The Changing Face of Workplace Colors

Though there are holdouts, the days of strictly institutional colors (shades of beige, gray, brown or white) in the workplace have fallen by the wayside in most large corporations and in many small businesses as well.  Business owners are realizing what commercial designers have long known – that the psychology of color not only effects mood, but can also influence efficiency and productivity.

Corporate Culture and Color
While the color palette of a corporate office and its furnishings should reflect the nature of a business to a certain extent, even the most conservative business can benefit from contrasting hues, splashes of color, and even a touch of frivolity now and then.  Back in the mid-1980s, Chicago law firm Pretzel & Stouffer relocated and redesigned in a modern yet traditional style- except for one wall of the firm’s large lunch room, which was dominated by a bright, neon pretzel.  A respected law firm doing serious business, yet adding a touch of fun (and branding) into a common area used by attorneys and support staff alike.

In fact, common areas with quick-turnover traffic can be the perfect spots to use color to lighten, brighten and break a monochromatic feel.  Restrooms, corridors and coffee stations offer a great canvas for brighter or more exotic tones that would not play as well on the walls of an office, conference room or next to a workstation.  In those smaller, work-intensive areas, the more natural and subdued tones are still the best bet.

Keeping Things Together
Color can also be used to define, delineate and create a sense of “neighborhood” within a larger office environment.  In addition to the common area – work area distinctions, different palettes or tones can be used to identify departments or types of work.  Furnishings in marketing might be upholstered in burgundy tones; in human resources, shades of blue may be the theme; and the IT department might be recognized by its forest green décor.

These distinctions can also serve a dual purpose - making it far easier to relocate “borrowed” furnishings, especially chairs, to their rightful homes!

Is your office space in need of an evaluation?