Blogging NPR: Using Color to Restore Hope

We are big believers in the power of color in a home. And, according to a recent segment on NPR's Morning Edition, so are the residents of New Orleans who are recovering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. "New Orleans Residents Use Color to Restore Hope" includes discussions with several homeowners who have found that vibrant wall colors can lift their spirits.

Pam Fessler narrates: "As the wrecked, washed-out homes of Gulf Coast residents are slowly rebuilt, bright, cheerful, colorful paint seems to be the one thing strong enough to wipe away the past."

Yolanda and Antoine Duplessis show Fessler the color choices in their daughter's bedroom: purple on the walls, pink in the closet — plus pink and purple butterflies adorn the ceiling fan blades. The kitchen, however, is Yolanda's joy. Fessler describes the color as "golden wheat or maybe a late-day sun." But the homeowner says: "It makes me think of smiley faces."

Take a listen and get inspired.

Image: Deana & Nadim's Daring Duplex (Fall Colors 2006 Honorable Mention)