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 to provide a gradual shift in colors. They include gentle, soft colors: pale blues and greens are used in trauma-informed interior design because of their calming effects; combined with warm accents that inspire hope and optimism.
Read more about trauma-informed design here.
- Trauma-Informed Palette 1
- Trauma-Informed Palette 2
- Trauma-Informed Palette 3
- Trauma-Informed Palette 4
- Trauma-Informed Palette 5
- Trauma-Informed Palette 6
Nurturing, Growth, Emotional stability
#b4c5ba
Mist Sage fresh, calm, restorative
#9bb0a2
Eucalyptus timeless, refreshing, centering
#9ba094
Moss Gray stable, earthy, reassuring
#e3d9a9
Golden Wheat gentle, easy, uplifting
#eae6cd
Ivory Oat airy, serene, quiet optimism
Serene, Welcoming, Grounded
#d8e0dd
Pale Mint Gray calm, balanced, refreshing
#d2a293
Rosy Terracotta warm, comforting, coz
#e6d1b3
Golden Sand uplifting, relaxed, peaceful
#baa69f
Soft Taupe reassuring, composed, restorative
#ddd1ca
Taupe Beige gentle, soothing, tranquil
Promising, Restorative, Safe
#eee8e0
Almond Cream safe, inviting, optimistic
#c0c1d5
Lavender Periwinkle calm, dreamy, serene
#9ba7ba
Deep Lavender Blue steady, reflective, trusted
#c9d0bf
Misty Sage fresh, balanced, restorative
#c1cfd1
Silver Aqua light, serene, refreshin
Restorative, Refreshing, Clarifying
#b3b2d9
Periwinkle Purple dreamy, calm, serene
#c2b2d9
Light Purple imaginative, reflective, uplifting
#bfc9ac
Grassy Sage fresh, restorative, restorative
#b2dcd2
Aqua Teal refreshing, promising, tranquil
#dff1f5
Ice Blue honest, pure, clarifying
Grounded, Warm, Comforting
#d99c87
Warm Clay Peach comfort, welcoming, connected
#e1c8b2
Apricot Beige calm, reassuring, supportive
#e3dacb
Light Oat airy, tranquil, settled
#bdbfad
Sage Gray thoughtful, reflective, stead
#a0a291
Soft Olive Green restorative, protective, enduring
Understanding, Positive, Trusted
#f9efd6
Oat cozy, comforting, uplifting
#a38380
Rosy Clay warm, grounded, sophisticated
#f4d0b0
Light Peach friendly, cheerful, inviting
#a09d75
Olive Green understanding, balanced, stable
#4d412b
Espresso enduring, secure, rooted
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
