Color meanings can vary greatly by culture. For instance, white is often connected to purity in Western culture and used for wedding gowns, but Asian cultures associate white with mourning. Green's color meaning is generally linked to nature and fertility across many parts of the world. Interior designers are keen to remember cultural differences as it applies to color meanings and color schemes.

The practitioners of color therapy teach that people can have emotional and physical responses to color. For example, colors that are light or cool recede from the eye while dark or warm colors make a room feel less expansive. Our perceptions of size, weight, and temperature can also be influenced by color schemes.

Sometimes called chromotherapy or chromodynamics, color therapy involves applying light and color in an effort to stabilize emotions, mind, spirit, or body. This balance is demonstrated by the positive and negative aspects related to each color meaning.

Color is one of the most noticeable and connecting elements of a room. The chosen color palette should reflect the tastes of those who live in the space and support the overall style of the home.

Asian Style

Rooms with an Asian theme are typically inspired by Chinese or Japanese culture. Chinese color palettes feature a lot of red or other bold colors paired with dark wood stains and glossy finishes. In contrast, the tranquil Japanese color scheme is derived from natural sources like stone, bamboo, and flowers. This leads to a mostly neutral room of gray and brown which is balanced with greens and pops of subtle color.

Chinese colors (pantone 490, 186, 122, 376)

Japanese colors (pantone 367, 400, 7499, black)

Country Style

The colors of country design vary by region, but they are typified by low-key tones like soft green and blue as well as sun-faded fabrics. An updated country interior can showcase a bolder color palette including reds and blacks.

Country colors (pantone 5585, 2717, 4655, 7499)

Mediterranean Style

The colors of the Mediterranean coastline dominate this striking color scheme of whites and jewel-tone blues. In some cases, hues of yellow or terra cotta are mixed in as well. The rich browns and blacks found in furniture finishes and wrought iron pieces work as accent colors.

Mediterranean colors (pantone 2935, 290, white, 128)

Modern & Contemporary Style

A clean, neutral color scheme is the base for most modern and contemporary designs. This can include wall colors in white, cream, taupe, gray, or brown. Tone-on-tone fabrics and furniture support this neutral theme, while bolder accent colors are usually seen in the accessories.

Modern & Contemporary colors (pantone 434, 4625, 7506)

Retro Style

The colorful designs of mid-century retro style include pleasing hues of green such as aqua, turquoise, and mint. Other fun retro colors are pastels like pink, yellow, and blue. Classic checkerboard patterns in black, white, or red are also perfect in a retro design.

Retro colors (pantone 3252, 706, black, white)

Southwestern Style

The color scheme of Southwestern design is characterized by desert sand neutrals and red clay tones. Accent colors of green, turquoise, orange, and yellow round out the rustic palette.

Southwestern colors (pantone 472, 4685, 368, 1807)

Tuscan Style

Inspired by rural Tuscan settings, this earthy color scheme often features terra cotta red, sunflower yellow, and deep sky blue. Black is also brought in though the use of wrought iron fixtures and accents.

Tuscan colors (pantone 471, 108, 300, black)