Sophisticated cool neutrals - grey and charcoals. These hues are the subdued tones that come from the shorter wavelengths of the spectrum. These colors have the feeling of subtly receding away from us and include shades of frost, grey, charcoal, slate, graphite, onyx, silver and stone. These cool neutral colors imply sophistication, have an introspective nature, create a soothing atmosphere, subdue emotional responses, suggest a subtle cool environment, and a versatile nature. Like the warm neutrals, they work well in commercial facilities, entertainment complexes, factory and industrial areas, museum gallery environments, office complex facilities, recreational locations, shopping areas, and sport venues (with accent).

Sophisticated cool neutrals on exterior building applications Photo: Used under license from Shutterstock.com

 

Grey is the color of stone, grey smoke, grey matter (brain), grey uniforms, and grey owls that can represent a sense of being intelligent, conservative, secure, versatile, stable, sophisticated, dignified, mature, practical, conventional, safe, protected, quiet and calm. In other cultures, grey can also take on other meanings:

• England: half mourning
• China: timeless existence
• Western: boring, dull, plain, sad

White and black. White as snow, white lilies, a white dove, and a white bridal gown suggest a rather consistent association with being pure and innocent. The White House, a white lab coat, and other white uses can also express simplicity, precision, clinical, classical, traditional, freedom, ethereal, reverence, and humility. In various cultures, there is also a common theme related to death, perhaps reflected in a belief of entry to a next life:

• China: death and mourning
• Egypt: strength
• Western: brides, angels, hospitals, doctors, peace

Black is the color of black tuxedos, classic black dresses, black limousines, black sheep, black pianos, and karate black belts. It often says power, formal, elegant, mysterious, anonymity, sophisticated, traditional, wealth, style, prestigious, and classic. In different cultures, it carries a variety of other meanings:

• China: honesty, justice, and prestige
• England: officialdom
• Western: funerals, death, mourning, Halloween, rebellion