1) Red
Passionate, Aggressive, Important.
A dominating colour, that adds gravity and heightened awareness – quite literally, as the colour increases blood circulation, breathing rates, and metabolism. Red can take on a variety of meaning, associated with both love and war, but the unifying factor in all meanings is a sense of importance.
2) Blue
Serene, Trustworthy, Inviting
Blue is the colour of calm and serenity, and as such inspires security and a feeling of safety. Blue is also incredibly versatile; its vibrancy has more drastic effects than other colours. Light blue is the colour of water and the sky, so it generally has a refreshing and free feeling. Darker blues tend to be more sombre.
3) Yellow
Happy, Friendly, Warning
Yellow is a strange colour: it is often associated with happiness, but also activates the anxiety center of the brain. Like red and orange, it’s able to stimulate and vitalize. Bright yellow may have potential negative connotations. Lighter shades play on the happiness aspects while darker shades, including gold, add more weight and give a sense of antiquity.
4) Green
Natural, Stable, Prosperous
Green mostly represents the environment and outdoors, making it the clear choice to suggest nature and an organic quality. As the bridge between stimulating warm colours (red, orange, yellow) and calming cool colours (blue, purple), it is the most balanced of colours, lending it an air of stability.
5) Purple
Luxurious, Mysterious, Romantic
Long associated with royalty, purple creates an air of luxury, even decadence. Using a purple dominantly is a quick way to create a sense of elegance or high-end appeal. Lighter shades of purple bring to mind spring and romance, especially lavender. Darker shades of purple add more mystery, and can even symbolize creativity. Darkening the shade will also turn the romantic elements more sensual.
6) Orange
Playful, Energetic, Cheap
Sharing red’s energizing aspects, but to a safer degree, orange is a good way to add excitement to a site without severity. It is generally playful, and some claim it creates haste and plays on impulse. It can even signify health, suggesting vitality and vibrance.
