I’m an interiors expert – the four colours that relieve stress and boost your mood on darker autumn nights

Published on September 04, 2025 at 06:50 PM
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NOW that autumn has officially arrived, shorter days and darker nights are on the horizon.

This means many of us might naturally start to feel more sluggish, down, or even overwhelmed.

Woman painting a wall teal.Experts have revealed the four colours that can boost your mood for an autumn refresh Illustration of a modern living room with a yellow wall, wood shelving, and a flat-screen TV.Pale yellow can leave you feeling more energised Pastel-toned modern bedroom interior.While sage green can create a calm and cosy vibe

While the new season brings comfort and cosy vibes, not everyone enjoys the lack of sunshine and colder days.

And this can cause our mood to drop along with the temperature.

Which is why interior experts have revealed that now is the perfect time to give your home a refresh and add some colour back into our lives.

Having a place that makes you feel energised and motivated after coming in from the dark and dreary outdoors is absolutely necessary for our mental health at this time of year.

And colour has a lot of power when it comes to influencing our mood.

Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele, from Valspar Paint, has said that a refreshed colour scheme might be the tool you need to give yourself that extra boost of motivation.

And to help, she has revealed that four colours can help relieve stress and boost your mood, as well as productivity and focus.

Plus, you don’t need to make huge changes to feel the benefits – a fresh coat of paint could be enough to feel better as autumn gets underway.

Be on trend with Butter Yellow

For those who miss the bright summer days, adding a splash of yellow to your home could be exactly what you need.

Lucy has revealed that everyone is in love with ‘butter yellow’ at the moment, and she said it could be perfect for making Scots feel more energised.

She said: “It turns out this pale yellow shade is linked to positivity and mental stimulation.

“That’s what makes a pale yellow, such as buttermilk, the perfect choice, as it can improve productivity and can be especially helpful for problem-solving tasks!

“This hugely popular colour is not only stylish, but mentally stimulating too!”

How to be a productive Peach

Peach isn’t a go-to colour for most homeowners, but it is becoming increasingly more popular.

Not only is it soft and delicate, but it also adds warmth, light, and a cheerful, optimistic atmosphere.

Lucy explains: “Choosing the right colours can have a big impact on how you feel.

“Colours with long visual wavelengths (meaning it has a lower frequency), like reds and oranges, can boost your attention span and energy levels.

“But Lush Peach is ideal for a home as it provides a cosy yet bright and stimulating environment.”

Paintbrush in a can of orange paint.Peach can make your home feel cosy but stimulating

Sooth the mind with Sage

Sage green is an excellent colour for a home because it offers a sense of calm and connection to nature

So if making your space feel tranquil and grounding is what you’re after this autumn, Lucy says it’s what you’re looking for.

She says: “A soothing sage can help to reduce distractions, which can be beneficial for focus and reducing anxiety. It’s elevated and relaxed, making it a great fit.

“Mix with wooden accents and indoor plants for a stylish touch.

“Green is always a popular choice for home decor, and a soothing tone can help keep you calm when your life is anything but!”

PERFECT PAIRING

IF you really want to give your home a refresh this autumn then the little finishings can make all the difference.

It’s not just about the colour itself, but also what you pair it with. So if you are thinking of adding yellow, peach, sage green or indigo blue colours to your home, then these are some of the best colour combos to pair them with.

Pale/Butter Yellow – For a classic and balanced look, try grey, white or brown. For a bold and vibrant statement, try navy blue, green, black or jewel tones. For something different, try purple, red or silver.

Peach – For a calming and harmonious look, try white, cream, light grey, beige, sage or mint green, dusty blue or periwinkle. For a cheerful and warm look, try mustard yellow or terracotta. For a luxurious feel, try navy, charcoal, gold, copper, or deep, rich browns.

Sage Green – For a soft and serene feel, try white, cream, beige or grey. For a warm and inviting tone, try earth colours, blush pink or wood tones. For a rich and bold feel, try black, navy or burgundy.

Indigo Blue – For a calm and Classic vibe, try white, grey, beige or brown. For warmth or richness, try hellow, terracotta, pink or orange. For something bold, try gold, brass, red or vibrant greens.

Find some clarity with Indigo Blue

Many of us can feel stressed in autumn when heating costs go up as the temperature drops, there are fewer holidays to look forward to, and Christmas looming with tightened budgets.

So to help you feel less stressed and keep calm, Lucy says painting your home ‘indigo blue’ can make a huge difference.

She explains: “With the pressures of life in 2025 greater than ever, it’s important to reduce stress by eliminating visual noise and surrounding yourself with calming colours.

“Blue is the best colour for mental clarity.

“It can also promote feelings of calm and tranquillity, which can be beneficial for fast-paced or demanding lives.

“Use layers of soft and indigo blues with crisp white accessories or pale woods.

“And add an abundance of lush, leafy house plants to bring the outside in.”

Woman arranging flowers in a bedroom.Indigo blues can help you feel less stressed and keep calm

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