Warm Winter Tones

After the pulverizing previous winter that blanketed Indiana, recent stray flurries have left many people a little shell-shocked to say the least. On top of that, seasonal affective disorder is a very real issue that affects a number people as the days continue to get shorter. Aside from adding more vitamin D-3, there’s one surefire way to beat the oncoming winter blues: change the atmosphere at home.

Homeowners should take note of the color schemes throughout the house. Is there an abundance of dark paint colors? It’s important to remember that many interior colors react with the amount of light. Given the seasonal decrease in natural light, many paint colors can appear darker and some of them may even seem somber. For example, while deeper shades of blue can promote relaxation, the lack of sunlight may make it seem darker. Unfortunately, the dark blues have been known to evoke feelings of sadness.

People tend to enjoy different colors during the winter that may seem overbearing in the warmer seasons. Various yellows, oranges and reds seem to find their fit as warm and stimulation paint palate choices to keep winter feeling toasty. The colors also tend to remind people of sunshine, offering up some relaxation at the end of the day after braving the colder temperatures. Plus, lighter shades of yellow and orange have psychological benefits, often resulting in feelings of optimism.

Although these interior colors can be considered a little “loud” when comparing swatches, remember that additional décor can be used strategically to make the final product seem picture perfect. Selecting fabrics that have soft, warm shades such as light brown or other dark accessories can complement the rich interior paint.