Our world is filled with colors, but they are not just for decoration. Color makes us feel and gives energy to the places we inhabit, the clothes we wear, and the things we like. That isn’t all, as we also relate color to past experiences, and even with our own personalities!
There’s no denying that colors have a huge impact on our moods, but if you don’t believe us yet, we’ve brought some common examples of emotions and mental states we relate them with so you can start to put things into perspective.
There’s no denying that colors have a huge impact on our moods, but if you don’t believe us yet, we’ve brought some common examples of emotions and mental states we relate them with so you can start to put things into perspective.
Feelings of Calm
Have you ever wondered why the sea and nature makes us feel calm? It almost seems instinctive, but blue and green are simply colors that we see as restful. It’s no wonder we relate vegetation, ocean waves, and the environments we find them in with peace.
Of course, this has also been utilized by us to create spaces with similar vibes. Pediatric hospitals, for instance, usually have designs and paintings with light tones of these colors, so as to make children feel at ease when they see their doctor. White and coral also give an unbeatable cozy feeling, which is why we find them in so many home decor items.
Danger and Fear
On the flipside, certain colors may be used to put us on our toes. We’ve learned to relate bold red and yellow colors with road signs and warnings, and we’ve associated black with evil and uneasy feelings due to its connection to darkness for decades. We also see certain dull or ominous colors such as gray during burials and cemeteries, as vibrant colors aren’t appropriate for such environments.
Of course, as much as these colors are often used to trick our minds in horror movies, they’re not necessarily negative in all cases. Black and red make for some of the most daunting color combinations in fashion, and throughout history, we’ve seen black alone as a synonym of elegance as well.
Hunger
This may sound strange, but hear us out! Some colors can really stimulate appetite. Yellow and orange cause’s people to feel the need for food. As such, we often see these two colors in restaurants, hotels, and food locals. Combined with red, they’re some of the most common colors in food marketing as well – just think of the logos of the first fast food franchises that come to your mind!
Why is that, though? Well, for starters, we know yellow is commonly related to feelings of joy and happiness, while orange provides feelings of warmth and enthusiasm. Mix these too inviting colors with a bit of red to put you on alert, and you’ll be hearing your tummy roar in no time.
Love and Affection
It’s impossible to think of a romantic setting that doesn’t feature colors such as red, white, or pink. This is no coincidence, as the three of them represent the things we relate with love and affection. Red is arguably the boldest of colors, and in this context, it represents passion, strength, and desire. White, on the other hand, is related to purity, comprehension, and peace. The combination results in pink, with feelings associated with everything we should strive for in a romantic relationship!
Conclusion
Colors can create and play with our emotions. However, they aren’t limited to a certain feeling, as the context and our own perception of them also play a big part in the way we understand them. Next time you go out, take some time to appreciate the way colors make up the places you love, and when you return, start using them to your advantage!
Colors can create and play with our emotions. However, they aren’t limited to a certain feeling, as the context and our own perception of them also play a big part in the way we understand them. Next time you go out, take some time to appreciate the way colors make up the places you love, and when you return, start using them to your advantage!