The Rural Voice, 1997-11, Page 39Being in harmony with our home
and possessions, grounded by contact
with our chosen material goods, happy
within "our space", could we possibly
keep ourselves from being sick? From
needing the healthcare system Icss?
Provoking thoughts? Think about it!O
Patti Robertson operates Classic
Interiors in Wingham.
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Home Decorating
The healing powers of colours
By Patti Robertson
From the time I was a small child I
recognized the fact that colour, space,
light, texture and line (the elements of
design) played a large and understated
important factor in the everyday life.
In my mind there seemed to be a
connection between these elements
and health and
well being.
So, it was
with exuberant
interest that I
have been
following the
teachings of
David Pearson.
Pearson is an
honours
architect, whose
belief in life is
' in sync with
nature, based on
the Gaian
philosophy.
Gala is the
mythological Greek Goddess, who
was Earth personified. The Greek's
goal was to increase the harmony
between mind and body and restore
the body's rhythms. When our body's
rhythms are in line we're in great
health!
Florence Nightingale was a
visionary, expert in hospital design
and wellness. More than 100 years ago
she wrote "The effect in sickness of
i beautiful objects, of a variety of
objects and especially of brilliancy of
colour is hardly at all appreciated .. .
such cravings are usually called the
fancies of the patients ... but much
more often their so-called `fancies' are
the most valuable indications of what
is necessary for their recovery. People
say that the effect is only in the mind.
It is no such thing. The effect is on the
body too. Little is known about the
way in which we are affected by form,
-by colour, by light, we do know that
they have an actual physical effect.
Variety of form and brilliancy of
colour in objects presented to patients
are an actual means of recovery."
So through great persistence of
these great notables, leading designers,
. architects, and manufacturers are
finally turning their attention to
creating and redefining Health Centres
i
that will inspire and uplift those who
come as either in- or out-patients.
There have been tremendous advances
created towards accommodation for
long-term cancer patients or those for
Alzheimers sufferers in which
courtyards are featured and there are
looping corridors which are friendlier
to wandering, as opposed to traditional
dead-end hallways.
Tremendous studies are being
carried out in the uses of natural
products, products indigenous to the
hospital's area and site location.
Colours are congenial with sick
patients and the healing process.
Colours and the cocooning effect
create homey environments in which a
patient is encouraged to heal!
A case in point is the "cottage
effect hospital" designed for the Bruce
Peninsula Health Service in Wiarton.
Set in the midst of the rolling
countryside there is ample use of
locally quarried limestone, maplewood
products and the incorporation of local
Chippewa artifacts and interesting
stained glass windows. Wall montages
send messages of health and healing.
The colour palette ranges from the
blues and greens of the environment to
the wheat and clay tones of the
limestone. Rose and heather tones
warm the spaces and relate beautifully
with the area's natural setting. The
colouration has the effect of
connecting the outside with the interior
spaces. Furnishings are inviting to the
eye in both shape, texture and
colouration of patterns. Outside views
have been designed to stimulate one's
interest and imagination!
So, what about our homes? If all
this time, study, effort and research is
being put forth to heal people, once a
body becomes sick, or diseased, what
about the possibility of making our •
home a healthy, friendly environment
in which to envelop ourselves within a
space that is harmonious to both body
and soul? Using colourations, and light
that is life -enhancing to oneself will
nurture and empower our vital life
force.
Surrounding oneself not with
material wealth but with objets d'art
and furnishings will stimulate our
energy force, and create pleasure for
our senses.
NOVEMBER 1997 35