In today’s fast-evolving workplace, design goes beyond aesthetics. From ergonomic furniture to biophilic elements, every aspect of the office is being optimised for wellness and performance. But one subtle, yet powerful design element often goes under the radar - colour.
Colour is more than just a visual experience. It taps directly into our psychology, influencing mood, behavior, and even cognitive performance. In office environments, where focus, creativity, and collaboration are key, the right colour palette can make a noticeable difference.
Blue: The Productivity Powerhouse
Often referred to as the “most productive” colour, blue has a calming effect on the mind. It helps reduce stress and improve focus, making it ideal for environments where deep thinking and problem-solving are routine. A study by Microsoft Japan reported that incorporating blue into office spaces helped 85% of employees with stress management and focus, leading to a 40% increase in productivity. Use cooler shades of blue in meeting rooms, conference spaces, or areas where analytical work is done.
Pro tip: Combine blue with neutrals or warm lighting to keep the space from feeling too cold or sterile.
Green: The Wellness Booster
Green evokes balance and tranquility - perhaps because of its strong association with nature. It’s easy on the eyes, making it perfect for areas where people spend long hours. Green promotes calmness and can reduce eye strain, which is particularly valuable in open-plan spaces and offices, as shown above in Day2's project with Hilson Moran, where we paired deep greens with lighter, natural tones to create a calming yet collaborative environment.
Where it shines: Creative studios, quiet work zones, or any space designed to foster sustained concentration.
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Yellow: The Optimism Activator
Need a mood lift? Yellow is your go-to colour for energy and positivity. It can spark creativity and encourage communication, which makes it a great fit for brainstorming areas or collaborative hubs.
Caution: Too much yellow - or overly bright shades - can cause anxiety or restlessness. Use it as an accent rather than a dominant wall colour, as can be seen in Day2's recent project with Google CSG above.
Red: The Energy Driver
Red is a stimulating colour. It raises heart rate and can evoke excitement or urgency. That’s great for high-energy zones or places where physical activity is involved. Whilst some believe that this makes red a less than ideal for tasks requiring deep concentration, a study by the University of British Columbia has found that red environments can actually enhance our attention to detail in tasks like proofreading and memory retrieval. This study also indicated that red makes us more susceptible to absorbing information from advertising in a positive way.
Tip: Use red sparingly to highlight important features or areas - like emergency equipment or signage - or in social areas where energy and conversation flow freely.
Neutrals: The Unsung Heroes
While bold colours often take the spotlight, neutral tones like white, gray, and beige provide balance and sophistication. They serve as a calming backdrop, allowing accent colours and design elements to stand out without overwhelming the senses.
Best use: General office areas, lobbies, or anywhere a clean, professional look is needed. We enjoyed accenting our warm neutrals with various tones of green and orange on our project with EY, shown below.
Creating a Colour Strategy That Works
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to using colour in the workplace. The most effective designs take into account the function of each space, company culture, and employee preferences.
A thoughtful colour strategy can:
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Final Thoughts
Colours aren’t just decorative - they’re deeply psychological. When used intentionally, they can transform the way we work, think, and feel. As companies continue to prioritise wellness in the workplace, colour will play an increasingly important role in designing spaces that truly support human potential.
Sources:
The Psychology of Colour in Office Design - Diane Butterworth
Office Color Schemes: The Psychology of Productivity – regroup architecture
Effect Of Colors: Blue Boosts Creativity, While Red Enhances Attention To Detail | ScienceDaily
