green is associated with balance, love and peace—green is soothing and relaxing, both mentally and physically.

Do you live with the color(s) you love?

Photo: An example of the amazing things you can do with paint to color your interior world. I painted our kitchen backsplash to mimic ceramic tiles.

“Can Color Heal? Ancient and Modern Thinking About Color Therapy,” Behr.com