Colors and Their Common Associations

By Rosemary Sadez Friedmann
Scripps Howard News Service

As soon as we're old enough to know our colors, we start to have favorites. Ask any 4-year-old what color they like and they'll tell you in a nanosecond. And just as there are individual color preferences, there also are strong associations with each of the basic colors that are shared by almost everyone.

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Red walls set the tone for this dramatic design.

Red, for example, is viewed as an exciting, dramatic and rich color. Think of the associations with the words "red carpet treatment." Red also is passionate; think of "The Lady in Red." And it stimulates the appetite; think of your favorite Italian restaurant.

The darker shades of red such as burgundy and maroon have a rich and stately feeling about them; think of the Victorian era. A front door painted burgundy is dramatic and inviting.

Here are some of the other colors and their associations:

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This kitchen is all-out orange with walls and accessories sporting the playful hue. See two more orange-infused rooms here.
  • Orange gives off a cheerful aura. It is bold and exciting, friendly and informal. The dark, muted version if orange is rust. Rust colors in the living room or family room are inviting and give a feeling of casualness.
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This Sensible Chic makeover room is awash in pale yellow for a soothing monochromatic design. Read on for more info on this makeover and the top-dollar room that inspired it.
  • Yellow is the most visible color. That's why you see so many street signs in yellow. Pastel yellows are happy without being overpowering and make for a nice, cheerful backdrop when the room's walls are painted in this hue. Gold tones create an atmosphere of richness or can be construed as antique such as in Colonial days where every room had a touch of gold.
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    Tossing and turning at night? Try a soft shade of blue on the walls. Find out more about this room here.
  • Blue is America's favorite color. It has a universal appeal because it reminds us of blue skies and deep blue oceans. There's a feeling of serenity and openness with blue. There is also a feeling of power with blue; think of a navy suit on an executive. Blue works well in bedrooms and on the exterior of a house and comes across crisp and clean if trimmed with white.