Colour has been used by man since cavemen used iron oxides to create images of animals and people in their cave art. The Ancient Egyptians discovered that they could create yellow, orange and red tints from the pigments in soil and the Romans created purple from crushed mollusks! Apparently, the Aztecs needed a million female cochineal beetles to make one pound of red extract so you can see that men have gone to extraordinary lengths simply to mimic the colours that occur naturally on earth and use them for all sorts of purposes. When Plato discovered that a third colour could be created by mixing two colours, there was no stopping us.

Art and decoration is one area where colour is used; health and healing is another. The Chinese, amongst others,

have long believed that colour changes mood and can even affect the chemistry of the body. We all accept that red and yellow are stimulating whilst blue and green are restful but it's interesting to look a little more deeply into the use of colour when we are considering performance enhancement at work. The factors associated with the colours described below can be taken into account when decorating the workplace, when dressing for work and even when selecting accessories for your desk. By looking at coloured items of clothing, a coloured wall or simply using a coloured file or pen, your mood and performance will be affected. Make sure it's the effect you want by choosing your colours wisely.

Black
Black provides a deep, restful contrast to other colours. It is sophisticated, elegant and dramatic. Black can also be powerful, aloof and intimidating so use it wisely. Interestingly, both introvert and extravert personalities choose to wear black but for different reasons, one wishing to recede or be anonymous, the other wanting to appear dramatic and perhaps a little aloof.

Blue
Another restful colour which stands for truth, loyalty and serenity. A good colour for medical centres and any area where visitors or staff are subject to stress. Not a colour to use when stimulation or fast thought is required, blue is sometimes overused for business because it is safe. Healthwise, blue is used to calm fevers.

Brown
The colour of nature in the Autumn, brown is warm, rich and comforting. It can be drab if used in large areas unless contrasted with brighter shades. Brown is the colour of tradition rather than of modernity and it has a relaxed, reassuring image, eg cords and tweeds, rather than the more sophisticated black.

Green
Green promotes calmness, harmony and balance. It is a general healing colour which helps the heart and those with tired nerves. A colour with shades to suit every skin tone from dusty sage, through khaki to brilliant emerald.

Orange
A social, exuberant colour, orange radiates warmth and happiness. It improves appetite and enhances social interaction so use it in staff relaxation areas. Orange is used to treat digestive disorders and to increase immunity. It would take a confident person to wear orange and its popularity goes in and out of fashion but muted tones such as the burnt umber of the paint palette can be very flattering. Orange lipstick gives a dash of style to those with warm skin tones.

Pink, mauve and lavender
All tints of red, these shades promote tranquility and aid sleep. Violent children have fewer outbursts when in rooms decorated in these soft colours. For clothing, these colours are feminine and complimentary to the complexion. Men can also wear pinks and mauves to great effect, the best shades depending on their skin tone.

Purple
This sensual colour is said to connect you with your spiritual self. It is used to treat mental and nervous problems as it is calming and comforting. Purple is dramatic and stimulates the imagination so use it in creative environments. Purple's association with truth and justice make it a natural choice for the legal profession.

Red
Red is the colour of excitement, energy and vitality. Used extensively in large areas, it can appear aggressive but it will create a cosy, intimate feeling in a small space. Use red accessories, lips and nails to show an extravert personality. Red is used to treat diseases of the blood and circulation but it can raise blood pressure or increase anxiety.

Yellow
The colour of intellect and mental stimulation, yellow enables people to think more quickly. Ideal for the working environment, yellow gives you clarity and insight. Not an easy colour to wear, however, and yellow can also provoke arguments.

White
The symbol of purity, peace and comfort, also of light and innocence. Use white to maximise the effect of other colours but too much in a large space can be stark and cold. All white clothing is rarely worn for work, other than in beauty and health occupations where it is worn to demonstrate cleanliness. Its associations are more for leisure than work but small touches of white, particularly at the neck, create an immediate smart contrast to a dark jacket and throw light onto the face.

The information for this feature was provided by www.littlemonkeymurals.com

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