Paint colour that can 'brighten up' a dingy room and gives 'unexpected' mood boost

Finding the best paint colour that not only looks good in your home but lifts your mood is an important choice. That's because for many of us, our homes are our sanctuaries.

According to paint and interior expert Lucy Steele from , certain colours affect our brain and emotions in different ways - and there are things we can do when decorating the interior of our homes to boost our serotonin levels and even relieve some daily stresses. The expert has shared four colours that are guaranteed to boost your happiness levels - including one "unexpected" shade.

She said: "There are many colours you can use to help with sleep, stress and Seasonal Affective Order, however it's important that the colours you choose reflect as much natural light as possible.

"The best way to decide on a colour is to pick the one you want and then go for one shade warmer. Whilst colour is a personal choice and everyone has different shades that they associate with happiness, these are four colours that are guaranteed to boost your mood."

White

Lucy said: "White is a versatile colour, and has so many different hues that you can be spoilt for choice. Perhaps an unexpected shade for a mood boost, but white can brighten up a space and create a calming environment for busy and stressed minds."

When choosing white, Lucy suggests looking for shades with warmer undertones, like yellow, such as Valspar's 'Cosy Glow'.

"This will give the room a creamier and warmer atmosphere, helping to lift the light within the space," she said.

Yellow

"Yellow is the happiest colour you can choose for inside your home," said Lucy. Often associated with sunshine and outdoors, researchers have found that yellow surroundings boost serotonin levels and provide a sense of excitement and wellbeing.

"Incorporating different shades of yellow - such as Valspar's 'Soft Focus' or 'Golden Sue' - into your interior decor is a fantastic way to enhance your mood and encourage a happy environment," she added.

Blue

"Blue is a great colour for bedrooms as it promotes tranquility and peace," Lucy said.

"Having a peaceful space for sleep is very important for leaving stress and blue tones will help you to fall asleep with a less stressful mind."

Lucy suggests double drenching blue in the bedroom using different tones of blue for the ultimate stress-free zone.

Green

Green tones are traditionally associated with balance and calm, and make a great foundation for your colour scheme, according to the expert.

"Using different shades of green when decorating your home can help minimise the effects of stress. Choose a clean, fresh green like Valspar's 'Teal Time' to restore balance and create a soothing atmosphere."