Feeling Stressed? Try Color Coding Your Stuff

You've probably seen it on Instagram already: impeccably decorated homes where the colors blend perfectly. Decorating based on color has experienced a resurgence as of late; and it turns out it's not just pretty to look at. Additionally to be visually appealing, color coding is an easy hack to make your apartment more relaxing; and there are countless ways to go about it.

Color coding your home is relaxing for a number of reasons. For starters, it's easy on the eyes and makes it simple for our mind to categorize things. Everything is already in a designated spot. Secondly, it gives everything a specific place to rest and makes it easier to find what you need. These two things alone are enough to help us chill out.

And then there's this: Depending on the color you choose, you can encourage a certain mood or emotion. Psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin confirms the positive impact color coding can have on how you feel in your home, helping to keep us relaxed and comfortable. Of course, then, this means choosing the appropriate color.

Red, for instance, although a beautiful color, might not be the best one to decorate with if you want a more mellow vibe in your home.

The color of fire and blood, red is emotionally-charged and is associated with energy, danger, and power. It's been found to increase respiration and raise our blood pressure. Think about it: why are objects like stop signs, stoplights, and fire extinguishers all red? They're meant to get our attention and in certain situations, serve as a warning. This doesn't mean it's bad to decorate with red; you just might want to think about the mood you're going for. (You can always use it as an accent color, too!)

What colors are best for your relaxation, then? Lavender, both chalky and muted, can soothe your mind. Pale gray offers a relaxing environment. According to the laws of Feng Shui, watery blues might be your best bet — think shades the match the sky or the water. Feng Shui says that these hues can slow down your heart rate and help lower your blood pressure.

Color coding your home doesn't need to come with a hefty price tag. There are easy and affordable ways to do it yourself and work it into your home fairly effortlessly, using what you've already got, and regardless of what colors you have to work with (since we can't always choose to have an entirely lavender home).

Why not start with your wardrobe? While this isn't your average wardrobe, take a note from Khloe Kardashian, whose closet is famous in and of itself not just for being robust but also because, well, look at it.

While most of our wardrobes probably don't look like this, you do need to give her props for her insane organizing abilities. Look at all the colors!

Side note: Kardashian has an entirely separate fitness closet.

Another side note: If you need me, I'll be living in Kardashian's fitness closet.

If a color coded wardrobe doesn't quench your thirst for an organized home, you can take your mad organizational skills to the library. Color coding books is another favorite amongst neat freaks (like me!); and it looks so dreamy.

It might not be as practical as organizing books by genre, author, or title; but, but, but, so pretty.

If you do a lot of crafting in your home, you might know the feeling of a cluttered work area where you can never find what you need. (That's me!) All kinds of tools and materials can be organized by color, and it will make your life so much better. Plus, it's just fun to do.

So. Satisfying.

You can take color coding to the next level and zero in on more hidden items that you won't necessarily organize for the looks of it. Color coded labels and stickers can help keep jewelry, kitchen ingredients, cosmetics, and toiletries in perfect fashion. If you really want to go ham, you'll buy a label maker too. (I'm not saying I did this. But I'd like to...)

You don't need a Khloe Kardashian-sized wardrobe to become a color coding master. You can still master the act and reap the rewards of a beautifully organized home. Pick a room, start grouping colors together, and enjoy the relaxation.