Reds

Red is viewed as an exciting, dramatic color. Red also has passionate feel. The darkest reds, such as burgundy and maroon, have a rich stately feeling.

• Stimulate
• Activates
• Attention
• Strong
• Powerful
• Desire
• Beautiful
• Energy
• Sensuality
• Warm
• Exciting
• Dramatic
• Advancing
• Passionate

Oranges

Orange gives off an aura that is cheerful, bold, and exciting. Orange has a friendly, informal feeling that makes it a great choice for a family room or relaxed living room. Rust, a dark muted orange, is a quiet color that conjures up misty autumn days, while the paler peach makes a cheerful, warm but understated, impact.

• Stimulate
• Flamboyant
• Warm
• Spontaneous
• Daring
• Robust
• Adventurous
• Joyful

Yellows

Yellow is the most visible color-that's why so many road signs and school buses are yellow. Gold and ochre tones of yellow create a formal, antique atmosphere. Soft yellows have been a popular exterior paint choice since Colonial days, and these warm, inviting shades can do justice to virtually any room in the house.

• Optimism
• Stimulating
• Cheerful
• Warm
• Expressive
• Happiness
• Enlightment
• Intelligent

Greens

Green is nature's favorite color. Perhaps because of this strong association with nature, green is a very soothing color to most people. Because green is easy on the eyes, it has long been a popular color in the work place. Green is a versatile color that can look good anywhere inside or out.

• Peace
• Ecology
• Relaxing
• Renewal
• Harmony
• Tranquil
• Secure
• Soothing

Blues

Blue is America's "favorite color." The universal appeal of blue skies and blue water create a feeling of serenity and openness. Aqua blue is a more frivolous and sunny color. As an exterior color, blue works beautifully as either a trim or a whole-house color.

• Trustworthy
• Cooling
• Dependable
• Tranquil
• Committed
• Peaceful
• Calming

Purples

Purple brings to mind of wealth and pageantry. Purple and violet are indeed luxurious shades. Lavender, a tint of violet, is gaining popularity and conveys a feeling of low-key refinement. The skillful and unexpected use of violet as an interior color makes an instantly eclectic impression.

• Uplifting
• Richness
• Stately
• Spirituality
• Calming
• Respected
• Regal
• Humble

Browns

Like green, brown is known as a nature color. This relaxed neutral is a great color to live and work around. Red-browns look very informal. Dark browns look more refined. Brown works well with green as an exterior color scheme for a home that's surrounded by trees: the house will seem to disappear into the landscape. Beiges and tans are familiar neutrals you can use anywhere.

• Organic
• Approachability
• Reliability
• Earth
• Stability
• Wholesomeness

Grays

Gray is an elegant neutral that has enjoyed a lot of attention. Gray has a definite business-like, urban feel to it. Because gray is so neutral, you can accent it with any color you please. Gray with white trim is a classy exterior color scheme that works on a wide variety of homes.