The chances are pretty good that when you move into your first condo in Ottawa the basic colour scheme will be white or cream. There’s nothing wrong with that, but why not add a hint of your own personality? After all, the condo is all yours, and it should represent your tastes and interests. Totally redecorating, or simply adding a splash of colour, can make a huge difference to your satisfaction levels and general happiness but choosing the wrong colour can have the completely opposite effect.
Psychology of Colour
Apart from the cost factor, white paint is popular because it is neutral. Most condos that come on the market are usually painted white as it is a neutral colour but research has shown there also psychological reactions to various colours. Most are good, some not quite so desirable.
White
Doves, weddings and white flags of surrender, the colour white is regarded as a peaceful and pure colour although, for some people, it is associated with hospitals and somehow sterile and lifeless.
Black
At the other end of the spectrum, people associate black with death, darkness and depression. For others, it hints at sophistication and wealth.
Green
The colour of nature, green is a neutral shade although if you opt for a luminous lime green or dark and gloomy deep sea green it can be anything but neutral. A few people have also said that green makes them feel ill. Must be the lime green shade!
Blue
A dangerous colour to choose for a whole room as blue is almost universally accepted as a cold colour. Unless you are a true blue fan, it is probably best to apply the blue paint sparingly.
Yellow
A yellow room is usually the choice of happy, optimistic people with a positive outlook on life. Not always true, of course, but you would have to be fairly happy-go-lucky to live in a yellow-themed condo in Ottawa.
Red
Red spells danger and anger but also warmth. Red has the optical effect of making a room seem smaller so it’s probably best to avoid if your condo is on the small size to begin with.
Purple
It may be the number one choice for Prince, but purple is a dark and sombre colour and another one to use only in limited amounts.
Orange
Forget it! That is unless you have the courage that orange is associated with. For some strange season, a lot of people also associate orange with hunger. Personally, I prefer an apple!
The Colour of Happiness
The most important factor in selecting your ideal colour scheme is to remember that it is your condo and it is you that has to feel happy and content in your surroundings. No colour is excluded if it is what you want. Black is generally regarded as a no-no but what about an elegant black and white theme? Sounds perfect to me!
And the best thing about your own condo is you can always change your mind at any time you want. It’s an easy way to transform the look of any room and refresh the space.
