Use your hues to convey emotion
Veterinary architect Wendy Wheeler offers tips to jazz up a room in your practice.
WARM COLORS
Red: Brave and bold, red can increase the heartrate and induce rapid breathing.
Orange: A happy color; combines the forthrightness of red and the cheerfulness of yellow.
Yellow: Raises spirits and brings a sense of joy. Exposure to intense shades raises anxiety.
Use a warm color:
- To add vibrancy.
- In north-or east-facing rooms with little natural light.
COOL COLORS
Blue: Encourages thought and contemplation, but can have a depressive effect if overused.
Violet: Joins contrasting feelings of liveliness and calmness; can imply tension and ambiguity.
Green: Signifying life, freshness, and harmony, green is commonly used in restful spaces.
Use a cool color:
- For a calming effect.
- For west-or south-facing rooms with lots of light.
NEUTRAL COLORS
White: Associated with purity and cleanliness, but may suggest emptiness or boredom.
Black: Represents strength and formality; negative associations of emptiness and death.
Beige: Often used to accent colors, beige functions well as a background for bold artwork.
Use a neutral color:
- In moderation.
- For a modern (white) or sophisticated (black) look.
