A study by the University of Exeter showed that individuals in a colourful and expressive workplace can be up to 30% more productive. Home UK Magazine talks exclusively to leading colour psychology expert, and holistic interior design specialist, Karen Halle on the benefits of getting the colour mix just right.
With more and more of us working from home, it’s about time we give the office space as much care and consideration as we put into the rest of our living spaces.
Karen Haller, explains: “Colour is very closely linked with emotion and behaviour. When we see a colour, we instantly feel its effect whether we are consciously aware of it or not, and it can influence our mood, feelings and, ultimately, actions.”
Here, Karen gives her top tips on tapping into the power of colour in your home office for an optimum working environment:
Research has shown that blue colours affect your mind; yellow your emotions; red your body; and green your ‘balance’. Using these colours in our interiors can influence behaviour and help us achieve the desired state of mind, whether it be physical relaxation or mental motivation.
1. Consider your needs
First narrow down what you want to achieve with the design of your work space and decide how you want to feel and behave. Do you want to affect your mind, emotions, balance or body? Then, look at which colour will work the best for your situation.
2. Balance colour with intensity
It’s not just the colour itself that is important, but also the tone. Highly saturation colours stimulate, while those with a low saturation soothe. For example, a highly-saturated blue will stimulate the mind, while a low saturated blue will help calm the mind.
3. Combine multiple hues for best effects
You don’t need to limit yourself to just one colour; combine two or more and you will get the effects of both. For example, if you want to stimulate the mind whilst injecting a bit of fun, go for high saturation tone of blue, say a turquoise and with a dash of fun loving orange – great to get you moving for when you are getting ready in the mornings for work or a big night out. Not so good if you want a good night sleep. But don’t go mad. A rainbow effect room will only put your senses into overwhelm.
4. Trust your instincts
We each have our own instinctive psychological relationships with colour and 80% of our choices are believed to be subconscious. Don’t be afraid to allow yourself to be naturally drawn to colour options; it’s likely to be exactly what you need – you’re just not aware of it.
5. Less is more
Remember, there is more to a room than its four walls, so don’t call the decorators in just yet. There’s lots of quick and easy ways to add colour, such as accessories, pictures and furnishings, which don’t break the bank. A bit of clever thinking can go a long way too – kill two birds with one stone and introduce your chosen colours through your day to day office equipment like folders, files, even staplers.
6. Separate work from home
It’s not uncommon for people to be drawn to the same colours they’ve used to decorate their home, but it’s important to create a distinction between the two environments. Therefore, try to select a different colour palette for a home office. If you simply don’t find yourself drawn to any other colours then, at the very least, opt for colours depending on the mood you want to create.
Key colours and what they mean:
Blue - Blue stimulates the mind and is a good choice for those in a more mentally taxing job that requires a lot of concentration, like finance.
Yellow - Yellow is an ideal colour for those with the need to be creative in their work. It boosts self-confidence, lifts the spirits, helping you feel more optimistic.
Red - This is a good colour choice for increasing productivity in physical activity. Red affects the body; it stimulates physically and evokes strength and energy.
Green - Green promotes a strong sense of balance across mind, body and emotions. It’s calming and reassuring, so a good option for those that need to keep harmony and balance in their work environment.
One particular office products brand, Leitz WOW, is designed specifically to encourage more productivity-boosting colour in the workplace. It comprises a broad range of office favourites, in a choice of bold vibrant colours, ideal for introducing an essential splash of colour without the need to lift a paintbrush. From scissors and staplers to files, storage boxes and even waste paper bins, almost every office essential is available in a brightly coloured alternative.
Gregory Schembri, of Leitz, comments: “It’s not always possible to re-decorate an entire office to the perfect colour palette, but small changes can be made to introduce colour and enjoy its benefits. The Leitz WOW range combines productivity-boosting colour with practical office equipment; seamlessly integrating colour into everyday office life – and expenditure. The bold vivid shades mean the colours can still have the desired impact even in small measures.”
The WOW range comes in a choice of six distinctive colours – ideal for creating any kind of mood or environment for the home office. They include: magenta pink, lime green, bright blue, tangerine orange, ice blue and purple.