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| Issue #24, September 8, 2006 |
Seeing Red . . .And Orange
Nothing screams excitement and passion like revamping your home with touches of red and orange. While they may not be the first colors that spring to mind, they both prove to be incredibly versatile. Great for electrifying, they are also capable of bringing a room down to earth, and both hues are chock-full of expression.
Nevertheless, both colors have powerful connotations that should be considered before venturing off on any redecorating project. In fact, scientists have long studied the effects of color on our mood, while bearing in mind that associations may vary greatly depending on ones culture. Nonetheless, since people attach different meanings to colors, there’s evidence to suggest that the light from color that enters the eye indirectly affects the hypothalamus, which then affects the pituitary gland, which controls our hormone levels and perhaps our moods. Reactions to color may vary from individual to individual, and because colors are capable of so much variation, making absolute statements about their meaning is difficult. In the United States, reds are often associated with love, power, energy, anger, excitement, and passion.
It has also been said that color affects performance, and it is widely believed that a red (encompassing mauve, crimson, scarlet, cranberry, rouge) office is more stimulating and may cause vigor, anger, or tension in workers. However, a red surrounding may also improve performance and is thought to increase heart rate, brain wave activity, and rate of respiration. Emotions such as these are caused because warm colors have a longer wavelength and are thus more stimulating, while cool colors such as blue have a shorter wavelengths and have more sedative qualities.
Therefore, using red in moderation is ideal for home decor, particularly for Hampton homes used all year round. Bright red accessories and home appliances are wonderful for invigorating spaces, while a red leather chair can add a touch of masculinity. Red even works in a traditional setting, bringing energy and contrast to rooms with dark woods and Oriental carpets.
Another easy way to add some red to a room would be to toss some silk or organza throw pillows on your couch. While staying in the palette, you can mix patterns and shapes, along with some embellishments like tassels, fringes and crystals to give your room some extra sparkle.
Also, you don’t have to paint all four walls to get the red look. Paint one red racing stripe to add a little excitement to your room, or paint one wall red and add a big white geometric form for a bold architectural statement. Gauzy red curtains, red sheers, or white sheers with a red garnish (just wrap red fabric swags around each curtain panel and accessorize them with a beaded necklace or some strands of red crystals), are other quick and easy possibilities.
Similar to red, orange, with its connection to fire and sunset, evokes feelings of energy, warmth, youthfulness, friendliness, and excitement. Some studies also indicate that orange tends to increase perspiration, excite brain waves and raise the blood pressure, pulse rate, and rate of respiration. Noticeable muscular reaction or tension and increased frequency of eye blinks were also noted.
Despite being deemed a “hot” color for the last several years (perking up everything from iMacs to espresso makers), orange is often considered second fiddle to red. Orange is the actual color of fire but red has come to symbolize it. Therefore red is the color often associated with passion and excitement. Orange, however, can be just as stimulating. The color tends to make people feel like they need to hurry and that’s why it’s used in fast-food places and quick-e-mart stores. Therefore, in places where passing through quickly is desired, orange (encompassing apricot, peach, pumpkin) can be used as a subtle facilitating technique.
Red and orange are two very powerful colors, often overlooked in home décor. In moderation, both hues can liven and excite without being overbearing or chaotic. These characteristics make both colors perfect for taking your Hampton home’s transition in total!
–Sharon Feiereisen
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