The whole point is to live life and be — to use all the colours in the crayon box — RuPaul
Colour Inspiration
Colour has a profound impact on our emotions, spaces, and how we connect to the world around us. I often turn to a little book on colour therapy when discussing interiors—whether for home or work. It describes our experience of colour as an “interaction between light and darkness.”
The world of colour is already sparking intriguing conversations, especially with trendsetters like Pantone and Dulux weighing in. This year, their Colour of the Year choices look very different.
Pantone has chosen Mocha Mousse 17-1230, a “soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires.” In other words, brown.
Meanwhile, Dulux has unveiled True Joy, an “uplifting yellow that fills our homes with optimism, pride, and a pop of colour.” In other words, yellow
What does colour therapy tell us?
So, we have brown versus yellow. Two distinct colours with very different energies. But what can colour therapy tell us about their potential influence on our spaces?
On the colour wheel, brown and yellow sit closely together — brown often leaning towards orange and yellow shades. Both are warm, earthy tones that evoke comfort and positivity, but they serve different emotional purposes.
Brown is the colour of security, stability, and practicality. It’s grounding and evokes natural materials like wood. Depending on its tone and what it’s paired with, brown can symbolize safety, neutrality, or even anonymity. Think “down-to-earth.”
Yellow speaks to the mind. It embodies optimism, clarity, and creativity. Bright yellows, like True Joy, can uplift moods and energize spaces. But in a relaxing environment, such as a bedroom, it can feel overstimulating.
Pantone invites us to “align ourselves more closely with the natural world,” while Dulux encourages us to embrace “optimism and joy.” Both messages feel timely as we seek balance and positivity in our homes and lives.
Enhancing our well-being with colour
Whether you’re drawn to the cozy sophistication of brown or the vibrant optimism of yellow, colour therapy suggests that both hues can enhance our well-being when used thoughtfully.
So, as 2025 approaches, consider the mood you want to create—and don’t be afraid to dip into the crayon box to bring it to life.
