"...MERE COLOR, UNSPOILED BY MEANING, AND UNALLIED WITH DEFINITE FORM, CAN SPEAK TO THE SOUL IN A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS." - OSCAR WILDE

What is your favorite color?

Most of us, even those with limited color perception, have a favorite color. We know that there are certain colors that "feel" sad, or peaceful, or invigorating. So it is not surprising that the belief in the direct connection between specific colors and specific human emotional responses has gained acceptance within the interior design community. Professional designers seek to create spaces that are both expressive and meaningful.

Yet, some of our accepted beliefs about the connection between color and emotion are being challenged by researchers attempting to better understand this relationship. Most of the evidence for causality in the literature, it turns out, is anecdotal, contradictory, or simply misunderstood (Tofle, Schwarz, et al. 2003). Cultural identity and our day-to-day experiences in the world are significant controlling factors in how we perceive and react to colors.

Does this mean that our preconceived notions about color and emotional response are invalid? Not exactly. Our notions are probably not contextual enough. Multiculturalism is blossoming in our societies and our understanding and appreciation of color is constantly evolving. As we design in an increasingly connected world, we are challenged to seek a better understanding of how the colors we use influence human emotion.

The Color Point of View: Issue V online tool offers perspectives on color that are grounded in specific culture, context, and experience. The following color combinations are meant to inspire you to seek a broader understanding of the interaction of context and color perception as a matter of design.

So what is your favorite color? The answer, as Oscar Wilde surely understood, depends.

Tofle, R.B., B. Schwarz, S-Y Yoon, and A. Max-Royale. "Color in Healthcare Environments." The Coalition for Health Environments Research (CHER), 2003

Color Family Chart
restoration	cultivation
enlightenment	authenticity