Joburg East - June 2020

After spending week after week after very long week in lockdown, it may be time for a change. Nothing
refreshes and gives a whole new look than a colour update. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Colour is also
all about how it makes you feel ... there’s a real science behind how colour affects the brain, and how it can
play a role in your state of mind and mood. And as so many of us are looking for balance, calm and a little less
stress in our lives, adding shades of blue and green could work wonders.
Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body, and has been shown to help balance hormones, lower
breathing rates, slow down the metabolism and reduce blood pressure. Starting off your day surrounded by
soft shades – think easy-on-the-eye powder or sky blue – will help bring inner peace and a sense of calm.
We’re massively besotted with green when it comes to decorating ... and think creating your very own green
room is a fine idea. The close link between pale soft greens and nature means the colour is often perceived
as a soothing shade that helps to alleviate stress and aids in fending off negative feelings. It’s really relaxing
– think of ‘the green room’ in TV studios where guests and performers retreat and relax before and between
takes. Green also promotes concentration, so is perfect for a space in your home where you need a calm,
focused mind.
Mix it up a little with the beautiful colours that hover between blue and green. Turquoise, a gem which
combines blue and green with a touch of yellow, was believed by the ancient Persians to ward off the evil
eye. They wore the blue-green stones as a protective charm. It may be a bit much to have an entire
room in this strong colour, but touches of it make an eye-catching, bold statement. Teal, a mixture
of blue, green and a touch of grey, is simply a darker shade of turquoise. Both teal and turquoise
radiate the peace, calm and tranquillity of blue and the balance and growth of green. Consider
using turquoise in the bedroom to create a sweet feminine feel, while darker teal shades add
lively sophistication to living rooms and hallways.
On the opposite end of the scale, you may prefer a shade that helps stimulate your mind or
gives your creativity a powerful boost. In which case, hello orange. This is a power colour to
be reckoned with, as some theorists maintain that when you’re in the presence of orange
you increase the oxygen supply to the brain, which stimulates mental activity. It’s also
thought to encourage sociability by energising people and lessening their inhibitions. Bold
orange could be a little intimidating ... we think the softer shades of nectarine, coral, orange
rose, sunset, rust and saffron would be easier to live with.
June 2020 Get It Joburg East 43
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