WHAT’S IN A COLOR?

WHAT’S in a color?

Aging beauties might need a face lift, but not Mother Nature. She is our inspiring design wizard. And, when she heard a new buzz word for a creative milestone that was popping up in the 30’s she jumped right in to embrace the Golden Age of Hollywood!

But, long before “technicolor,” a significant part of color’s story travels back to the 17th century and the genius of Sir Issac  Newton. You would think that after inventing calculus, gravity and the law of motion, etc. he would take a break, not Sir Issac. He established that the human eye can discern at least ten million colors from an infinite spectrum that he divided into 7 colors.

He thought there must be seven colors in the rainbow and added orange and split purple into indigo and violet because he believed seven was a cosmically significant*, even a ‘magic’ number. The musical scale has seven notes and Newton decided to define seven distinct colors as well.

Interestingly, with today’s technology, the Sherwin Williams paint company is capable of producing 1,700 paint colors! If you’re painting today and you scanned all 1,700, please do not ask your designer or paint store expert, “Do you have any other colors?”

Color can interact to create dynamic or calming experiences. How may times have you said to a friend, “That color looks great on you—makes your eyes look greener, bluer, etc. You should always wear that color.”

Guidelines and tip-offs from nature are abuzz with significant color ways. From one old bird to another—“Always keep your feathers that color!  Brightens your outlook and is definitely uplifting for you!”

Or, the neutral colors of beige, grey, taupe and griege.

From A Cheetah Grandmother—“I taught my family all about their  camouflage shades and said, your chic, neutral palette cloaks you in a perfect safety net.”

                           Always stick with grandmothers!

Sir Issac decided that all colors are derived from the three primary colors—red, yellow, blue. But, in color analysis “less is not more“ because you can mix and mix more. A basic terminology defines color as, when,

• a color is mixed with white, it is a TINT to create a lighter color.
• A color is mixed with grey, it is a TONE.
• A color is mixed color with black, it is a SHADE.

Armed with that knowledge and a lot more, way back in the 80ties, a popular trend focused on your personal color palette by trained Color Analysis Coaches. The Seasonal Color Analysis System was divided it into Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn

They select your your most flattering colors. Friends who feature them in their wardrobes and homes shared how special and confident this program makes them feel.

 

So, for my own global approach to colors, I checked in with friends and created the—                                                           

World’s Smallest Most Insignificant Mini-Survey

• Do you have a favorite color?
• Do you have a color you dislike?
• Does wearing your favorite color influence how you feel?
• Is there a color that helps you feel relaxed?
• Do you have a dominating color in your home?

Their answers were quite enlightening:                                     

BLJB: “Spruce green, “When I wear it, I feel calmness, assurance and enjoy compliments. It was a showstopper in my beloved green and white kitchen; our happy and healthy center of activity. I dislike (emoji) orange.”

BS:  “Red, “I don’t wear red, but it’s my favorite. I like it’s can-do spirit, it’s strength and it’s our heart’s color. My least likable color is gold.”

JJEC: “My favorite colors are the classic pastels—blue, lavender, pink, sea foam green, etc. Years ago, I had my colors done and my designation was Summer. It reinforced my feeling of loving and wearing pastels. I would not wear black and the neutrals are too bland for me.”

MJ: “Blue, all shades of blue. When I had my colors done, I used  maroon and grey-blue accents in our homes. They are my feel-good colors! Yellow is not a good color for me.”

JM: “I like all colors, particularly deep or bright ones. I have to think of a color I don’t like, probably grey.”

BSJC: “The rich, warm colors of Autumn—brown, beige, orange and warm greens. Purple is my pizzazy color and I feel energetic when I wear it. For a relaxed feeling, it’s the shade of white.”

RBB: “I like the power and intensity of red. It livens up interiors and elevates my mood when I wear it. Teal and blue shades are relaxing and restful. I never wear brown and strong colors are highlighted in my home.”

CE: “The full range of blue, along with pink and tan and rust shades. I am a Winter and have maintained wearing those shades. I, completely enjoy them. Orange is not for me.

At least they know what they like!

Our world is a kaleidoscope of colors, transporting us to positive feelings and can reflect our personalities. Color packs a powerful punch and is your personal showcase. Look to Mother Nature, a  most noteworthy teacher!

And remember to—

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SEY SAYS:

Cast restraint aside, the vibrant, stimulating character of red can create dynamic and positive energy. Red fancies center stage.

Splashy orange is a reflection of a strong, flamboyant aliveness that dares not to conform.

Glowing pops of sunshine invalidates dullness. Yellow illustrates artful brilliance, warmth and luminosity.

The luster and splendor of green infuses the natural world around us. Green expresses feelings of soothing coolness and/or vitality.

This palette reaches far into the universe. Blue offers peace-of-mind  and endless horizons.

No need to be a shrinking violet if you love the  purple offerings created from reds and blues that meld into lavender, periwinkle, mauve. Don’t forget, it’s Royalty’s favorite color!

*Wikipedia: Sir Issac Newton

Happy Summer Solstice and Vacation Blaire!