The power of color is well established. Throughout time, nature's spectrum has had a vital impact on our everyday lives, from the color of our walls, to our clothes, to our cars - and, even more meaningfully, our emotional responses.

I have been fascinated with color since I first read an article on the subject when we went into business twenty-five years ago. In that study, geared to retail sales, the focus of the article was on the effect of color on the customer or client mindset within various industries. The bottom line for florist was to use green and stay away from brown. Green imparted the notion of freshness, where brown produced the opposite in the customer's mind. this extensive article covered many industries and once presented it all made sense. Blue was not a great color for restaurants as it was nauseating with food. 

When the Society of American Florists created the Flower Therapy theory it was an easy concept for me and one I readily endorse. I regularly find myself suggesting to customers a bouquet from the Nurturing Palette when someone is emotionally hurting or a bouquet from the Whimsical Palette when a celebration is in order. The colors and styles work and are a great way to touch someone's life.

Below is an overview of the five floral palettes and the messages they convey. Using the proper color combinations is a clever way to change someone's mood or at least alter the environment around them.

The Nurturing Floral Palette

A true sense of caring is created by a combination of colors that are fragile, soft and tender. Arrangements in pastel shades and the softest yellows, peaches, warm pinks, creamy whites and subtle greens make us feel safe, snug and loved. Consider a nurturing floral arrangement for a new mother, a sick friend or a grieving loved one - anyone who would benefit from a caring, loving embrace.

Shop from the Nurturing Palette

The Romantic Floral Palette

A sensation of intimacy, nostalgia and comfort is captured in this color palette, a blend of delicate warm and cool colors with lavenders and pinks at its heart. Romantic arrangements express loving sentiments and admiration to mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, best friends, significant others and brides-to-be.

Shop from the Romantic Palette

The Sensuous Floral Palette

The rich, luxurious color combinations of the sensuous palette set the mood for sophisticated, passionate and even seductive settings. Robust reds and purples, hot pinks and spicy oranges are at the soul of this dynamic floral feeling. Consider a sensuous arrangement for a very special evening or an elegant dinner party - anywhere you want to feel magnetic and extravagant.

Shop from the Sensuous Palette

The Tranquil Floral Palette

Serenity and relaxation are the essence of this color scheme. Its peaceful palette, reminiscent of sky and sea, is dominated by clear, light shades of green, misty blues and other cool hues. A vase of tranquility is perfect for busy moms, harried professionals and those who seek a moment of calm from life's stressful situations. When considering the Tranquil Palette think of things in nature. This palette consist of colors that are found in the garden, the woods, the beach or seaside and so forth.

Shop from the Tranquil Palette

The Whimsical Floral Palette

Fun-loving, free-spirited, playful feelings are conveyed by the whimsical palette, which is characterized by bold, contrasting colors. Floral arrangements featuring these hues set an upbeat tone and are ideal for birthdays, graduations, promotions and other celebrations

 Shop from the Whimsical Palette