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Wassily Kandinsky, once commented, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” Worldwide artists and interior designers strongly believe that colors affect us mentally and emotionally. Color is a substantial communication tool used to prompt signal, sway mood, and induce physiological reactions. Certain colors are also known to increase metabolism, blood pressure, and eyestrain.
The concept of color psychology is quite relevant in your daily life. Doesn’t blue make you feel calm and efficient? Don’t we all feel emotionally strong and optimistic in a yellow-hued environment? Colors do accompany the changes of the emotions.
So, what is this whole brouhaha about color work? How does it influence your mood and behavior? Let’s explore the following basic color palette to know more.
Red
Related Dimension: Physical
Red has the longest wavelength and attracts our eyeballs first. It also has the property to appear nearer or more visible to the eyes. Hence, red is used in traffic lights all over the world. The color has a physical effect; it stimulates our pulse rate and can activate our ‘fight or flight’ instincts. Red is strong and masculine. However, overexposure of the color can cause aggression and resistance.
Other Positive Attributes: Physical Courage, Strength, Warmth, Energy, Basic Survival, and Excitement
Other Negative Attributes: Visual Impact and Strain
Blue
Related Dimension: Intellectual
Blue has a direct impact on our minds. It promotes clear and lighter thoughts, supports concentration, and calms the mind. It is the color of reflection and clear communication. Unlike red, blue doesn’t appear to be near to us. Time and again, it is proved in research that blue is the world’s favorite color. But, it can be also viewed as unemotional, unfriendly, and cold.
Other Positive Attributes: Intelligence, Trust, Efficiency, Serenity, Duty, and Logic
Other Negative Attributes: Aloofness
Green
Related Dimension: Balance
The color green gives a very restful and relaxed vibe. It strikes the eyes without the need for any adjustment. At the center of the color spectrum, green is the color of harmony and balance. And as the color of nature, it gives us reassurance on a primitive level. Green is also associated with money and emotion envy. Remember, ‘green with envy’? On a negative note, it can be linked with blandness and stagnation.
Other Positive Attributes: Refreshment, Universal Love, Restoration, Environmental Awareness, Equilibrium, and Peace
Other Negative Attributes: Boredom and Fatigue
Yellow
Related Dimension: Emotional
Yellow color has a relatively long wavelength and is an emotionally stimulating color. Hence, yellow is the strongest color, psychologically. It not only boosts our confidence but also make us optimistic. Too much of the color, or perhaps the wrong shade of yellow, can hit our self-esteem and give rise to fear and anxiety. We don’t want to be called ‘a yellow-bellied person’, do we?
Other Positive Attributes: Extroversion, Emotional Strength, Friendliness, and Creativity
Other Negative Attributes: Irrationality, Emotional Fragility, Depression, and Suicide
Seeing the potential of colors, they are used for a variety of purposes. For instance, psychologists use chromotherapy or colorology as an alternative treatment. Research has shown that exposing students to certain colors can influence their test performances. Colors are also capable of influencing the decisions we make. But we still need to research more to understand color psychology better.
References:
http://www.colour-affects.co.uk/psychological-properties-of-colours
