Expert eye The psychology of colour

A LEADING colour expert says there is a reason why we are attracted to certain colours over others.

Greenhouse Interiors founder Julia Green says we all have our favourite colours but most people have never stopped to consider why they are drawn to certain shades.

“As a colour lover in the strongest sense, it is the boldest, brightest hues which have my heart,” Julia says.

“And this all has to do with the emotions they evoke.”

Julia says Oscar Wilde summed it up when he said, “Mere colour can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.”

Over time, Ms Green has learnt to tune into the psychology that different colours promote.

“I know that when creativity is calling me, yellow is the colour to surround myself with,” she said.

“Or, if I am feeling somewhat melancholy, I will look to the moody hues of navy and indigo.”

“It’s a fascinating subject that’s well worth exploring.”

TICKLED PINK

Pink conceptualises romance, flowers and femininity, and it symbolises hope and awareness. Variations of pink can range from calming to stimulating – while bright pink can add energy and stimulate creativity, a toned-down palette of pale pink can be soothing.

GOING GREEN

A personal favourite of mine, green is peaceful on the eye, creates harmony, balance and positivity while renewing and restoring depleted energies. This all makes perf

ect sense – after all, green is the shade to symbolise life.

MELLOW YELLOW

Yellow is a great choice for a study or other learning environment thanks to its ability to support clarity of thought. As one of the more uplifting colours of the spectrum, yellow shines with hope, happiness and fun, yet also awakens creativity, optimism and enthusiasm.

INTO THE BLUE

Blue, in its many and varied formats, is timeless and delivers a breath of fresh air. Mid-blue brings contentment, calmness and peace to interiors, while darker shades talk to power and authority.

RED HOT

Red is strong-willed, powerful and energetic. This colour possesses leadership qualities, symbolises confidence, creates exciting emotions and is associated with determination. Due to its intensity, red is best used with restraint, as it is also the colour to signify danger.

PURPLE PATCH

Purple seems to polarise like no other colour. But whatever your take on this regal hue, it has the ability to support an innovative and creative mind. A shade which lends itself to minimal settings, purple is a touch mystical and works to stimulate dream activity.