How do colors impact your little one?

I was doing some reading recently, and came across an article on Buzzle.com that I found interesting. I have always liked learning about how colors affect us - our moods, appetites, sleep. In my conversations with other parents, sometimes they have chosen nursery colors not based on what necessarily is their favorite color, but based on color research - which colors increase developmental growth, induce a state of calm -- that kind of thing. So here is a little breakdown for you, if this is something you are interested in too!

1. Yellow - a calming color, that has the ability to create a warm and sunny feeling. Apparently, yellow is known to stimulate muscle activity. (Note to self - do not choose yellow for the new baby's room - this kid is already kicking up a storm and keeping me up all night!)
2. White - white represents purity, and also symbolizes peace and joy. Because white reflects back most of the light (rather than absorbing it) this will make any room feel larger and brighter. Personally, I think you have to be careful with white, because your baby's room might feel a little too clinical, unless you have some lovely colored accents and bedding to warm things up.
3. Blue - blue produces a calming effect and gets the body ready for sleep. I say girls can have blue rooms too - it's all about how you accessorize! With blue's ability to promote peace, wisdom and confidence, it's a great color for a nursery or kids room.
4. Green - who doesn't love the look of a lush green park in summertime? Green refreshes the spirit and is thought to reinforce self-esteem and give hope. ( I love sage green!) Green might a be a good one if you are looking to redo a teen's room - who didn't have periods of self-doubt during those formative years??!!
5. Red - some might say that red is a no-no because it will over-stimulate your babe. This article says that reds increase desire, excitability and passion (ok, so maybe not for your teen's room..stick with green!) The article goes on to say that red can be used as an accent color...I think this is a nice compromise - let's keep the excitability in check, but maybe red can be a vibrant and fun accent in your little bundle's room.
6. Purple - darker shades of purple typically represent royalty, power and luxury. However, these dark tones can also evoke feelings of sadness, and frustration (too much navy can have this effect as well.) Lighter shades are better - they can create a more peaceful and nostalgic room. (I would like to say, that I have seen some beautiful girls rooms done up in a light lavender, with a chocolate accent...really super!)
7. Earth Tones - grey, brown, beige. This article says that these are excellent choices for hyperactive children, because these colors represent warmth, comfort and relaxation. (Again, in my personal option, accent colors are super important here. It's no fun being beige.)

So there you have it. Some insider information on color and how these choices can affect your child. But don't take it too seriously. I think it's more important to have some fun planning the room. I would say that whatever color you choose, do a patch in a few coats. (The final color after it has dried might look a lot different in one coat versus two.) Keep the walls on the lighter side of the color and that way you have many more options with your bedding, flooring and accessories.

I can't stress enough the patch test though...I once picked a gold color off a paint chip, and started madly painting without testing it, and after I furiously painted a whole room, I hated the color. It literally made me not want to go into the room. (Guess who went back to the paint store that same day to get some more paint samples????)

Have fun picking your colors, and if you really can't decide, do what I did, and build your color scheme off a fabulous crib bedding set...
Jaime