Office colour schemes can make a big impact on the people who work in them every day. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. Some colours help to make rooms feel bigger. Others are perfect for adding warmth. But what if we told you that paint colour choice goes beyond simply enhancing the look of a space?
Well, it’s true! Colour psychology is a powerful tool that you can use to create an atmosphere. You can paint kitchens and dining rooms in colours that spark hunger cues. You can choose sleep-inducing shades for bedrooms and rest areas. And for office spaces, the right colours can enhance mood, creativity, and productivity.
Why Office Colour Schemes Matter
Studies show that colour can be used as a cognitive tool, helping you tap into the power of neuropsychology to get the most out of every workday. The colour scheme of an office space can significantly impact the way an employee interacts with the space, including the work they produce there.
A stark white environment with very little colour can be uninspiring, ultimately driving disengagement and bringing down the mood of employees. Over time, that can lead to a reduction in productivity and lower team morale.
On the other hand, a little strategic use of colour can go a long way towards crafting an environment that sets everyone up to do their best work every day. The right colours help you create a space that inspires and motivates your team.
Workplace Colour Zoning
Increasingly, workplace colour zoning is emerging as a popular interior design trend. It involves choosing paint colours for each work zone in relation to the tasks you want people to achieve there. This is an easy way to visually break up open-plan working areas, creating clear distinctions between different zones and the tasks they are used for.
In reception areas, it’s generally best to stick to branded colours that align with how your business is perceived by customers or clients. Bright splashes can also be helpful in driving excitement and engagement.
But in private work areas, you’re free to explore all the benefits colour zoning has to offer.
Office colour schemes often rely on heavy use of blue, and that’s no accident. Blue tones can help to reduce stress, lower cortisol, and improve focus, making it a strong choice for busy corporate environments where big decisions need to be made.
Green is another popular selection, especially in quieter zones or breakout areas. Why? A 2014 research paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that introducing leafy green plants to sparse workspaces delivered a 15 per cent increase in team productivity. Green evokes a connection with nature that can help you feel refreshed and ready to take on new tasks.
Going bolder, some workplaces also include splashes of yellow and red. Yellow is a mood booster, which can work well for creative environments and collaboration spaces, while red promotes a sense of intensity that can be great for high-energy zones, like sales areas. These colours can also be overstimulating, though, so it’s best to use them sparingly.
Ready To Update Your Office Space?
If your office colour scheme could use a little TLC, AJ Cochrane & Sons can help. We’ve been painting commercial spaces for almost 100 years! Our skilled painting team can help you choose the perfect colours to breathe new life into tired office spaces.
