Some of my clients think I ask some weird questions about them, when I’m only there to pick their colors for them! Why should we care how you feel in the space? It all boils down to stress!
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Stress is a cause of and increases the risk of diseases. They say direct symptoms of stress are headaches, sleeping issues, digestive issues, irritability, and lack of energy or concentration, appetite fluctuation, anger, depression and many more. There is known to be a greater risk of health concerns such as asthma, skin problems, anxiety, heart problems, IBS, neck and back pain, weight fluctuation, etc. all from too much stress. This is why we care about how you feel in your environment. Even if on a subconscious level we can help to eliminate some environmental stressors, isn’t it good for the health of all those living or working within the space?
It’s not a totally different approach to making sure that there aren’t any offensive color combinations. Interior Design has been beautifying interiors and making art out of living spaces since its inception. Why not take things a step further and secure aesthetics, health concerns, functionality, and stress reduction? In order to take steps in this direction it really only means beefing up your education regarding a few major points.
Visual Ergonomics – this is going to encompass all that one needs to know about the function of the human eye and how to best support that function in long-term environments.
Color Psychology – this can go in all sorts of directions but taking color into account and the mood that it can induce for the type of personalities in the space.
Physiological Reactions – this mostly has to do with color and light. When color is at its purest light we can cause specific reactions in the human body. However, there have been some studies that show that boring (under stimulated) environments can cause physiological reactions, like increased heart rate. Something to chew on for sure!
So to you clients, future clients, and friends in the field; be prepared for my out-of-the box questions about your sleeping habits and health issues, questions about your children and their learning abilities and tendencies. This all comes from a desire to make sure that you FEEL great in your space once I leave! Anything that we can do to make it feel less stressful is always a plus!
(Looks like this office could use some color help…. What do you think????)
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March 17, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Nancy Alwin
Jessica, You are My Kind of Colorist! Sometimes my clients look at me like I have lost my mind when I ask them such questions. I often get the remark after some particularly pointed request “well I had never stopped to think about that..” Isn’t this the most awesome job?
For me coming out of real estate into color & paint, I term myself a “paint nerd” because I have learned so much in the past two years in the business, I have a very different approach to meeting the client’s needs.
What a joy to find a like minded person, honestly while reading your posts I was thinking “I would say that!” Ha!
Well bless your little Irish hear and have a wonderful St Patty’s day 2010!
Here’s to a colorful career! Nancy