When most people say ‘office design’ they normally think of the configuration of the desks, chairs and other items of furniture, as well as the overall layout. However, one of the most important elements of any modern office is the choice of colours.
Thames Contracts have three decades’ worth of experience in high-quality office refurbishments and refits in Stevenage, Watford, and many other parts of North London and Hertfordshire. Here is our rundown of the effects various colours can have in an office environment.
Yellows, Oranges and Reds
These colours have been shown – notably by researchers at the University of British Columbia – to increase feelings of creativity, energy and innovation. This means they are good for collaborative work, or if you ever need to have a ‘brainstorming’ session with colleagues.
However, these colours shouldn’t be overused in any office, as they can easily become rather overwhelming. Some studies have suggested that used in excess they can lead to stress and aggression amongst employees.
Ideally, they should be used on one (but not all) of the walls, or on some of the fixtures and fittings such as the chairs. They could be used in a breakout area, such as a kitchen or rest room where people are likely to get together but don’t spend too much of their working day there.
Blues (and Purples)
These colours are best for aiding productivity, according to a study carried out by the University of Central Lancashire, and they have also been shown to help with clear thinking and problem-solving. This means they should be used in a main work area where you want workers to be able to concentrate on the job in hand.
Blues and purples are also a good welcoming colour for a reception area. Remember, your office will also be hosting members of the public and potential clients and you don’t want them to be ‘overpowered’ by colour when they walk in. This part of the office should also have a colour version of your company logo as well.
Greens
This is also a good colour for a main office wall or walls. Widely seen as a harmonious, or calming colour, green also reduces eye strain and has been shown to improve efficiency.
It is also a good colour to use to dovetail with any natural materials in the office, such as wooden chairs and furniture, and any office plants (possibly in a ‘living wall’).
Whites and Greys
A study carried out by the University of Texas suggest these can make offices rather uninspiring places to work, particularly for women. White walls can also be reminiscent of a clinical setting, such as a hospital and all the negative associations (such as ill health) this can have.
However, whites and greys can still have their place in the modern office. You can use ‘off-white’ shades, such as apple white or cream, to ensure the workplace doesn’t become too bland. They are also effectively a ‘blank canvas’ which you can add colour to – perhaps in the furniture, fixtures and fittings. And these colours are also unlikely to offend anyone.
Think Laterally
You aren’t restricted to just painting the walls when it comes to introducing colour into the office. If you want to add some more green, for instance, have some plants in the office (or encourage staff to bring in their own); this could improve the air quality by filtering out some of the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are usually present in any indoor space and the plants will also create a more homely, ‘lived-in’ feel to any workplace.
If you have got some ‘bland’ walls, then why not add some paintings or artwork? As well as brightening up the office, they could also help improve productivity and creativity, according to a University of Exeter study. This is particularly true if the employees have a choice in what art is hung up.
Consider the type of lighting you have as well. Modern systems aren’t restricted to conventional bulbs; you can also add subtle shades of colour. However, you should remember it’s best to have as much natural light as possible, as this been shown to improve employee health and wellbeing.
You can also add additional points of interest (such as company logos) with frosted glass partitioning, which we specialise in fitting in offices throughout London.
Office Refurbishments in Stevenage from Thames Contracts
At Thames Contracts, we will be able to advise you on what colours go with what to create a fully integrated colour scheme, whether you are refurbishing an existing workplace or have opted for a complete fitout. We know what colours are ‘on trend’ in office refurbishments in Stevenage, Potters Bar, Stevenage, other parts of Hertfordshire and North London.
If you are interested in any of our services, call us on 020 8368 0045 or follow this link and fill in the online form.
