Mother Nature has an interesting way of mixing colors, which inspire our fashions, home furnishings, and interior design.  Check out the wolf photo above.  His fur is a perfect blend of black, brown, gray, and white.  We typically contrast neutrals with more vibrant colors, but as you can see, they can stand on their own.  Let’s explore the hidden meanings, common perceptions and our expectations of the neutral color palette. 

Color: BLACK

Mystery & Superstition – What is it about black cats that inspires other-worldly tales of witches, monsters and things that go bump in the night?  Everyone loves mystery and suspense, always wondering what is behind the curtain.  Black piques the interest and keeps them guessing. 

Fear of the Unknown & Protection – Ghost stories shared around campfires are a common summertime activity.  The human mind can imagine all sorts of things hidden within the shadows.  On the other hand, darkness offers protection, a type of shield, which is why black onyx was often carried by ancient travelers to ensure safe passage. 

Formal & Luxurious – Even if it is only for one special night, black tuxedos and evening gowns are luxuries, making the wearer look and feel like fashion royalty.

Exotic & Sexy – The “little black dress,” a staple in most women’s wardrobes, is the perfect example of this color’s attention getting, seductive nature. 

Color: BROWN

Comforting & Casual – The color brown invites you to come in, sit by the fire, and sip hot cocoa, while roasting marshmallows and enjoying the cozy atmosphere. 

Natural Beauty & Tranquility– The beauty and serenity found in nature fills us with feelings of awe and joy, inspiring new ideas and a fresh outlook. 

Relaxing & Soothing – You work hard and often play hard too.  Forget the world for a while.  Relax, unwind, and restore your body, mind and spirit.

Down-to-Earth & Self-Confident – Be true to yourself, grounded, levelheaded, and practical. 

Color: GRAY

Balance & Sophistication – Cool grays create sleek sophisticated style. 

Uncertainty & Ethereal – The warm grays, such as these trees, are earthy and grounding, while the cool gray fog produces a more ethereal quality. 

Wisdom & Maturity – They say an elephant never forgets.  Imagine the stories she could tell!

Timeless & Calming – Walking along the beach, we collect seashells formed eons ago, as we let the water wash our cares away. 

Color: WHITE

Simplicity & New Beginnings – Life doesn’t have to be complicated.  Feel footloose and carefree as the dawn brings new opportunities. 

Peace & Clarity – White doves are symbols of peace and the spirit world. 

Purity & Remembrance – White roses adorn bridal bouquets.  For some cultures, white flowers are memorials for deceased family members. 

Cool & Crisp – White clothing is commonly worn during the summertime because it not only looks cooler, but also reflects the heat of the sun, making you feel cooler too. 

The Great Film Debate:

Black & White Film versus Full Color Film

Black and white film was the standard.  The invention of color film was a real game changer.  Everything came to life in “living” color, resulting in an interesting question: Should the old black and white films be colorized?  The purists say no because black and white are an integral part of the story.  Adventurous movie lovers say give us vibrant colors and don’t forget the “CGI” special effects!  Do you have a preference?  Please write your thoughts in the comments section. 

In case you missed the two previous World of Color posts, Part One covers the warm color palette: red, orange, and yellow, and Part Two discusses the cool color palette: green, blue, and violet.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!