The right paint – in terms of colour, texture and more, can have a huge impact on your working space.
There’s no denying that the spaces we work in has a massive impact on our productivity and psyche.
It’s a no-brainer that cluttered desks lead to cluttered minds; and in the same vein, rooms with loads of natural lighting instantly lift the mood and the colours have an instant impact on our emotions.
Since most of us spend the greater part of our days in an office – whether at home or among colleagues – having a working space that inspires productivity and positivity is of the utmost importance.
While wall colour may seem like a purely aesthetic factor when setting up an office space, it actually requires a good deal of deliberation to get it just right.
Here are a few aspects to consider:
Colour
Even though colour psychology is a speciality subject all on its own that can’t be summed up in a few sentences, having a broad understanding of the different effects different colours may have on people van be hugely helpful.
To start off with, here are a few basic psychological guidelines to keep in mind about a few of the most popular colour choices:
Blue is the most commonly used colour in corporate environments. It symbolises stability, steadfastness, strength, dependability, royalty and efficiency. Blue can, of course, also be calming and cool.
Red is often considered a risky interior colour. It symbolises danger, warning, warmth and attention-seeking.
Fun fact! Yellow is the first colour that the human brain sees. It can be seen as a warning, but also evokes pleasant feelings, such as sunshine on skin, rejuvenation, energy, fun, and vibrance.
Orange is said to symbolise and evoke creativity. It’s energising, whimsical, childlike, happy and friendly.
Like blue, green is also considered a very calming colour. It evokes images of nature and brings with it a sense of quiet, calm and healing.
Neutrals such as greys, creams and beiges are used extensively in office spaces because they are safe and non-descript. They work as a good base or ‘field’ on which to apply layers of colour and also don’t date or become tiresome as quickly as bolder/brighter colours do.
The colour you choose for an office ultimately comes down to what type of work people do in this space.
For instance, blue might work very well in an environment where people work with numbers all day, but wouldn’t be stimulating enough for a creative studio or a gym class. Similarly, bright and contrasting colours should definitely not be used in areas that require quiet and focus, as they will leave the occupants feeling giddy.
Texture
Along with colour, the texture of paint is also an important aspect to consider.
While choosing a matte finish for a large open wall makes a lot of sense, adding a few stripes of gloss paint in the same colour can make it a bit more interesting and attractive.
On the other hand, a glossy texture is a better choice for areas like kitchens and bathrooms that require regular cleaning, as it’s much easier to wipe down than a matte finish wall.
So, basically, keep in mind what you will be doing in which areas and choose paint textures that suit it best.
Application
Once you’ve decided on the colours and textures you want to use, it’s time to purchase your paint.
In this last step, it’s very important to make sure that you buy the appropriate type of paint.
For example, exterior paints tend to carry far stronger fumes than interior paints.
Add a bit of fun with chalkboard paint or whiteboard walls
The last few years have seen a rise in popularity of chalkboard paint in homes – especially for those who have to keep little kids entertained.
However, this could also be a fun addition to an office space. Chalkboard walls could serve as useful writing surfaces during stand-up meetings, or just as a space for employees to express their creativity, write messages to one another or play ongoing games of noughts-and-crosses.
Before making any final decisions about which colour to paint your office space, calling in the help of an experienced interior designer comes highly recommended. They will be able to offer invaluable guidance and help ensure that you choose the best pallet for the type of office space you’re setting up.
Now that you’ll be able to choose the correct paint for your next office renovations, download our guide on improving office design to create the best office space design for your business.
