Quick Guide to Color Effects and Meanings

Written by Breiana Cecil-Satchwell on April 17, 2006

5 elements based on colors Karle Blackwell from Denver Colorado, is about to redecorate her home, she emailed me with a very interesting and important question that should help a lot of you out there that are ready for a change. She was interested in the meaning of certain colors, “What are the effects and what are the meanings of certain colors?” she asked.

Well, here is a short breakdown of colors and there denotation.

Color in design is both fundamental and complex. It has physiological effects. It has psychological effects. Feng Shui designers would say it has numinous effects. This is your quick guide to color.

- ‘S’ stands for the symbolism behind color, metaphysics, etc…

- ‘P’ stands for physical effects (psychologically, physiologically).

Green
P	calming, soothing, safety, endurance
S	the color of Earth, wood, and the East, growth, hope, luck, and fertility

Yellow
P	joy, happiness, warmth, creativity
S	the center of the earth, late summer, attracts attention and friendship, longevity and prosperity

Red
P	anger, hunger, competitiveness, passion, strength
S	the color of fire and the South, attracts good luck, love, and personal power

Purple
P	light purple can bring about creative and romantic feelings, while dark purple can evoke sadness
S	the color of royalty, spirituality, magic, and mysticism

Blue
P	calmness, stability, appetite suppressant
S	associated with water and depth, health, sincerity, and intellect

Brown
P	calm, hunger, thirst
S	associated with the earth, soil, fertility, growth, and abundance

Black
P	fright, instability, inferiority
S	representative of water and the North, formality, death, grief, and solitude

White
P	Cleanliness
S	representative of the air, metal, the West, purity, devotion, and safety

Yet another vast subject that I’ve merely scratched the surface of! Expect more to come!

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About the Author: Breiana Cecil-Satchwell

Cecil-Satchwell graduated Cum Laude from Ball State University in May 2005 with a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design and a secondary study in Studio Art. While at university, Breiana gained experience working as the Resource Librarian for the Interior Design Department, the Gallery Assistant for the B.S.U. Art Gallery and as an intern with the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 2004. She has since worked as an Interior Designer for Williams Sonoma Home Store in Indianapolis, IN. Breiana is an avid enthusiast of the art and design world and intends on and looks forward to continuing her contribution to the industry.

See all posts by Breiana Cecil-Satchwell