Which combination results in a color perceived as receding?

The perception of color, particularly regarding whether a color appears to recede or advance in space, significantly influences interior design. Cool colors, such as blue and green, are often associated with calmness and serenity. They tend to have a distant quality, creating an illusion that they are further away from the viewer. This is due to the way our eyes and brain process these cooler tones, which can make a space feel larger and more open.

In contrast, warm colors like red and yellow typically create a sense of intimacy and advance towards the viewer, making them feel closer. Neutrals combined with strong chromatic colors often create a balancing act in a space, but they do not inherently cause the perception of recession. Finally, bright colors against dark backgrounds can actually enhance the advance of the brighter tone, as the contrast draws attention and creates a striking visual effect.

Thus, the combination of cool colors effectively produces a receding perception, making it the correct choice in this context.