the mind-body connection is forged by perception: what we sense can often influence what we become, even on a physical level. the function of color in interior design offers a simple and direct illustration of this principle.

warm hues, such as reds, yellows, and oranges, tend to stir the emotions and make an individual more inclined to activity. restaurateurs, for example, are fond of covering the walls of their establishments with red in order to stimulate appetites. for similar reasons, yellow is popular in household kitchens (where red would usually be too overpowering and dark).

shades on the cooler side of the spectrum, such as blues, greens, and violets, induce passivity. this makes them highly appropriate for bedrooms or libraries. it also accounts for why light green is so prevalent on the walls of institutions such as schools, hospitals, government offices, and prisons.