Fun colours for an office makeover

Palettes that turn a dreary workspace into a delightful corner Studies have showed that colour on the walls alone can affect one’s mood, and thus productivity. So when it comes to refurbishing a workplace, study room, or home office, choosing the right colours is key as it can ultimately impact how people work. As a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to refurbish a space, why not tap on the power of colour to update the look of your work area? Here are three colour schemes that can either calm you down, heighten your alertness, or put you in a good mood.  

A calming corner

Low-wavelength colours such as restful green and calming blue – two of the most common colours in Mother Nature’s palette – improve efficiency and focus. They also lend an overall sense of well-being. Since the eye focuses green exactly on the retina, it is considered the most restful colour on the eye, and can be mentally and physically soothing. Green is also said to improve concentration and induce calmness, making it a good colour for conference rooms and other areas where decision-making takes place. Similarly, blue has positive connotations and emotions attached to it. As this gentle hue can soothe and lower blood pressure, it is recommended for spaces room where repeated mental tasks are performed, such as offices, study areas, and libraries. Light blue is a good background colour as it seems to recede and make a room seem larger. Deep blues, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and make a room look smaller.

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Passionate and active

As a high-wavelength colour, red imbues a space with activeness and intensity. This passionate hue can cause an increase in heart rate and blood flow upon sight, and studies have also shown that it encourages alertness and prompt action. So if you envision a workspace at home that can get your energy up for better productivity, start exploring the many shades of red to include around the work desk.

This bold colour is best used sparingly, perhaps to add a lively accent to existing pale-coloured office spaces. Suitable for dynamic common areas, red can create a warm and friendly environment for the employees. For example, coral can easily perk up the room, while auburn can be used to create a cosy and sophisticated ambiance.

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Feeling fresh

Mellow yellow, often viewed by colour psychologists as the shade of optimism, is energetic and fresh. Brimming with optimism and happiness, it is believed to trigger innovation and is best used in work environments where artists, writers, designers and other creative professionals work. Because of yellow’s brightness, it can stimulate the nervous system and activate memory, but also cause eye fatigue when used in excess. So limit it to small areas to brighten up the space.

To fuel inspiration while working, include orange as well as it increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. In addition, this shade also energises, removes inhibitions and fosters sociability – great for the pantry or brainstorming corners.