Color Magic: Tap Into Psychology to Better Use Blue at Home
OK, it's backed more by science than magic. But see how expert research can help you create powerful, even bewitching, interior effects
Several paint companies have proposed some shade of blue, from aqua to indigo, as a popular color for 2013. The color that's cited most often as a favorite, blue represents calm, serenity, stability, conservatism, authority (which is why it's a popular choice for uniforms), wisdom, honesty and loyalty. Some blue tones can also be viewed as cold, which can create feelings of sadness and aloofness.
Let's take a look at what color experts, psychologists and cultural references can tell us about this-much loved color — and at how to use it in our homes.
Let's take a look at what color experts, psychologists and cultural references can tell us about this-much loved color — and at how to use it in our homes.
Blue bloods. The ancient Egyptians used the lapis lazuli stone to dye the cloaks of royals and priests, indicating their status as gods. We still see these rich celestial hues as somehow exotic and regal, so they work beautifully on feature walls or in small spaces, such as this powder room.
Protective properties. In parts of Europe, cupolas, doors, staircases, fences and exteriors were painted blue to protect the house from evil. Polish custom once dictated that all houses for women about to be married be painted blue.
I like the idea of a blue door — it feels solid and trustworthy to me.
I like the idea of a blue door — it feels solid and trustworthy to me.
In 1932 Robert M. Gerard, a California psychologist, performed a study that determined the effect of light on blood pressure at a New England hospital. Staff members with normal blood pressure were exposed to blue and red light for half an hour each. Universally, the blue light resulted in a fall in blood pressure, while the red light resulted in a rise in blood pressure.
Try using a cool blue for a calming bedroom but balance it with rich, warm woods to prevent a cold feeling.
Try using a cool blue for a calming bedroom but balance it with rich, warm woods to prevent a cold feeling.
Feeling blue. In 1901, influenced by the suicide of a good friend, Picasso started his Blue Period, in which he almost always used blue palettes in his work. These pieces were rather austere and cool, and were unpopular with the general public.
While blue is often cited as a cold and even depressing color, tones with a hint of red feel warmer. Unlike cool blues, warm blues advance toward you, making them a cozy choice for a social space such as a living room. The accent wall in this room feels anything but cold and aloof, despite the concrete, marble and gray.
While blue is often cited as a cold and even depressing color, tones with a hint of red feel warmer. Unlike cool blues, warm blues advance toward you, making them a cozy choice for a social space such as a living room. The accent wall in this room feels anything but cold and aloof, despite the concrete, marble and gray.
Out of the blue. Blue is also known to suppress the appetite, possibly as an adaptation against eating rotten food, which can have a bluish tinge. Indeed, some weight-loss programs go so far as to advise eating off a blue plate.
A blue dining room could be great for those wanting to slim down, but it may not be the right choice for foodies.
A blue dining room could be great for those wanting to slim down, but it may not be the right choice for foodies.
Blue-sky thinking. Blue is often used to decorate offices, as research has shown that people tend to be more productive in blue rooms. In 2009 a study by the University of British Colombia showed that blue boosts our ability to think creatively, and that children tested higher on IQ tests in rooms with blue ceilings. This makes blue a perfect color choice for a study.
Feng shui's take on blue. According to feng shui design principles, blue is a water element, excellent for use in the east (health and family) and southeast (wealth and abundance) sides of your home or office — water energy is said to nourish the wood element of these areas.
Deep blue serenity. Dark blue is considered a good color to use in a bedroom, as it evokes deep calm and serenity.
See more about using blue
Tell us: How do you use blue in your home?
See more about using blue
Tell us: How do you use blue in your home?
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Indeed, a more modern interpreter of chromotherapy, Edwin Babbitt, stated in his 1878 work, The Principles of Color Therapy, that "the blue ray is one of the greatest antiseptics in the world." It is believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
Buddhists recommend the blue lapis lazuli stone to bring inner peace. June McLeod, author of Colors of the Soul, agrees with blue's calming power — particularly shades of sky blue. Use this light and restorative hue to create a truly relaxing bathroom.