House
Decorating the house can help beat the winter blues- but what does your colour choice say about you?
A New Year means a new start - a time to put the colour back in our cheeks, and our lives. That could mean giving our health or careers a proverbial lick of paint or, in many cases, giving our homes an actual one. Brightening the house can be an effective way of brightening our mood. In fact, new research shows that our choice of colours say more about us than we might think.
People in Wales tend to gravitate towards rich deep hues when sprucing up their homes. These colours, for example rich reds, burgundies and deep blues are often associated with intensity and confidence - attitudes naturally applicable to the passionate Welsh stereotype.
But other regional trends are not so clear cut. The research found that pastel pinks and purples were surprisingly more popular in Scotland. Perhaps there are more softies north of the boarder than the traditional Scottish stereotype would lead us to believe!
According to research from Crown Paints, Londoners go for really vibrant shades while people in the Midlands, South West and Northern Ireland would rather revive their residences with creams, duck egg blues and chocolate colours.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, nationally speaking, the great majority of us still opt for the safer cream and whites. But even painting just a one wall a different colour can significantly brighten up a room - and have a knock on affect on our mood. While it’s fun to interpret the meaning behind colour choices at the end of the day what we really want to achieve is a stylish, contemporary, liveable look for our home - and one that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Whether you have plans to decorate just one wall or the whole house, Crown Colour Consultant Judy Smith has the following top five budget-busting tips to transform your home this January.
1. Bright colours open up enclosed spaces - so try revamping a fading hallway or stairwell by painting it in a striking, confident colour such as bold red or cheerful yellow.
2. For a simple but chic touch, paint the whole room with a bold block colour, then add a large geometric shape in a bright contemporary colour, such as warm orange.
3. Make a feature of shelves by painting alcoves with a neutral tone such as white, alongside a colour, which gives contrast, such as sky blue.
4. To pack a stylish punch, experiment with some free-hand painting - it’s guaranteed to lend a new lease of life to a room.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour - if it’s confined to a small area it can always be seasonally repainted and won’t cost you the earth.