Colours: Capturing Eyes And Attention With A Purpose

It’s no surprise that many studies and research have gleaned an understanding of how our environment affects us. A simple thing like colour can do so much in affecting our mood, productivity and even decisions in our workplaces. We don’t even need a scientific study to know this intuitively – imagine two workspaces, one brightly coloured and vibrant, while the other dull and drab. It doesn’t take much to know which space most people would choose to do their work in.

So what does it mean to colour your workspaces? It goes deeper than just ‘choosing a general colour’ or ‘‘choosing your favourite colour’. The science behind it shows that different colours actually calm, soothe, inspire, or even cheer someone up. Let’s take a deep dive into how colours play an important role in designing a great workspace for both your employees and customers alike.

Basics of colour combinations in a workplace

We’ve shared a little about the basics of colour at workplaces previously, sharing about finding a balance and using complementary colours in interior design. But to do a quick recap, colour concepts aren’t a one and done deal. It all depends on the purpose and atmosphere you want to focus on and create in your workplace.

Different spaces might also require different colours for a plethora of reasons. Wanting to design a dynamic space where you want your team to feel refreshed and energised? Utilise bright and striking colours like yellow and orange, done in a more brilliant hue to uplift the immediate impression of a room or collaborative space. How about a creative environment for your design team to gain ideas and inspiration? Green and purple have been linked to colours that do just so.

And so, we touch on a concept integral to interior design – creating spaces with the purpose as a starting goal. And this is the same when it comes to choosing the perfect colour (or colours) as well.

What is the goal and brand identity of the organisation?

While you might remember us talking about the brand identity of the organisation previously, it goes further than just posting the primary colours of the brand throughout your workspaces without care or consideration.

Know the primary colours of your brand (simplifying it into the 2-3 primary colours if you have a wide range of colours to choose from) and use those appropriately in your workspaces. Different shares of the same colour can often create balance as you mix and match brighter and darker hues to create a visually comforting space. It is also equally viable to use a neutral palette like white, cream or peach that can generally fit your primary colours to create a visually pleasing overall office design.

You want your company (especially the reception area) to represent your brand clearly and distinctively. It speaks of a clear corporate identity and pride in representing it where your customers come to visit you. Doubling down on your visual (and colour) identity will create a clearer image a customer has of you and your brand.

Does it differ from the purpose of a workspace?

While we now know about the importance of your brand’s representation and identity, it doesn’t mean that we cannot take a step out of these 2-3 colours and explore the wide array of colours available to us – especially when we know that different colours can bring a tangible difference into the rooms that are utilised in.

Spaces where your employees relax and spend their downtime (like the pantry and eating areas) can utilise colours like green which are soothing and relaxing. A space where boldness and decisiveness are required (such as a room where you meet with customers, stakeholders and investors) can be painted in a bolder colour like red or orange. Finally, how about a place where you want your employees to be productive? Blue is known to be a colour that increases concentration and minimises distraction – perfect for the task at hand.

Now, we aren’t advocating you to splash the whole space green, red or purple. Do it in moderation and tastefully. While our brains can subconsciously pick up on colours and their effects on us, it isn’t meant to be done on the nose and stand out like a sore thumb.

Conclusion – know the purpose of your workspace well

While the use of space has always taken the limelight when it comes to interior design for commercial spaces in Singapore, colour design is something more and more business owners are gaining awareness of. We hope to shed a little more light when it comes to this oft-forgotten part of meaningful office designs.

If all these can be a lot to think of, don’t be afraid to ask your interior designer next time and share your considerations when it comes to office renovation design in Singapore. We are keen to help you build the perfect office space that addresses your concerns and meet your workplace objectives. After all, if it is a place you and your employees are spending most of your time in, we better get it right the first time around, wouldn’t you say so?