Color Your Paradise
Whether you are looking to motivate and energize employees at the office, or create harmonious spaces at home, remember that your color choices will be very influential.
And color is more than paint on walls, it should also be considered with the combinations of upholstery, wallpaper, flooring and lighting.
Contact Paradise Interiors today if you are interested in a Color Consultation for your Home or Business.
RED
In its purest form, think “Brave and Bold, Intense and Passionate, Dramatic and Energetic.” For an earthier edge and subtler drama, use terra cotta, or add white and “think pink” in all its beautiful tones from hot pink to coral.
Red in design is often used to promote high energy and drama. It is often associated with passion and warmth but can also represent danger.
In Feng Shui, red is associated with the element of fire, and can also promote prosperity when used properly.
YELLOW
Yellow: sunny, happy yellow. Most people associate this color with sunshine and light energy. Whether it is shades of intense lemon or creamy butter, yellow generally promotes a sense of well-being and harmony.
The use of yellow in your space can also stimulate the digestive system, and as a result is one of the most popular colors for kitchens.
In Feng Shui, yellow is often used to stimulate mental activity and to improve vitality and can be an appropriate color in offices of family rooms.
BLUE
Aahhh, blue. Aqua blue waters, deep blue skies, mysterious twilight. The color blue is often associated with spirituality, serenity, and relaxation.
Blue is a calming color, and is often used in spaces associated with healing or meditation. Blue can promote clear thinking and enhance learning, whether robin’s egg blue or dark navy.
In Feng Shui, blue is associated with the element of water, if any area in your home (or life) is stagnant or needs calming, using blue items or items representing water to keep communication open.
BLACK
Sophisticated and mysterious or depressing and scary? Technically speaking, black is actually the absence of all color, as it absorbs all aspects of light.
Black is concealing and can have a very powerful effect on emotions. The use of black, or deep gray, can promote a feeling of protection and security. But, it can also aggravate loneliness and depression.
In Feng Shui, black is associated with the water element, and can be a great source of inspiration. Blank represents mystery and independence and should be used sparingly to avoid feelings of oppression.
WHITE
Purity, innocence, crystal clear clarity, coldness. Whatever the association, white is all color – the complete presence of light.
White is often used to “cleanse” and is the number one color used by rental companies to freshen up homes between ownership. Whether soft ivory or icy white, this color is a great purifying color, and can encourage clear thinking with emotional detachment.
In Feng Shui, white is linked to the element of metal, and brings with it qualities of leadership and creativity.
ORANGE
Orange is also a powerful color, but more controlled tan red. It is considered a healing color and is said to stimulate enthusiasm and creativity.
If you are drawn to the color orange, you may also be rather curious, and enjoy exploring new things. Use orange in spaces where you wish to stimulate creativity, or just to keep things from becoming too serious.
In Feng Shui, orange encourages intellect, communication, and concentration.
GREEN
Green is nature’s hallmark, and symbolizes growth, fertility, and freshness. Adding the color green to your space can be soothing and balancing, whether it is apple green or soft sage.
Green symbolizes self-respect and well-being, and can also represent learning, growth, and harmony.
In Feng Shui, green is associated with the element of wood, and therefore can also be in the form of natural materials (wicker, bamboo, bare wood) if you are not a “green” person.
PURPLE
Regal and powerful, berry rich, lavender scented. Purple is said to be the color of good judgment, and it is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Like blue, purple is another good color to use in meditation.
In Feng Shui, the effect of purple depends on whether the shade you choose has more red or blue. Reddish-purples tend towards “fire,” and can bring more passion in the space in which they are used. Bluish-purples tend towards “water” and can be more soothing and calming.
BROWN
Stability, earthiness, neutral. Ranging from the palest beiges to rich chocolate, brown is one of the most versatile colors to use.
The use of brown in your space can create a feeling of warmth and comfort, but if you associate it with dullness and depression, you are better off using neutral versions instead, if at all.
In Feng Shui, the color brown is associated with the Earth, and provides a grounding effect to promote security and foster healthy relationships. Natural materials such as wool, cotton, linen, brick, and earthenware also encourage Earth energy.
METALLICS
Copper, Silver, Gold, Bronze, Brass, Iron. Shiny, polished, aged, rubbed … so many moods.
The function of metallics (and metallic colors) in interior design used to be to accentuate other colors. Now, subtle metallic paint finishes can cover entire rooms, lending an air of sophistication without too much shine.
In Feng Shui, inspires creativity, symbolizes fruition and financial reward. Gold is often associated with the sun and with metal and financial wealth. Silver is associated with the moon, and is a cooler, calmer energy.