Karen Haller
OK, so full disclaimer here, 21st March isn’t officially recognised as International Colour Day. The AIC (International Colour Association) have had quite a long ongoing process with UNESCO to have this day officially recognised, but while we’re waiting, there’s no harm in celebrating it, right? Why March 21st? I think you’ll agree with the AIC’s…
If I asked you what’s the first colour that comes to mind when you think of Ireland, it’s likely to be green. On March 17th, the Irish the world over celebrate their patron saint. But how did the colour green become associated with St Patrick and become a good luck colour? There are many thoughts…
Over the past few years, Applied Colour & Design Psychology has become an established specialism in the creative and design world. As more industries recognise the need for human-centred, nature-led design, the role of colour is evolving beyond aesthetics. It’s become a crucial tool in shaping experiences, emotions, and guiding behaviour. Many design professionals working…
Gong hei fat choy! It’s Chinese New Year, and red is everywhere! But have you ever wondered why this bold, fiery colour dominates the celebrations? Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most important events in the Chinese calendar. And red (紅 hóng) isn’t just a festive…
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…
How can we be sustainable and still use colour trends is up there as one of the biggest challenges I hear from designers all the time. It’s a really great question because sustainability encourages people not to buy, yet colour trends often encourage people to change things or buy new products. So what do we…
Who doesn’t feel at least a little curious about what the seasonal or annual colour trends are going to be? Even those of us, myself included, who say we do not follow trends, we still love to have a little peek. And the reason we are often interested is because you can’t ignore that trends…
Have you ever been excited to hear the latest Colour of the Year or the newest seasonal colour trend, yet once they are announced you find yourself asking the question: “What am I supposed to do with that?” If you’ve said that you’re not alone. I hear this from designers every time a new colour…
Every year, Colour of the Year announcements land with a lot of expectation. Companies and forecasters position their chosen colours as reflections of the moment we are living in, often tying them to culture, everyday life, wellbeing, or broader societal shifts. For 2026, those narratives feel particularly expansive, with colour being asked to carry meaning,…
There’s one question I’m asked time and again by my colour and design students, design professionals, lighting designers, even members of the audience at design shows. “What’s more important: colour or light?” Given my specialism in Applied Colour Psychology, my answer often catches people off guard. But there’s a very good reason why I respond…