"NATURAL LEVERAGE"


Holidays are ending and we are entering into a calmer state of being again.  Children although are still filled with the
excitement of new toys and computer gadgets along with constant company and entertainment.  As parents we certainly
could use all these new items for leverage to get the behavior we would like from our  kids, but wouldn't it
be comforting if we could take a more subtle approach where everyone didn't have to go down kicking and screaming. 
I would like to suggest using the simple psychology of color and applying it in your child's room to encourage the attitude
and behavior you would like to see be present in them.

A bedroom is a resting place where relaxation and sleep through the night occur.  This sanctuary is where a child can
feel secure and safe. Color has more than just an aesthetic quality, it has a major impact on our mood and over-all well
being, so it is important to be thoughtful when choosing wall colors.  Including your child in the selection process can
also give them a sense of feeling in control at a time in life when they feel as though they have little control.

Here are a few psychological effects of color

YELLOW:   - more people lose their tempers in yellow rooms and babies tend to cry more often 
       - is the most difficult on the eye and can be overpowering if used too much

RED:  - stimulates a faster heartbeat, quickens breathing, and raises blood pressure

BLUE:  - produces measurable amounts of tranquilizing hormones
   - slows the pulse rate and lowers body temperature
- helps people be more productive
                         - used too much in heavy, deep tones can be depressive and cold

PURPLE: - in a violet shade used in excess, can actually dampen the desire to purchase

This information is just a quick guide to a few color examples to help you make the best choices for your child's room.
So remember: red may over-stimulate your little one, citrus yellows are too intense, blue can calm hyperactivity,
green has soothing healing qualities great for those with learning difficulties, and pink is a soothing, loving color.
Also keep in mind, lighter softer colors are best for younger children.  Climate should play a role in selection as well.
A blue room is perceived to be three to four degrees cooler than a red one, so if you live in a cool climate you may
want to think about colors from the warm end of the spectrum.  In a warm climate lighter shades of blue will be cool
and refreshing.  Finally, if the room is small stick to one color throughout to make the room appear larger.

Children's behavior can be affected by the colors around them.  As parents it's easy to take the quick fix right now
of taking away the beloved new toys in exchange for the behavior we would like, but before we find ourselves going
down the road again next year of "If you're not good Santa won't bring you any presents" let's not underestimate the
significant impact that color has on our children's overall health and well-being and try a more subtle approach to
good behavior with wall color.


Deborah Norton is a certified Design Consultant and Professional Fine Artist for over a decade
760 688-8153          dnorton.interiors@live.com


Color consulting including wall color (interior/exterior), interior decor and flooring.
Located in Encinitas, CA.