Colour Story

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COLOUR STORY

Did you know that every year the new colours we see in everyday items from cars to clothing to toys and toasters are all determined by a very select group of international design professionals? The people at the Color Marketing Group meet twice every year to determine the direction of colours one to three years in advance of the actual manufacture of products and services in all industries, including fashion, home décor and advertising. They tell us the future of colour, but what about the history and the psychological associations of colour?

Colour has a very complex history, rich in folklore and full of symbolic meaning. It plays a major role in design and decorating since it is the single most important ingredient in developing a palette for your home. Colour distinguishes teams, identifies traffic laws, and even affects our emotions. Your own personal and/or ethnic history can influence how you feel about colour, and the way people perceive it is very individual.

Take red, for instance. It is a powerful and warm colour. Fiery, romantic and passionate, red stimulates the appetite and inspires conversation. It is also associated with danger, war, and all things forbidden. In feng shui, red is the colour of wealth, motivation, courage, power and fame. In China, red is the wedding colour, symbolizing fertility. Some may feel energized by red while others may feel angered or irritated. Red is ideal for exercise rooms, kitchens and dining rooms, and makes a wonderful accent colour.

Blue is cool and calm, serene and spiritual. It is the colour of the sky and the ocean symbolizing limitless possibilities. It enables focus, stimulates imagination and inspires compassion. In colour therapy, tranquil blue is used to promote healing, relieve pain and lower blood pressure. Blue works nicely in bedrooms, bathrooms and areas devoted to relaxing.

Green, also regarded as cool, is the colour of nature, life, new growth, and faith. In some religions it coincides with immortality, resurrection and life after death. Half way through the colour spectrum, green symbolizes balance and harmony, prosperity and healing. Green appeals to both men and women. Use it in living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and kitchens.

Purple has been represented as the colour of authority, both regal and stately. Historically, it was worn by Emperors as only the wealthy could afford this costly dye – the singular source was Mediterranean sea snails. Purple is a blend of red and blue, and takes on the characteristics of both, symbolically creating the balance between energy and relaxation. Intense hues make for a lovely accent colour, while light values work well in girls’ rooms and areas dedicated to relaxation.

In some spectrums, purple is replaced by violet and magenta. Violet symbolizes spiritual actualization, intuition and devotion, while magenta symbolizes spiritual growth. These colours work well in treatment rooms and bedrooms, and if used sparingly, in entry ways.

Yellow, warm and bright, is associated with the sun, fostering life and lifting spirits. In feng shui it is the colour of fidelity, optimism and good health. This lively colour is ideal in the kitchen, family room and living room. Muted creamy yellows work well in offices and bedrooms.

Gold is often associated with luxury and abundance, high ideals and wisdom. Silver is the colour of the ever-changing moon, relating to feminine qualities and emotional sensitivity. The sparkle of gold and silver add richness to any colour palette.

Orange is considered joyful, earthy and stimulating.  It is the colour of love and happiness in China and Japan. The orange robes worn by Buddhist monks represent humility. Second only to red as an easy colour to perceive from a distance, orange has played a vital role in the manufacturing of safety related goods such as traffic & construction signs, life jackets, buoys and flagging tape.  Orange also promotes creativity, humour and independence. It works best in recreation areas, playrooms, offices, living rooms and hallways.

Brown, seen as masculine, reflects the colours of the earth. Grounded, stable and secure, brown symbolizes nurturing support and a strong base. Brown is ideal in flooring and furniture.

Black is a colour wrapped in mystery. Ancient tribes considered the black darkness of night to be frightening and dangerous. In our Western culture it symbolizes mourning. Black is best used sparingly to off-set other colours and create focal points.

The symbolism of colour does not always influence our choice of where and how we use it, and some colours are best used in small quantities. Still, colour invokes feelings and influences responses – what a fun and wonderful tool to work with in decorating!