Color is a Powerful Thing - Set the Right Tone

 

 

Like death and taxes, there is no escaping color. It is ubiquitous. Yet what does it all mean?

Why are people more relaxed in green rooms? Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms?

Blue

The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. People are more productive in blue rooms. Blue is often the chosen color by conservative people. Blue is so soothing that is a good choice for pajamas. Dark blue is the color of truth and moderation.

Fashion consultants recommend wearing the midnight hues to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty, while wearing the serene lighter shades soothes the person wearing it making the people around them feel at ease and party guests feeling comfortable in your presence. Studies even show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms!

Red

The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It gets noticed but makes the wearer appear heavier. (Still my favorite color...who cares if it makes one appear heavier!) It is also the color of love. Since it is such an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red is the color most chosen by extroverts and one of the top picks of males. Men are attracted to women wearing the ruby hue. On the negative side red can mean temper or anger.

In decorating, red is usually used as an accent, but makes a great wall color as well...for those daring enough to do it...and do it right! Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it draws attention.

Purple

Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation.

The color of royalty, creativity...a feeling of inspiration. Purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. Because it is one of those colors people either love or hate, wearing it sends the message that you're a self-assured free thinker. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial. Most children love the color purple. Purple is the color most favored by artists.

Black

Black is the most misunderstood color. It is the color of authority and power. It is also stylish and timeless. It's a color not often used on walls, but as accents. Black is not a color, strictly speaking. It is the absence of all color. When people speak of opposites, it is usually in terms of black and white.

Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. To take the edge off, choose something with a bit of embellishment, like lace or ruffles. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. A black tie dinner is very formal and elegant. Women can wear that "must have little black dress" to the black tie dinner.

Orange

Orange is fun! Orange is a power color. It is said to increase the craving for food. Orange means vitality with endurance. This exuberant shade isn't the best choice for a serious business meeting or jury duty. Because it is enthusiastic and inviting, you should wear it when you want to appear social, friendly, or approachable. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. If an orange outfit isn't at the top of your list, try a belt or a pair of shoes.

Curiosity is a driving characteristic of orange, and with it comes exploration of new things. If a change of any kind is needed in life, just burn an orange candle for 7 nights.

Green

Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color.

It instantly brings about feelings of peace, happiness, and contentment. Geen symbolizes self-respect and well being. Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use anywhere use green.

People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients.  Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green. Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.

White

White means kindness. Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors.

Strictly speaking, white is not a color, but the manifestation of the presence of all color - the complete energy of light. It stands for wholeness and completion. In many cultures it represents openness and truth. White has a cold quality. It can provide clarity as its energy is complete.

Yellow

Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.

Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People of high intellect favor yellow.

Brown

People who prefer brown are often conventional and orderly. The negative meaning of brown can be a repressed personality or a lazy person. Brown is the color of the earth and is associated with the material side of life.

Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful.

Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors. Brown is a warm neutral color that can stimulate the appetite. Brown represents wholesomeness and earthiness. While it might be considered a little on the dull side, it also represents steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, dependability, and health.

When considering color, whether inside or outside your home, choose with meaning in mind. Your favorite color purple or pink is not the best choice for the exterior of your home, but done correctly inside a room, it can be powerful!