Room colours can affect your child’s mood
ONE of the most exciting parts of parenting, especially for first-time expectant mothers, is choosing the décor for their child’s nursery. Usually parents stick to the tradition of pink for girls and blue for boys, but clinical psychologist Dr Pearnell Bell has warned against choosing colour schemes arbitrarily.
This, because research has shown that colours could have an influence on a child’s mind and mood.
“Many hours of research have been done by marketing companies and psychologists alike to establish a link between the colours and the way in which they cause people to behave. Children, especially in these studies, have shown various reactions when exposed to different hues,” Dr Bell said.
“Colour in a child’s space could stimulate emotions — calm, agitation, depression, happiness and sadness, to name a few.”
Having done her share of colour analysis, Dr Bell, using other expert research material to guide her recommendations, has shared some truths about colour scheme choices for your child’s room.
1. Yellow is pretty and bright, so, of course, many parents try this colour for encouraging a happy mood. But studies show that children are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior. A soft yellow, however, is said to encourage concentration.
2. Red has been shown to raise blood pressure and speed respiration and heart rate. It is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms. A few red pieces of décor shouldn’t cause any harm, however, as they could excite the mind and energise the body.
3. Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. It has also been proved effective in calming children with tantrums and behavioural problems, which are among the reasons it is still among the most recommended colours.
4. Orange is one of the least used colours. However, it should be noted than in bolder forms, orange can be overstimulating, but softer hues are said to be warm, comforting and cosy. It is also said to inspire social interaction and communication.
5. Purple is a beautiful colour associated with royalty and luxury. But if you are going to choose it for your child’s room, go for lilac or lavender. These have been shown to stimulate spirituality and wisdom and are serene and calming.
6. Green in its softer form is nurturing. It has been shown to increase well-being, concentration, and stimulate higher reading abilities. It also has a soothing effect on the body.
7. Pink, like blue, stimulates relaxation. It is also said to evoke femininity and empathy. Unlike blue, however, pink can become overbearing, so it is generally recommended not to fit the entire room with pink accessories.
Overall Dr Bell encouraged parents to steer clear of dark colours such as black, royal blue or deep purple, for example, because of associated emotions such as depression, unexplained sadness, and lack of energy. She did, however, recommend that parents consider softer shades of blue such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise for social areas such as family rooms, living rooms or large kitchens.
