Give your home a facelift

Nature changes colour every season, so it shouldn't surprise us that we're itching for some change of our own in our indoor environments. While major renovations and redecorating may not be on the agenda this year, a coat of paint is a comparatively quick and inexpensive way to give a room a whole new look.

However, choosing a colour is never quite as easy as we think. If you're looking to make a change -- whether it's big or small -- we've got some colour tips to build your colour confidence.

Set the mood

Whether we're aware of it or not, colour is wrapped up in symbolism and psychology and does affect our moods and energy. Here's the scoop on your favourite colours:

Red: It's one of the most stimulating colours, but there are two sides to it. It's energetic, lively and passionate -- but also represents danger and aggression. Harness its energy by using it in sociable spaces like the dining room, but avoid using it in areas of the home you turn to for relaxation.

Pink, though technically a tint of red, is instead a restful colour often associated with nurturing and love. Pastel pinks have a calming affect, while "hot" pinks offer the energy and passion of red (though perhaps without the violent undertones). A word of warning: because of its strong ties to femininity, it's not a favourite among all family members, and runs the risk of being too sugary sweet.

Orange is associated with stability and warmth, and it's a nice midway colour between fiery red and energetic yellow. It's linked to physical comfort, fun and food (like the citrus fruit that shares its name). It's hard to take orange too seriously, and it's often linked to immaturity and frivolity.

Yellow: It's stimulating because we can't help but think of sunshine and energy. It's also thought to inspire confidence, optimism and friendliness. It's may not be the best colour for the bedroom, but it works well in rooms with lots of natural light. Too much of it in the wrong yellow can inspire anxiety and fear -- giving rise to phrases like "yellow belly" or "yellow streak".

Green: Forget envy, this colour also has a refreshing and balancing effect. We associate it with all things outdoors -- like the environment and nature. Consider: we're drawn to lush greenery, and nature manages to pair greens with a variety of colours. Beware: too much green can become a little bland.

Blue: is also a soothing and restful colour, and we tend to associate it with intellect and reflection. It's serene and calm, but can also be chilly and imply aloofness.

Purple/Violet: is often associated with creativity, fertility, joy and sex -- making it a possibility for the bedroom. While darker and intense shades can be overpowering, lighter choices like lilac are associated with spirituality. They can turn a bathroom or bedroom into a peaceful haven if you choose wisely.

With browns and beiges, form follows function: they're associated with practicality and stability thanks to their earthy tones. They're great neutrals, but will need a pick-me-up or layered look for sophistication.

White is known for purity and cleanliness, but take it too far and it can make your space sterile and cold.

And unless you're painting a home theatre room or dark room, be careful with black . While it implies sophistication and glamour in our clothes or cars, as a wall colour its negative connotations come out. In many cultures, it's associated with death, depression and oppression. Lessen these affects by reserving black for use as an accent and pairing it with other colours.