Colour yourself smart with orange

No doubt about it, orange is a power colour. Some theorists claim that when you’re in the presence of orange, you increase the oxygen supply to the brain, which stimulates mental activity. It’s also thought to encourage sociability by energising people and lessening their inhibitions.

If bold orange walls aren’t your thing, delicate colour is just as successful in creating a stimulating, friendly environment. You could try earthy colours like rust orange, ochre, vermillion and mahogany or softer shades such as coral, orange rose, sunset and saffron. Use them in your studyroom and you might just give yourself the mental edge.