Recently, I’ve found myself delighting in a fresh wardrobe—a small change, but one that’s felt just right. Each new piece, even ones a bit outside my comfort zone, like a cute little sleeve, brings a spark of joy and freshness. Inspired by these additions, I wanted to explore how color enriches our lives. So, this morning, I sat down with my daughter by my bookshelf, surrounded by our favorite reads. She loves pulling books out, delighting in the soft breeze as pages turn, and in that moment, a few titles on color caught my eye. It felt like a sign. I picked up three books that, in their unique ways, show how color can bring new energy, perspective, and creativity to life. I’d love to share them with you, as they might just inspire you, too.
1. Color for Life by Charles Phillips
The first book, Color for Life, was a secondhand find, but it feels like it’s always belonged with me. It’s a beautiful guide that touches on the meaning and influence of color—from what we wear and how we decorate, to the colors we find in nature. It goes beyond simply suggesting which colors might suit you; it delves into the spirit of color, how certain hues influence mood and add meaning to different areas of our lives.
For me, color has always been intuitive. In my past job selling screen-printed shirts, we’d take little color tests, arranging shades from darkest to lightest. I was usually spot-on, except with one shade of blue-green. Our team even had our color strengths posted on our cubicles—my strengths are red and yellow. It was a simple thing, but it helped us all understand where each person ‘performed better’ in the area of color matching, which was important to us and our customers. No judgement, just colors.
Color for Life reminded me that we don’t have to fight against what colors suit us or resonate with us. Some colors bring peace and confidence, while others energize and uplift. It’s about embracing what feels right and maybe stretching ourselves by trying something new. Sometimes a book or a little piece of color wisdom is enough to bring inspiration when the world feels a little dull.
2. Make Yourself Magic by Jaclyn Lanae
Make Yourself Magic is another gem I’d love to share. Found at a local shop, by a local-to-me author. Her book touches on the power of color not only on the outside but within. Think of the vibrant fruits and veggies we eat—each color nourishes us in its way, like a rainbow of wellness. Colorful food nourished our visual pallet just as much as it does our insides. A couple inspiring friends of mine going through cancer treatment have experienced the healing and calmness that colorful foods provides. I hope you are inspired by the colors of your food, friend.
I remember being struck by how much color affects our health and well-being. Whether it’s the brightness of a carrot or the warmth of a red apple, color can be a subtle reminder to take care of ourselves, to bring a little “magic” into our bodies and minds. It’s a small book, but it’s packed with encouragement to live with a bit more color in every sense.
I follow Jaclyn on her lifes escapades and let me tell you, she is full of life and color!
3. Vegetables Love Flowers by Lisa Ziegler
The last book is probably my favorite: Vegetables Love Flowers by Lisa Ziegler. The cover alone is beautiful and speaks to how nature’s colors bring harmony to our gardens and, in turn, to our lives. Her book explores the art of companion planting, or choosing plants that naturally support and enrich each other.
I’ve always loved the way color comes alive in a garden. There’s something profoundly beautiful about a pop of color in the midst of green, like a sunflower in full bloom. In our sisterhood, the sunflower has become a symbol of resilience and growth, and having it in my garden is a lovely reminder to pause, appreciate, and take a breath. This book inspired me to experiment with different plants and add more color to my garden—not just for beauty but to create a space that attracts wildlife and brings a little extra life to the space.
It also reminded me that basil is not only a fantastic and versatile herb but a flower and I currently have a couple basil cuttings in a vase on my table. Because, why not?! It smells great and is a great cut and displayed flower!
Sometimes, the colors we choose are instinctual. I may reach for Color for Life for ideas on what shades might balance or lift my mood. Even something as subtle as adding white flowers to a corner can transform a garden and make it feel more intentional and serene.
Finding Color in Life’s Smallest Moments
Colors are all around us, even in subtle ways. We might overlook them in everyday things like our nail polish or patio planters. I recently bought a neutral-colored planter, and while I love how it blends, I thought, “Maybe next time, I’ll go bolder.” There’s always room to add a splash of color, whether in a garden, a home, or even in the clothes we wear.
Sometimes, our surroundings make the choice for us—a sidewalk, a house exterior—and in those moments, color invites us to let go and embrace what is. We connect with color on a deep level, associating certain shades with memories, friendships, and even brands we love. It’s a silent but powerful language that brings warmth, happiness, and creativity into our lives.
Embracing Life’s Palette
Ultimately, every color has a story, a feeling, and a purpose. Our world is filled with the colors of creation, each one a small reflection of the rainbow, a promise of beauty and hope. I encourage you to pick one today, whether that means painting with it, wearing it, planting it, or simply noticing it. Meditate on it. Color is there to inspire, to uplift, and to remind us of the beauty in life’s details. Let’s celebrate it—because sometimes, finding that one perfect shade is magic enough.
