Buying a house is more than just the next step. The day you move in is the day you start to make your mark, it’s the day that the reflection of who you are begins to shine through every room and piece of furniture. When you walk into someone’s house, you get an impression of who they are. You get a sense of what their interpretation of ‘home’ is.
Colour is one of those things that affects us every day, and it affects all of us differently. Some of us see white walls and think of hospitals. Some of us see green paint and feel relaxed, while others might feel repulsed.
Of course, other people’s opinions shouldn’t matter too much. When decorating, it’s all about what you think is just right and what you feel might not work for you.
Many people reading this won’t be thinking further than the painted walls of a room, but today we’re talking about something a little different – the front door.
The front door is the very first impression that is made. It’s a guest’s first experience of you and your personality.
Like every other part of a house, trends will come and go as quick as lightning. So, when you’re deciding on a colour and style for your door, let your personality and preferences shine through instead. And most importantly – have fun with it!
Choose Wisely
This may sound a little extreme for something as simple as a front door. However, if you do want to make some good impressions, remember that colours have a psychological value. Think about how certain colours make you feel; they can influence any emotion, from tranquillity to passion. So, keep that in mind when deciding on a palette.
Room Colours and Their Effects
Colours act in three basic ways: active, passive and neutral. Light colours are soft and inviting, which portrays a more friendly and lax aesthetic. Whereas dark colours are sophisticated and warm; they say welcome with a more intimate presence.
More specifically:
Red is a colour that is typically known for raising the energy level. The most intense colour, it pumps adrenaline like no other hue. It’s inviting and stirs the core before you’ve even stepped into the house. It can also be recognised as traditional too, given that darker shades are seen as rich and elegant. It stimulates interest and creates a strong first impression.
Yellow captures the same joy that sunshine creates, and communicates happiness. It is an excellent choice for those with a bright or unique personality, for someone who wants to say, “Come on in and get comfy!” It’s as welcoming as a freshly brewed cup of tea. In chromotherapy, yellow is also believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene. To encourage relaxation, consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. Much like red, a darker shade can be seen as traditional, and creates a bold first impression.
Pastel blue can come across as unpleasantly chilly, especially if it doesn’t receive much natural light. However, if you live in a home with some warm colours surrounding it, such as colourful brick work, a painted garage door, or a warmly decorated porch, you can create a unique display with pastel blue, if you want your home to stand out.
Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is well suited if you would like something different, but nothing too alarming. Green cools things down; it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.
Purple, in its darkest values (eggplant, for example), is rich, dramatic and sophisticated. It is associated with luxury and creativity. Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly.
Orange evokes excitement and enthusiasm and is an energetic colour. Bolder than yellow, it is therefore more well suited to those with a bubbly personality and unique way of doing things. It will raise curiousity and smiles when people approach your front door, which is never a bad thing before a greeting.
Neutrals, (black, grey, white and brown) are basic. But we all know that they are a go to for front doors – everyone knows they work well. Neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add colour to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down.
With any luck you now feel enlightened and inspired! And hopefully you’re more confident about what kind of aesthetic and message you want to convey for guests.
If you’re ready to think and pick, why not take a look at our selection? Our facility allows you the chance to mix and match designs, select your preferred material and of course, get creative with colour.
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