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Back in high school, I was really into studies on the effects of color on mood. I saw this article on MSN and had to share. I don't do this in my home, mostly because my husband doesn't believe in paint or color, but I do believe that it works...

We all have natural reactions to color—a clear blue sky can make you feel more peaceful; a bunch of daffodils, more optimistic. So it’s no surprise that the colors in your home can have an impact on your mood, too. Red, for instance, tends to be stimulating, and blue, calming. How pure and bright a shade is can come into play, too, as well as personal associations with the color. Here’s how you can tap into the power of color to feel happier, calmer, or more inspired—without a huge paint job.

Energy: red and violet
These two stimulating colors boost your energy level by causing your body to pump out more adrenaline. One British study found that when evenly matched Olympic athletes competed, those wearing red won significantly more than their blue-wearing opponents. These high-energy colors are especially good in home offices, entryways, small sitting rooms, or staircases. (Avoid them in the bedroom and bathroom, where you want to relax. You may want to skip these colors in the kitchen, too, because energizing hues can boost your appetite.) If you want to feel inspired but not wired, add just a touch here and there—a red-leather magazine caddy or even a big bunch of fresh red or purple flowers.

Happy: green and yellow
Want to feel more upbeat? Bring in the colors of sunshine and spring fields. In a study, adults reported feeling happier around these two colors. Soft or pale yellows are ideal for playrooms and children’s rooms. Add a new rug. Or paint just the ceiling to create a sunny feel. Green is an especially good pick to brighten rooms with mostly neutral tones.

Calm: blue
Most of us choose blue as our favorite color, and it’s really no wonder. Blue is a very soothing hue—it’s the color of the sky and the sea—and we can all use soothing touches of it in our hectic lives. It was found that people who were faced with difficult tasks felt less anxious after they saw something blue. Because the color is relaxing, you can feel free to use it more liberally than happy or energizing colors—it will work well in any room where you long to feel less stressed. Be sure to stick with soft, muted blues, though; the brighter, stronger shades, such as French blue, can actually have a stimulating effect. Try adding a touch of this serene shade where you need it most: near your bill-paying station, perhaps.