How Different Colors Affect the Brain

Flowers pattern colors Poster

Colors profoundly impact our emotions, perceptions, and even physical well-being. The psychological and physiological effects of color can influence our mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Here’s an overview of how different colors can affect the brain:

Red

  • Emotion and Energy: Red is a stimulating color often associated with passion, excitement, and energy. It can raise heart rate and increase adrenaline, so it’s frequently used to grab attention.
  • Alertness: It can enhance metabolism and increase levels of alertness. However, excessive exposure may lead to feelings of aggression or anxiety.

Blue

  • Calmness and Serenity: Blue is known for its calming effects and is often associated with tranquility and peace. It can lower heart rate and reduce stress.
  • Productivity: Blue can also improve focus and productivity, making it a popular choice for offices and study spaces.

Yellow

  • Happiness and Optimism: Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that can evoke happiness and positivity. It’s often associated with sunlight and warmth.
  • Attention: It can stimulate mental processes and nervous system activity. However, too much yellow might lead to feelings of frustration or agitation.

Green

  • Balance and Harmony: Green is associated with nature and can be soothing and refreshing. It promotes feelings of balance, harmony, and calm.
  • Relaxation: Green can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a good choice for bedrooms and living spaces.

Orange

  • Excitement and Enthusiasm: Orange combines the energy of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. It can stimulate activity and socialization, making it an excellent color for social spaces.
  • Appetite: Orange can also increase appetite, so it’s often used in dining areas.

Purple

  • Creativity and Luxury: Purple is often associated with creativity, luxury, and spirituality. It can inspire imagination and artistic expression.
  • Calm and Peaceful: Lighter shades of purple, such as lavender, have calming effects similar to blue.

Pink

  • Calm and Nurturing: Pink is often associated with calmness and nurturing, especially in its softer shades. It’s also associated with love and compassion.
  • Reduction of Aggression: Studies have shown that exposure to pink can reduce aggression and promote calm behavior.

White

  • Cleanliness and Simplicity: White is associated with purity, cleanliness, and simplicity. It can make spaces feel more extensive and more open.
  • Focus: White can also help with focus and mental clarity, but too much white might feel sterile and uninviting.

Black

  • Power and Elegance: Black is often associated with sophistication, energy, and elegance. It can add depth and a sense of grounding to a space.
  • Mood: While black can be dramatic and stylish, too much black can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness or heaviness.

Gray

  • Neutrality and Balance: Gray is a neutral color that can create a sense of balance and calm. It’s often used as a background color to highlight other colors.
  • Sophistication: Depending on the shade, gray can also evoke a sense of sophistication and formality.

Brown

  • Comfort and Stability: Brown is associated with earthiness and can create a sense of comfort and stability. It’s a grounding color that can make spaces feel cozy and secure.
  • Warmth: Brown tones can add warmth and richness to a space.

Understanding the impact of colors can help you make informed decisions when designing your living environment, ensuring that the space promotes the desired mood and functionality.

Pines along the shore canvas

Pines along the shore Canvas

A painting by Henri-Edmond Cross. It was painted in Southern France, overlooking the Mediterranean. The painting shows weaves and layers of separate brushstrokes. A lovely art that makes use of cool tones and softer hues for a modern interior with a touch of classic.

Make Your Small Bathroom Rock With These Decorating Ideas

Floral Tulip Poster in Black frame

Like any room, the color scheme and interior decoration can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and appearance. Some colors can make the bathroom feel warm, bright, energizing, or calming. A few colors can give a personal touch to a small bathroom. With tons of inspiration, picking a suitable design can be overwhelming for some homeowners. We do hope that this article will help you in making decisions. Before we continue, consider other factors that will make this project successful. Here are some small bathroom wall decorating ideas to consider when redecorating your space. 

White is not the only color available

In many homes, white is a common sight. It makes the room look bright and clean and makes the small bathroom more prominent. Even small bathrooms are essential in every home as these may be used by your guests whenever you invite them or throw a party. Add a vibrant wall color with stylish floor tile to give the space a statement. 

Soft gray color scheme

Soft gray walls give the small bathroom a sophisticated contrast, especially if you have white furnishings. The color scheme can blend well with any glossy white ceramics added, such as bathtubs, sinks, and toilet bowls. Pick posters or art with the color gray as the dominating color, and they will give you an excellent finish.

Mix and match dark and light contrast

Dark and light tones can give your bathroom a magical transformation making it look more modern and stylish. Display trendy posters with the said tones and create wall art to give your bathroom a calming vibe. 

Display botanical prints

Plants are a great addition to your home. They can give many benefits in health and aesthetics. When incorporated into your interior design, plants can help purify indoor air and increase oxygen levels. The natural colors can likewise give your home a relaxing ambiance. These are also true when plants are added to the bathroom. Botanical posters will do the trick if you are hesitant about this idea because of your hectic schedule. Although they cannot give the other benefits that natural plants provide, plant posters can give your bathroom a calming ambiance. 

Add wall storage

Since space is limited in small bathrooms, wall storage is a smart way to save floor space. We know that bathrooms may have numerous items that can make them look and feel cluttered. Avoid this interior appearance and use wall storage to keep and display your items. Think outside the box and use floating shelves to display your trendy prints and personalized posters.

Add extra storage with baskets

Baskets are simple, lovely, and a superb choice for adding extra storage in the bathroom. Choose baskets made from nonplastic materials, like abaca or rattan, for a better interior appearance. Woven materials add warmth to the whole bathroom. 

Best Colors for Small Living Rooms

Choosing a paint color for small living rooms may be challenging but can be a fun activity. It may be confusing as well as there are a lot of shades and hues to choose from. Although those neutral shades are commonly used, there are still many hues in the color wheel that will look best in small living rooms. If you are having trouble deciding which color to use, worry no more as this article may help you with your interior decorating project. 

White

Pure white is excellent but not much used as many would think. Some whites reflect tones of blue, pink, and green. The color is ideal in a small living room as it reflects natural light, making it look more spacious and cozy. Having the color also creates a room that appears pure and clean. This is one of the reasons why hospitals and clinics prefer to use white. Moreover, white is seen in minimalist rooms and can be blended with many decors and styles. 

Cream

Many homeowners prefer the color and ideal in small living rooms as it makes them look open and bright. The color is best to be paired with hardwoods and other natural materials. The color cream is safe to use as it can be a perfect backdrop for other decors and colors. 

Yellow

Bright yellow may be too bright for most people, but you can use a softer tone. This can instantly make any dull room look warm and bright. It is a versatile color that can easily blend with contrasting colors such as red. It is also an ideal substitute for white and cream. 

Gray

Use gray if you are confident enough to make a difference in a small living room. The color can add depth and create a visually cozy and trendy interior appearance. Just like white, you can easily blend the color with any hues and decors. Darker shades of gray can be partnered with patterns and pops of color mixes to achieve an eclectic look in the room. 

Indigo

Just like gray, many homeowners choose this color in their small living rooms. It can help create a moody and sensual atmosphere. In addition to these, the small living room can have a cozy feel with a cool and relaxing feel. What makes the color more interesting is that it can easily be blended with other colors and decors. The dark indigo tone can likewise be a great backdrop for any wall decor and wall art. If you have this color on the walls then the ceiling should be in the color white. 

The Beauty of Watercolor Painting

Turtle Poster in interior

We have seen various arts over the years, but watercolor paintings evoke an incomparable beauty. You may have your own descriptive words when you see one. For us, the words can be legendary, beautiful, WOW! Watercolor has an inner beauty that pulls anyone in. This medium offers rich, vivid soft, and soothing tones. It is also considered to be one of the accessible and versatile art forms that can turn any plain paper into remarkable artwork. 

Watercolor painting likewise has different characteristics that are good to know, especially if you want to try watercolor painting. Just like in any painting, these factors are important for you to turn any plain paper into something monumental.

Transparency

The natural beauty of watercolor is based on its luminosity and transparency. When mixed with water, it gives the water-soluble pigments or palette its transparent with pastel-like properties. Once applied, it allows the whiteness of the paper to highlight and enhance the luminosity of the painting. 

Staining and non-staining paints

Applying watercolors immediately penetrates the fibers of the paper and stains it. On the other hand, non-staining watercolors stay on the surface of the paper and can be lifted when dry.

You can test watercolor before using them. Paint a patch of color and let it dry. Then try to scrape off some paint with a stiff, wet brush. The staining quality of the paint is determined by the amount of pigment that remains. 

Granulating quality

Depending on the pigment, the particles in the paint may be considered to be heavy or light. The particles of watercolor paints are heavier and tend to separate from the water. Granulating paint adds interest and texture to a painting. 

Fugitive and non-fugitive paints

Fugitive paint tends to fade quickly while non-fugitive paints will not fade over time. This element determines the longevity of the art. Thus, it is important to use good quality paint so that the art will last longer. 

Final thoughts

Watercolor paintings are among the popular art that has been created over the years. They have certain effects on the overall art that may be considered unique as compared with other forms. The colors they create with the blending easily distinguish watercolor painting over the others. The beauty is even enhanced with the stroke, depth, and subject. The art is even taught during primary years, in which kids are given the tools needed to create their art. Sometimes other tools are added in addition to the brush. Kids can create art based on their imagination, and how simple it may be, but one can easily distinguish that watercolor is used. Some of you may also be familiar that even vegetable cut-ups can be used to create art on plain paper. This is one of the amazing things about watercolor – its versatility. 

Oriental Decor For Your Home

Japan Vintage Art Poster in interior

For centuries, Oriental decor has influenced Western decor. The Asian-inspired decor is basically based on Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions. The Oriental decor is basically not confined to any one country or culture and spans centuries. The decor can highly be ornamented, with carved surfaces and bold color, or simple lines, free of ornamentation with soothing neutral tones. 

You can choose from the various elements when creating your own Oriental-inspired home interior. What important are the balance and clutter-free features of your home?

Characteristics of Oriental design style

The Oriental decor is broad in the sense that there are many countries with their own decor style. The decor evokes an image of serenity and calmness. The style greatly helps people who are in a fast-paced kind of lifestyle. The decor style can be successfully achieved by ushering in harmony and balance. Precision and clear thought allow you to do away with unwanted additions. 

The Oriental decor is greatly inspired by the colors of nature and often mimics scenic landscapes and colors to suit the interior. With these, it is recommended to keep the backdrop in neutral colors. The backdrop, as much as possible, must be soothing and offer a relaxed and laid-back ambiance. 

The decor is popular for having vibrant accent hues that stand out when placed in a calm and neutral setting. Combining a soft neutral backdrop with exquisite golden tones creates a majestic room. A hint of gold can create a trendy and fashionable statement as well.

Balance is an important element when you want to achieve the Oriental decor in your home. What you need is the right harmony of colors, textures, and elements. Natural stone decorations, wooden floors, bamboo blinds, and some organic textures will do the trick.

Water is another great way to create an Oriental atmosphere in your home. The sound of flowing water in your rooms, as well as the exterior, can create a welcoming and calming mood. A pond is one way to achieve this style, and this can be the focal point of your room.

Just like in any other interior style, lighting can greatly influence the overall appearance of your home. It adds to the visual and accentuates the theme. Examples are hanging paper lanterns, sculptural lighting installations, and a few candles. 

Organic and sustainable materials are highly recommended to achieve the Oriental style in your home. Smooth polished stones, sustainable bamboo blinds, intricately woven tatami mats, and potted plants and shrubs will bring nature into your home. 

Oriental decor in your rooms

Oriental-inspired rooms must be natural, serene, soothing, calm, and Zen. Many rooms, which are Oriental-inspired, bring the outdoors inside through the use of natural materials and the colors of nature. A minimalist approach is also one of the features of the design style. 

In order to achieve the Oriental decor in your room, certain things need to be considered, such as natural color palette, simplicity, bringing nature indoors, and the incorporation of nature-themed wall decor. 

Oriental decor in the backyard

The backyard is fun to design with Oriental decor. As long as you achieve and incorporate the elements for the design style, you will be able to achieve the desired output. Keep in mind that Oriental decor is also nature-inspired, incorporating the elements of nature such as water, earth, plants, and colors. A Japanese garden is one of the perfect examples of an Oriental-inspired backyard. The garden is composed of a koi pond, a Zen garden, bamboo, plants, shrubs, and others. Looking at this type of garden is truly calming, refreshing, and rejuvenating. You will love this kind of backyard and will surely enjoy staying and contemplating it. This is highly recommended for people who want to go home to a place where they could relax after a stressful day at work or school. 

Pines along the shore poster

Pines along the shore poster

A painting by Henri-Edmond Cross. It was painted in Southern France, overlooking the Mediterranean. The painting shows weaves and layers of separate brushstrokes. A lovely art that makes use of cool tones and softer hues for a modern interior with a touch of classic.

Traditional Or Transitional Interior Design Style – Your Choice

Vintage light blue car poster in interior

Over the years, various interior design styles have been used by homeowners and designers to make their homes look perfect. Traditional and Transitional interior design styles are two of the favorites of many homeowners and designers. Both may have many similarities, but there are elements that make them special from each other. The first thing to do is to study the two styles and choose which one best fits your taste. When you do some comparing, you will notice that there are obvious differences that make each style extraordinary. Read on to learn more about the two interesting design styles. 

Traditional style – what it really is?

The traditional interior design style is characterized by ornate interiors that are inspired by a 17th or 18th-century European countryside home. The appearance is often warm, inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The interior usually features furnishings and decors that have curves and elegant designs. The traditional interior design style is also marked by elegant furniture pieces, intricate woodworks, heavy drapery, and different patterns. This design style will surely bring the past to the modern world. 

Characteristics of Traditional design style

The traditional design style is influenced by 19th-century European decor. It is a timeless design that evokes comfort and elegance. The presence of and antiques and classic art pieces complete the appearance of your home. 

It is also important to have dark and rich colors especially with the materials used. Examples of colors that are commonly seen are red, brown, and green tones. Floral prints and plaids are likewise common. When it comes to furniture pieces, they are often large and elegant. These include china cabinets, chandeliers, decorative pillows, mirrors, vases, and candleholders.

The beauty of the Transitional design style

The transitional interior design style blends well with contemporary and traditional styles. It is a combination of both classic and modern furniture and finishes. The appearance of the interior is less uptight and more relaxed. The addition of textiles, wood tones, and other decorative textures gives depth to the rooms. If you love the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral backdrop, then this design style is the right one for you.

Characteristics of Transitional design style

Sometimes it is confusing to know the differences between traditional and transitional interior design styles. However, knowing the principles and significance of the characteristics will give you an idea of which style works best for you. Here are some of the common characteristics o the design style that you will surely adore.

The combination of classic curves and modern lines in a neutral setting brings the best to your home. It is also common to see comfortable furnishings and soft lines. The color palette is usually kept minimum. In addition to these, the motif is usually elegant and timeless. These characteristics create a more modern appeal. 

Which works best for you?

Now that you already have some idea about traditional and transitional interior design styles, you will be able to decide which style to use in your homes. The two styles may have many similarities, yet they both have the respective traits that make them even more extraordinary. 

The Story Behind Minimalist Interior Design

Live in the moment poster in interior

The minimalist interior design style is one of our favorites. It has the beauty and appeal that can give your freedom. Minimalism can be defined as a tool that assists you in finding the best with many opportunities available. The removal of any distraction so that one can focus on the more important things is the highlight of the minimalist interior design style. Being a minimalist is different from being simple. Minimalism means promoting the things that we value most and excluding the others that may cause distractions. 

What really is minimalism?

In the world of art and design, minimalism is expressed in a way that encompasses even beyond the social, geographical, and political divisions. The design style is very similar to modern interior design that involves only the bare essentials. As such, any living space will have a simple and uncluttered look. The minimalist design style is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with a few colors only used as accents. The interior also has an open floor plan, great lighting, functional furniture, and a handful of essentials. 

A brief history of minimalism

Minimalism is most commonly associated with the Western art movement that started in the 1950s. The movement focused on the idea that “art should have its own reality and not be an imitation of some other thing”. The style is influenced by many things such as abstract expressionism. However, minimalism focused more on geometric shapes, subtle colors, and the phrase “less is more”. 

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi also influenced minimalism. The concept is all about imperfection and impermanence. Japanese minimalism uses clean lines, neutral tones, carefully placed tatami mats, and natural materials. In fact, many celebrity homes use the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. 

The minimalist interior design style that we know today has a mixture of characteristics. Probably because of the different influences it had over the years. But the core concept of simplicity, clean lines, neutral tones, and unclutteredness never disappears. 

The Scandinavian decor and design style is also influenced by minimalism. It is common for Scandinavian homes to have light wood, dried greenery, and clean lines. 

Achieve the minimalist interior design style in your home

Since your home has different rooms, you can easily incorporate the design style by following some tips. For instance, the living room can look perfect with white or neutral walls, uncluttered coffee tables, soft colors, geometric patterns, and plants. These can help achieve an inviting and cozy atmosphere especially with lots of natural light getting in. For the dining room, the colors should likewise be simple. Choose neutral or black accents along with ceramic dinnerware in light hues to complete the view. 

The bedroom can be your sanctuary and should have an appearance that is relaxing and comfortable. It is all about creating a tranquil environment with the use of minimalist concepts. Use blankets and pillows in similar tones as well as a nightstand that appears simple. Be sure that they blend into the overall appearance of the room. 

Final thoughts

Decorating and styling your home is not a joke. It means that you have to be creative in your own way. The minimalist interior design style is not that hard to achieve. All you need to do is to incorporate the core concept of the style into your home and you will have the interior design of your dreams.