Wonderment of Colors!

I simply adore colors of any kind.  Orange, Blue, Yellow, Red, Green, Brown, Purple, White and any mixture of these.  The color combinations that you choose to create with are very important to consider with any product.  A few aspects of colors might be important to consider with each of your products: What sort of emotional response does that particular color invoke?  How well do those colors go together?  Is it an “easy” color to match with?

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES/MEANINGS of the COLORS

BLUE is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.  As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.

GREEN occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.  The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology. However, there is an “institutional” side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as do the “slimy” or bilious greens.

YELLOW shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.

ORANGE, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.  There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and a true orange color generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than any other color.

RED has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

PURPLE embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.

BROWN says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.

WHITE projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally wear white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

GRAY – Timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favorite suit color, gray can mix well with any color. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name gray as a favorite color possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression.

BLACK is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic color for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated.

HOW WELL DO THESE COLORS GO TOGETHER?

There are a whole lot of different ways that you can combine colors and know that they are going to work together.

PRIMARY – The three colors that all other colors are made of: Blue, Yellow, and Red.

SECONDARY – The three colors that are made up of the primary colors: Green, Orange, and Purple.

WARM COLORS – Reds, Oranges, and Yellows typically go together very well.

COOL COLORS – Purples, Blues, and Greens also go together very well.

OPPOSITES – Those that are opposite each other on the color wheel: Red and Green, Orange and Blue, Purple and Yellow.  But you need to be careful doing these colors; with paints, if you mix these together, you’ll end up with an ugly brown-grey color.

DIFFERENT HUGHES OF THE SAME SHADE – Navy, Light Blue, Sky Blue, True Blue, etc.

EASY TO MATCH WITH

Especially if you are working with accessories or decorations, you need to consider how well your color combinations are to match with.  Essentially, someone out there is going to be interested in your color choices, but if they purchase that *adorable* decorative plate, and it doesn’t go with the other decoratives in their house, are they going to enjoy it at its fullest?  Same goes with purses, that pinky-red polka-dot bag is super cute, but if you can’t find a pair of matching shoes (or scarf), is it going to get any use?

Colors are amazing.  God is truly a genius to have designed so many combinations and hues and shades and just pure beauty in colors.  What are your opinions on the amazing qualities that colors posses?

(Family Bugs)