Whether we’re willing to admit it or not, the colors that surround us in the everyday affect everything we do. From our decisions to buy Brand X versus Brand Z to the our being happy, sad or mad, colors can be sneaky. Ever wondered why so many banks and financial institutions use blues and greens in their color palette? Well, the color blue often is associated with strength and stability. It’s a very safe color, is soothing and is non-gender specific meaning that it’s equally appealing to both men and women. Greens are mentally and physically relaxing, offer a sense of self-control, alleviate anxiety and are soothing. Why do so many food establishments use reds, oranges and yellows? Red and yellow are mentally stimulating and orange is an appetite stimulant. Why do so many hospitals use shades of purple? Purple is uplifting, offers a sense of spirituality and is calming to the mind and nerves.
Each year, the fine folks over at Pantone select one color to be the color of the year. For those who aren’t familiar with Pantone, the company “has been the world’s color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity.” The color of the year for 2009 is Mimosa. Mimosa is a cheery yellow color that mimics the color of the flowers on the tree and the color of the cocktail by the same name. Mimosa yellow communicates hopefulness, warmth and optimism and can spark creativity, imagination and innovation while carrying a promise for a positive future.
I’m not sure how the so-called “experts” select the color of the year. I don’t know if a bunch of dudes (and/or dudettes) sit around a table and “rock-paper-scissors” it out or if they draw straws. But, I have to believe that there are many factors that play into the decision. I’m sure most things like this are cyclical meaning that cool colors and warm colors probably alternate (2007 color of the year was Chili Pepper–warm color; 2008 color of the year was Blue Iris–cool color). I also have to suspect that the color choice is influenced by the many things going on in our world—from the environment to religion, from the economy to wars and presidential elections. Just as color affects all things, I’m sure that all things affect color. Just as the color of the year might reflect the mood of one nation or the world, the color of the year might also work to change that mood.
Mimosa. A flower and a drink. Delicate and powerful. The color of the sun, the color of happy, a color of hope, optimism and brighter days. Take it in, drink it up and enjoy. Here’s to a brighter 2009!
