Colors elicit an emotional response in most people and while there are variations in how different people experience colors, there are some generalities that can be relied on. Colors have different association for different cultures around the world. Here I have focused on the how colors are experienced by North American audiences.
These color palettes are built around opalescence, translucense, and gradients of metallic colors. They are illuminating, earthy, wise, and optimistic.
Read more about designing to convey enlightening here.
- Enlightening Palette 1
- Enlightening Palette 2
- Enlightening Palette 3
- Enlightening Palette 4
- Enlightening Palette 5
- Enlightening Palette 6
- Enlightening Palette 7
- Enlightening Palette 8
- Enlightening Palette 9
- Enlightening Palette 10
Grounded, Intuitive, Restorative
#6da5a6
Teal Green refreshing, balanced, tranquil
#bd8e5a
Golden Brown grounded, warm, inviting
#6f422d
Chocolate deep, stable, thorough
#2b6e6d
Pacific Teal contemplative, calming, capable
#c7b4a0
Sand Beige soothing, nurturing, stabilizing
Ethereal, Insightful, Balancing
#75ced2
Bright Turquoise refreshing, open, clarifying
#c4e8f0
Pale Sky Blue calm, gentle, adapting
#9d87af
Dark Violet introspective, mystical, soothing
#7c658a
Aubergine grounding, wise, contemplative
#ccb989
Golden Sand warmth, abundance, stability
Earthy, Elevated, Optimistic
#eccdb4
Peach Cream light, tender, hopeful
#cba28d
Dusty Rose nurturing, heartfelt, loving
#c0ba9c
Soft Sage gentle, natural, layered
#ddb164
Golden Ochre warm, energizing, uplifting
#778674
Deep Forest harmonious, expansive, grounded
Abundant, Optimistic, Compassionate
#7b332f
Maroon Gold bold, reflective, expressive
#985732
Earthy Brown authentic, honest, stable
#e8af3e
Sunflower Gold radiant, inviting, energizing
#e4a172
Peach gentle, welcoming, uplifting
#a98a7a
Camel Taupe serene, reliable, cozy
Wise, Deep, Connected
#a8967d
Stone Taupe reassuring, harmonious, dependable
#ccb989
Warm Sand nurturing, soothing, safe
#e0dde0
Soft Gray serene, contemplative, peaceful
#b79347
Antique Gold radiant, uplifting, confident
#81561f
Chocolate Brown enduring, connected, steady
Radiant, Comforting, Nurturing
#b1713b
Caramel warm, stable, deep
#c48b78
Rose Gold uplifting, refined, luminous
#e9b6a5
Pink nurturing, gentle, hopeful
#d8aa6f
Gold radiant, confident, inspiring
#f8e7d4
Oat soothing, calm, spacious
Joyful, Playful, Energetic
#ed9dbd
Bright Pink energetic, bold, joyful
#b68dc3
Violet Lavender spiritual, soothing, mystical
#aaddf1
Sky Blue clarifying, open, peaceful
#fff680
Sunshine Yellow cheerful, optimistic, inspiring
#ffb36c
Orange inviting, dynamic, motivating
Cheerful, Uplifting, Freeform
#fcf8f4
Light Buttery White gentle, quiet, airy
#ffd5a2
Pale Orange inviting, cheerful, comforting
#f6deff
Powder Magenta whimsical, uplifting, sweet
#bcfff3
Aqua Mint fresh, lively, cool, rejuvenating
#fbf8c1
Butter Yellow joyful, hopeful, cozy
Soulful, Introspective, Harmonious
#978e87
Mink Gray reflective, grounded, steady
#766884
Deep Lavender introspective, mystical, soothing
#9b86a8
Soft Violet gentle, uplifting, contemplative
#c68a98
Saturated Pink compassionate, nurturing, heartfelt
#ab4862
Raspberry Red authentic, bold, expressive
Emotional, Harmonious, Transformative
#d3cac9
Dove Gray reflective, soothing, neutral
#e0b99c
Dusty Peach comforting, inviting, hopeful
#c199a1
Muted Fuchsia emotional, transformative, introspective
#949eb4
Smoky Periwinkle thoughtful, balanced, accepting
#985d7b
Mulberry deep, soulful, dramatic
Read about choosing colors for your healing practice.
Why Choosing Your Brand Colors Is ImportantRead about how to make your website appropriate for trauma-informed communication
Graphic Design Techniques For a Trauma-Informed PracticeSOURCES
Trauma-Informed Colors
Palmer Home for Children. Designing a Healing Home: Decorate Your Space With Trauma-Informed Principles. Aug 2023
Rose Have. Trauma Informed Design: Inspiring Safety & Healing. Aug 2024
Eden Environments. Trauma-Informed “The Impact of Color on Emotion: Choosing the Right Hues for Healing Spaces” Jul 2023
JLG Architects. Trauma-Informed Design, New Directions in Health Care Architecture. Jul 2023
Little Brick Lane. Design When You’re Healing: Soft Tones, Easy Textures, and Safe Shapes. May 2025
