How colors in your living spaces can uplift mood

It is undeniable that colors affect us. They evoke emotions that may even be a catalyst to improving our well-being.

However, it is important to remember that reactions to colors are highly subjective. We associate various meanings with certain shades. We experience them differently due to our personal preferences, individual tastes and cultural influences.

Here are some ideas for your living spaces that may boost your mood:

White and Grays – The simplicity of whites and grays is soothing to the mind and soul

White and Grays – There is comfort and relief in the uncomplicated

Whites and grays. There is comfort and relief in the uncomplicated. The simplicity of whites and grays soothes the mind and refreshes the soul. Challenge yourself not only to rearrange, but also to dispose of unnecessary items. A clear disposition leads us to feeling positive. Think white and gray are too plain and basic? Maintain a clean and sophisticated look by exploring subtle textures and light-colored natural materials.

Rose Colors – Pink is often linked with love and kindness

Rose colors. Pink is often linked with love and kindness. It is warm and sweet. Imagine this: A quiet afternoon with your favorite strawberry ice cream, and your feet buried in a plush rug, surrounded by soft, fluffy pillows. Being enveloped in the softness of rose colors is also healing.

Cool Breeze – Use soft blues in your room to capture that feeling of peace and hope

Cool Breeze – Blue is the color of the sky and the calm open sea

Cool breeze. While “feeling blue” has a negative connotation, there are good emotions associated with the color blue. It is the sky and the calm, open sea. It is serenity. Use soft blues in your room to capture that feeling of peace and hope. Better yet, draw back the curtains. Look up. Breathe in. Release your anxiety.

Tropic Greens – Place a couple of indoor plants near the windows

Tropic Greens – Green has the effect of grounding you when you feel stressed and anxious

Tropic greens. Feeling a bit off-center? Green has the effect of grounding you when you feel anxious and stressed. An ideal way to introduce the concept in your space is by placing a couple of indoor plants by the windows. Reconnect with nature and relieve tension within the confines of your room. Some low-maintenance plants include palmera (Areca palm), spider plant, snake plant, golden pothos and aloe vera.

Sunlight – Warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red are associated with optimism and stimulating energy

Sunlight – Complete the look with nice fresh flowers and some lacy, sheer curtains for a dramatic morning light or a golden hour in the afternoon

Sunlight. Warm colors such as yellow, orange and red are associated with optimism and stimulating energy. Make your room instantly cheerier by getting rid of that bluish fluorescent ceiling light. Replace it with a table or floor lamp with warm white light. Complete the look with fresh flowers and some lacy, sheer curtains for a dramatic morning light or a golden hour in the afternoon. Even a little bit of sunlight can instantly lift your mood. Maximize the amount of natural light coming in.

Polychromatic – Express your passion through colors, patterns, and mismatched furniture pieces

Polychromatic – The best color for happiness is the rainbow

Polychromatic. The best color for happiness is the rainbow. It is a celebration of the end of the storm, reminding us that all will soon be brighter and better. Go wild! Indulge in intense printed textiles and bold textures. Express your passion through colors, patterns and mismatched furniture pieces. What is more joyful than seeing the rainbow? —APRIL ROSE FRIGILLANA

The author is a professor of interior design at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, where she teaches drawing, rendering and color theory.