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Cool Off with Color

by Kate Smith

A childhood love of color turned into a college-age fascination with the interaction of colors, then into a career of color trend forecasting and product development. Today, Kate Smith, CMG, CfYH, is president and chief color maven at Sensational Color, a company that provides color knowledge and know-how to corporations primarily in the home industry. Kate is an inspirational keynote speaker and seminar leader, blending color theory and psychology into entertaining and informative talks that bring color to life.

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Photo: Kate Smith

Summer heat is in full sizzle, and I'm thinking cool colors to refresh your home. Icy blues, ocean greens, and sunrise purples create a cool and welcoming environment. These hues invite the mind and body to relax and renew.

Use varied light, medium, and dark cool colors that subtly contrast one another. Adding just a hint of warmth with neutrals, such as a yellow chair or a cream accent piece, is essential to rounding out the palette.

Photos: Elle Decor / Pierce Design

As a cool hue, shades of blue naturally calm our body and free our mind. Instead of relating blue to sadness, as people often think when they hear "feeling blue," think of feeling peaceful. Cool colors are excellent choices for writing spaces or spa bathrooms allowing you to be quiet with your thoughts.

Photos: HGTV / Better Homes and Gardens

In addition to blue, light variations of sea greens and soft purples are also cool colors that create a soothing space. Bedrooms are a perfect place to infuse a cool hue using a monochromatic scheme or as a backdrop for pure white accents.

Photos: HGTV / Better Homes and Gardens

Can a tranquil mood be created using red, yellow, or orange? Absolutely. But, it's much more difficult to achieve because those colors naturally feel warming and invigorating. Cool colors offer instant soothing, rejuvenation, and a much-needed respite from the heat of a long summer day.

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Posted: Tuesday, July 30, 2013