Colour Psychology

Brown is my black. I love it’s earthy, substantialness and it’s subtle calming effect when used in lighter shades. Brown feels natural, grounded, stable and reliable. There isn’t much that’s flighty or unreliable about brown is there? If used in the right proportion brown can feel balanced (I love to combine it with green or lilac) and there are the obvious organic connotations too.

It’s a very down to earth colour that signifies stability and reassurance. It’s practical, honest, genuine and sincere as well as being warm, industrious and sensual. It’s a hardworking colour, wholesome and values quality above anything else. It encourages orderliness and organisation, although not necessarily perfectionism. Brown isn’t a flashy colour, but it is certainly quietly confident.

Negatively many people dismiss brown as being boring, staid and heavy. And it can indicate instability or unreliability. It can also indicate a lack of sophistication, stinginess or materialism.

Bell: Cox & Cox, Stationery & Twigs: Brides; all other images: Martha Stewart

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology

I love orange. It’s a bit of a marmite colour, and when we first explored using orange as a part of the Flourish identity I was pretty resistant. To me orange represented everything that was downmarket and low-frills. Thanks mainly to budget airline Easyjet our view of orange has been tainted in recent years. And pretty unfairly I might add.

Orange is creative, sociable, fun and approachable. It represents abundance, boundless energy, passion and sensuality. It also provides security and physical comfort in the sense of food and warmth.

Negatively one might perceive orange as insecure, frivillous, deprived and lacking in serious. There are also our “conditioned responses” to the colour thanks to it’s use in recent years. I say give orange another go! Many clients are reluctant to even consider it but when combined with skill and flair you can be on to a winner.

Images: all Martha Stewart

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology

Pink is a very feminine energy. Compassionate, warm and nurturing it is more than just a tint of red. Pink combines the passion and warmth of red with the purity and softness of white. It is romantic, intimate and represents procreation, kindness and empathy. It’s soft tones are reassuring, nurturing and intuitive. It also represents hope and optimism.

From the softest blush pinks to the deepest magenta, the deeper the pink the more warmth and passion is communicated. Softer tones are non-threatening, flirtatious even whilst hotter pinks are more playful and sensual.

Pantone’s colour of the year, honeysuckle, is a confident, reddish pink described by the colour institute as “Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.”

Negatively pink can be naive, vulnerable, downmarket and needy. It can feel over-cautious, girlish and lacking in willpower and self worth.

Honeysuckle illustration: PVE Design; Flower: Art.com; Roomsets: Martha Stewart; Bridesmaid (one of the little H’s); bridesmaids (from my wedding); Pink felt hearts: PurlBee; Blackburn Necklace and Clips: Yarwood-White

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology

Gold is rich, opulent, warm and successful. If silver represents the feminine quality of the moon, then gold positively exudes the masculine strength of the sun. Gold is associated with wisdom, enlightenment and power. It’s widely recognised as a symbol of wealth and royalty across the world. Gold represents generosity, compassion and inspires a sense [...]

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Regular readers of our Flourishing Blog probably can’t fail to have noticed our excitement surrounding the relaunch of wedding jewellery design company Yarwood White’s website. We launched the site with a flourish back in December but had been working on the rebrand and reposition of the business for several months prior to planning the website. [...]

Tagged as in Branding, Case Studies, Colour Psychology, From The Studio, Graphic Design, Logo Design, Mood Boards

Silver is a feminine energy that represents reflection, illumination, prestige and wealth. It can be balancing, calming, glamorous or soothing depending on the finish and can indicate wisdom, insight, self control and responsibility. It can also be very dignified and responsible and its illuminative qualities can mean that it reflects energy back – positive or [...]

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology

Ergotonics is a brand new startup business from ex-Army physiotherapist and part time pilates teacher Cameron Angus. Cameron was recommended to us by the lovely Donna of Cobham Pilates who never holds back when it comes to evangelising about the benefits of a powerful brand! Cameron has big plans for his business Ergotonics which will [...]

Tagged as in Branding, Case Studies, Colour Psychology, From The Studio, Graphic Design, Logo Design

White. A non colour? The absence of light? Or a colour in it’s own right? Actually white is a colour, and in colour psychology terms brings with it its own set of characteristics and attributes. Polar white – the stark white of a minimalist apartment or art gallery is as hard to wear and work [...]

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I love turquoise. I love its freshness and ability to brighten up a “safe” palette of colours. In terms of colour psychology it’s fantastic, if a little under-used at times. Turquoise is a mix of blue, green and yellow, and because of that communicates many of their attributes. It radiates the calm, communicative qualities of [...]

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology

Red is a physical colour. It denotes motivation, stamina, courage, warmth, energy, stimulation and excitement. It’s also about strength, excitement and get up and go. It can be wonderful if you use it correctly, and you don’t have to use bright, brash, bold tones to get your message across either. The mood board above mixes [...]

Tagged as in Absolute Essentials of Colour Psychology, Branding, Colour Psychology