Last week, I had orange on my mind. I was thinking of ways to update or change the look of my living room with the coming of fall.
I was not quite ready to give up the bright, sunny colors of summer, and I still wanted bright, uplifting hues in my surroundings. Then it occurred to me to add some orange decorative accents or accessories. After all, orange is a color that bridges the hot and cold seasons. It brings to mind the citrus of summer and the leaves of autumn.
Later, over the weekend, I read an article “Haute orange” in the Orange County Register where Cindy McNatt wrote that orange is the “it” color this season. Well, that’s nice to know. She quoted designer Amanda Malson as saying: “Orange is a vibrant color that has less intensity than red or yellow and actually a calming effect. We love using orange with a neutral base and pairing with hues of blue.”
Color psychology, which studies the effect of color on human feelings, moods and behavior, points out that orange can have a positive impact on one’s emotional state. Orange represents warmth, energy, exuberance and excitement. It is said to open up your emotions, and will stimulate activity and socialization.
It is also said that sometimes we are drawn to a color because we want to have the attribute that it represents. The exuberance of orange will be a good attribute to have as the days get shorter and nippier.
An orange item adds zest to a room. (Pic from photos8.com)
I bought this fabric to make cushion covers. I was drawn to its orange accents and the somewhat retro feel.
You’re right when you said that bright, sunny colours such as orange can brighten up our home and life. And, not only that, I hope it will remind you of your sunny countries (M’sia and S’pore).
Yes, they do remind me of our sunny countries. I guess, a big part of me will always be a “tropical” person.
Often, our school snack is an orange; not only do the kiddos love their oranges, but the fragrance in the room is suddenly energizing!
Yes, citrus fragrance is possibly the most energizing, refreshing one. Thanks for sharing this aspect.