In high school, I painted my bedroom pumpkin orange with brown trim and amethyst curtains. I love Eastern cultures and this shade of orange always evoked images of Buddhist monks in my mind.
Photo courtesy of Ben the Man on flickr
While orange may not be the best color for a bedroom, as you’ll soon discover, it has a powerful uplifting affect on our emotions and bodies. Perhaps that is one reason why fall is the best season ever, all that orange!
Photo courtesy of lehighvalleylive
As a combination of red and yellow, orange also stimulates activity in the brain and body, increasing energy, appetite, and even human socialization. However, it doesn’t trigger the same aggression that red and yellow can trigger, which means you can be a little more lax when using it as a dominant color (although it makes a great accent color as well!). Orange, then, is a perfect color for rooms where people interact, such as the living room and dining room, or where there’s food, such as the kitchen.
Photo courtesy of shelterness
Photo courtesy of shelterness
Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
Orange has been shown to increase oxygen flow to the brain, which improves awareness. Consequently, orange may not be the best color for rooms where you want to relax, such as the bedroom and bathroom (although, after looking at these pictures, you might decide to consider that as more of a guideline than a rule).
Photo courtesy of kickrs.com
Photo courtesy of houseinteriordesign
Photo courtesy of thelennox
The best word that describes orange is uninhibited. It can create create a mood of optimism, joy, hope, adventure, and courage in any space. Even if you decide not to cover your walls in shades of orange, you can use it in moderation as an accent color.
Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
Photo courtesy of Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Photo courtesy of Bien Living Design
Sadly, orange is one of those colors that you either love with a passion or hate with a fervor. What do you think? Have you been swayed to “Go Orange?” Leave a comment in the box below.
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