HEALTH & HAPPINESS – How Color Can Affect Your Mood
By Myrna Simon, Designer
June 2010
Can you imagine starting every day with a smile? Picture this: Your room is painted a pale peach color. The draperies are a lush peachy color as well, and the bedding is very calming. It’s tranquil and very pleasant. The wallcovering in the bathroom complements the peach color, incorporating a lovely beige and off-white neutral. The artwork in both the bedroom and bathroom also take on accent colors like peach, pale yellow and a hint of aqua. The stained gold colored frames finish the punch to perfection. The colors embrace you. This color scheme is also very comfortable for men. It’s not pink and doesn’t scream feminine.
The coffee has already begun brewing and the aroma in the house is delicious, all this and it’s only 7:00 a.m. You love walking into the kitchen. The walls are yellow-mustard and the upholstery is a French cotton red. Very warm and inviting, and very French Provence. Or, your kitchen is more on the contemporary side, with apricot walls and neutral upholstery. Whatever it is, you love it. A happy person is usually in a good mood. This is very healthy.
Have you ever thought about what colors make you feel good? Perhaps you just went shopping and found the perfect little black dress; or you drive around in a fabulous little red car; and your kitchen is a very happy yellow. What do these colors say about you? Why did you select black, red, and yellow? Of course, colors don’t actually talk; however, they do evoke certain feelings within each of us. Read on to learn some fascinating facts on color and how they can actually affect our mood. Why is that?
You are now planning on doing some painting in your home, and you would like to create a feeling of warmth in the room. You would then select warm colors of reds, oranges and yellows, which are exciting and cheerful, and give the effect of liveliness and activity. By the way, these colors are important to use if your room has a northern exposure or little sun. By using yellow, you can warm up a dark, gloomy room with very little light; yet using yellow in a very sunny room will result in glare.
Cool colors, such as blues, greens and blue-greens communicate a restful, soothing and quiet environment. Although it’s easy to sit back and relax in a cool room, too much cool color can create a somber, almost depressing atmosphere.
You can alter your mood and the entire mood of a room by simply changing the color scheme. A traditional living room with off-white walls and furniture, rugs and draperies in shades of deep blue will come across as formal in appearance. Give the same formal room a warmer, more inviting look by selecting an off-white, yellow and apricot color scheme.
Color and your personality: - color can play a major role in reflecting one’s personality. Warm, earthy colors are rugged and casual. Pastels, like pinks, yellows, blues and lavenders are soft and delicate. Bright yellow and reds are extrovert colors. Yellow is the most cheerful and brightest of colors, and red is highly stimulating and exciting. Nature lovers and people enjoying leadership lean toward green. Shades of blue are the choice of tranquil and serene people. Color is a personal choice and should compliment you.
Let’s talk about the colors you might consider, and which should keep your blood pressure in check. Be mindful also, that the effect of color on one person may not always be the same on another. We each have our own personality. Colors that seem to annoy you can definitely affect your health. Walk through your home and sit in your rooms. You may surprise yourself. All it takes is a coat of paint to perk you up.
For example, have you ever experienced a major, early morning headache after you’ve used the washroom? Could it be that you’re waking up in a red bedroom? Perhaps your bathroom is predominantly green or yellow? These tones will definitely affect the color of your skin. If you are applying your make-up in this room, green and/or yellow will give you a false sense of color and not too complimentary, I might add.
On another note, sage green has become a very acceptable soothing neutral shade. It’s a very comforting color and works well with so many different palates. As I mentioned earlier, peach is most relaxing, to both men and women.
Color has a tendency to be quite emotional. One person may feel so cozy in a room painted in a warm dark blue color scheme; the second person may feel claustrophobic. Can you recall if certain rooms ever made you feel happy? sad? nervous? lazy? energetic?
Selecting colors for your home is so personal that for some couples one of the most major decisions is deciding which color scheme they can both live with. I would urge everyone to be true to themselves about the colors they are selecting. Colors are introduced yearly as “the color of the year.” Do not be caught up in following the trends if the color is not necessarily to your liking. It’s like clothing, one year the hems are up, the next year the hems are down. I would advise you to wear the clothing that feels comfortable and is becoming to you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my little tidbits of information. Let me know if I can be of further assistance as you proceed with updating your homes. Adding color to your home will make you feel good; it will put a smile on your face! Splendid!
Myrna Simon, Designer
Alicia Friedmann Interior Design
myrna@aliciafriedmann.com
562-286-4353
Thursday, May 20, 2010
HEALTH & HAPPINESS - To Clutter or De-Clutter, That is the Question....
HEALTH & HAPPINESS – To Clutter or De-Clutter, That Is the Question….
By Myrna Simon, Designer
Alicia Friedmann Interior Design
July 2010
Isn’t it interesting how the simplest things in life can give you the greatest joy? Just imagine a kitten unrolling a ball of yarn; a baby’s first giggle; last year’s orchid bursting with new blooms. How about being greeted by a sparkling kitchen first thing in the morning, or a very organized office? You get the picture.
And, contrary to the good feelings, what are those little things in life that make you feel depressed, anxious and all knotted up?
Do you get up in the morning, and before you’ve had your first cup of coffee, you have such a headache, you can hardly wait to get dressed and leave the house? Clutter, clutter, everywhere clutter. You find you’re having difficulty breathing. This is so unhealthy. You can never find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a piece of clothing, or a file folder, or the teenager’s new Nikes. Once you and your home are organized, you’ll stop wasting time looking for things. You realize you need space in your home and in your life.
Everyone has heard about purging closets, and the old rule. If you haven’t worn something in a year or two, get rid of it. If you haven’t referred to paperwork in ten years, toss it. Purging your belongings, however, is not as easy as it may sound. Emotions are involved, and yes, you can hire someone to come in and take care of it, but you will be part of the process. No one knows your closets, or kitchen, or office the way you do; no one else has the attachment to your “things” the way you do.
So, what do you do with the “stuff” that is cluttering not only your home, but your life?
Give yourself a deadline for each room and each project that needs to be de-cluttered. Which areas of your home accumulate clutter?
Linen closets; purses; briefcases; bookcases; garages; garden tools; family rooms; bathrooms; home offices; kitchens; bedrooms; toy boxes.
Before you begin the task, and for the sake of time management, I would suggest you maintain a daily to-do list. Prepare at least three large boxes and label them: 1) Junk; 2) Donate; 3) Keep.
Whatever room you begin with, or whatever drawer you begin with, remove everything from the area. Empty closets and drawers. Toss out everything that is broken or beyond repair. You haven’t used it in ages; you didn’t even remember it was there, get rid of it. When trying to decide whether you should junk, donate or keep, ask yourself:
a) Do I really love this; or need this item
b) Will I benefit from keeping it; or shall I toss it
c) Most importantly – when is the last time I used this.
Categorize the items in your home that need a permanent place so you’ll know where to find them, like buttons, special edition magazines, and batteries (usually in the refrigerator).
What about the hubby’s closet. This is the most difficult because so many men are like pack rats. Don’t you dare throw out those jeans. They fit him 10 years ago, and yes, he’ll get back into them one day soon. As styles change, so do our shapes, and even though he may get back to the same size, he may not be the same shape. So, “Hubby, get over it.” We’re de-cluttering today. And again, there are many charities who would love to swing by and pick up the jeans, jackets, sweatshirts and shoes.
Another suggestion which I highly recommend is to “throw something out every day.” Just one thing…toss it or give it to a consignment store. This is a particularly good idea when you’re out shopping, either for yourself, or any family member, or even a new gadget for the kitchen. After all, how many garlic presses does one need!! Before you decide to buy something, think about where it will go and what it is going to replace.
Have you ever given any thought to what else may be causing you so much stress? Do you have friends who pop in on you unexpectedly and hang around half the day? Neighbors who are always depending on you to pick up the kids without reciprocating? The kids haven’t picked up on their responsibilities of tidying up, or taking out the trash, etc. Then, it’s time to have a chit chat with your friends and neighbors and children, and clear your mind. We are de-cluttering, after all.
I have also found that some homes have too much furniture. The couple has inherited Aunt Alice’s breakfront; Uncle Sam’s lazy-boy, etc. The area is claustrophobic and dizzying. Take some time to analyze the situation. If there are some pieces that are causing you stress, then I suggest you streamline your furnishings.
As a designer I take great pride in assisting my clients as they simplify their homes. In many instances I have worked with them and know their likes and dislikes; I know what makes them happy and what makes them fretful. As a designer I can visualize a room before it has been purged and make recommendations for bookshelves or adding space to closets; clearing spaces to accommodate files and file boxes; hanging artwork; designing bathrooms and kitchens for additional space.
A home without clutter is cathartic. You start the day with a smile, and you start the day so, so, so happy. I would consider hiring a designer or professional organizer to help with this major task. The cost will be worth it, and, most of all, it will help you maintain good health. Splendid.
I hope this has been helpful. I wish you good health and happiness.
Myrna Simon, Designer
Alicia Friedmann Interior Design
By Myrna Simon, Designer
Alicia Friedmann Interior Design
July 2010
Isn’t it interesting how the simplest things in life can give you the greatest joy? Just imagine a kitten unrolling a ball of yarn; a baby’s first giggle; last year’s orchid bursting with new blooms. How about being greeted by a sparkling kitchen first thing in the morning, or a very organized office? You get the picture.
And, contrary to the good feelings, what are those little things in life that make you feel depressed, anxious and all knotted up?
Do you get up in the morning, and before you’ve had your first cup of coffee, you have such a headache, you can hardly wait to get dressed and leave the house? Clutter, clutter, everywhere clutter. You find you’re having difficulty breathing. This is so unhealthy. You can never find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a piece of clothing, or a file folder, or the teenager’s new Nikes. Once you and your home are organized, you’ll stop wasting time looking for things. You realize you need space in your home and in your life.
Everyone has heard about purging closets, and the old rule. If you haven’t worn something in a year or two, get rid of it. If you haven’t referred to paperwork in ten years, toss it. Purging your belongings, however, is not as easy as it may sound. Emotions are involved, and yes, you can hire someone to come in and take care of it, but you will be part of the process. No one knows your closets, or kitchen, or office the way you do; no one else has the attachment to your “things” the way you do.
So, what do you do with the “stuff” that is cluttering not only your home, but your life?
Give yourself a deadline for each room and each project that needs to be de-cluttered. Which areas of your home accumulate clutter?
Linen closets; purses; briefcases; bookcases; garages; garden tools; family rooms; bathrooms; home offices; kitchens; bedrooms; toy boxes.
Before you begin the task, and for the sake of time management, I would suggest you maintain a daily to-do list. Prepare at least three large boxes and label them: 1) Junk; 2) Donate; 3) Keep.
Whatever room you begin with, or whatever drawer you begin with, remove everything from the area. Empty closets and drawers. Toss out everything that is broken or beyond repair. You haven’t used it in ages; you didn’t even remember it was there, get rid of it. When trying to decide whether you should junk, donate or keep, ask yourself:
a) Do I really love this; or need this item
b) Will I benefit from keeping it; or shall I toss it
c) Most importantly – when is the last time I used this.
Categorize the items in your home that need a permanent place so you’ll know where to find them, like buttons, special edition magazines, and batteries (usually in the refrigerator).
What about the hubby’s closet. This is the most difficult because so many men are like pack rats. Don’t you dare throw out those jeans. They fit him 10 years ago, and yes, he’ll get back into them one day soon. As styles change, so do our shapes, and even though he may get back to the same size, he may not be the same shape. So, “Hubby, get over it.” We’re de-cluttering today. And again, there are many charities who would love to swing by and pick up the jeans, jackets, sweatshirts and shoes.
Another suggestion which I highly recommend is to “throw something out every day.” Just one thing…toss it or give it to a consignment store. This is a particularly good idea when you’re out shopping, either for yourself, or any family member, or even a new gadget for the kitchen. After all, how many garlic presses does one need!! Before you decide to buy something, think about where it will go and what it is going to replace.
Have you ever given any thought to what else may be causing you so much stress? Do you have friends who pop in on you unexpectedly and hang around half the day? Neighbors who are always depending on you to pick up the kids without reciprocating? The kids haven’t picked up on their responsibilities of tidying up, or taking out the trash, etc. Then, it’s time to have a chit chat with your friends and neighbors and children, and clear your mind. We are de-cluttering, after all.
I have also found that some homes have too much furniture. The couple has inherited Aunt Alice’s breakfront; Uncle Sam’s lazy-boy, etc. The area is claustrophobic and dizzying. Take some time to analyze the situation. If there are some pieces that are causing you stress, then I suggest you streamline your furnishings.
As a designer I take great pride in assisting my clients as they simplify their homes. In many instances I have worked with them and know their likes and dislikes; I know what makes them happy and what makes them fretful. As a designer I can visualize a room before it has been purged and make recommendations for bookshelves or adding space to closets; clearing spaces to accommodate files and file boxes; hanging artwork; designing bathrooms and kitchens for additional space.
A home without clutter is cathartic. You start the day with a smile, and you start the day so, so, so happy. I would consider hiring a designer or professional organizer to help with this major task. The cost will be worth it, and, most of all, it will help you maintain good health. Splendid.
I hope this has been helpful. I wish you good health and happiness.
Myrna Simon, Designer
Alicia Friedmann Interior Design
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