The Stories Colors Tell
A purple fit for a king, the blue of a faraway sea ... learn about the meanings of colors to help your rooms follow the right plot
Every time we use color in our home, we create a mood and make a statement about our style and preferences. Color is a powerful design tool. It makes us feel a certain way but it also speaks a language all its own. All colors have a specific meaning that sometimes varies from one culture to another. This may not influence your color selections, but the stories behind color associations are very interesting and will help you make a more informed decision.
Green is associated with organic living. It is a refreshing hue that reminds us of nature and fresh food. While green means luck for many, it is also the color of jealousy and envy.
Red is a very stimulating color that brings warmth and energy to a room. Some believe it can even raise your blood pressure. Red is associated with love and anger; it is also the color of luck in China.
Blue is the color of the sky and sea, so it makes us feel peaceful and it makes a room feel serene. Blue is also associated with reliability and trustworthiness. But beware — this color can make some people feel sad.
In every culture, yellow equals the warmth and appearance of the sun. This color brings radiance to a space and make a dark room feel brighter. For most people, yellow is cheerful and upbeat and reminds us to hope, but it is also the color of mourning in countries such as Egypt and Burma.
An orange room feels festive and casual. Vivid oranges are playful while burnt oranges can make a room feel rustic. Orange is also a religious color in Ireland.
Brown is a rich color that equals earthiness: soil, clay, wood and stone. In recent years, brown has also become a popular neutral thanks to chic beverages such as espressos and lattes. Many people see brown as practical and durable.
Gray is still the "it" neutral. It represents sleek modernism and up-to-the-minute technology. Gray feels classic because it's common in nature, but it is also associated with all things futuristic. Because of this timeless quality, gray won't look dated anytime soon.
Soft pink is sweet and youthful, while hot pink is sultry and sophisticated. Pink is a fun-loving color that is very popular among young girls who prefer to see this color with black. When used with white, pink is romantic and very grown-up.
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More:
Decorate With Intention: Lift a Room's Mood With Color
Get Outrageous With Wall Color