Black

Ultimate Dark: 
Considered the negation of color, black is conservative, goes well with almost any color except the very dark. It also has conflicting connotations. It can be serious and conventional. The color black can also be mysterious, sexy, and sophisticated.
Nature of Black: 

Black is the absence of color. In clothing, black is visually slimming. Black, like other dark colors, can make a room appear to shrink in size and even a well-lit room looks dark with a lot of black. Black can make other colors appear brighter.
Culture of Black: 
In most Western countries black is the color of mourning. Among young people, black is often seen as a color of rebellion. Black is both positive and negative. It is the color for little boys in China. Black, especially combined with orange is the color of Halloween. In early Westerns the good guy wore white while the bad guy wore black. But later on good guys wore black to lend an air of mystery to themselves.
Using Black: 
Use the color black to convey elegance, sophistication, or perhaps a touch of mystery. Dark charcoal gray and very dark brown can sometimes stand in for black.
Using Black with Other Colors: 
Be careful using black with very dark colors. It can work, but if the colors are too similiar they blend together. Black works well with bright, jewel-toned shades of red, blue, and green. Black is the ultimate dark color and makes lighter colors such as yellow really pop out. Photographs often look brighter against a black background. Black and gray is a conservative combo as is medium or light blue and black.
Black Color Palettes: 
These color palettes feature black with other colors.
Using Black in Other Design Fields: 
Feng Shui Use of the Color Black 
Language of Black: 
The use of black in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others, both the positive and negative aspects.

Good black 
Black tie - formal (as in formal party attire) 
Black belt - expert (especially in martial arts) 
Blackwash - bring things out in the open In the black - having money, doing well in business 
Men in black - government agents 
Black box - equipment or apparatus 
Pitch black - dark as night, very black 
Bad black 
Black out - Loss of consciouness or the act of erasing something 
Blackout - loss of electricity or turning out the lights 
Black eye - damage such as damage to one's reputation, slander, unpopular 
Black-hearted - evil 
Blackguard - a scoundrel 
Black sheep - an outcast from a family or from society 
Black market - illegal trade (goods or money) 
Blackmail - obtaining something by threat 
Blacklist - list of people or organizations to boycott, avoid, or punish

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Blue

Calm and Cool : 
Blue is calming. It can be strong and steadfast or light and friendly. Almost everyone likes some shade of the color blue. 

Pantone has selected the color Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943) as the 2008 Color of the Year telling us: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."
Nature of Blue: 

A natural color, from the blue of the sky, blue is a universal color. The cool, calming effect of blue makes time pass more quickly and it can help you sleep. Blue is a good color for bedrooms. However, too much blue could dampen spirits.
Culture of Blue: 
In many diverse cultures blue is significant in religious beliefs, brings peace, or is believed to keep the bad spirits away.

Blue conveys importance and confidence without being somber or sinister, hence the blue power suit of the corporate world and the blue uniforms of police officers. Long considered a corporate color, blue, especially darker blue, is associated with intelligence, stability, unity, and conservatism. 

Explore more Dark Blue Color Meanings.

Just as seeing red alludes to the strong emotions invoked by the color red, feeling blue or getting the blues represents the extremes of the calm feelings associated with blue, i.e. sadness or depression, lack of strong (violent) emotion. Dark blue is sometimes seen as staid or stodgy — old-fashioned.

In Iran, blue is the color of mourning while in the West the something blue bridal tradition represents love. 

People describe How the color blue makes them feel
Using Blue: 
A deep royal blue or azure conveys richness and perhaps even a touch of superiority. Navy blue is almost black and is a bit warmer than lighter blues. Combine a light and dark blue to convey trust and truthfulness — banker's colors. Although blue is a year-round color, pastel blues, especially along with pinks and pale yellows suggest Springtime while deep blue is a colder weather color. Create a conservative but sophisticated look with subtle contrast by combining light and dark shades of blue.
Using Blue with Other Colors: 
Mix the color of blue with green for a natural, watery palette. Add gray for understated elegance.

Sky blue and robin's egg blue, especially when combined with neutral light brown, tans, or beige are environmentally friendly color combinations.

Throw in a dash of blue to cool down a hot red or orange scheme. Grab attention with the contrast of blue and yellow.Dark blue with white is fresh, crisp, and nautical. Red, white, and blue is a patriotic color trio for many countries, including the United States.

Use dark blue with metallic silver accents for an elegantly rich appearance.
Blue Color Palettes: 
These blue color palettes feature shades of blue combined with gray, orange, peach, purple, and earthy browns as well as palettes with multiple blues. 

This selection of Dark Blue Color Palettes feature 2, 3, 4, and 5 color combinations centered around dark shades of blue such as Navy, Dark Slate Blue, and Dark Cyan. 
Shades of Blue from COLOURlovers with HEX and RGB Codes 
Blue Color Palettes from COLOURlovers 
Using Blue in Other Design Fields: 
Feng Shui Use of the Color Blue 
Blue Master Bedroom Style 
Color Schemes for Beach Lovers 
Graphics Challenge: The Color Blue 
Blue Wallpaper Printables for Miniatures 
Language of Blue: 
The use of blue in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others, both the positive and negative aspects.

Good blue 
True blue - someone loyal and faithful 
Out of the blue - unexpected (could be positive or negative) 
Blue ribbon - first rate, top prize 
Blueblood - person of noble birth, royalty 
Bluestocking - well-read or scholarly woman 
Bluebook - register of socially prominent people 
The Blues (capitalized) - popular style of music sometimes characterized by melancholy melodies and words 
Baby blues - Blue eyes (also see Bad blue words) 
Bad blue 
Feeling blue - feeling sad or depressed 
Blue devils - feelings of depression 
The blues (not capitalized) - depression, state of sadness 
Blue Monday - feeling sad 
Baby blues - post-partum depression 
Singing the blues - bemoaning one's circumstances 
Blue laws - laws originally intended to enforce certain moral standards 
Blue language - profanity 
Bluenose - puritanical individual 
Into the blue - entering the unknown or escape to parts unknown 
Out of the blue - unexpected (could be positive or negative)

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Green

Life and Renewal: 
Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health, and environment. On the flip side, green is jealousy or envy (green-eyed monster) and inexperience.
Nature of Green: 
Green is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like blue, time moves faster in a green room.
Culture of Green: 
Green is the national color of Ireland and is strongly associated with that country. Green also has close associations with Islam. Because of all the green in nature the color is reminiscent of Spring. Coupled with red it's a Christmas color.
Using Green: 
With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Use several shades of green for a fresh, Springtime feel. Olive green, also called olive drab, is a not so drab summery green that may have military overtones for some people.
Using Green with Other Colors: 
Green with blue produces echoes of nature - water and forest and can denote new beginnings and growth. Green with brown, tan, or beige says organic or recycled and can be a good color combination for packaging of those type of products. Tri-color combinations of green with yellow and black or white are sporty, outdoorsy colors. Purple with green can be high contrast, lively. Lime green with orange and yellow is a fresh and fruity palette.
Green Color Palettes: 
These green color palettes feature shades of green combined with gray, yellow, black, purple, lavender, and brown for some earthy, retro, and conservative looks. Shades of Green from COLOURlovers with HEX and RGB Codes 
Green Color Palettes from COLOURlovers 
Shades of Green from COLOURlovers with HEX and RGB Codes 
Green Color Palettes from COLOURlovers 
Using Green in Other Design Fields: 
Feng Shui Use of the Color Green 
Bathroom Decor in Cottage Green 
Language of Green: 
The use of green in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others, both the positive and negative aspects.

Good green 
Green light - go, permission to proceed (with a task) 
The green room - in theater or televisions it is the room where performers and guests go to relax 
Green thumb - good with plants 
Greenback - US dollar bill, money 
Greener pastures - something newer or better (or perceived to be better), such as a new job 
Bad green 
Green-eyed monster - jealosy 
Green with envy - jealous or envious 
Green - inexperienced, untested, untrained 
Greenhorn - novice, trainee, beginner 
Green around the gills - pale, sickly

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Pink

Cotton Candy and Little Girls:
Pink is a softer, less violent red. Pink is the sweet side of red. It's cotton candy and bubble gum and babies, especially little girls.
Nature of Pink:
While red stirs up passion and action, studies have shown that large amounts of pink can create physical weakness in people. Perhaps there is a tie-in between this physical reaction and the color's association with the so-called weaker sex.
Culture of Pink:
In some cultures, such as the US, pink is the color of little girls. It represents sugar and spice and everything nice. Pink for men goes in and out of style. Most people still think of pink as a feminine, delicate color.
Using Pink:
Both red and pink denote love but while red is hot passion, pink is romantic and charming. Use pink to convey playfulness (hot pink flamingoes) and tenderness (pastel pinks). Multiple shades of pink and light purple or other pastels used together maintain the soft, delicate, and playful nature of pink. Add strength with darker shades of pinks and purple and burgundy.
Using Pink with Other Colors:
All shades of pink get sophisticated when combined with black or gray or medium to darker shades of blue. Medium to dark green with pink is also a sharp-looking combo.
Using Pink in Other Design Fields:
Feng Shui Use of the Color Pink
Language of Pink:
The use of pink in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others — both the positive and negative aspects.

Good pink
In the pink - healthy
Tickled pink - happy, content
Pink collar - female office worker (sometimes used in a derogatory manner)
Bad or neutral pink
Pink collar - female office worker (sometimes used in a derogatory manner to imply low person on the office totem pole)
Pink - cut, notch, or make a zigzag Read More..

Purple

Royalty and Spirituality: 
Purple is royalty. A mysterious color, purple is associated with both nobility and spirituality. The opposites of hot red and cool blue combine to create this intriguing color. 
Pantone has selected the color Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943) as the 2008 Color of the Year telling us: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."
Nature of Purple: 
Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.
Culture of Purple: 
The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
Using Purple: 
Deep or bright purples suggest riches while lighter purples are more romantic and delicate. Use redder purples for a warmer color scheme or the bluer purples to cool down.
Using Purple with Other Colors: 
A deep eggplant purple with neutral tans or beige is an earthy, conservative color combination with a touch of the mystery that purple provides. Green and purple can be a striking combination in deep or bright jewel tones or use lighter shades for a cheerful, springlike feel. Pink and purple has feminine appeal.
Purple Color Palettes: 
These color palettes feature shades of purple combined with shades of green, orange, blue, and yellow.
Using Purple in Other Design Fields: 
Feng Shui Use of the Color Purple 
Language of Purple: 
The use of purple in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others, both the positive and negative aspects.

Good purple 
Purple cow - something remarkable, eye-catching, unusual 
Purple prose - exaggeration, highly imaginative writing (also has negative connotations) 
Bad purple 
Purple speech - profanity, raunchy language 
Purple prose - exaggeration, colorful lies 
Purple haze - state of confusion or euphoria, possibly drug-induced, type of marijuana

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Red

Love and War: 
Red is hot. It's a strong color that conjures up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. Red is Cupid and the Devil.
Nature of Red: 
A stimulant, red is the hottest of the warm colors. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure. 

The expression seeing red indicates anger and may stem not only from the stimulus of the color but from the natural flush (redness) of the cheeks, a physical reaction to anger, increased blood pressure, or physical exertion.
Culture of Red: 
Red is power, hence the red power tie for business people and the red carpet for celebrities and VIPs (very important people).

Flashing red lights denote danger or emergency. Stop signs and stop lights are red to get the drivers' attention and alert them to the dangers of the intersection.

In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.Red is often the color worn by brides in the East while it is the color of mourning in South Africa. In Russia the Bolsheviks used a red flag when they overthrew the Tsar, thus red became associated with communism. Many national flags use red. The red Ruby is the traditional Fortieth Wedding Anniversary gift.
Using Red: 
Use the color red to grab attention and to get people to take action. Use red when you don't want to sink into the background. Use red to suggest speed combined with confidence and perhaps even a dash of danger. A little bit of red goes a long way. Small doses can often be more effective than large amounts of this strong color. Multiple shades of red and even pink or orange can combine for a cheerful palette. 

Look at the use of the Color Red on the Web to find which of the named colors in the red family are the most attention-grabbing, mysterious, friendly, sophisticated, or mentally stimulating.
Using Red with Other Colors: 
Although not normally considered an ideal coupling, in combination with green, red is a Christmas color — a joyful season.

Cool blues provide contrast and tone down the heat of red. Light pinks and yellows are harmonizing colors that can work well with red if not too close in value such as dark red with a pale or golden yellow. Be careful using purple. It can be an elegant combination but too much could be overpowering.Add a dash of red to a soft but sophisticated pink and gray combo. For some countries, including the US, red, white, and blue is a very patriotic trio even if the shades of red and blue differ from those used in the flag.
Red Color Palettes: 
These color palettes feature shades of red used with a variety of yellows, blues, greens, and neutrals.
Using Red in Other Design Fields: 
Feng Shui Use of the Color Red 
Language of Red: 
The use of red in familiar phrases can help a designer see how their color of choice might be perceived by others — both the positive and negative aspects.

Good red
Red letter day - important or significant occasion 
Red carpet treatment - make someone feel special, treat them as if they are a celebrity 
Roll out the red carpet - same as above 
Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning; red sky at night, sailor's delight - pay attention to good and bad warning signs 
Paint the town red - celebrate, go out partying 
Red eye - an overnight flight 
Bad red
Seeing red - to be angry 
Red herring - something that deceives or distracts attention from the truth 
In the red - being overdrawn at the bank or losing money 
Red flag - denotes danger, warning, or an impending battle

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