Insight / News
Across the world, there are so many different hues and tones of paint. Each one can look different in different lighting, some hues have darker undertones whilst some can look a lighter/darker shade depending on where it goes in your office. A sometimes forgotten aspect to choosing paint colours in your office is the psychological effect that different shades have on the brain – some can soothe and some can stimulate however you don’t want to be over-soothing or over-stimulating! Read on to find out right paint colour for your office.
Choosing a white colour can often give a clinical aesthetic, however choosing an off-white hue will soften the look of true white. Its easy to decorate and design around, given its warm yet clean appearance and is often paired with neutral and earthy tones with added touches of plants. Using these versatile shades will promote focus and organisation whilst bringing in plenty of light. It can easily be refreshed by with other natural colours for a minimalist look or bold pops of colour for a unique interior.
Choosing black is a bold choice and used wrongly, black could make your office look dark, ominous and uninviting. However, it is also becoming more of a trend to paint a wall black as it adds to the 'industrial' look. Black is a very grounding and powerful colour to have in your office. It’s known to encourage confidence, introspection and strength. It can boost your sense of security in the decisions you’re making as a business.
Red is a very intense colour, and is associated with everything from anger and energy to strength and determination. It has been known to raise blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. Given that stop signs and fire engines are red, it’s no surprise that in spaces where red paint is prominent, people tend to be more motivated to react. Therefore, painting your office wall red is something that should be seriously considered – it may be more appropriate for those that work in fast-paced or ever-changing industries as it will always keep you on your toes. Red can be balanced with neutral or muted tones like grey, black or white.
Blue is the colour most closely associated with stimulating the mind and creating an atmosphere where employees can be more productive. Choosing warmer hues can encourage serenity and productivity and can help employees stay focused, stress free and performing their best.
Businesses often use this colour to communicate reliability and honesty so they’re great if you often bring clients to your office. Cooler blues are often seen as cold and distant so its recommended that these shades are balanced with warm or rustic decor.
Green is another colour that’s known for having a calming effect whilst revitalizing the mind. Opposite to yellow, green is the least fatiguing colour for our eyes and it’s known to increase reading speed and comprehension. If you’re an editor who has to read a few thousand words per day or you’re constantly studying difficult material, this is the colour for you. The colour green is also associated with creating balance, growth and reassurance. This is only natural, as there is balance in nature within the green leaves, grasses, bushes and brush, and that’s part of the reason green is “easy on the eyes.”
Yellow is considered the most intense colour of the spectrum to the human eye so in a sense, 'less is more'. Adding a touch of yellow can represent positivity, innovation, friendliness and can stimulate a better atmosphere within your office, however using too much can be distracting and negatively impact productivity and generate frustration. Yellow is a good colour to choose for a creative area within your office as it can boost the 'out-of-the-box' thinking.
Grey is another great neutral and highly versatile shade that can give your office a sleek feel while being known to evoke feelings of peace and tranquillity. It can convey the strength of steel and the benefit of being emotionally consistent to your employees. These qualities are good for a workplace environment that frees emotions so workers can focus on the tasks at hand. If not paired with the appropriate decor, it can feel a little lacking and potentially stagnate creativity so be sure to add natural elements and colours like an indoor plant or a wooden desk.