Getting Color

Color creates an instant impression. Sometimes it’s subtle and subdued while other times it smacks us across the face with its audacity. Colors by themselves create a feeling (e.g. soft yellow is happy, red is bold, lime green is fresh and blue is tranquil), and depending on how those colors are used, they can feel youthful or modern or retro or sophisticated. While we’re often naturally drawn towards certain colors, our preferences can change over time, in part because of current trends and in part because our tastes can shift as we get older.

When I was a kid there were some colors I innately loved and others I unconditionally hated. I went through a pastel loving phase and later a jewel colored loving phase, but I always despised autumn colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange and pea green. It didn’t matter what it was used in, clothing, pillows or dishware, even a hint of these colors made me despise the object in its entirety. I didn’t get it. I didn’t get why anyone would want these terribly drab colors (especially since there were so many other pretty colors to choose from).

Yet, as time has passed I’ve grown to appreciate all colors. Granted some colors are more palatable and more frequently used than others, but there’s a time and a place for any and all colors. While I wouldn’t wear autumn colors (because it would likely make me look sickly), I now appreciate them when used elsewhere. I no longer automatically disregard a color just because I’m not naturally attracted to it because each color has its own purpose. Each color has its own personality that can help to establish a mood and a style for any object or place, and when used correctly, any color can become perfect for its purpose.