What’s in a colour? The colour psychology of brown
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
