Emerald Named 2013 Color of the Year

Last year’s Tangerine Tango has been danced off the floor by 2013’s color of the year—Emerald, a vivid verdant green, according to Pantone, a global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries.
 
Green has long been viewed as a color of well-being, balance, healing, unity and growth. In its jewel presentation, it is sophisticated and luxurious. And its pervasiveness in nature makes it a color that is prevalent in nearly every culture.
 
Greens appear in the Pantone fashion color report this year as a fresh tone—extraordinary when paired with white, and equally beautiful in softer versions like grayed jade.
 
What’s your favorite 2013 color? If you want to register your vote, take the color survey and see how your choices compare with others.

Image Source: www.pantone.com

Color Counsel: A Monochromatic Scheme Can Be Chic

A monochromatic color scheme uses shades (created by adding black to a color) and tints (created by adding white) of a single color resulting in a clean and elegant look. This color palette is soothing to the eyes and works especially well with green or blue hues. It is easy to get right and has a sense of authority to it. The primary color can also be used with neutral colors like black, white or gray.

The only downfall to a monochromatic color scheme is that it lacks the contrast of a complementary color scheme and is not as vibrant. But don't be afraid to try this when you're wanting a sophisticated but cost-effective look.

Color Psychology: The Color White Can Sometimes be Right

"White is not a mere absence of color, it is a shining and affirmative thing..." —G. K. Chesterton

White most often represents purity, clarity, innocence and simplicity. It expresses silence, the suspension of hostility and peace. White is a conciliatory color. The human eye is very sensitive to even minute differences in whiteness, and as it does have an ample presence, white should not be considered to be a neutral color. It may be considered a clean, spotless, sterile color, but it is not warm.

• White: pure, clean, elegant, essential, pristine, spotless, innocent, silent, lightweight, airy, bright, ethereal, clarity, simplicity (sterile, cold, clinical)

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Color Psychology: Blue is the Color of Calm and Constancy

"Blue very profoundly develops the element of calm." —Vasily Kandinsky

Maybe there's a reason that blue is the #1 choice for corporate branding and identity, as many hope to cash in on the intrinsic belief that blue represents constancy, quality and achievement. It's also safe, secure and calming—and universally liked.

 

Blue often brings to mind the serenity of a clear, cloudless sky, a calm sea and a feeling of familiarity. 

Blue became the color of respected honors, like the blue ribbon of quality and skill.  It is also a popular color that is safe—and less controversial than some others.

 They're probably out there, but we've rarely met a male executive who didn't like blue.

• Light Blue: calm, quiet, patient, peaceful, cool, water, clean
• Sky Blue: calming, cool, heavenly, constant true, tranquil, trusting, serene, expansive, open
• Bright Blue: electric, energy, brisk, vibrant, flags, stirring, impressive, aquatic, exhilarating
• Periwinkle: genial, lively, sprightly, convivial, cordial
• Deep Blue: credible, authoritative, basic, conservative, classic, strong, reliable, traditional, uniforms, service, nautical, loyal, confident, professional, introspective (can also be seen as aloof, distant, melancholy)

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Color Psychology: The Hidden Meanings in Purple

 

The most magical and intriguing color, purple pairs meditative blue with explosive red. It is a complex color and not often appreciated by left brained, analytical thinkers. Purple is often a great alternate when either blue or red seem an obvious choice.

 

Purple is often an acquired taste, like many of the flowers and foods that bear it's hue. In ancient times, only the very wealthy could afford to buy purple garments, as the dyes were extracted from tiny mollusks and it took about 336,000 of the tiny snails to yield one ounce of dye. Thus purple became the color of kings, queens, nobles and wealthy, powerful patrons. The color also took on certain mystical, heavenly, transcendental or spiritual properties.

• Lavender: romantic, nostalgic, fanciful, lightweight, lightly scented, playful
• Mauve: wistful, sentimental, thoughtful, feminine
• Amethyst: curative, protective, peace of mind
• Blue Purples: contemplative, meditative, spiritual, soul-searching, intuitive, mysterious, enchanting
• Red Purples: sensual, thrilling, intensely exciting, dramatic, creative, witty, expressive
• Deep Purples: visionary, rich, royal, prestigious, subduing, distant, introspective (aloof)

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Color Psychology: Brown Doesn't Have to be Boring

"There is, after all, safety in umbers." —Leatrice Eiseman

 

Historically, brown has been the color most identified with the earth and hard work. It was seen as pious, economical and industrious by religious and Puritan moralist groups. Brown has been seen as a benign and non-threatening color. Through the years, the color has taken on new meanings. Embraced by sporting enthusiasts, it has come to popularity with hunters, fishers, bikers, hikers and campers. But brown also has the ability to expand appetite—think cappucino, espresso, chocolate mousse, caramel and hot fudge. In addition, brown has captured the fashionable luxury goods market.

 

Don't be too quick to dismiss brown as boring!

• Tans: rugged, outdoor, rustic, woodsy
• Chocolate/Coffee Brown: delicious, rich, robust, appetizing
• Earth Brown: earthy, grounded, steady, rooted, wholesome, warm, durable, natural, traditional

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Color Psychology: Know When to Use Neutrals

 

"The inner equilibrium of Cezanne's paintings, which are never insistent or obtrusive, produces this calm almost velvety air." —Rainer Maria Rilke, referring to the color gray

 

Grey is the truly perfect neutral—the middle ground between black and white. This is why color matching is best done against a gray background. It is a difficult color to find in nature, as things that often appear gray from a distance are usually complex mixtures of other hues.

 

Because of its perceived neutrality, gray has connotations of responsibility, fairness, loyalty, accountability and wisdom. This translates well in the corporate world where those are desirable attributes.

Silver is the more exciting, metallic version of gray. In addition to evoking a feeling of fluidity and motion, it suggests stylishness and class.

 

Taupe and beige share many of the attributes of gray, but are warmer and sometimes lighter. They are thought of as authentic, organic, modest and unobtrusive. Hues of taupe and beige have a timelessness and basic lack of "trendiness" that fosters a confidence in the longevity of the shades.

 

Off-whites are another important sector of the neutrals. They have a subtle, stylishly elegant and classic connotation attached to them, and have come to suggest environmental responsibility. They have often symbolize sustainable resources such as natural fibers and recycled paper products.

 

The hard-working neutrals are an often used tool for those who work with color. Their flexibility and staying power make them an important part of your color mix.

• Neutral Grey: Classic, sober, corporate, practical, timeless, quality, quiet, neutrality, logical, deliberate, reserved, fundamental, basic, modest, efficient, dutiful, methodical.
• Charcoal Grey: Steadfast, responsible, staunch, resolute, restrained, conservative, professional, classic, sophisticated, solid, enduring, mature; Depending on context, they can also read dull, conformist or detached.
• Taupe: Classic, neutral, practical, timeless, quality, basic, authentic, organic, versatile, inconspicuous, understated, discreet, compromising, modest; be careful to pair it with colors that keep it from appearing bland.
• Ivory/Cream: Classic, neutral, soft, warm, comforting, good taste, smooth, subtle, natural.
• Silver: Sleek, classy, stylish, modern, cool.

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Color Psychology: Make a Statement With Orange

When oranges were introduced to Europe, they were known as the fruit of the gods, emperors and kings. They quickly became popular in fine art and represented exotic lands. By the mid 20th century, however, the color orange lost popularity with the elite and came to represent fast food restaurants. It is currently enjoying a new popularity in web, industrial design and consumer products.

Orange adds zest and is suggestive of tangy, spicy foods. Because of its close ties to red, orange is a physical, high-visibility color that demands attention. However, its connection to yellow tames it, making it a more friendly and warmer color than red. It is gregarious, fun-loving, optimistic and a favorite of children.

Wondering if orange is the right color for your business? Consider the many faces of orange:

• Peach: nurturing, soft, delicious, fruity, sweet, inviting, warm, intimate, modest
• Coral: life force, energizing, flexible, desire
• Tangerine: vital, juicy, fruitful, energizing, tangy
• Vibrant orange: fun, whimsical, childlike, happy, glowing, hot, energizing, active, friendly, jovial, persuasive, animated, loud, raucous, frivolous
• Ginger: spicy, flavorful, tangy, pungent, exotic
• Terra Cotta: earthy, warm, country, wholesome, welcoming, abundance

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Color Psychology: The Facts About Black

"Black is beautiful." —Huey Newton

Black will always have a presence, not only in the world of fashion, but in all design disciplines. Adding black to a color or design adds impact, depth, weight, substance and even subtlety.

Black wields a strong presence and is perceived as powerful, stylish, contained, modern and yet classic.

 

Of course, black is often an accent color that takes on variations in meaning based on the color with which it is paired. As you choose black in your design, consider the moods it conveys: power, elegance, sophistication, boldness, mystery, strength, luxury, magic, darkness, seriousness or prestige.

 

Use black whenever you want to convey these attributes, but remember that quantity and context can influence the overall impact.

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Color Psychology: What does yellow say?

"Follow the yellow brick road..." —Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz"

As the color of the sun, yellow owns the attributes of heat, vitality, energy and light. This extroverted color is confident, friendly, warm and inspires the imagination. Yellow is an important color in human development, as one of the most attractive colors to an infant's eye. It is also the color that is most visible, heightens awareness and creates clarity. Because of its ability to attract attention, yellow is often used in signage, point of purchase displays and packaging.

Consider the meaning of various shades of yellow as you select colors to support your messages:

• Light yellow: cheering, happy, soft, sunny, warming, sweet, easy, pleasing,
• Bright yellow: illuminating, joyful, hot, lively, friendly, energetic, innovative, surprise, caution (cowardice, betrayal, hazard)
• Golden yellow: nourishing, buttery, tasty, sun-baked, hospitable, comfort
• Amber: jewelry, multi-cultural, mellow, abundant, original, autumn
• Metallic gold: rich, glowing, intuitive, luxurious, opulent, expensive, radiant, valuable

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