Let’s start with some basic colour symbolism you might be familiar with. You might like to save this link for a handy reference.
We often see some of this symbolism referred to in Western interior design magazines. These interpretations are common but are constantly evolving across cultures and circumstances.
Colours of the earth and water:
- Green signifies spring, rebirth/regeneration, but embraces a wide range from envy to holiness. The temperature of green varies. The traditional gender association (“TGA”): neutral.
- Blue signifies expansion or continuity (sky or ocean), eternity, or rebirth through baptism. As a cool colour, it recedes. TGA: feminine.
Colours of the universe:
- Red and Yellow are associated with the Sun. Temperature depending on Intensity. TGA: male.
- White is associated with the Moon. TGA: varies.
Earth, once more so associated with Green (nurturing regeneration) has an evolving image, now considered also The Blue Planet.
Colours of emotion:
- Red is associated with boldness, anger, blood and war, … even sin. Temperature is warm. Through confrontation, hot colours advance. At its most extreme, red is associated with the sun and scorching; at a lesser degree, it implies fertility, life, vitality, festivity, and wholistic cleansing. TGA: masculine.
- Green has traditional shades associated with envy, but others imply moderate, calm and relaxation symbols of growth and renewal.
- Yellow is associated with the mineral Gold, and wealth and spirituality, but also caution, cowardice and treachery. Light shades of yellow might imply sunlight, with its radiance and cozy warmth related to survival as well.
- Blue implies coolness, and signifies relaxation but also the reflective possibility of sadness and mystery.
