Decoding the spectrum: key understandings and applications

 

You might not always realize it but far from being simple pigments, colours can influence our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. In the intriguing field of colours psychology, researchers have been looking for answers to help us understand the intimate link between the human nature and the mysterious yet influential language of colours.

It is important to note that cultural differences can influence how we perceive and react to colours, however it doesn't make them less impactful. In colour therapy for example, it is believed that exposure to specific colours and lights induce physiological responses that can be used to treat some mental and health conditions.

If the therapeutical effect of colours is still an area of ongoing studies, the marketing business has long been leveraging the effects of colours to influence consumer decisions. Embedded in our minds are connotations; consider black and white for example, without having to think too much about it, you'll probably associate black to business, glamour, status and wealth, while white is evocative of purity, cleanliness, and transparency. 

So, before looking into how we can apply this knowledge to our advantage, let's explore the rainbow of associations:

 

Red is the colour of passion and therefore represents both love and anger. Full of energy and excitement, it can also refer to a sentiment of urgency. 

 

Orange symbolize enthusiasm, warmth, and friendliness. It is an eye-catchy colour that is playful and stimulating, often associated with youth and vitality.

 

Yellow can be bright and intense like the sun. It relates to happiness, optimism, and spontaneity. It can easily grab the attention but due to how it reflects light it can also create visual fatigue.

 

Green is the easiest colour for the eyes and is conveniently a dominant colour in nature, hence why it is a symbol of growth, harmony, healing, relaxation and even luck. It is a motivating colour in association to having “the green light” on doing something, but can also depict the less desirable feeling of jealousy as being “green with envy”.

 

Blue is frequently named as a favourite colour and can have a spiritual aspect as it relates to the water element. It represents trust, calmness, serenity, and stability while also conveying authority, dependability, and security. Sometimes is it associated to the feeling of loneliness and sadness.

 

Indigo is known as the “blue gold” of dye and is evocative of mystery and depth. It is seen as a symbol of intuition, perception, and contemplation. As it implies a sense of deeper consciousness it is associated to sincerity and integrity.

 

Violet colour is connected to royalty and is a symbol of luxury, power, and ambition. It can evoke sophistication, uniqueness and also refers to creativity and the divine. 

 

As you reflect on the colours that are speaking to you the most, remember that they are more than just a visual element and that you can utilize this knowledge as a tool in many ways.


Here is a list of 5 key applications of the psychology of colours to give yourself a little nudge:


1. Boost your mood

Sometimes you wake up feeling “meh” and it can potentially ruin your whole day. It is a great opportunity to look at your wardrobe with an insightful eye and pick an outfit that is going to lift your mood. It doesn't have to be bold pink look if it's not your style, but consider your “happy” hues to create a satisfying look. You can also play with accessories like a cute yellow scarf or a punchy orange bag.


2. Reduce stress

As we've seen, green is a powerful colour to induce relaxation as is nature. But if you are not nearby any green space you can consider wearing a colour to support peace of mind like blue or green. The lighter is the shade, the more calming it is so sage green, lilac or Baker-Miller pink are perfect choices.


3. Make a lasting impression

If you are going for an interview, it is generally recommended to set aside bold tint unless you want to make a statement. Shades of blue that suits your carnation however are your go-to to show trust and stability, allowing you to show more personality with accessories. 


4. Enhance performance

When you need to perform at work, at the gym or any event when it is fundamental that you feel at your best, it is worth looking at which colour will support you through your endeavour. Red is energy boosting and can help you be assertive, while blue tints can improve focus and endurance. Linked to intimidation, black can also be a relevant choice particularly in sports.  


5. Interior Design matter

When designing spaces, whether it is at home or at work, think about what activities each room is promoting and pick the adequate colours palette and elements like plants and art. Beyond aesthetic, you need a design that work with your brain. A somewhat plain environment filled with neutral or white might be unstimulating and counterproductive if you are looking to promote creativity or collaboration, where touches of yellow and cool tones of orange would work best. In the same way, you might feel more relaxed and prone to sleep in a bedroom painted in shades of blue or green rather than red. 

 

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