by Alizah Grace

Created on: April 20, 2007

Calming Colors in Design

A number of things are responsible for instigating the senses. Among them, color is one of the most integrative and subliminal means of creating mood. Color theory suggests that cool colorsthe blues, the greens, the neutralsare the most calming and comforting hues that may be used.

Blue
Blue is our most universal color, as depicted in nature's skies and waters. Its calming and steadfast effects convey strength and care, assisting in the induction of sleep. Many cultures believe that blue represents peace in its ability to shun evil spirits from the premises. In today's corporate world, intelligence, stability and conservatism are represented by dark blue. For instance, banks commonly employ a combination of blues light and dark to convey trust and truthfulness. Its calming and nurturing characteristics are married to environmental friendliness when robin's egg blue and sky blue are employed.

Green
Green is symbolic of life, as nature's abundance of vegetations signifies growth, renewal and health. Like blue, its peaceful attributes are coupled with its representative devotion to rejuvenation. Often associated with spring, green and blue coupled together are life's sustaining duowithout that balance, all existence would cease. New beginnings are packaged in the language of green, a tinted synonym for freshness and nourishment.

Turquoise
Turquoise's mixture of blues and greens implies sweet femininity, the touch of harmonization and peace. As a blending of the two, turquoises employ the same calming nature blues and greens exude. Mostly associated with water, aqua and aquamarine are other words that imply turquoise.

Gray
Gray's elegance stems from its balanced neutrality, a cool and conservative color that rarely evokes an emotion but instead accents stronger hues. Lighter grays tend to indicate a feminine feel, while darker grays exude masculinity.

Silver
Silver is similar to gray's qualities, but a bit more playful. A cool metal, it often symbolizes riches, grace and wisdom. In correct amounts, silver's versatility allows for earthiness, naturalness, sleekness or elegance.

White
White is the ultimate neutral, almost a color of its own. Alone, it signifies purity, cleanliness and innocence. Paired with other colors, it is viewed as neutral backdrops to the colors that convey stronger emotions in design. Its softness denotes spring, while its duality as both delicate and stark is useful in interiors.

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