Chromophobia is a persistent, irrational fear of, or aversion to, colors and is usually a conditioned
response. Most people don’t have chromophobia but exhibit similar reluctance or resistance to using
colors beyond beige, tan, white, off white and light gray in their homes. Fear of picking the wrong color
is a commonly cited reason. That is, people aren’t afraid of using color, they’re just afraid of being stuck
with the wrong color, and then having to explain to friends and family why the living room wall is
fluorescent green.

Well, when it comes to your own home there really is no such thing as a wrong color. Yes, we
architects obsess over color selections. We consider whether they’ll be dated in five years, the mood
they create, how colors delineate space, assist in way finding, impact the perceived volume of each
room and articulate building elements. But a house is different thing. It’s not created for public
consumption. Strangers don’t wander through a house needing to be subtly directed to the next store
or patient wing. You have the right to be different.

I play this game when stopped at a traffic light -how many consecutive neutral color cars will pass before
I see a car with color. The number is usually between 8 and 15. I drive a red car. I’m not sure what that
says about me, but if you look at car colors while stopped at a traffic light, you’ll see an overwhelming
selection of white, black, gray and silver autos. In fact, over 60% of cars sold in the U.S are one of those
four colors. Current trends favor neutral colors for 75% of all car sales, and while Millennials prefer
some color, neutral colors are still their number one choice. What does this say about us – the can-do,
individual, chart-your-own-path American?

It probably says that we’re risk adverse, are practical since neutral colored cars hold their value better
than bright colors, and those white and silver techno gadgets we own inform our choices for buying
other objects.

Popular interior residence colors aren’t much different. Look at any fine design magazine and almost
every upscale house or apartment is a tasteful assembly of neutral walls, stained wood floor with
stainless steel appliances and accents. The furniture is white, brown or cream. Maybe there will be a
dark green or shock of terra cotta accent wall. All very nice, safe, and anonymous. Think about it: there
are approximately 140 million housing units in the United States. Your house, your apartment or your
condo is the is the only place out of 140 million that is uniquely yours. Why should it look like someone
else’s idea of home?

Don’t be afraid to be bold, dull, tasteful or tacky. It’s your space, your refuge, your chance to make a
statement. If you can’t be yourself in your own home, then where can you be you? Just call that
fluorescent green a trending color like Vibrant Avocado and no one will challenge you.