Color Theory
Yellows
- Yellows are associated with sunlight and good luck, they are uplifting, joyful colors. They stimulate and enliven, and instill positive, cheerful, energetic feelings. They also encourage flexibility and adaptability. Yellows are connected with the ego, will and intellect. They are associated with mental energy and activity, stimulating the left side of the brain. Yellow activates the motor nerves and can generate energy for muscles.
- Home - Yellows used in kitchens and baths are stimulating and great colors to wake up to. They are also great in areas where studying or homework may occur. They should not be used in bedrooms, where the stimulation may make sleeping difficult. Yellows are a good choice for children who suffer from attention deficit disorder.
- Overuse - Too much yellow can cause excessive mental stimulation, feelings of detachment, and arguments.
- Chakra - Yellow is connected with the Solar Plexus Chakra, which governs the nervous system, metabolism, and emotions.
- Color Therapists - They use yellow for their positive effects on the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and to treat arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, eczema, and constipation.
- Oranges are associated with joy, excitement, creativity, movement and ambition. They have a warming effect, and instill a feeling of playful energy, and celebration. Since orange is a combination of yellow and red, it combines the strength and drive of red with the lighter more thoughtful nature of yellow.
- Home - Orange creates a social atmosphere, related to creativity, excitement, fun, and humor. It is a good color for kitchens and dining rooms, since it can stimulate the appetite. Oranges are a good choice for children who suffer from attention deficit disorder.
- Overuse - Too much orange can lead to irresponsible behavior, nervousness, or restlessness.
- Chakra - Orange is connected with the Sacral Chakra, which govern the digestive system, and sexual organs.
- Color Therapists - They use orange to treat problems like asthma, cold, digestion, thyroid problems, and to stimulate lactation.
- Reds are associated with strength, passion, sexuality, instinct, and vitality. They can instill the feelings of power and security. Red can increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. Magenta is less physical and more spiritual in nature. It can instill feelings of protection, self-respect, and self-awareness. Pink is connected with love, romance, caring and compassion.
- Home - Reds are great in spaces where you want a lot of activity. They are empowering in meeting rooms. They can bring a romantic, cozy feel to a bedroom, however it may make sleeping more difficult. Reds can be effective in a small space where we spend a shorter period of time. Short and quick exposures to red can be enough to give our energy levels a boost. Reds are a good choice for children who suffer from attention deficit disorder. Pink will have a very calming effect in a room.
- Overuse - Too much red can cause exhaustion, fear, aggression, and anger. Too much magenta can be mentally draining and lead to arrogance.
- Feng Shui - Reds are connected with the elements of fire, earth, and wood. They are connected with the wealth, fame, and marriage areas of the Bagua.
- Chakra - Magenta is connected with the Crown Chakra, which governs our spiritual energy.
- Purples are associated with meditation and inspire contemplation. They are soothing and tranquil colors. Violet is connected with insight, dignity, respect, intuition, and clairvoyance. Deep purples are rich and regal colors. Lavenders instill peace and well-being.
- Home - Purples are great in areas for study, but should not be used in a busy or active room. Lavender can become gray looking in rooms that do not have much natural light.
- Overuse - Too much purple is linked to mental fatigue, and stagnation.
- Feng Shui - Purples are connected with the element of wood. They are connected with the wealth area of the Bagua.
- Chakra - Violet is connected with the Brow Chakra, also known as the "third eye", which relates to the mind, knowledge, and governs sensory organs.
- Color Therapists - They use violet to reduce hunger, control irritability, and to calm mental illness.
- Blues are associated with honesty, devotion, hope, and harmony. They symbolize spiritual love, protection, and beauty. They can instill feelings of calm, quiet, serenity, and comfort. Blues slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, ease stress, and enable us to breathe more deeply. These colors are associated with communication, and imagination. Blue is an appetite suppressant, and can aid dieters when using blue dishes.
- Home - Blues used in bedrooms can result in good, restful sleep, and promote better dreams. However, it may be more difficult to wake up in the morning. It can have a soothing effect in the bathroom. Blues are a good choice for children with learning disabilities.
- Overuse - Too much blue can cause feelings of isolation and laziness. It can be over calming, depressing, and can lesson our motivation.
- Feng Shui - Blues are connected with the elements of earth, and wood. They are connected with the wealth, and knowledge areas of the Bagua.
- Chakra - Blue is connected with the Throat Chakra, which governs creative expression, communication, writing, and art.
- Color Therapists - They use blues to calm people, and reduce pain.
- Greens are associated with harmony, honesty, and balance. They are connected with nature and the equilibrium. They can bring luck, happiness, and prosperity to a home. Greens instill a feeling of acceptance and stability. They are associated with kindness, caring, compassion, and sharing. They can help with matters relating to the heart.
- Home - Greens are suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, meditation rooms, and therapy rooms. They can be used to bring nature into the home. Greens are a good choice for children with learning disabilities.
- Overuse - Too much green can lead to confusion and isolation, selfishness, jealousy, depression, indecision, and laziness.
- Feng Shui - Greens are connected with the elements of wood, and earth. They are connected with the knowledge, and family areas of the Bagua.
- Chakra - Green is connected with the Heart Chakra, which governs the heart, blood, and chest.
- Color Therapists - They use green to ease pain, relieve stress, and to treat people suffering from asthma or bronchitis.
- Whites are associated light, purity, grace, cleanliness, innocence and tranquility.
- Home - Used in any space, whites can provide a background for other colors.
- Overuse -- Too much white without relief can result in feelings of emptiness and isolation. Whites can feel unfriendly, sterile, and unapproachable.
- Feng Shui - Whites are connected with the elements of metal, and earth. They are connected with the marriage, children, and helpful people areas of the Bagua.
- Chakra - White is connected with the Crown Chakra, which governs our spiritual energy.
- Browns are associated with the earth. They are the most grounding colors. They can make us feel rooted and connected with the physical world. Browns can be a constant source of energy, making us feel supported and strong. They represent commitment, security, and reliability. Browns are practical and trustworthy colors. Warmer browns are warm and cozy and can be great during winter seasons.
- Home - Wood with natural finishes will introduce shades of brown into a space. They are great to use in any rooms. In an entryway, browns can be warm, and welcoming.
- Overuse - Too much brown can lesson a sense of vitality.
- Black is associated with a feeling of protectiveness, mystery, and the unknown. It is an absorbing and silent color. Grays are associated with neutrality and tranquility. Instead of standing out on their own, they tend to support and influence more vibrant colors.
- Home - Blacks should be used in small quantities along with other colors. Grays are good to use in any space, to help balance the effect of vibrant colors. Grays are a good choice for children with learning disabilities.
- Overuse - Too much black can be draining, negative, overwhelming or depressing. It can soak up energy and vitality.
- Feng Shui - Blacks are connected with the elements of metal, water, and earth. They are connected with the helpful people, career, and knowledge areas of the Bagua. Grays are connected with the element of metal. They are connected with the helpful people area of the Bagua.
Chakras Chakras are energy centers of the body. There are seven major chakras located at points from the top of the head to the base of the spine. The points may vary slightly from person to person. The intake of colors can effect our chakras, influencing our mental, physical, and emotional health.
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