colour psychology

7 ways I use Colour & Design Psychology in my consulting

I am often asked by designers and other creative professionals how they can bring colour and design psychology into their work in a practical way. It usually comes from those who create intuitively. They love the creative flow yet things can feel a bit tricky when a client asks them to explain their decisions. You…

Why you can’t learn colour psychology off the internet

I was interviewed on a podcast aimed at interior designers, and during our conversation the host mentioned that she uses colour psychology in her design work. Curious about her sources, I asked where she’d learned about it. Her reply was simple: “I just Google colour psychology.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this and…

colour symbolism halloween. this opens a new browser window.

Colour & design surgery… why are Halloween colours orange and black?

This is part of the colour & design surgery series, answering questions from clients and readers. Question: “Why are Halloween colours orange and black?”– reader, Tamsin Fox-Davies.

Why is Biophilic design in a ‘green’ rut

If you were to look up biophilic design or at the many interiors that follow biophilic design principles, it’s likely you’ll be met with a sea of green, wood and green plants. I’ve been speaking to lots of designers and they’re all saying they are noticing this and asking why are we just limiting ourselves…

Is this really the world’s ugliest colour?

Back in 2016 Opaque Couche, otherwise known as Pantone 448 C, won the ‘ugliest’ colour crown after Australian research agency GfK Bluemoon came up with the colour in response to the Australian government’s plain cigarette packaging policy. Think brand colours have no influence? The Australian government had put a ban in place preventing companies from…

Find your Colour & Design Psychology Consultant

Over the past few years, Applied Colour & Design Psychology has become a sought-after specialism in the creative and design world. As more industries recognise the need for human-centred and nature-led design, the role of colour is evolving beyond aesthetics to become a crucial tool in shaping experiences, emotions, and behaviours. Professionals are realising there…

valentine day going beyond red karen haller

Valentine’s Day: Going Beyond Red

Every year, an estimated 250 million roses are grown worldwide for Valentine’s Day. A staggering number that demonstrates just how significant this tradition has become. Unsurprisingly, red dominates, accounting for around 83% of those roses sold. But what does this mean beyond tradition? The overwhelming preference for red isn’t just about tradition, it reveals a…

foundation of colour summit karen haller

You’re invited to The Power of Colour Summit

Red is a colour we all react to, sometimes without even realising it. It can ignite passion, boost confidence, or signal danger. But have you ever wondered why? At the Foundation of Colours online Summit this March, I’ll be exploring exactly that in my talk: “The Power of Red: Discover Your Relationship with the Boldest…

Three nature-led trends worth investing in

When it comes to design work something I’ve been increasing noticing over the last several years are more and more clients asking for designs that will stand the test of time. Now, that idea is nothing new, clients have been asking for timeless designs for years. But the difference I’ve been noticing is they no…