Psychology
of Color
We
know that choosing a color that is right
for you can be a daunting task and we hope to make the
task a little easier for you. Most people are not afraid
of color, just of choosing the wrong color. Color can make
you feel relaxed, happy, hungry, content or sad. Color
as a tool will offer benefits that can increase the value
of your home or help you lose weight.
Black
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in
fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also
stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests
wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts
say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black
outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem
aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White
reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular
in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral,
and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is
therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors
and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster
heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red
clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier.
Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people
in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets
for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent.
Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it
will attract attention.
The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports
teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams
bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most
popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red.
Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming
chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also
be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing
blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People
are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters
are able to handle
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Green
Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature.
It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It
is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV
sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use
green because it relaxes patients. Dark green is masculine, conservative,
and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use
green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring
bad luck.
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. It is considered an
optimistic color, but if the shade or value is too bright people
lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry
more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it
can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence
its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple
The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication.
It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in
nature, purple can appear artificial.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature.
Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood
or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to
say brown is one of their favorite colors.
Food
for Thought
While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least
appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that
when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled
objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed
blue is served to study subjects, they lose appetite.
Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors. Red is often
used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite stimulant.
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