Have you ever wondered why one color feels calming to you but intense to someone else?

We have—and it turns out, it's not just personal taste. The colors we love (or avoid) often have deep roots in where we come from, how we were raised, and what we've seen around us.

Color is emotional, symbolic, and surprisingly cultural.

We grow up surrounded by color cues

From the moment we're born, we begin to take in the colors surrounding us. The hues we see in school uniforms, festive decorations, product packaging, or traditional attire all play a role in shaping our emotional connections to certain colors. Over time, these associations—like linking specific shades with purity, formality, life, or prosperity—become deeply rooted in us. Even as styles and trends evolve, those early impressions tend to stay with us.

Color trends are global—but not identical

Each year, a new "Color of the Year" is announced, quickly influencing trends across fashion and design. However, color preferences aren't universal. While soft pastels might surge in popularity in one area, vibrant shades like red or gold may remain favored elsewhere because of their cultural significance. What feels stylish in one place might not resonate the same way in another, since color is often closely connected to local traditions and meanings.

Our emotions are guided by culture

Colors naturally evoke emotions—but those emotions can vary widely depending on cultural context. For one group, a color like blue might suggest calm and reliability, while for another, it could be tied to grief. Yellow may seem bright and joyful to some, yet carry heavier associations such as betrayal in other traditions.

These meanings aren't accidental—they're shaped by history and passed down over time, becoming part of a shared understanding within each culture.

Nature and landscape play a role too

We also react to colors based on the environments we live in. People from tropical regions might prefer bright, vibrant tones that reflect the colorful world around them—think turquoise waters and vivid flowers. Meanwhile, those from cooler climates often lean toward earthier, muted tones. Our eyes are drawn to what feels familiar and comforting, and that comfort is shaped by where we live.

Designers use color with care

In today's interconnected world, brands and creators need to be mindful of how color is perceived across different cultures. A shade that conveys the right message in one region might have a completely different meaning elsewhere. For instance, what feels bold and celebratory in one place could seem too flashy or out of place in another.

That's why professionals in design, fashion, and architecture often take the time to understand local color associations before introducing their work to a global audience.

Color can unite us, too

Despite our differences, there are colors that bring people together. Earth tones, for example, are now widely loved across cultures for their natural, calming feel. Pastel shades have become popular in minimalist fashion and design movements worldwide. And digital tools are helping color trends spread faster than ever, sparking new global trends that blend influences from different regions.

We all have personal color stories

At the end of the day, our favorite colors often come from moments that matter to us—childhood memories, important events, or places we've visited. When we choose colors for our homes, clothes, or artwork, we're telling a story. And sometimes, that story includes a mix of personal taste and cultural meaning.

Let's look at color with new eyes

Next time we pick a color, whether it's for a painting, an outfit, or a room wall, let's ask ourselves—what does this color mean to us? Where did that feeling come from? Is it shaped by where we're from or what we've seen online? Exploring those questions adds a deeper layer to our everyday choices.

What's your color identity?

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a favorite color that others find surprising? Have you ever traveled somewhere where the local color trends felt completely different? Share your color story with us—because behind every color is a culture, and behind every choice is a connection.