I'm sure research has been carried out into what combinations of colours are most attractive. I think it is usually done by advertisers or marketing companies. Can anyone tell me where I can find results.
There is a concept called a colour wheel which shows the best combinations of colours as complementary and contrasting. Rather than me try to explain it, try colour wheel (or color wheel) in Google or click the link for loads of sites explaining it. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q= colour+wheel
Perhaps not much help but the BBC produced a programme in 1990 called 'The Colour Eye' which talked about the relationship of colours etc. May be of use if you can get a copy from your library.