Many top London interior designers have played active roles in what has been called the “true-to-history” colour movement in recent years. In this article I will explain what this means through examples from a few different colour categories that are often used in interior designs.

Greens are linked with organic vegetables, good health, and foliage. The ancient UK May Day celebration has historically focused on a May King, who is dressed in late spring garlands of finely-wreathed sprouting green vegetables. The May Queen wears a dress of beautiful white, symbolising vitality, virtue and clarity. In Ancient Egypt, green was used to request fertile soils and good harvests from the gods. Green has strong links with nature, and for interior designers this can be a wonderful colour to use in London flats; green-themed interior designs can take the mind away from the bustle of London’s grey city streets and evoke images of rain-swept countryside landscapes.

The word “yellow” comes from the Old English geolu or geolo, which in turn relates to the Dutch geel, meaning gold. Historically yellow has been associated with joyful sunshine and gleeful celebration. Interior design consultancies and colour professionals will often rely on yellow in interior designs for London residences to banish the dreary gloom of winter rain and autumnal fog.

Blue is historically linked with images of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In origin, the word is Middle English, but also has links with the Old French “bleu” and is ultimately of Germanic origin. London Interior Designers will rely on sky blue to evoke feelings of serenity, peace and relaxation.

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Finally, royal purple has obvious associations with aristocracy, monarchy and rich celebrations. Because it has such profound associations, it is only really appropriate in London interior designs for opulent mansions or extravagantly luxurious penthouse residences.

In summary, colour is not just about the visual and the immediate, but also focuses on symbolic associations that cross space and time. Many of London’s top interior designers and colour consultants will take these subtle meanings into account when creating the perfect design for a client’s dream home.