Orange is a vibrant color that brings out energy, stimulates emotion, conversation and even hunger.  When I visualize orange I see nature; the sunset, flowers in bloom and turning leaves. When I taste orange, it tastes like sweet citrus or spices.  It is a color that is alive, fun loving and expressive. The Color Orange is inspired by what the painter Kandinsky said when he stated that the color orange is in fact red that has been made more human by the color yellow. I do have a great love for orange. Some may even say that I am a little obsessed with it. It just makes me makes me feel so alive.  While not a good idea for a living room or for bedrooms, this color is great for an exercise room. It will bring out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine. In ancient cultures orange was believed to heal the lungs and increase energy levels. For the other rooms in the house, you will have much more success if it’s tinted, shaded or muted by adding another color.  Mixing white will create orange that is in peach or pastel range.  Adding black will create a rich, browner orange.  Blue, which is the complement to orange, will create shades of grey.

Everything about orange sizzles, so pairing it with neutrals like grey or white will cool it down.

Since orange pulls from yellow and red, it will always make for a spicy color pallet. These three colors together are called analogous.

  Orange and green are truly harmonious.  They are both citrus colors that are found in nature.

Blue is the direct complement to orange on the color wheel.  These two colors together are a winning combination.

Orange is a great way to spice up any room.  Add some excitement with bright orange throw pillows, orange pottery or some orange flowers in a vase. Use orange wallpaper as a feature wall, create stripes, stencil in orange, etc. This way you can introduce bold color without feeling over powered.

Maybe some of you have developed a little crush too!

While red and pink are considered essential colors for Valentine’s Day decorating, red is a perfect color to use in your home every day of the year. Genuine reds bring out sexual energy and stimulation. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?  Oh my,  Mr. Grey.

Red is the most potent of all of the warm colors. The body actually has physiological responses to the color red. It causes an increase in blood pressure; it makes the heart rate rise faster and releases adrenaline into the blood stream. The taste buds become sensitive and the sense if smell improves. Red is a great color for a dining room.

In some cultures red is associated with purity, joy, and celebration. It’s also the color of happiness and prosperity in China.

Reds like candy apple and cherry are used to create a sense of adolescence, liveliness and cheerfulness. Jeweled tones are considered more elegant while rose and cabernet tones are more dignified.No mater what shade, red is definitely an authoritative color.