Yellow is a stimulating colour which relates to the emotions. Churned–up emotions, even if the stimulus is positive, are not conducive to sleep; in the morning, if you are the kind of person who prefers to break yourself into the day gently, yellow is emotionally far too demanding.
A touch of yellow is useful in encouraging you to feel lively when you wake, but you need a balance. A combination of blue, mauve or violet and yellow, provided the shades are chosen right, present an excellent psychological balance. Light blue or green are always a safe bet in the bedroom, as they are calming and refreshing.
Most people want a bedroom in which sexual activity will be encouraged and supported – in which case flesh tones, pink, red or orange will work excellently. Black, while sophisticated, is not likely to enhance the sexual union.
It is a misconception that, because children’s immature eyes recognise bright primary colours first, they should always be surrounded by them. All too often, loving parents decorate the nursery in light, bright colours, which are much stronger than the colours in the rest of the house. Then they wonder why the child is hyperactive, or does not sleep easily. It is fine to give them strongly coloured toys to play with, but when they go to bed they need soft, soothing colours.
Strong, stimulating colours, such as red, orange and bright greens, will keep everyone on their toes and discourage lingering. Using red might be an overstatement but the fact remains that it increases the perception of the speed at which time is passing.
If the situation is a little less hectic, you can afford to create a more soothing atmosphere in the bathroom. Colours which echo the tones of the sea – blues, turquoise, watery greens - have a quality of freshness and cleanliness which is appropriate. Another approach might be to use pink, as it is the most intimate colour, and will support positive feelings about your body.
This is where yellow really comes into its own, especially if the hallway is narrow and dark, as they so often are. The perception of sunshine will give all who arrive at the front door a warm, bright welcome and create the optical illusion of a larger space.
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