Michael Knaub Michael Knaub

Color

In this modern age, we have an array of colors to choose from when it comes to picking the right paint. It’s interesting to think about what makes a color the one. Does the color evoke a feeling or memory? My intrigue led me to color psychology. Some things are to be remembered about the subject. Like how certain colors influence our mental and emotional state of being, and how color has made a mark on history.

White

  Pure, clean, and balanced; white is one of the most used colors in paint. Its fresh and clean appearance always brightens up a room. White provides a blank canvas to many ideas for a space, enticing us to be creative. White also symbolizes new beginnings and positive experiences.

  White can be used by itself or paired with any other color. It’s very versatile and is a safe bet if you're having trouble choosing a color. Since it goes with everything it often enhances the color you pair it with. White is a staple color in and around our homes therefore making it timeless.

 

Gray

  The ultimate neutral, gray is a color that is seen as reserved, calculating, and sophisticated. Although it doesn’t make a statement like some other colors, it blends into the background. If you want your space to not be loud, gray is a good option.

  Gray is considered cool and brings a calming effect. Gray is also associated with forward motion or futuristic. Gray is subtle and muted which makes it great if the decor in your home is eye-catching.

Black

  Black is a statement color when it’s used on a wall. Black is considered bold, sophisticated, powerful and elegant. Many warn against doing a whole space in all black, due to its light absorption. Still, black is a good choice for a dark neutral that pairs nicely with other colors.

  If you fancy to use black in your home, all who enter will be sure to notice its presence. Like how outer space is timeless and vast, black also has a timeless era about it. Black is versatile and can be easily used in any space making it a great choice for your home.

Brown

  Brown may not be a top pick for most when looking into painting walls but if you want dark and bold while still having warmth to a space; brown may be a good pick. Or the more popular lighter shade of brown known as beige is also a safer and more friendly option.

Brown is associated with honesty, stability and being grounded. This color is seen in many cultures as humble and connected to earth.  Even though brown isn’t very catching to the eye it does stand out for what it represents. A cozy comforting color that would look great in any space and look great with lots of different color options.

   

Purple

  This color is associated with wisdom, intuition, mystery, royalty, and sophistication. If any of these descriptions match what you intend for your room this color may be the ticket. Even though purple is a mix between red and blue it’s considered a calming color to most.

   The darker the purple the more dramatic it will make a space, whereas the lighter shades will give off a more calming effect. Many people use this color in bedrooms and bathrooms, but as with any color it can go in any room or space. 

Green

  Associated with health, luck, wealth, balance, and renewal; this color of nature helps ease the body, mind and sprite. Being a safe and welcoming color, it reduces stress and can improve focus. With the tranquil effects green fits well in any room or space.

 Many are reminded of nature when it comes to green, as nature provides every shade and hue of green there is. Safety is also a feeling many may experience when seeing this color. It’s theorized to be linked to primal instinct; lush green fields and forests are where food, water and shelter can be found.  Not to forget before western medicine we used earth's plants to heal our ailments and nurture our bodies back to health.

Green calls us back to nature, and back to balance.

Orange

  The color of autumn, the time of year this color truly gets to showcase itself for all to admire. Orange is associated with vitality, optimism, creativity, attention, and boldness. It gets the best attributes from its primaries red and yellow.

  Gazing at this color can enhance one’s mood, and help kickstart the creative process. With its warm tone it also creates a fresh and welcoming environment for anyone who enters.  Orange is a joyful color and would be suited for any room that often frequents guests.

 Blue

  The color blue is known for its calming nature, seeing it can lower blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. Others relate this color to wealth, loyalty, education, wisdom, serenity, and stability. On the flip side it is often associated with depression, distantness and lack of appetite.

  Blue is the color of our heavenly skies and deepest oceans and maybe that’s why it’s one of the world’s most popular colors. With its ability to help us find peace, it’s a good color to incorporate in any room you wish to relax or study in. 

  We have a connection with blue on a spiritual and emotional level. It has the power to calm us down, confront our emotions and align us spiritually towards a peaceful outlook. Blue is a little reminder to stop and take a breath in order to get sight of the bigger picture.   

Yellow

   Another primary color and color of stimulation. Yellow has many mental/social implications associated with it being connected to happiness, harmony, intellect, communication, finances and optimism. It’s an energetic color.

    Yellow simulates our mind focusing and heightening our analytical and creative abilities. Besides giving our brain a boost, it also can inspire the social butterfly within us. Being vibrant and bright allows the thought process to flow with ease. Yellow is also known to over stimulate certain people, aiding its association to anxiety. 

   Although yellow in its essence has its distinct properties, it is often associated with its relative gold. Gold is linked with wealth and higher social status, from the rulers to religious leaders. Because of that association, yellow has an aristocratic feel as it evokes the noble inside of us. The energy yellow contains enhances intellectual and social well-being gracing us with its warm positive presence.  Yellow would be best used in a room where social gatherings happen to stimulate guests' ideas and communication.

Red

     One of the primary colors, and with the color Red comes many firsts. No wonder it has so many representations; Red is known for power, danger, strength, determination, passion, desire, fertility and protection. Red has been with us from the very beginning. It’s the color that drives us forward in life.

   Indicating warmth just seeing the color Red can make our blood pressure and metabolism spike giving us a boost in energy. It’s also the first color we can perceive as newborns. Along with forging of the fire for light and tool making. 

As being the first color for humans to physically make and utilize, naturally it’s used to express the strongest of emotions we can hold within us. There’s a fine line between love and hate coincidentally both use the color the Red to express the two emotions. Red can make us feel strong and confident, it fuels the desire and the passion we all have. Red is truly a very powerful color indeed.

Red holds many spiritual meanings as well. Known for the beginning, protection, and power. A color connected to war and bloodshed is also the color connected to love, fertility and even protection from negative spirits. Red holds an ancient energy that has a determination to connect with our deepest emotions and give us the strength and endurance we need to reach our deepest desires.  Best placed in an area that is used for focus and passion.

   -Jessica K.

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