What was your Favorite Color as a Child?
When I was a child, my favorite color was yellow. Curious about its meaning, I looked into color psychology to see what it signifies for a child to be drawn to yellow. Here’s what I found:
“Yellow is often associated with happiness, energy, and creativity. It suggests optimism and a cheerful nature, reflecting a mind curious about the world and always seeking joy and inspiration.”
Looking back, most of characteristics where true about me. As a child, I loved coloring the sun, trees, rainbows, and houses. I would sing, dance, build, and repurpose things. Yet, when I reflect on my teenage years and early adulthood, those traits seemed buried beneath layers of self-doubt. Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with that vibrant, creative side of myself. Life experiences—whether it was the turmoil of adolescence, shame, or being raised in an apocalyptic cult—covered up those bright parts of me. Instead of being optimistic, I became pessimistic and fearful, believing I couldn’t do anything right or ever be "enough."
Now, at 51, I’ve done a lot of introspection. I've rediscovered my creativity, optimism, and problem-solving nature—traits that have always been there, even when I couldn’t see them. My favorite color may vary now, but I often wonder how many others had their favorite colors scribbled over with the proverbial black crayon?
As an interior designer, through my study of design psychology and neuroaesthetics has shown me that color is far more than just a visual experience—it can touch the very core of who we are. Choosing colors for our spaces is an important decision, one that we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to "get right." But here’s the funny thing: color is one of the easiest things to change in a room. Yes, it takes time and money, but compared to finding the perfect sofa or coffee table, it's a much simpler process.
That said, color shouldn’t be chosen lightly. It’s more than just paint on the walls—it can evoke memories, influence emotions, and even shape our moods. Color has deep roots in our culture, personal history, and sensory experience. It stimulates the senses and has the power to affect everyone in a household. Color has consequences; it can change everything.
Before I offer three simple steps to choosing the right color, I encourage you to take a moment for a bit of reflection:
Observe the colors already in your environment:
Look around your home.
Think about your favorite restaurants, vacation spots, and the colors in nature that draw your eye.
Notice the shops you enjoy and even the colors of cars on the road.
Be mindful of how those colors make you feel:
Do they evoke warmth or coolness?
Do any memories come to mind?
Can you associate a taste or a smell with a particular hue?
When I work with clients, we take a similar approach. I guide them through a process of discovering which colors resonate with their personal experiences, memories, and emotional responses. It's not just about finding a color that "looks good" but one that feels right—one that aligns with their individual well-being and the energy they want to cultivate in their space. We explore their sensory preferences by reflecting on colors that already exist in their favorite places and their lives. By paying attention to how a particular color affects their mood, their memory, and their overall sensory experience, we can create a palette that truly reflects who they are.
For me, it's important that my clients are part of the discovery process. Color is a powerful tool in design, and I believe that when a client is mindful of their own perceptions, they become more confident in their choices and the way their space makes them feel.
So, what was your favorite color as a child? And more importantly, do you still connect with that color today? As we grow, our preferences may change, but the emotions and memories associated with color often linger. Maybe it's time to bring a bit of that childhood joy and curiosity back into your home, creating a space that reflects not only who you are today but also the essence of who you've always been.
If you're curious about how to transform your space through mindful color choices and intentional design, I’d love to help. Whether you need guidance selecting colors, creating a cohesive design, or simply want to explore how your environment can better support your well-being, I offer personalized consultations tailored to your unique needs. Click [here] to schedule a discovery call and let’s begin designing a space that feels like you.
