Color is quite arguably the most important component of a project’s finished design.  Color not only delights the eye but also contains physiological and psychological components. Color may well be the first thing to consider in any room. When envisioning a finished design, it is always good to first think of the emotions you wish to evoke and select the appropriate palette.  When successfully used, color can grab a person’s attention and evoke a range of emotions.  Color in our surroundings effects how we feel and react.  The specific shades of color, the quantity and placement are keys to the success of a room.  The following gives a brief description of what each color conveys and how it may affect the viewer.
            Blue – is a favorite of both genders depending on the shade.  Blue is intuitively chosen for bedrooms for this reason.  It improves productivity and is considered a clean color.  In the kitchen, blue is less successful, perhaps because we avoid most blue foods instinctually.  Likewise, blue may be used to suppress the appetite, to perhaps lose weight.
            Red- has the opposite affect of blue.  It increases blood pressure and respiration rate.  Red embodies excitement and passion both positively and negatively.  It may have this strong impact because of its association with blood.  A powerful color, red makes people lose track of time.  It can be softened to shades of red /brown which are considered cozy and comforting such as terra cotta, brick and cinnabar.  Used for a powerful statements, it should be selected thoughtfully.  When using red, be sure to use it to direct the eye to a special area or to highlight some interesting line.  It also makes a very effective accent.
            Yellow- Yellow makes people feel cheerful, energetic and happy.  Generally yellow prompts more opinionated feelings than other colors and can tend to fatigue the eye.  It increases the metabolism, can upset babies and may cause one to lose their temper.    Buttery shades are easier to live with long term, easier than bright sunflower yellow.  There is a huge range of yellows to choose from. People who like yellow really like it and people who don’t really dislike it intensely.
             Green - Represents a vast range of natural colors and for that reason many people relate to greens and find them appealing.  Blue-green tends to calm and relax; it’s a healing color (think of water or an ocean scene).  For interior color schemes, olive and sage greens appeal for their neutral character.  Lighter shades are easier to live with for a longer time. Dark greens are favored as traditional banker colors like burgundy, ruby and sapphire blue lending a posh clubby atmosphere.
            Orange- Oranges are warm, welcoming and vital.  Melon, tangerine and yellow/orange mango are bright and cheerful and tend to improve an appetite.  These tone are frequently used in kitchens and breakfast nooks.  Orange shades can be very comfortable and can lend a quirky, eccentric atmosphere.
             Purple - Historically, purple is the color of kings.  It is said to be the most opulent of colors. Often connoting mystery or spirituality, purples run the range of red / purple such as eggplant or the blue / purple of a summer sunset. Saturated purples have a dense, dark color that can provide a potent punch for great drama and impact.  As a tint, lavender is daintier and favored by many young girls.  It can be flexible and neutral used properly.
             Black - Timeless, classy and sophisticated; through out history it denoted submission  (i.e. the cleric’s robe and submission to god) Painting black might require several coats.  It tends to make a room feel smaller.  When using black consider how you will accent the space.  Black used with a mix of off white or beige looks very modern.  One trend is to mix a neutral room with pieces of black furniture.  The effect is quite elegant. The mournful atmosphere surrounding black has given way to sophistication as many more people identify it with black limos, black tie events, polished granite and other upscale looks of pronounced elegance.
              Brown - Brown is all about security, credibility and reassurance.  It tends to be soothing and comfortable. Browns work well with spicey or warm colors.  Like grey, browns span a broad range of neutrals and depending on the shade are appropriate for almost any room.  Combined with unexpected colors like pale blue, fuchsia or chartreuse browns can be exciting and sophisticated.
              Pink - Pink is an interesting color because of the cultural association of being feminine, but it goes farther than that.  Research shows how pink rooms reduce angry behavior at least temporarily.  Some attempts have been made to use pink in prisons to control aggressive prisoners.  Pink is generally a color of comfort and innocence, having child like appeal.
             Grey - Grey tends to enhance creativity, a good color for offices and studios.  Grey is favored as an executive color.  As a neutral, grey provides an unobtrusive background for an infinite number of color combinations.
   
     Above is of course an over simplification of color and does not account for how colors work with and against each other.  A designer will be well trained in these subtle differences and can guide you to a successful color scheme.