How Colour Shapes the Way We Work: The Psychology of Office Design

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It can influence mood, focus, and the way we connect with others. In modern workplaces where collaboration and creativity are key, colour plays a big role in how people feel and perform.

At BFG, we see colour as more than just a design choice. It is a language that helps define space, express culture, and create energy where people work, learn, and collaborate.

The power of colour in the workplace

The colours that surround us affect how we think and feel every day. Subtle shifts in tone can change the atmosphere of a room, from calm and focused to vibrant and energised. Here is how some common colours influence workspace behaviour:

• Blue encourages calm thinking and focus. It is ideal for offices that need concentration and clear communication.
• Green balances energy and relaxation, reflecting nature and growth. It is perfect for creating a sense of wellbeing.
• Yellow stimulates creativity and optimism. It works well in breakout zones or brainstorming areas.
• Red boosts energy and attention to detail, but is best used as an accent rather than a dominant tone.
• Neutrals and Earth Tones bring warmth and stability, grounding the design while allowing accent colours to shine.

Choosing the right combination helps set the tone for how people interact with their environment.

Colour and culture

Every workspace has its own culture, and colour can help express it. Whether it is bold, brand-inspired hues that energise a team or soft neutrals that reflect calm professionalism, your palette tells a story about who you are. Thoughtful use of colour can also support inclusivity and comfort, helping everyone feel at home in the space.

Bringing it all together

A well-designed workspace balances functionality with feeling. Colour can subtly zone areas, using warmer tones for collaboration spaces and cooler hues for focused work zones. Pairing these palettes with natural materials and quality finishes creates a workplace that feels both cohesive and human.

Looking ahead: 2025 colour trends

The latest interior trends point toward earthy, biophilic tones such as olive greens, soft terracottas, and sandy neutrals paired with accent colours inspired by light and water. These palettes connect people to nature, reflecting a growing desire for comfort, authenticity, and calm within busy workplaces.

At BFG, we integrate these trends through our furniture finishes and upholstery options, ensuring every piece contributes to a workspace that not only looks beautiful but also feels good to be in.

Colour in Office Design FAQs

Why is colour important in the workplace?
Colour affects mood, energy, and productivity. The right palette helps people focus, collaborate, and feel comfortable throughout the workday.

What are the best colours for office spaces?
It depends on your goals. Blues and greens support focus, yellows inspire creativity, and warm neutrals create balance and calm.

How do you choose colours that suit your brand?
Start with your brand values and personality. Choose tones that reflect your culture, whether it is innovative, grounded, creative, or calm, and integrate them subtly through furniture, walls, and finishes.

Are colour trends worth following?
Trends can provide fresh inspiration, but timeless design is about balance. Combining classic neutrals with trend-forward accents gives you flexibility as styles evolve.

 

Ready to add colour to your workspace?

Explore our range of custom furniture finishes, upholstery options, and modular seating designed to bring warmth, energy, and personality into every project.