The Impact of Wall Colours on Mood in the Rainy Pacific Northwest
The time of year has come for inside projects, warm tea, board games- and maybe repainting your bedroom, entry, or laundry room? You had to put it off for the garden and beach time in the sunny summer months, but at this point it might make a great weekend endeavour.
In the Pacific Northwest, where winter brings months of rain, overcast skies, and limited daylight, our indoor environments become essential for mental well-being. Wall colours can play a significant role in shaping our moods, especially during the darker months. Whether you’re redecorating to lift your spirits or creating a cozy haven from the cold, understanding the psychological impact of colors can help you make choices that enhance mood and create a more uplifting space.
1. Warm and Cozy Neutrals
•Impact on Mood: Neutral colours like soft beiges, taupes, and warm grays bring warmth to a room without overwhelming the senses. These colours can make a space feel comforting and inviting, which is especially beneficial on rainy, cold days.
•Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and any space where you spend a lot of time unwinding. The subtle warmth of these colours provides a sense of coziness that can help counteract the chilliness of the Pacific Northwest winter.
2. Bright Whites and Off-Whites
•Impact on Mood: Bright whites and off-whites can reflect whatever natural light is available, making a room feel airier and more open. In areas with limited daylight, using white on walls helps maximize available light, reducing feelings of confinement and helping counteract the seasonal blues.
•Best for: Rooms that have natural light sources, such as kitchens, hallways, and entryways. White walls make spaces feel fresh and clean, offering a psychological “reset” that can be calming and energizing.
3. Soft Blues and Greens
•Impact on Mood: Soft blues and greens evoke feelings of calm, balance, and relaxation, drawing on nature’s soothing colours. Blues can mimic the feel of open skies or still waters, while greens connect us to forests and natural landscapes, both of which can be refreshing and grounding.
•Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, and meditation spaces, where tranquility and calm are priorities. These colours are gentle on the eyes and can help foster a sense of peace, which is ideal for long winters when stress relief is needed.
4. Sunny Yellows and Soft Golds
•Impact on Mood: Yellow is associated with warmth, happiness, and optimism. It can brighten a room, mimicking the sunshine that’s often missing in the Pacific Northwest winters. Soft, muted yellows and golden hues offer a subtle warmth that can energize a space without feeling too bright or artificial.
•Best for: Kitchens, breakfast nooks, and dining rooms. Yellow’s uplifting qualities can make morning routines feel lighter and enhance social spaces where energy and warmth are welcomed.
5. Warm Earth Tones
•Impact on Mood: Rich earth tones like terracotta, rust, and olive create a grounded, cozy atmosphere. These colours echo the Pacific Northwest’s own natural landscapes, with hints of fall foliage, mossy forests, and the region’s earthy vibes.
•Best for: Living rooms, reading nooks, and creative spaces. Earth tones foster a sense of comfort and stability, which can make homes feel safe and sheltered. This is ideal when the winter rain feels endless and you want a warm, comforting space.
6. Deep Blues and Dark Greys
•Impact on Mood: Though often considered dark, deep blues and greys can have a calming, cozy effect when used sparingly. Dark tones add a layer of sophistication and can help create a cocoon-like feel in smaller spaces.
•Best for: Accent walls, small powder rooms, or offices. Dark blues and greys work well as accent colours and can add drama to a space without making it feel overly gloomy. Paired with adequate lighting and lighter furnishings, these colours create a grounded, modern look.
Lighting and Color Choice in the Pacific Northwest
Since natural light is scarce in winter, lighting plays a critical role in making these colours work effectively. Here are a few lighting tips to enhance the colour impact:
•Use Warm, Layered Lighting: Use multiple light sources in a room, such as ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps, all with warm-tone bulbs to create a soft, inviting ambiance. This helps avoid harsh lighting that can make colours look washed out.
•Consider Dimmer Switches: Dimmers allow you to adjust the lighting intensity based on your mood and the time of day, making colours feel more dynamic.
•Position Lighting Strategically: Place lights near walls with darker tones to bring out their richness and depth. For lighter walls, ensure natural light from windows is maximized to enhance openness.
Wall colours are more than just aesthetic choices in the Pacific Northwest—they can shape how we feel, especially during winter months when our time indoors increases. By understanding the impact of different colours, you can make thoughtful choices that bring warmth, light, and comfort into your home. A few simple changes in paint color can go a long way toward making winter feel more bearable and your space feel like a true haven from the rain.
