Serene blue. Imagine a blue ribbon, the proverbial blue moon, the Blue Mountains, or a blue suit. These images can be associated with being calm, peaceful, tranquil, trustworthy, loyal, conservative, responsible, gentle, sensitive, and conscientious. Blue evokes a calming spirit, combats tension, cultivates conservatism, endorses accomplishment, facilitates deliberation, offers serenity, promotes thoughtfulness, provides introspection, offers a soothing nature, suggests a cool environment, supports relaxation, and underscores devotion.

The serene color of blue in contrast to other colors Photo: Used under license from Shutterstock.com

 

In varying cultures, we find some notable differences in the symbolism of blue:

• Egypt: virtue, ward off evil, truth and justice
• Mexico: mourning
• United States: dependability, trust, authority, melancholy

Cool colors from this area of the palette include robin's egg, azure, delft, sky, denim, blueberry, royal, periwinkle, cobalt, ultramarine, and navy. These colors fit well into banks and financial institutions, conference rooms, detainment centers, law enforcement areas, library environments, meeting rooms, prison cell locations, private office areas, religious environments, stressful atmospheres, treatment rooms, and waiting areas. Blue is also an industrial safety color identifying electrical components.

Inspirational violet. Purple or violet shows up in things like a Purple Heart medal, violet satin robes, violet agate crystals, and violet lighting effects. People associated with this color can be thought of as unique, creative, glamorous, observant, talented, temperamental, artistic, mysterious, imaginative, and inventive. Violet allows meditation, balances thought, suggests a contemplative nature, cultivates dignity, has an ecclesiastical nature, encourages purpose, expresses mystery, fosters a feeling of reverence, produces intuitive understanding, invites surprise, has an opulent nature, promotes elegance, can have a sensitive nature, and suggests intimacy.

The inspirational color violet in interior and exterior settings Photo: Used under license from Shutterstock.com

 

Many cultures assign a variety of connections to violet and purple:

• Israel: power
• Egypt: virtue and faith
• United States: bravery, courage (military)

Cool colors from this area of the palette include iris, amethyst, lilac, orchid, purple, lavender and plum. They are effectively used in churches and places of worship, enchantment theme spaces, entertainment environments, festive areas, gift shop areas, lecture hall locations, lobby and entrance areas, magical environments, museum areas (non gallery), perfume and cosmetic sales areas, shopping centers, and spa facilities. Purple is also the industrial safety color for radiation, when incorporated with yellow.