Each color has a property that it disseminates into the ambience. Let's plunge into the spectrum and study in brief the meaning and properties of each colour.

How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings, and Behaviors From Kendra Van Wagner,

Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions. - Pablo Picasso

What Is Color?

In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when pure white light is passed through a prism, it separates into all of the visible colors. Newton also found that each color is comprised of a single wavelength and cannot be separated any further into other colors.

Further experiments demonstrated that light could be combined to form other colors. For example, red light mixed with yellow light creates an orange color. A color resulting from a mix of two other colors is known as a metamer. Some colors, such as yellow and purple, cancel each other out when mixed and result in a white light. These competing colors are known as complements.

Color Psychology - The Psychological Effects of Color

While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.

Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.

Color Psychology as Therapy

Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or using colors to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment.

In this treatment:
  • Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
  • Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
  • Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
  • Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
  • Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.
Most psychologists view color therapy with skepticism and point out that the supposed effects of color have been exaggerated and that colors have different meanings in other cultures. Research has demonstrated in many cases that the mood-altering effects of color may only be temporary. A blue room may cause people to feel calm initially, but the effect will be lessened once they regain their equilibrium.

Choose A Color

Colour
Means
Use
Too much of
RED
energy, vitality, power, vital, passionate, courageous, aggressive, impulsive
Known to escalate the body's metabolism with vibrance and passion, overcome depression
Increases anxiety, agitation, stress
ORANGE
energy
Has a gentle warming effect, increases immunity, potency
Increases anxiety
YELLOW
intellect, cheering, warm, caution, innovative
Helps mental stimulation, Clears a foggy head
Causes exhaustion, too much mental activity
GREEN
balance inexperienced, wealthy, jealous, moderate, balanced, traditional
Good for tired nerves, will balance emotions, refreshes the spirit, encourages us to feel compassion
Creates negative energy
BLUE
truth, serenity, harmony, loyal, sincere, responsible
Soothes the mind
Depressing and sorrowful
INDIGO
truth
Allows a clearer path for the conscious to the spiritual self
Headache
PURPLE
serenity
Good for mental and nervous problems
Negative thoughts
LAVENDER
equilibrium
Helps with spiritual healing
Tired and disoriented
WHITE
purity, innocent, optimistic
Purify mind on the highest levels
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SILVER
peace, persitence
Removes diseases
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GOLD
strength
Strengthens the body and spirit
Too strong for many people
BLACK
silence, elegant, powerful
Silence and peace
Aloof, intimidating
GREY
stability
Inspires creativity and symbolises success
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