It is indeed surprising to note that color plays a vital role in affecting people moods and thought patterns. In different parts of the world different colors represent different meanings. At times colors are also symbolic of certain festivities or even may be associated with religious beliefs. For example black may hold a variety of meanings. For some it represents death, depression, mourning, evil, or oppression. For others it could mean elegance, passion, power, sophistication, classic, strength, luxury, modern, magical, or style. It might also be suggestive of pride, domination or sobriety. Similarly, when it is used in home decor, it can portray any or all of these meanings. Depending on who is using it, how it is being used and who sees it. It has been noted that color itself has no meaning. It is the human perception that gives meaning to it. Each person will have a different perception of the home decor, based on some of the facets of interpretation of colour mentioned above. What affects our perceptions? Well, the very fact that perception is a manifestation of our own experiences, good or bad, our economic and social environment, our education and belief system if any, basically, perceptions are not constant but are subjective. Therefore, we cannot pinpoint that our perceptions are solely based on any one factor that we undergo in our lifetimes. Our culture also affects us in forming opinions around and about us. If we look back into history, some styles and colours that were popular before may be disliked today. The ones who had witnessed the seventies fashion fads, would definitely agree. On the other hand, those who did not witness its bloom or were not even born in the seventies, for them this concept may not seem believable but it’s a fact. So, yes cultural impacts are strong and do affect the decision making of the people. All said and done, the beauties of colors lie in the eyes of the beholder, and nothing else. Here is a tip that may help you choose the right color for your home. First write down some expressive words on a piece of paper which will describe the emotions, and feelings you want to bring to your home with colour. Once you have these words down, go through a color book, or a website which specializes in colour and pick a color that you think best matches the words you jotted down. Here are some colours and words which match them. Bright Red: exciting, energizing, passionate, sexy, hot, dynamic, stimulating, provocative, dramatic, powerful, magnetic, impulsive, motivating, stirring, aggressive, violent, dangerous Deep Red: rich, elegant, refined, tasty, expensive, mature, luxurious, robust Peach: nurturing, soft, fuzzy, tactile, delicious, fruity, sweet tasting, inviting, warm, intimate, modest, embracin Tangerine Orange: vital, juicy, fruitful, energizing, tang Vibrant Orange: fun, childlike, happy, glowing, sunset, hot, energizing, active, friendly, good-natured, expansive, spontaneous, optimistic, communicative, sociable, and loud Ginger: spicy, flavourful, tangy, pungent, exotic Terra Cotta: earthly, warm, country, wholesome, welcoming, abundant Light Yellow: cheering, happy, soft, sunny, warming, sweet, easy, pleasing Bright Yellow: illuminating, joyful, hot, lively, friendly, luminous, enlightening, energetic, stimulating, innovative, surprising Tan: rugged, outdoor, rustic, woodsy Chocolate/Coffee Brown: delicious, rich, robust, appetizing Light Blue: calm, quiet, patient, peaceful, cool, water, clean Deep Blue: credible, authoritative, basic, conservative, classic, strong, reliable, traditional, loyal, confident, professional, thoughtful Lime: fresh, citrusy, youthful, acidic, tart, refreshing Foliage Greens: natural, fertile, healthy, balance, life, growth, soothing, harmony, restful, restoration, reassurance, environmental Lavender: romantic, nostalgic, fanciful, lightweight, lightly scented, gentle, soft Ivory, Bone, Beige: classic, neutral, soft, warm, comforting, good taste, smooth, natural These are only some amongst so many colors you can choose from, if you would like some professional advice, and if you live in the greater Toronto area GTA, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton, or North York you can come to Prestige Decorating where professional design consultants can help you pick out colors for your walls, furniture, and window coverings. Prestige Decorating has over 90,000 different fabrics to choose from so you really have a great selection to choose from, and the staff can help you narrow the choices down, which will save you time and money. If you are interested in reading more about Prestige Decorating’s services click on one of the following drapery Brampton, for information on draperies, Toronto window coverings for information on window coverings, fabric shops Toronto for information on window or furniture fabrics, Canadian drapery hardware Toronto for information on drapery hardware such as rods, finials, tiebacks, brackets, elbows, etc.