Colour Psychology2

COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

 

COLOURS INFLUENCE OUR CHOICES AND CHANGE OUR FEELINGS BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY

 

The following information refers to primary, or base colours, which are often used minimally or as a feature accent.

 It is fascinating to consider such an array of stimulation, when relating to decorating the interior of your home or workplace.

 

Studies as far back as the 1930s show that people associate colours with specific feelings. Colours can even change the way drugs work- the colour blue makes for better sedatives, while red makes stimulants more effective.

 

PRIMARY COLOURS-

 

YELLOW:  Cheerful or warm, creates mental stimulation

                     Most likely colour to strain eyes or cause eye fatigue

                     Makes babies cry- so best to avoid colouring the nursery with a bright sun, or 

                     sunflower curtains

 

The happiest colour in the spectrum also increases the metabolism, and gives the body a surge of energy.

 

BLUE:  The colour most preferred by men

               Calmness or serenity- lowers blood pressure and regulates the pulse

               Most used colour for offices

               Associated with water and peace

 

Encourages the mind to think outside the box and to be productive and boost performance.

It also curbs the appetite, because it reminds the mind of sterility.

 

 

 RED: Evokes strong emotions

           Encourages appetite

           Passion or intensity

           Stimulates our nervous system, increasing blood pressure and pulse

 

Although it enhances the brains attention to detail, studies show that red can make you do poorly in exams, because it associated with danger, and decreases motivation.

 

GREEN:  Promotes inner tranquillity

                  Connects the mind to trust and good health

                  Balance and harmony, soothing

                  Lowers blood pressure

 

Suitable for meditation and contemplation as it increases equilibrium

A 2012 Harvard university study showed that food items that were labelled in green evoked a sense of healthiness, and sales shot up. In contrast with the same items labelled in Red, which declined in sales.

 

ORANGE:  A lively colour that excites the brain

                     Causes a person to become enthusiastic

                     Relates to social communication

                     Aids digestion

 

A deeper shade will indicate warmth and a brighter shade will indicate caution.

 

Job centres in the UK had an orange colour scheme, they wanted to be inviting and encourage people to come in, but they did not want people to linger for extended periods of time.

 

 PINK: Calm and warming colour, inspires confidence

             Used to signify love, femininity and womanhood

             Considered youthful and fun

 

In the late 1970s psychologists discovered that the colour calmed children down in Canadian schools. As a result, some prisons paint certain jail cells pink, to calm down their most aggressive prisoners.

 

PURPLE: Spirituality

                   Imagination

                   Encourages creativity

 

The colour of royalty, wealth and success. Many kings wore purple robes as did Roman emperors. The purple dye was extremely expensive. Lighter purple, or Lavender, will calm a person who is in an anxious or nervous state, and allows them to relax.