Design The colors you choose to wear, or with which you decorate your home, can affect your mood. So choosing the right palette can be important. But choosing color for a home is often one of the more intimidating steps for beginners. Largely it's not important to follow trends - they will come and go. Rather, choose colors that reflect your likes and personality and blend these colors together into a scheme that works. When selecting colors, remember that each has a specific psychological value. A color can make a person feel everything from rage to tranquility. Therefore, using a high-energy color in a place that is meant for relaxation could have a negative affect. While different shades of color hues may evoke different feelings in people and could be representative of different cultures around the world (white is used for weddings in Western societies but for funerals among traditional Chinese), in general these basic colors typically represent the following: Blue: Warm blues, such as periwinkle and turquoise have a calming effect when used as the room's main colors. This makes them perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms. Very dark blues can cause feelings of sadness, while very light blues may come off as sterile or institutional. Darker blues are also seen as the "authority" color. People may associate them with business or law enforcement. Blue is the No. 1 choice of corporate America. Red: Reds have been shown to raise blood pressure and heart rate. They stir up excitement and energy in a room. Red is popular for living rooms and dining rooms when you want to encourage conversation. It could also be a good choice for an entryway if you want to make a bold first impression. However, red and pink tend to trigger sharp emotions. Those who are already edgy may get pushed over the edge in rooms of these colors. Yellow: An uplifting and happy color, yellow is good for kitchens and bathrooms, or small spaces that need a boost of sunshine. Yellow can feel expansive and welcoming, but it should be used in moderation since this color is the most taxing on the eyes. In some people it can cause irritability. Choose pale shades of yellow rather than vivid yellows if you are making it a main focal point of a room. Green: Green is a color that is applicable for any room in the house. It is versatile and one of the most restful colors for the eye. It has a calming affect when used as a main component for decorating. Orange: Hues of orange elicit excitement and energy, similar to reds. They're great for exercise rooms or where a boost of energy is needed. Some also believe they stimulate appetite, which is why many fast-food chains use orange as an accent color in their restaurants. Purple: Light purples, such as lavender, can be restful like blues, but run less risk of seeming cold or sterile. Darker purples appear opulent and can provide depth as a secondary color. They are also mysterious and lend themselves well to creative spaces.