colour symbolism

Top 5 most read articles for 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, I always enjoy reflecting on the articles that resonated most with readers this year. From The Not-So-Unexpected Red Theory and questioning whether it’s time to say goodbye to grey in the office, to neurodiversity shaping the future of workplace design, the balance between sustainability and colour trends, and the…

Why red robins are a symbol of Christmas in the UK

If you have ever wondered why red robins are associated with Christmas? Let me share with you two stories I’ve heard. The first one is about postmen in Victorian Britain who were apparently nicknamed “robins” because of their red-breasted coloured uniforms. It then became popular to see these cute little birds on a Christmas card…

Christmas wrapping paper… the psychology of colour

One of my favourite things about Christmas is wrapping presents for my friends and family in beautifully coloured paper, ribbons and bows. Colour is the first thing we see and we instantly have an emotional reaction.  It can have an influence on our mood, feelings and behaviour. So choosing wrapping paper and all the trimmings with…

Why Wimbledon Wears White

Every summer the best players from around the world descend on SW19 for two thrilling, nail biting weeks of tennis. I’ve been fortunate on many occasions to just chance it and turn up to see if there are any return tickets. I clearly had lady luck on my side as not only did I managed…

Top 5 most read articles for 2023

With 2023 drawing to a close, I thought I’d take a peek at which articles were the most read this year. While last year they all related to the colour red, this year it’s an eclectic mix from how colour can bring joy, the rise of nature-led trends, the ‘world’s’ ugliest colour to Twitter’s rebrand…

Why red poppies are used to symbolise remembrance day

On the  eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918 marked the signing of the Armistice, signalling the end of World War One. The first sign of life that rose from the barren battlefields was the red poppy and they has come to symbolise the memory of those who sacrificed their lives. Remembrance Day is  a special…

The Colour of Superstition – Black Friday

If you are superstitious, then today is the day you’ll be watching your every move from keeping your fingers crossed, knocking on wood to avoiding crossing paths with a black cat. And there’s even a name for those with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th – it’s friggatriskaidekaphobics. No, I don’t know how to…

Top 5 most read articles for 2022

With 2022 drawing to a close, I thought I’d take a peek at which articles were the most read this year. Interestingly, there is a theme here – they all relate to the colour red. So here are the top five most read articles for 2022. Going from 5 to 1, they are… Number 5.…

Launching The Little Book of Colour!

Today is the day! My book The Little Book of Colour – How to use the Psychology of Colour to Transform Your Life is out there in the world. It’s been almost two years since Penguin first approached me, but looking back now I can see this book has been a lifetime in the making.…

My first book – The Little Book of Colour available to preorder!

You know when you need to keep something a secret yet bursting to let everyone know? This is what I’ve had to do for just over a year, but I can now finally share with you that I’ve busy writing my first book! I’m really excited to announce that after a decade of working in…