The Psychology of Colour in Office Space Design

Office space design is the first step in creating modern workspaces that work for how businesses operate today. Serviced business centres carefully consider every element, from office layout to ergonomic furniture to the overall aesthetics of the space. A component of this interior design equation is the colours used for each office, meeting room, and shared space.

This blog will look at the effects of colour in serviced offices to enhance the five pillars of a healthy workspace: air, light, activity, mind, and comfort. In particular, it will consider how colour can enhance employee productivity, creativity, sociability, conversation, professionalism, and positivity.

Optimising the Working Environment Using Colour Psychology

Colour psychology refers to how different colours affect or relate to moods and emotions. Office colour psychology takes this one step further by exploring the ways in which incorporating colours can affect moods, perceptions, and actions. Thus gone are the days of dull, grey cubicles as serviced offices are now considering pops of colour in their interior design.

The psychology of colour suggests the chosen colours can directly impact the five pillars of a healthy workspace. It is important to consider the colour of each element, down to the furniture and decor, and how it will impact the feelings and well-being of the employees. Furthermore, office design must tailor each colour to the unique and specific needs of the space.

The Impact of Colour in Serviced Office Space Design

Blue boosts productivity and calmness

Blue connotes trust, peace, loyalty, and confidence, making it one of the most used colours in business. Trust and reliability are two sought-after qualities by business owners when choosing their employees. With blue hues in office design, whether for private offices or meeting rooms, two pillars of a healthy workplace are in play: mind and comfort. The belief is the colour blue will aid employees in feeling calm and stable, and thus productivity will naturally follow.

Green enhances well-being and creativity

Green is often associated with nature, healing, freshness, and quality, which, in short, suggests green is a soothing colour. Air and light are of utmost importance in a healthy workplace, and fittingly, incorporating plants and biophilic elements is the most common use of green in the workplace. The connection to nature, improved air quality, and calming reactions can enhance employee well-being and boost their creativity and quality of work.

Orange promotes energy and sociability 

Colour psychology links orange with confidence, success, bravery, and sociality, which are very useful qualities in the business community. Confident, successful employees will ultimately improve the success of a business and create a great working atmosphere for all team members. Sociability and collaboration connect with two pillars of a healthy workplace: mind and activity. Therefore, orange decor or furniture, such as chairs, are fantastic additions to private offices and shared spaces, such as meeting rooms and community hubs.

Red fosters alertness and conversation

Red signifies excitement, strength, love, and energy and is undeniably associated with passion and thought. While too much red could make an atmosphere too intense, it is a reliable colour in business for specific spaces. In particular, red can take a meeting room to a new level, promoting thoughtful conversation and alertness in those involved. All-in-all, red hues in the workplace are great for the mind – one of the five pillars of a healthy workplace.

Neutral tones create balance and professionalism 

Neutral tones can denote more than one colour, such as a combination of white, black, and brown hues. Alone, white connotes cleanliness and honesty, black suggests formality and sophistication, and brown is considered trustworthy and dependable. However, when used together, neutral tones can create a comfortable working atmosphere that is balanced and professional. For example, painting the walls white makes the space feel bright and spacious, while black and brown accents balance it out with simplicity and neutrality. Together, neutral tones speak to three of the five pillars of a healthy workplace – light, mind, and comfort and can easily be paired with any other colour to brighten the space.

Conclusion

The impact of colour in serviced office design extends far beyond aesthetics and personal taste. Colour can influence the atmosphere, mood, and overall well-being of employees, ultimately contributing to the success of a business. By carefully considering the psychological effects of colours on the five pillars of a healthy workspace – air, light, activity, mind, and comfort – serviced business centres can create environments that foster productivity, creativity, sociability, conversation, professionalism, and positivity. To conclude, colours work best together, not in isolation, by creating a harmonious blend of emotions that contributes to a cohesive and balanced work environment.

Contact one of our community managers to learn more about our flexible model at Venaspace Offices.

Katrin Dakeva (Bournemouth)

📧 katrin@venaspace.com

📱07507 125442

Kerry Dunn (Plymouth)

📧 kerry@venaspace.com

📱07951 580511

Laura Hasrun (Exeter)

📧 laura@venaspace.com

📱07957 629631