Color and its ability to influence the way an individual feels in and reacts to a space is often undervalued. However, it is a simple element that can transform an undesirable space into a place that is productive and fun to be in. In addition, it can also make a space feel larger or smaller. Warm hues, which fall along the lines of oranges, yellows, and reds, are used to advance a space and make it feel more stimulating and exciting and also tend to make a space feel more cozy and a little smaller. Cool colors on the other hand, like blues and greens, are used to make a space feel lighter and more relaxed and tend to make a space feel larger and more open. Here are some attributes that certain colors tend to be associated with:
Red - passion, courage, excitement, power, strength, warmth
Orange - energy, warmth, contentment, strength, sensuality, abundance
Yellow - light, cheer, happiness, creativity, confidence, innovation
Green - nature, fresh, growth, abundance, life, youth, renewal, peace, balance
Blue - caring, devotion, trust, peacefulness, serenity, coolness, harmony
Purple - royalty, power, ambition, luxury, relaxation, peace, creativity
White - energy, truth, perfection, serenity, harmony, clarity
Black - formal, reserved, authority, power, glamor
Color also has the ability to affect your concentration, energy level, and productivity. A space that has a lot of vibrant colors going on is going to amp up your energy and reduce fatigue, but may distract from concentration. On the other hand, a space colored with lavender, for example, would relax you and increase concentration.
It is really incredible how powerful an effect something as small as color can have on a space and on the people who use it; never underestimate it.
Sources:
http://painterforum.com/art21.html
I'm so glad you decided to cover this! Color was one of the things that got me into design-I'm very interested in color psychology and always try to put thought into the colors I choose and how they will impact a space. It really can make a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteI agree, color has such a huge impact on not only design but emotions, learning, etc. The power of color is amazing but like this post touches on, it is important to know how and when to place certain colors to evoke the style, feeling, impact, etc. targeted. Color can be a tremendous asset but it can also be a disaster if not done and used properly.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, we, as designers, get so caught up in spacial awareness we forget about another vital aspect: color. Color has a direct impact on how individuals feel and behave and that in itself is crucial for our field of study.
ReplyDeleteColor is a very important part of design. I think in recent years, because varying shades of beige were so popular, we as designers did not think about using wall colors that weren't neutral. The choice of color is very important to humans' moods like you said. We need to be mindful of our color choices now more than ever to design stimulating and soothing spaces. This is especially true if they are adjacent to each other in workplace setting, for example.
ReplyDeleteColor is a very important part of design. I think in recent years, because varying shades of beige were so popular, we as designers did not think about using wall colors that weren't neutral. The choice of color is very important to humans' moods like you said. We need to be mindful of our color choices now more than ever to design stimulating and soothing spaces. This is especially true if they are adjacent to each other in workplace setting, for example.
ReplyDeleteI also blogged about colors last week but I think this article covers a different aspect to what I blogged about which I think is great. I never really understood the use of colors until we learnt about them in class and I think it is great that you posted the list of colors and their attributes.
ReplyDeleteI think these certain traits about color are important to keep in mind when deciding the colors we want to use when designing. The colors play a huge impact for the overall feel of the space that we want to portray to the users.Colors are very psychological as well!
ReplyDeleteNice post Hailee! Although we hate being referred to as "color pickers" it is such an important part of design when you consider all of its benefits in relation to human interaction and well-being.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great post because the colors in a space really do affect our emotions and the way we feel. Knowing how and when to use these colors is very important in the design field.
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