Enter The Colourful World Of The Rainbow Village For July 2019

Colour Stories

Have you heard about Taiwan’s Rainbow Village? It has a very interesting history behind it. Read on to know all about it.

In the olden times, in Nantun District, Taichung in Taiwan was a beautiful village with more than 1,200 homes where former soldiers resided. These homes were built by the government to provide temporary accommodation to soldiers. Over time, everyone who resided in the village moved or passed away and Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier, was the only resident. It came as a shock to him when the government decided to knock down the village and build a more modern apartment complex instead.

Out of sheer boredom, he began painting a bird inside his home and his artwork grew from there. He single-handedly transformed the drab huts into a striking art museum, painting every blank surface. Over the years his colourful artwork comprising of animals, birds and people spread over the remaining houses in the village. Rooflines, walls and pathways became canvases for multi-coloured Chinese characters and figurative motifs.

The local university students discovered Huang's work and campaigned to save the village. Huang clicked a few photos of the village and began a fundraising campaign and petition to save the place from destruction. Authorities got involved and eventually agreed that it should be preserved and become a designated cultural area.

Today, Huang is affectionately known as "Rainbow Grandpa" owing to his positive, colourful and creative personality. The village has earned the name of the Rainbow Village. It is a popular tourist attraction, along with the nearby Art Street attracting more than a million visitors every year, mostly from Asia.

This village is featured on the local tourism board's list of attractions to see around Taichung. It tops the list of most "Instagrammable" places in the region. It is like walking into a life-size storybook with surrealist prints like the drawing of a cat wearing a hat, perched on a ledge. There is also a drawing of a laughing tiger leaping from a wall and a red dolphin jumping over the moon. It is inspiring to see how Huang Yung-Fu used his art to turn the village into a visual treat for the senses. So, if you are planning a trip to Taiwan, you must visit this place. It, in fact, is located outside of Taichung City, not in the city centre yet it is easily accessible given its popularity amongst the tourists.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For July 2019

1. When Pantone announced its colour of the year 2019 as 'Living Coral', it was considered ironic given that coral reefs around the world are dying at an alarming rate. Now, the company is directly addressing the issue to help save the coral with a campaign called "Glowing Glowing Gone". The colours were created in partnership with Adobe and The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit organisation that uses creativity to address environmental crises faced by marine life. Once vibrant coloured and beaming with life, corals are now reported to turn white, an effect known as bleaching, an SOS cry in response to the heat wave generated by climate change, causing the corals to die.
2. In a study on logo colours and brand personality, particularly in the fashion industry, researchers revealed that the blue colour logos were associated with competence and power, representing qualities like confidence, corporate-like and reliable. Green colour logos, on the other hand, were associated with ruggedness and qualities like outdoorsy, rugged and masculine. Additionally, purple colour logos were associated greatly with sophistication, including traits like feminine, charming and glamorous. Next time you see a fashion brand logo, think of these colours and what the brand is trying to convey using the power and psychology of colours. Fascinating, isn't it?
3. If you hailed a New York City cab in 1905, a car painted in green and red would halt before you. So, how did the colour change from this two-tone to now common bumblebee-bright yellow? In 1907, Albert Rockwell created a taxi with an innovative 15 horsepower engine at his car company in Connecticut. His wife Nettie suggested the cars to be painted yellow, her favourite colour with a fancy 'R' on the door and they have been that way ever since then. And by 1909, yellow taxis were spotted zooming through New York City, famed by Rockwell's cab company.

Colour Quotes For July 2019

• I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.

  - Helena Bonham Carter

• In painting, three things must be considered - the position of the viewer, the position of the object viewed and the position of the light that illuminates the object.

  - Lynn Cullen

• I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.

  - Anna Quindlen

Colour Tips For July 2019

1. Throw pillows are an easy way to inject some style and personality to your living room, guest room or even bedroom, whether you buy or DIY using embellishments and patchwork designs. If you want to give your room a quick, affordable and easy makeover, simply throwing older pillow covers out and replacing them with bright, fuller pillows covers will make all the difference. Mix and match textures and blend different patterns and looks. While layering pillows can help create a comfortable and welcoming space, ensure that you do not go overboard.
2. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can brighten up any space. But it is not the only home upgrade you can use to liven up a dull space. Paint can also be used to give your kitchen cabinets a whole new look. And in this way, refreshing your kitchen does not require a massive budget or gut renovation. If your kitchen cabinets are old and outdated, it adds unique quality and personality without having to invest in new pieces. It gives a new look to your kitchen without having to tear it down completely. Using a bold and bright hue can take your kitchen from drab to high-style.
3. While the idea of an all-white kitchen might seem boring and uninspiring, the style is anything but that. You can use this neutral colour palette and blend in bright or bold hues or keep it completely monochromatic. You can incorporate colour by displaying colourful cookbooks in the open, hanging kitchen herbs in quirky pots and planters, giving the windows a colourful treatment or even add an accent wall. If you prefer neutral palettes, white walls, white cabinets and white décor can actually work very well if you balance it out with some wood, metal or granite.

World of Colours

Colours & Emotion For July 2019

1. An experiment was performed to study the effects of colours on blood pressure. Colours like red and yellow caused the person's blood pressure to rise. Soothing colours like blue and green and neutral colours like white and black did not show any significant effect on blood pressure. This shows how the colour in our surroundings can have a significant effect on our moods and health. This field of study can be useful in the healthcare industry, where colours can be potentially used to create different moods.
2. A study conducted by Wellesley College researchers, Stoughton and Bevil Conway associated neural processes to colour. The study found that "globs" in the brains of monkeys reacted differently to coloured stimuli and responded based on colour. The brain was most triggered by specific colours such as red, green, blue and colours with most saturation. What this tells us is that these colours immediately create an impact on the viewer and attract attention. These findings are significant to help the creative communities and marketing and advertising agencies.

Colours & Fashion For July 2019

Animal prints always seem to pop in and out on the fashion runway. It was immensely popular in the 80s and is known to convey a sense of power with a glamorous appeal. Interestingly, animal print apparels are not limited to neutral and natural colours anymore. Fashion brands are now experimenting with bright colours and animal prints, including lime green zebra or electric blue tiger prints. In fact, animal prints are not restricted to clothes. You can spot animal print being used in handbags, scarves, shoes and wallets. If you want to make a bold statement, an animal print outfit in a bright colour can work well when teamed with neutral hues and colours. We recommend opting for faux and naturally dyed prints.

Colours & Gems For July 2019

1. Heliodor
   The name heliodor is derived from two Greek words, elios, which means "sun," and doron, which means "gift." They combine as "gift from the sun." This gemstone is a name used by mineralogists and gemologists for specimens of the mineral beryl with a yellow, greenish yellow or golden-yellow colour. Pure beryl is colourless, but impurities within the mineral cause beryl to occur in a variety of different colours. The yellowish colours of heliodor are usually caused by small amounts of iron within the mineral's crystal structure. It is a crystal of golden light, radiating the warmth and power of the sun.
2. Sodalite
   Take a look at this beautiful gemstone known as Sodalite. It is a rich, royal blue mineral used as an ornamental gemstone. It resonates with the blue crystal that is known to stimulate the throat chakra. It encourages objectivity, rational thought, truth and intuition. Sodalite brings emotional balance. It improves self-acceptance, self-esteem and self-trust. Sodalite boosts metabolism and the immune system and it is said to help people with calcium deficiencies. The stone is also known to enhance communication. Don't confuse it with Lapis Lazuli, the more popular stone. It may be used as a substitute for that more precious gemstone.

Colours & Nature For July 2019

1. Stork-billed Kingfisher
   Take a look at this colourful bird. It is known as the Stork-billed kingfisher since the shape of its bill resembles that of a stork. The adult has a grey head, blue tail and wings and a green back. Its underparts and neck are buff. It has a large bill and legs that are bright red. The bird hunts fishes, crabs, frogs and rodents. Stork-billed kingfisher digs its nest in a river bank, decaying tree, or a tree termite nest. The call of this bird is low pitched yet far-reaching.
2. Blue Glaucus
   This extraordinary looking sea creature is a sea slug known as blue glaucus. It is also known as the blue dragon. It is found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans in tropical and temperate waters. This species absorbs toxic chemicals or stinging cells from its prey into its own skin, acting as a defence mechanism. One side of its body is blue while the other side is silver. The blue side of its body faces upward to camouflage against the blue sea while its silver side faces downward. The blue glaucus is now an endangered species, on the verge of going extinct due to global warming and human intervention.

Decor

Bedroom Colours That Will Make You Wake Up Happier

Wake up happier by simply changing the colour of your bedroom walls. Find out how:

Waking up early and leaving a cosy space is not something to look forward to. But creating an atmosphere that helps you wake up cheerful and not grumpy can make it a whole lot easier. The colours in your home can have a huge impact on your mood. There are certain shades that will make you feel happier, ones that help you relax, ones that suppress your appetite. In this series, we share the top shades that are proven to increase positivity and productivity from Berger Paints, India's preferred choice for Paint Company.

Sage Green for Renewal

A tranquil shade of green adds a calming vibe to any space. Sage is subtle enough to be neutral but prominent enough to set a statement. This hue will give your space a calm, cool and collected look.

Berger Paints, 4D2137 Paragon

Lemon Yellow for Happiness

There is a good reason why yellow is associated with cheerfulness. Yellow is a natural source of positive energy and happiness. Choose this shade of lemon yellow if you want to spread warmth and energy in your house.

Berger Paints, 3A0386 Summer Sun

Peach for Softness

Peachy hues bring serenity to your interior walls. For zen-like quality, peach is a great way to add warmth and light to your home all year round. You can use this charming colour as an accent wall or completely cover your walls; it will instantly transform your home.

Berger Paints, 2T0612 Southwest Magic

Lilac for Mindfulness

Shades of lilac are taking over Pinterest and homes this year, and for a good reason. This colour, while still being understated, adds a calm, serene vibe to the space.

Berger Paints, 6P1290 Lavender Frost

Blush Pink for Composure

Blush or pale pink is a versatile colour for your home walls and when paired with a contrasting colour- especially green can create a bold statement. If you want to create a relaxing yet fun vibe, this hue is a great bedroom colour idea.

Berger Paints, 1P0024 Larkspur

White for Balance

This white living room is a showstopper yet minimal and simple. While most people think white is vanilla, it can, in fact, act as a beautiful backdrop for colourful and bright statement pieces in the house. The perfect example is this living room wherein the pink couch, gold fixture lights and statement tiles beautifully come together to create an understated look paired with the white walls.

Berger Paint, 7P0185 Fabulous White

Things To Consider While Painting Your Home’s Exterior

Minimise time, mess and stress.

Painting your house's exteriors might seem like a straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to consider before cracking up the paint. What colours will you choose? Do your exteriors require any prep work? What products will work the best? To help you get started, we spoke to the experts for their advise. Read on:

Check if waterproofing is required

Before you invest time, money and resources into your exterior painting, you need to have your walls checked for water damage. A bad or lack of waterproofing will mean tearing down the new paint to fix the water damage and repaint.

Pay attention to permanent features

Things like the roof colour, brick, stone, pavers, fascia and other elements that cannot be painted or updated needs planning and consideration. In all these elements, you will find different undertones, colours and textures so it is important to think about the exterior painting as a whole instead of randomly choosing elements.

Choose the right product and finish

Low-quality paint isn't designed to stand up to moisture, sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Choosing a lower quality of paint can also result in cracking, peeling and require regular touch-ups. Some research and planning about the right products and finishes available in the market will ensure your exterior paint has the freshest, cleanest finish in the neighbourhood.

Test colours before painting the entire exterior

Testing the colour samples is a great way to choose and build confidence in your final selection. It makes sense to purchase sample pots in the shortlisted colours and decide on what works the best before investing in full-sized paint buckets. If time allows, leave out the swatches for a few days to see the final result after the paint has dried.

Don't blindly follow trends

Most trends come and go, so when it comes to exterior paint, you need to pause and consider whether you'll be happy with it in five, or 10 years down the line.

Check the weather

Avoid painting outside when the weather has significant drops in day and night temperatures. Also, avoid rainy or wet seasons. Early spring is a good time for exterior painting. Before you decide on the dates for the job, check the weather forecast around the time. Rains before will mean allowing a few days for the walls to dry and rains during or right after will mean fading and uneven drying of the paint.

Living Room Layouts

What you need to know when designing the layout for your living room.

One of the best ways to make sure the living space looks and feels functional and inviting is to design a layout and floor plan that works best considering the space available at your disposal.

Find the right layout

Start by measuring the living room wall-to-wall, making a note of the length and width of the room. Then measure any furnishings that you have decided to include. Create a rough floor plan using these measurements and experiment with different furniture arrangements that work best for you.

Decide on a focal point

You can create a focal point using any piece of furniture or even doors or windows, TV, fireplace, bookshelf etc. Deciding on a focal point will help with space planning and optimising. Arrange the furniture in a U-shape around the focal point for maximum impact. You can add some artwork on the walls for an added interest and use deep and dark tones for living room wall paint. Consider eco-friendly paint options.

Rearrange storage, cabinets, tables and ottomans

Once the focal point has been set, placing the seating, tables and storage cabinets is next. For a living room, the main coffee table or ottoman can be placed in middle of the sofas and chairs. Ensure there is enough space in between furniture to walk around. Storage cabinets can be placed against the wall, where the space allows. TV and media consoles can be placed under the television. Open cabinets to store books, souvenirs, family photos and decorative accessories look best on large, empty walls.

Add floor and table lamps

A floor lamp can act as a perfect setup. Make sure to position your floor lamps next to a centrepiece or in a corner. Table lamps can help create an ambient setup. Chandeliers should be centred above the main seating area. Spot lighting can also be used to bring attention to artwork, sculptures or statement pieces.

Position your rug

The rug should be centred in the middle of the main seating arrangement. An accent rug in a fun colour or pattern is a great way to add warmth to the space.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For July 2019

Looking for ways to prep a baby's room? Sprucing the room with Feng Shui decor elements can help create a nurturing and supportive environment for the baby. Read on to know all about it.

Feng Shui tips for a child's nursery

The colours you pick for the room plays an important role in the well-being of the little one. Think beyond gender-defined pink and blue shades. There are infinite colours and the possibilities are endless. Explore harmonious colours such as green or calming and serene white and beige for the walls.

Proper lighting is crucial. It is best to provide different sources of lighting to be used at different times during the day and night. This will help in creating a balanced Feng Shui energy. Avoid fluorescent bulbs since they tend to flicker and drain energy.

Use natural materials for the bedding, flooring, rugs, furniture, toys and curtains. Opt for wood instead of plastic. Go for linen, silk, bamboo and cotton when it comes to natural materials.

Pick design motifs with care. Make sure to avoid designs that have crosses, arrows, triangles and diamonds. You can pick motifs that have nature designs on them as they promote growth. Opt for motifs like fish as long as the water theme is not dominant. Always remember to choose soft, gentle patterns like sprightly bugs, butterflies or fairies since they provide an extra boost of support.

Shield the room from loud voices and the sound of electrical appliances as the energy vibration can affect the baby. Take efforts to soften the noise, especially from the bathroom, garage or doors that open and close.

It is important that you also pay attention to what is behind the walls of the baby's room. You need to figure out whether a potential baby area is above or below a room that uses a lot of energy like the kitchen, laundry room or bathroom.

Make sure that the room does not have any stagnant energy since it is not good for the growth of the baby. To encourage good energy movement, you can place a small fan, away from the child's reach and turned on low to keep air moving in the room. Ensure that the baby is not right under the ceiling fan as this disrupts their body's energy.

Apply these Feng Shui tips to turn the little one's room into a comfortable and safe space.

Reiki For July 2019

Did you know that Reiki can help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Read on to know how.

Reiki for ASD

Reiki is an ancient form of Japanese healing that works with the universal "life force energy." Reiki healing treatments are helpful for overly-anxious autistic spectrum children and adults alike. In fact, they can also benefit from being taught to do self-Reiki. First, let us learn about some of the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders:

• Problems having a two-way conversation
• Unusual responses to others' affection or emotions
• Unusual attachment to specific settings or routines
• Difficulty understanding an individual's point of view
• Unwillingness to maintain or make eye contact
• Extremely focused interests in specific topics or objects
• Repeating words or phrases
• Repetitive behaviours
• Unusual tone of voice

Most people who are affected by ASD during their childhood continue to struggle with the disorder all throughout their lives. However, the severity of ASD varies from individual to individual. In fact, some people may be affected with only a mild version of it and are able to live a productive life as an adult.

How Can Reiki Help with ASD?

Reiki has proven to be beneficial to those who participate in regular sessions.

Some of the benefits of Reiki for people with ASD may include:

Reduced anxiety and stress

People with ASD are often hyperactive and paranoid. It has been observed that Reiki helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Healthier sleep patterns

Sleep patterns can significantly be affected, leading to aggravated symptoms and more stress. Reiki may improve sleep, allowing the recipient to get a more restful, restorative sleep.

A chance to connect with another person in a different manner

People with ASD have a tough time interacting in a social situation, be it with family members or unknown people. During Reiki sessions, an individual with ASD can connect with his or her practitioner in a unique way.

More control over the disorder

Reiki sessions enable both the patient and their caregivers to be proactive about dealing with symptoms and improving their quality of life.

Hope you find this article helpful!

Vaastu For July 2019

Learn how to use Vaastu to make your shop more successful.

Vaastu for successful shops

Not all shops in the same street do equally well despite selling the same goods. Some shops are more popular, attract larger crowds and do brisk business.

Have you ever wondered how this works? Could it be the location of the shop? According to Vaastu, it very well could be the reason! The location of the shop, including the slope and shape of the plot, placement of the décor elements, direction of the entrance and exit could play an important role in the success of the business.

If you open the Vaastu guidebook, an ideal shop should be square or rectangular with the front wider than the rear. You need to avoid triangular or irregular-shaped shops that have a narrow front and wide rear as these elements could lead to mental tensions and financial loss.

There should be no slope towards the entrance of the shop since it is considered inauspicious. The entrance should be completely open and not obstructed by objects such as poles, trees or even product display stands. Open drain in front of the shop is a strict no. Even stagnant water in front of the shop is not good as per the Vaastu principles. Always remember to keep the north-east corner of the shop clutter-free, clean and empty since it is believed to be a sacred space. It is recommended that a water source be placed in this corner. Keep all heavy furniture in the south-west of the shop. Ensure that the shop counter is angular, not round. It should be located in the south-east or south-west. Keep all the best-selling products in the north-west and keep the cash counter facing north. Make sure the cash box is never empty; always ensuring some money is left behind even after the day's calculations.

Sit facing the east or north, never west or south since Vaastu believes that it creates problems or financial loss.

Incorporate these elements of Vaastu to stay on the other side of loss.