"It is quite possible that not only does the way we decorate our homes reflect who we are, but the shades and tones of hue within our walls also does the exact opposite. Instead of reflecting our moods, they may help cause them."

Colors Effect Your Mood

It is often said that the colors of the rooms in one's home reflects the kind of person one is. If one is an adventurous type, perhaps light blue reflects the color of the sky for those who like to sky dive. Or if one is uptight, red or some such color. But, it is quite possible that not only does the way we decorate our homes reflect who we are, but the shades and tones of hue within our walls also does the exact opposite. Instead of reflecting our moods, they may help cause them. Reddish tints can make people nervous and agitated. Yellow make many people pensive and introverted. And there are many other forms of this where colors in our homes effect one's mood.

How to Make Your Home Lighter

Though colors affect one's mood, so does sunlight. Bringing a little more rays of sunshine in a house can help lighten up any house. Here are some tips to making your house lighter.

1.) Open the shades. Many people are afraid of exposing themselves to the outside, but with a little bravery nothing does better than opening those blinds. (Use natural light as much as possible. Don't rely on artificial light as much. Try to allow the sun to serve as most of your available light inside.)

2.) Bring the outdoors in by adding a wall mounted water fountain to your home. These items often come in bright metals, such as stainless steel and copper, that have an almost mirror-like effect.

3.) If you do use artificial lights, try not to use florescent. Florescent light, although very bright, has a dull glow to it that is piercing and doesn't possess that glow other lights have. At night, use lamps not overhead lights. Lamps offer a warm glow, not an overpowering glare.

4.) Do not be shy with mirrors. Mirrors carry light more throughout a room. Mirrors reflect light and make a great backdrop for lit candles.

5.) Try a freestanding electric fireplace. They can be moved from room to room, can offer both light and heat, and the mantel serves as a great location to place candles on.

How to Make Your Home Brighter

The color that the walls, furniture and other household items have can seriously alter the brightness of a house.

6.)Try lighter colors for the walls. White is fine, but this is too transparent. Try an off white, a light blue or some other ‘cheery' color.

7.) Try to tone down on furniture that have too intricate of patterns on them. Simple patchwork, dots and the like have a lighter feel than say more intricate designs that are too busy.

8.) Keep the arrangement simple. When arranging the furniture and other living items, keep everything spread out and symmetric. Nothing dampens a mood like clutter.

Michelle O'Connor - Michelle O'Connor is a business owner and freelance writer enjoying life with her husband in the gorgeous San Bernardino Mountains. She has designed the remodels of several of her homes and her current mountain home features carefully selected furnishings and décor.   Website: Waterfall Pond Tips To review the Reprint Rights for this article, please go to the authors page by clicking the button below.