When designing a new office space, the colour scheme is one of the most crucial factors to consider. The colours you choose can significantly impact your employees’ overall ambience, productivity, and well-being. The right colour scheme can create a positive and inspiring work environment, while the wrong choice can lead to feelings of discomfort and distraction. In this post, we will discuss some essential tips to help you ensure that you use the best colour scheme for your new office design.
Understand The Psychology Of Colours
Colours have the power to influence our emotions and behaviour. It is important to have a basic understanding of colour psychology before selecting a colour scheme. For example, blue is often associated with calmness and productivity, making it suitable for spaces where focus and concentration are essential, such as conference rooms or creative studios. On the other hand, yellow is known for its energizing effect and can be ideal for collaborative areas like breakout spaces or brainstorming rooms.
Consider Your Brand Identity
Your office design should reflect your brand’s identity and values. Consider your company’s logo, website, and overall branding when choosing a colour scheme. Incorporating your brand colours into the office design can create a cohesive and consistent look, reinforcing your brand identity to employees and visitors.
Assess The Space & Lighting Conditions
The size and layout of your office and the availability of natural and artificial lighting should influence your colour choices. Lighter colours can make a small office seem more spacious, while darker shades can add depth and warmth to larger areas. You can experiment with bolder and brighter colours if your office receives plenty of natural light. However, in spaces with limited natural light, opting for lighter tones is advisable to avoid a gloomy atmosphere. The colour of your ceiling tiles is another vital aspect to consider, and you can use them to add contrast to your space and colour scheme.
Create Zones & Consider Function
Different areas within your office may serve different functions, and using distinct colour schemes for each zone can help create a sense of purpose and organisation. For instance, the reception area could feature warm and inviting colours to make visitors feel welcome, while workstations might benefit from more neutral tones to promote focus and concentration. On the other hand, breakout spaces and relaxation areas could benefit from calming hues to encourage relaxation and creativity.
Seek Employee Input
Involving your employees in decision-making can boost morale and ensure their needs are considered. Conduct surveys or hold meetings to gather feedback on colour preferences. Remember, your employees are the ones who will be spending a significant portion of their day in the office, so it’s important to create a space that resonates with them.
Test Before Committing
Before committing to a specific colour scheme, testing a few options is wise. Purchase sample paints or use digital design tools to create mock-ups of the office space with different colour combinations. It will help you visualise how the colours look and feel in the environment. It is also a good idea to observe the colours at different times of the day to see how they change under varying lighting conditions.
