We’re in the depths of winter. It’s bitter cold outside, the skies are gray. And forecasters predicting more of the same. You already know this kind of weather takes its toll on the exterior of your house and we can offer lots of ways to protect your home from the elements.
But what are the effects of this dreary weather on you and your family when you’re confined to the inside of your home for days on end? Sounds downright depressing, right? Don’t despair – we have a few suggestions for bringing a little springtime into your home for lifting spirits and energy levels. We may not be psychologists but we are pretty good at understanding how color and light affect our moods and perceptions.
The Psychology Of Color
Before we dive into uplifting paint colors or if you need to do something more with your windows for to bring in more light, let’s take a quick look at how colors and light affect us; this will help us figure out what might work best in YOUR home to make it brighter, cheerier, airier or even more dramatic.
First of all, natural light just makes you happier. Catching a few rays of natural sunlight during the day can make a world of difference. One 2014 study found that people who had windows in their office exercised more, got more sleep and had a greater sense of overall wellbeing than those whose offices had no windows. This could apply in your home as well.
When it comes to color, paint manufacturers like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are experts at understanding how colors affect our psyche and they found basic things about whites and pales – they reflect natural and incandescent light better than darker shades, and you felt more uplifted when entering a pale‑colored room or one with white hues.
Quick Tips To Add Light In Your Home
The fastest way to bring brightness into your room is to paint it. Avoid using brilliant white paint on walls as it can make a space feel cold, an off‑white shade creates a much warmer effect. Try a creamy white, pale blue, or dove gray.
When it comes to windows, just think about how you feel when you see the sun beaming through. Sunbeams tend to brighten and warm up a chilly room, and that certainly helps on heating costs. You might want to remove outside window screens to let more light in, and make sure your windows are clean. Every bit helps. In particular the north side has little direct sunshine, so make sure your windows have proper insulating values for keeping the chill out. Windows on the east and west receive more light and heat but hard to shade from summer.
In addition to paint colors and windows brightening your room, replace incandescent bulbs and their yellowy light with LEDs, which produce a brighter, whiter light. And feel free to ask us how to best utilize light for bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens.
Curb Appeal Painting
Of course, we would never assume that these suggestions are one‑size fits all; we understand that if you love your dark blue living room and it makes you happy then you need to keep it that way! If you prefer a monochromatic palette or would rather go with complementary contrasting colors for a more vibrant look – or anything in between – we will work with you. Whatever your preferences are, the choice is yours and the possibilities are limitless. And remember, spring is right around the corner.
