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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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Blue, a cool color, can create a feeling of calm and tranquility. Credit: MJIphotos

Colors attract or give off certain energies. They have symbolism, can represent or follow a trend and even heal, according to chromotherapy. It is important to choose the right colors because colors are powerful and can help create the atmosphere you want to achieve. Below are some universal meanings of colors that can help in determining what mood you want to set within your home.

Warm Colors are active colors that are better for large areas. They make the room feel cozy and inviting.
Red is stimulating and passionate. This color can be used to increase self-confidence. A deeper red should be used to removed emotional blocks.
Orange is great for removing darkness. It is sociable and cheerful. Orange increases creativity and is mentally stimulating.
Yellow, another bright color that is great for removing darkness. It enhances concentration and is emotionally stimulating.

Cool Colors are calming colors that can give a sense of peace.
Green represents birth and newness. This relaxing color is inspiring and stimulating to conversation. Use this color to promote wellness and health.
Blue is calming and soothing. The world’s most popular color increases spirituality and creates a feeling of trust and peace. Aqua is great when there is difficulty sleeping or dreaming. Light blue brings ease into the home.
Violet, also represents spirituality, is known as a royal and dignified color. It is soothing and calming. Use light purple to enhance compassion.

Neutrals can tone down or play up other colors. They can be cool or warm.
Black symbolizes sophistication, power and modernity. Black can make a room appear smaller.
White represents cleanliness and clarity. White, which symbolizes openness, can make a room appear more spacious.
Brown is motherly, grounding and reliable. This color can create a feeling of warmth and honesty. Brown as well as taupe and beige can make other colors appear brighter and richer.

More information: http://www.tigercolor.com.

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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.