Surprise is an emotional response to something unexpected. While surprise itself does not have a specific color associated with it, there are some colors that can evoke a feeling of surprise when used in an unexpected way. In this article, we’ll look at some colors that can convey surprise and discuss how color choice can impact emotions.
Using unexpected colors
One way to create surprise with color is to use an unexpected or uncommon shade. For example, seeing a bright, vibrant orange may be surprising if you’re used to orange being a more muted, earthy tone. Similarly, an extremely light pastel shade of a color like green or purple could evoke surprise simply by subverting expectations.
Colors that stand out from their surroundings can also surprise viewers. Imagine seeing a hot pink couch in an otherwise neutral colored room – the vibrancy of the pink would feel jarring and elicit surprise. When a color contrasts starkly with colors around it, it draws more attention and feels more energizing.
Clashing color combinations
Surprise color combinations stem from colors that don’t naturally go together, creating a sense of visual tension. For example, shades of red and green near each other may read as surprising and dynamic. Other color pairings like turquoise and maroon or yellow and violet can also surprise when used together.
These color combinations surprise by breaking the “rules” of design and color theory. Colors that are far apart on the color wheel tend to clash. But this sense of visual discord can create excitement and energy. The surprise factor comes from colors colliding in unconventional ways.
Neutral colors in new contexts
Context plays a key role in color perception. Neutral colors like white, gray, brown or black may seem unsurprising at first glance. But using neutral tones in an unexpected context can create surprise. For example, seeing a white couch or black dining table could feel startling if most furniture is wood tone. A gray painted wall where accent walls are more common could also surprise.
Neutral colors tend to fade into the background. When used in a prominent way, their sheer neutrality makes them stand out. The surprise comes from their novelty and ability to challenge assumptions that neutral means boring or safe.
Bright, saturated accents
Using bright, saturated colors as accents is an easy way to add an element of surprise. Imagine a bouquet of flowers in muted tones with one vibrant red flower. The eye would naturally be drawn to the red pop of color. In a sea of subdued tones, one vibrant accent color feels energizing and surprising.
This same principle applies in interior design. A lime green decorative vase on a shelf of blue glassware makes the green feel more prominent. The brightness draws attention and creates visual interest. Vibrant accent colors make spaces feel more dynamic, eclectic and full of surprises.
Unexpected color combinations in nature
In nature, surprising color combinations often stem from plants and animals adapting their colors as camouflage. For example, a red fish swimming among coral and anemones surprises us because red is not the typical color of ocean creatures. But the red allows the fish to blend in and not draw too much attention from predators.
Some insects and reptiles also use color mimicking as camouflage. A bright blue beetle surprises us because we don’t associate that color with insects. But the blue mimics the hue of the leaves and petals the beetle spends time on, allowing it to blend into its environment.
These naturally occurring color surprises remind us that color context impacts emotional response. A color that seems bright and vibrant on its own can appear muted or neutral among different surroundings.
Warm and cool color combinations
Pairing warm and cool colors together can create visually stimulating color combinations. Warm colors like red, orange and yellow convey energy, while cool colors like blue, green and purple feel more calming. Combining warm and cool shades makes each stand out more and creates color discord.
For example, an orange and blue painting would have strong visual tension between the colors. This complementarity surprises the eye and activates areas of the brain tied to problem solving. The appeal comes from the color contrast and perceptual challenge. Using warm and cool colors together keeps things visually intriguing.
Cultural meanings of color
Color meanings can vary widely between cultures. So a color combination or context that seems surprising or unexpected to someone from one culture may not register the same way to someone from another culture.
For example, in many Western cultures the color white is associated with weddings and purity. But in some Asian cultures, white can symbolize death and is worn at funerals. Using white in a celebratory way could surprise an Asian audience, while Westerners may be surprised to see white worn at a funeral.
Being aware of cultural color associations is important when considering how to use color for surprise. A color combination that feels visually arresting but also has significance in a particular culture can elicit an even stronger emotional response.
Psychology of color surprise
There are a few psychological reasons why surprising uses of color grab our attention:
- Violated expectations – When colors appear where we don’t anticipate them, it violates our mental expectations and causes surprise.
- Curiosity – Unexpected color combinations spark curiosity to understand why they work or how they came together.
- Incongruity – Our brain perceives something as surprising when it represents an incongruity or inconsistency with what is customary.
- Change of pace – Color surprises feel exciting by representing a change from the norm and introducing more vibrancy.
Surprise color moments provide sensory stimulation and activate the mind’s interest in understanding why the colors work. When colors feel intentionally unexpected, it signals someone’s creativity at work, which people tend to find interesting.
Example surprising color palettes
Here are some examples of color palettes that use surprising or unexpected combinations:
- Red, pink, teal – Vibrant red and pink paired with cool teal
- Lime green, burgundy, navy – Bright, energetic lime green contrasting richer burgundy and navy
- Lavender, peach, sage green – Soft lavender and peach with earthy sage green
- Yellow, seafoam green, plum – Sunny yellow with contrasting seafoam and plum
- Turquoise, marigold, berry – Cool turquoise pops against warm marigold and berry
These palettes combine colors from different parts of the color wheel. The contrasting hues create visual liveliness. While individual color preferences vary, these combinations tend to feel unexpected at first glance.
Using surprise colors in design
Here are some tips for intentionally using colors to surprise in visual design:
- Choose accent colors first, then select main hues – Vibrant accents make neutrals feel more lively
- Reimagine neutral colors in new contexts – A black sofa can feel just as surprising as a colored one
- Use colors you rarely work with – Avoid your defaults to create new combinations
- Look for color inspiration in nature – Nature provides unexpected color mimicry
- Consider cultural meanings – A color surprise to some may be commonplace to others
Creating color surprise requires moving away from old habits and typical pairings. Pushing your own comfort zone and learning to see neutral and muted colors in new ways opens up many opportunities for surprise.
Conclusion
Color can evoke surprise by subverting expectations, creating contrast, and activating curiosity. Colors that stand out from their surroundings feel more energizing. Combining warm and cool shades adds visual vibrancy. And reimagining neutral tones or cultural color meanings in new contexts also surprises. Color surprise engages the mind and delights the senses when done thoughtfully.
