Good colour can help a document but the secret is to apply restraint and follow a few common-sense guidelines.
1.Choose one or two highlight colours that complement the overall document design. Use these colours sparingly but consistently. E.g. for headlines, simple graphic effects etc.
2.Check your colour coding to see if it works well when viewed in black and white only -important when colour print-outs are not available or for the reader who may be colour-blind.
3.If using a palette of true colours is not possible or practical, then deliberately use various shades of grey instead to add “colour” interest.