Studies have shown that colours can influence our mood, behaviour, and productivity levels (2). Warm colours, such as red and orange, can evoke feelings of energy and urgency, while cooler colours, like blue and green, can induce a sense of calm and focus. By incorporating these colour principles into our organisation systems, we can create spaces that not only look attractive but also promote efficiency and productivity.

Marie Kondo, a renowned organisation expert, encourages her followers to organise their wardrobes by category, using colour to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space (3). Here's how you can apply colour-coding to your wardrobe:

1. Sort your clothes by type (e.g, shirts, trousers, dresses) and then by colour within each category. This makes it easier to locate and choose the perfect outfit for any occasion.

2. Arrange your clothes from light to dark or by following the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). This creates a visually pleasing gradient that can spark joy and make getting dressed a more enjoyable experience.

3. Use colour-coded hangers or dividers to separate different clothing types or seasons. This can help streamline your morning routine and keep your wardrobe tidy.

A well-organised pantry not only looks impressive but also saves time and reduces food waste. Colour-coding can help you easily locate ingredients and maintain an inventory of your pantry staples. Here are some ideas to colour-code your kitchen pantry:

1. Organise food items by category (e.g, grains, canned goods, snacks) and then by colour within each category. This can make meal planning and grocery shopping more efficient.

2. Use colour-coded storage containers or labels for different food groups. For example, you can use green containers for healthy snacks, blue containers for baking ingredients, and red containers for spices.

3. Implement a colour-coded expiration date system to track the freshness of your pantry items. For instance, use green labels for items that expire within a month, yellow labels for items that expire within three months, and red labels for items that expire within six months or more.

A clutter-free and organised work desk can significantly boost your productivity levels. Colour-coding can help you prioritise tasks, manage your time more effectively, and reduce distractions. Here are some ways to incorporate colour into your work desk organisation:

1. Use colour-coded folders, binders, or trays to separate and organise your documents and projects. Assign different colours to different projects or departments to make it easier to find and retrieve information quickly.
   
   

2. Implement a colour-coded to-do list or calendar system to manage your tasks and deadlines. For example, use red for urgent tasks, yellow for important tasks, and green for routine tasks. This can help you stay on top of your priorities and allocate your time more efficiently.
   
   

3. Organise your office supplies using colour-coded storage solutions, such as pen holders, drawer dividers, or desktop organisers. This can make it easier to locate the items you need and maintain a clutter-free workspace.

Now that you're inspired to colour-code your life, you might be wondering how to choose the perfect hues to suit your personality and environment. This is where CMY Cubes come in. These innovative subtractive colour mixing tools can help you explore the world of colour and make informed decisions about your colour-coding system.

CMY Cubes are designed to demonstrate the principles of colour theory and provide a hands-on experience with mixing and manipulating colours. By experimenting with these cubes, you can unlock your creativity and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between colours. This can be particularly helpful when planning your colour-coded organisation systems, as you can select shades that evoke the desired emotions and associations.

Colour-coding is a simple yet powerful technique that can transform your wardrobe, kitchen pantry, and work desk into visually appealing and productive spaces. By harnessing the power of colour, you can boost your efficiency, reduce stress, and create an environment that sparks joy à la Marie Kondo. Don't forget to explore the world of colour with CMY Cubes, your ultimate guide to making informed and creative colour choices.

1. Kondo, M. (2014). The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Ten Speed Press.

2. Kwallek, N., Lewis, C. M, & Robbins, A. S (1988). Effects of Office Interior Color on Workers' Mood and Productivity. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 66(1), 123-128.

3. Kondo, M. (2016). Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Ten Speed Press.