There is a whole genre of psychology dedicated to the effect colour has on us. I feel like I could offer myself up as living proof.

Colour has power. I’m a colour fan — no beige allowed. My husband and I had once painted our living room a very cool blue. It looked nice. It was a pretty colour, but when we changed it to a warm cinnamon — well, the difference was shocking. The thermostat was set to the same temperature as ever, but the room felt warmer, and suddenly seemed more pleasant to be in. 

I’ve experienced this all over again in my new living space. I liked the space but hated the colour. It was just so neutral — the colour of putty. When I looked out the window on an overcast grey day, the sky was the same colour as my walls. I found it very difficult to live with. 

Perhaps in reaction to the neutrality of ‘builder’s grey’, I chose a strong colour with some depth to it. The change is palpable. There is now a lovely contrast to grey skies, and it puts my stamp on an otherwise generic space.

It has become important to me to attach to my new space in the same way I was attached to my house. Mission accomplished through colour.

This was more than just decorating — I want to feel at home in my new space and ‘own’ it, even though I am renting. Externally, and internally it’s about feeling at home with myself, with my own company, regardless of the change of address.

Here’s to adding more colour to our lives. 

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  Facebook or Twitter.