What’s In a Color?
Perhaps more powerful than any other element of design is the power of a color. The color you choose will set the mood and stage for your home. Consider the following when selecting your color theme.
Oranges
Orange is sociable. Orange brings together the excitement of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. A hot color, the human eye views orange and is left with the impression of heat. Orange conjures up the warmth of sunsets, the velvety texture of peaches and the vibrancy of tiger lilies. Bright vivid orange tones exude playfulness, fascination, happiness, stimulation and creativity, while softer tones, such as peaches, corals and apricots are calming and approachable.
Reds
Red commands attention. Bright red hues are emotionally intense colors, creating feelings of love, excitement and energy. Scarlet, vermillion and crimson are commonly associated with strength and courage, power and passion. Brick reds and the warm hues of tomatoes, apples and chili peppers are welcoming while the burgundy and maroon hues inspired by the rich beauty of a fine wine are seen as more opulent and elegant.
Purples
Purple is diverse. The excitement of red and calmness of blue marry to create this intriguing color. Purple has varied meanings, ranging from stately to sentimental. Deep royal and amethyst purples are viewed as noble, luxurious, and ambitious. They convey wealth and extravagance. Plums and magentas have an aura of mystery, creativity and magic. Berry inspired hues are easily associated with the sweetness of fruits like grapes and blackberries. Light purples, such as lilac and lavender, are a good choice for a feminine design, creating romantic and nostalgic feelings.
Blues
Blue is calm, cool and collected. Being surrounded by blue produces a calming effect on the body. Tranquility and peacefulness exudes from azure or robin’s egg blues, encouraging feelings of faith, truth and the heavenly skies. Periwinkle is playful, drawing on hints of red and purple while brilliant cerulean blues lean toward the dynamic. Deep navy is the most serious and powerful of all the blues, associated with academics and intelligence. Feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom and confidence prevail with deep midnight blues.
Turquoises and Teals
Turquoises and teals are refreshing and relaxed. A mix of blue and green, turquoise has a sweet feminine vibe while the teal is a sophisticated sister to turquoise. Turquoise is calming yet invigorating, restoring depleted energies just like a tropical ocean. Teal signifies reliability, richness and commitment. These in-between blue and green hues give us colors like aqua and aquamarine. Aqua, being closer to green than blue, offers a fresh perspective; being imaginative and light-hearted, yet strong and individual. Aquamarine calms, refreshes and balances the mind and emotions.
Spring Greens
Spring green is the essence of nature. Green brings the great outdoors into your home with the widest array of color choices. It is the most restful color for the human eye; since nature provides no clashing in its greens. Green has strong emotional ties, grounding both the mind and body. Mint and sea foam greens can be cool and refreshing while chartreuse and yellow infused greens are attention getting, much like seeing the first shoots of plants in springtime after a long winter. The mid range greens, apples, lettuces and grass, are reminiscent of fresh starts and new growth.
True Greens
True green is balance. It speaks of continuity. Darker shades provide a sense of renewal, self control and harmony. They are stately like a forest, quiet and trustworthy. Wealth, security and prestige are also tied to the darker shades of moss green. Emerald greens are elegant and when paired with a royal purple the combination can be quite lively. Serenity arises from olive green, the traditional symbol of peace. Use true greens to rejuvenate yourself and create a sense of balance in your home.
Yellows
Yellow is sunshine. Even in the lightest of hues, yellow is cheerful, energetic and warm. Although it is a primary color, yellow works best when used as a companion for other colors. Warm yellows can create excitement when red or orange may be too strong or dark. Bright yellow, the color of daffodils, will be noticed first when entering a space since the “eye” sees this reflective yellow before any other color. Lemon yellow hues are naturally associated with citrus fruits and freshness. Creamy, pastel yellows provide a more sophisticated feel and are often associated with rich, delicious desserts like banana cream.
Pinks
Pink is charming. Toning down the energetic enthusiasm of red with the purity of white, pink hues are associated with romance, tenderness and femininity. It is easy to be tickled pink; pink has a certain sweetness and brightness that can be hard to resist. Soft pinks like blush or rose are soothing, calming and comforting. Brighter pinks like raspberry and fuchsia are youthful, friendly and fun; encouraging action and confidence. Vibrant pinks like salmon and coral are sensual, adoring and passionate without being too aggressive.
Neutrals
Neutral hues are always in style. The perfect partner to the color white, these are the natural extensions of grey, cream, beige and taupe. Neutral colors are enduring, classics and oh so flexible. They serve to unify diverse color palettes or they can stand alone as the primary focus of a design. Neutral colors will either help put the focus on other more dynamic elements or will work to tone down colors that might otherwise be overpowering on their own.
