This is the time of year in Colorado that I consider to be “fake Spring.” We all know more snow is coming, but we’ve gotten a taste of sunshine and t-shirt weather, and now all future snow between now and summer will feel like an affront.
For me, it’s the second wave of winter weather that gives me the winter blues. The cold, gray landscapes outside have a direct correlation to my mood, especially when other parts of the country are warming and blooming. So how do we get through the snowy weather in March and April? What if our homes could provide a warm and cheerful escape from the dreariness of the season? Can we use warm hues to combat winter blues?
Enter color theory. It’s a well-studied and often used principal of interior design, and its sole focus is on evoking certain feelings within our spaces through the use of color. Some colors give us energy, and others calm us down. Some colors make us want to create, while others make us want to eat (yes, that’s true). In this post, I’ll explore how we can use color to combat winter blues and lift our spirits when the weather won’t do it for us.
The Psychology of Warm Colors
Colors have a profound impact on our emotions and energy levels. Warm hues—think earthy oranges, golden yellows, and soft terracottas—give us energy, joy, and passion. Think about the glow of a fireplace or being outside during golden hour. Warm colors carry a certain inherent energy that is perfect for combating the slow, dreary days of winter.
How to Use Warm Hues in Your Home
1. Paint with Purpose
One of the easiest and most effective ways to introduce warmth is through paint. Color drench a small room in a warm terracotta, deep ochre, or muted cinnamon to add depth and richness to your space. If you prefer a more subtle approach, opt for neutrals that have warm undertones – a yellow-based creamy white, or a peachy beige. It’s easy to find the undertone if you grab a few paint swatches that are similar, and look at them side by side in indirect sunlight.
2. Layer in Textiles
Textiles are even easier to swap than paint, and they’re the perfect way to incorporate color if your home is pretty neutral. Swap out cool-toned throws and pillows for ones in deep rust, mustard yellow, or burnt sienna. Incorporate plush wool or velvet fabrics to up the cozy factor. Area rugs in warm tones can also ground a space and make it feel more inviting.
3. Use Warm Wood, Metals, and Natural Elements
I find it really fascinating that a lot of the natural materials we use in our homes are inherently warm in color. Wood, leather, cotton, and rattan, in their natural states, are all warm in color. Adding more of them can give your space texture and depth, which is perfect for a cozy winter, but they’re also warm and pleasing to the eye. A wooden coffee table, a leather armchair, or woven baskets can all add some cheer.
4. Update Your Lighting
The right lighting can dramatically change the feel of a space. Swap out bright, cool-toned bulbs for warm, soft lighting. I’ll be honest – this is true no matter where you are, or what time of year it is. I never use cool-toned light bulbs. Unless you’re performing surgery at home, I don’t see the need. My rule of thumb is to stay between 2700k and 3000k – always.
5. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Small decor updates can make a big impact. Consider artwork with warm color palettes, terracotta vases, gold or brass accents, and rich, wooden frames. Even fresh flowers in deep reds and oranges can add a touch of vibrancy to your space.
The best part about this advice is that even warming up the color in ONE room will have a positive impact on your mood. Have a builder-grade powder room? Color-drench it! Want to start even smaller? Tackle a closet! You don’t have to transform your entire home. Pick one space that you see every day and have some fun with it. By the time you’re done, real Spring will be here!
Let me know in the comments how you use warm hues to combat winter blues!
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