Dan's Papers - March 13, 2009 - Color Me Happy, Smart, Hungry ....

"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unsullied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."-Oscar Wilde

Color psychology is the study of the effect of color on human behavior and emotion - our reaction to it is immediate. Color has a tremendous influence on the choices we make everyday. It can impact what we buy, our mood and even change our physiology. It can cause us to eat more or less, behave recklessly, make us feel dreamy, relaxed or excited.

Your favorite color could reveal much about your personality to someone versed in color psychology. Asking about your favorite color is a "Color Specialists" version of asking "What's your sign?" If you're undertaking a major painting renovation in your home, it's advisable to seek the advice of a color professional to avoid costly errors.

There are a lot of interesting facts on color; while many are based in science, those presented here are intended for entertainment value.

Blue is hands down the "favorite color," probably because it is universal and it is associated with sky and sea. Blue evokes feelings of trust; it is said that people that love blue are dependable and committed. Serene blues are restful colors and can cause the body to produce calming chemicals. Blues can appear "cold" unless paired with warmer colors such as the red and yellow families. Blue is not a favorable color to use where food is prepared or served. Studies show that food eaten in blue surroundings is not as appetizing. Have you ever noticed there are no authentically blue foods found in nature?

Green is the second "favorite color." Green is a healing color and a symbol of peace, nature and ecology. Surrounding yourself in a green environment can relax your muscles and make you breath deeper, which has a calming effect. Depending on the shade of green, it can be either warm or cool; the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability.

Yellow is the color of optimism and happiness because of its association with the sun. Yellow activates memory, stimulates the nervous system and is mentally stimulating, which is reportedly why school pencils and buses are yellow. Bright yellow accents are wonderful but use caution when selecting yellow as a wall color. A tiny swatch of yellow paint may appear cheerful and delightful but those deep sunny yellows are often blue-based, which in large doses are anxiety provoking. The selection of an unsuitable yellow, in my experience, is the most common paint selection error homeowners make. Sisal and straw yellows are safe choices for interior walls.

People who love orange are warm, flamboyant and fun loving people. Juicy, vivid, primary orange stimulates appetite and activity, making it a popular color choice in fast food restaurants. Orange is uplifting and has an antidepressant effect. Brown based oranges, such as terracotta and deep pumpkin are very soothing.

Red stimulates your metabolism and respiration due to its primitive association with blood. It is a passionate color and people who love red tend to be impulsive. Red grabs your attention, which is why it is used for stop signs and fire engines. Restaurants use red as it stimulates your appetite and can cause you to spend more money. Red is a powerful color and when used judiciously is very effective.

Purple, considered a royal color, is frequently associated with mysticism and spirituality. It is calming to the nerves, bolsters creativity and is purported to quell hunger.

Brown is a rich and stable color and according to The Color Association is generally popular with wealthy individuals; think mink, cognac, chocolate and caviar. It is also associated with the earth and is a good reliable and orderly color.

White is technically not a color and is composed of all colors in the visible spectrum of light. It projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. It is a color of rebirth and fresh starts. It is a favored color for walls in our area were it works well as a blank canvas for art collections. According to Color Trend (the folks who predict the latest trends in color) white is the new "power color" for 2009.

Peach and pink are tender colors that can induce feelings of fantasy and whimsy. Their sweet association with cotton candy and bubble gum make them popular choices for young girls' rooms. As we mature, the lenses of our eyes begin to take on a yellow cast, making deep peach and coral more agreeable colors. Lively peach is very flattering to more mature skin tones.

Grey is timeless, practical, solid and conservative (think of a classic grey suit). It can be both flat and boring or a soothing neutral depending on what colors you pair it and contrast it with. Grey is trending hot as a neutral for 2009.

Black, which is technically the absence of color, is authoritative and powerful; it is associated with night and death. Because black can evoke strong emotions, too much can be overwhelming. Most colors become stronger when paired with black, so use it as a wonderful accent color.

Color surrounds us and feeds and nourishes our senses. We are profoundly affected by it; mind, body and spirit. Color may be the most powerful and cost effective design tool available. Have fun experimenting with color; there are no right or wrong choices if it makes you happy.

Allegra Dioguardi is the owner of Styled and Sold, LLC, and the author of "Designing to Sell and Designing to Dwell." Questions? Contact her at styledandsold@optimum.net.