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Whether we’re aware of it or not, color plays a major role in our lives. We’re drawn to certain colors in the same way that we’re naturally attracted to a specific piece of art or even another person. Often, our response to color is so strong that it can create a subconscious appeal to a physical location or place. Does this apply to you? You bet.

Understanding Color Importance

While “color psychology” isn’t a topic likely to be discussed during board meetings it is often more important than we’ll ever know. Marketing and branding teams spend weeks designing company logos and developing products that will appeal to customers. These groups know how important color is on a potential customer’s senses and attitudes; shouldn’t we look at our interior colors with the same focus as we do our product development?

Regardless of size, every business organization faces the challenge of providing to each of its employees (or to herself) a functional, clean and safe working environment. And every organization will undoubtedly be forced at some point, to take on the task of “updating” this office in one of the following ways: giving it a facelift, tackling a total renovation or a brand new space!

No matter the method, the largest concern is often the price tag associated with the changes. In an effort to keep the costs down, often the aesthetic of the office is needlessly compromised. There are a variety of finish options, patterns, and colors which are available at a number of price points. The key is selecting a cohesive package within your budget that best represents your organization. Even the most basic solution for walls & ceilings, paint, costs the same whether it is institutional gray or a more inspirational hue/tone. Color selection has a significant impact on productivity, morale, corporate vision and client perception. What is the image you want to convey to your customers? To yourself?

Tips to making good choices

The surrounding surfaces in a workspace should function in the same way that they do in a living space.

Key objectives
1) have a positive impact on or productivity, performance and overall well being
2) accurately communicate style & brand message.

While the importance of color in the workplace is most certainly an interesting concept, few of us are true color psychologists. Warm vs. Cool? Light vs. Dark? Primary, Complementary or Tertiary palette? Rather than taking a stab at designing the office’s interior color schemes, consultation with a professional color consultant is always a good choice. Unless you’re willing to experiment or are confident with color, let the professionals work their magic while you work yours.

Laura Ashleigh is the owner of Artistic Finishes, LLC.