Color Color and More Color!

A couple of weeks ago, I met Jennifer Guerin at her studio on 5th Avenue. Jen is currently featured on the HGTV show Design Star. I have always found color to be the most fascinating element of design and an integral part of our plantscape designs. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and potential future collaboration.

She shared with me some of her thoughts on the use of color:
"The implications of the thoughtful use of color are tremendous. A person cannot look at a color and remain neutral. Our lives are immeasurably enriched by the informative and emotive qualities of color. Though color has a profound impact on our human experience, few understand the far-reaching effects of our color choices."

"Color is part of our psychological and biological heritage. Color and light affect our brain waves, hormonal responses, automatic nervous system and arouse emotional and aesthetic associations. Our biological responses to color are beyond our control."

"We also react to color based on personal, cultural and symbolic associations. Within ourselves and outside in nature and the man-made environment, complex reactions to color have profound meaning for our lives and our livelihood. Something so powerful should not be relegated to mere decoration."

"Whether creating a skyscraper, school, hospital, jail, office or home interior, effective application of color can mean the difference between an ordinary, perhaps even dull result or an exceptional result that communicates its precise intent."

I've always been aware that color attracts our eye and have incorporated its use directly and indirectly. Think how stunning a bright floral arrangement is on a front reception desk or a row of planters that utilize a contrasting color makes them stand out and be noticed. I also love to use plants that have variegation or colors other than green in their leaves.

We like to think that we make buildings "authentically green" by growing plants in or on a building. Think how powerful the color green is in the sustainability world!