Are There Colors for Kids' Rooms That Motivate Them?

Color Influences Mood

• Since color may influence both emotions and productivity, it's important to make wise color selections. Bold colors, particularly shades of red or violet, have a tendency to stimulate adrenaline, which increases energy and indirectly improves production. Depending on the tone, shades of yellow and green are both motivating and encourage a more cheerful attitude. Lemon yellows, according to color theory, are the first color recognized by the brain and may increase comprehension significantly. Additionally, modern décor largely embraces mossy greens because they are aesthetically pleasing and highly motivational without being distracting. The key to any color is to use it in moderation because bold colors, though energizing, may become distracting. Instead of painting an entire room, paint a single wall or include accents of a motivational color. This will ensure a visually interesting space that is more comfortable to work in.

Colors to Avoid

• Pastels and neutrals are widely used in bedrooms and bathrooms because they promote serene, calming effects that may not be suited for a work space. Blue, depending on the shade, is one of the best at promoting focus and productivity but is not often used in areas aimed at motivating. According to color psychology, blue increases reading willingness significantly. If blue is a preferred color, the shade you choose is important. Instead of soft, watery tones, seek out bold sapphire colors, jewel tones that are bright and vivid. If a more soothing color is desired, consider mixing and matching by using a combination of blue and another complementary or contrasting tone. Purple, particularly violet, and amethyst tones may seem ideal for a work space but are known to inspire daydreaming. These are best used in creative spaces rather than work spaces.

Color Combinations

• If the motivating design is meant for a child's bedroom, utilizing a color combination may be ideal. Use a bold, motivating color on one wall and cover the other walls in a more soothing tone. This difference will aid in defining work space vs. sleep space but will also be more visually appealing. Black and white is a classic combination that, in modern décor, can be spiced up with fire-engine red or flamingo pink. These colors are ideal for creating a motivating, yet stylish and relaxing atmosphere. White and red are both energizing, while black is a powerful color, and using them in combination keeps them from being overwhelming.

Room Size

• The size of the room is key to determining which colors work best. For small rooms or those without a great deal of natural light, shades of white pastels or neutrals are normally preferable. These reflect light and make small rooms appear larger, but they may wash out larger spaces. Darker tones may work in a small room, provided there is ample light to avoid the feeling of being in a cave. To tone down colors that are too light or too dark, consider mixing tones by doing two walls in one color and two in another. This works well for keeping the space interesting and avoid being overwhelming.