An office environment can get very hectic at times, particularly during busy months when business is going well. This is all the more reason to create an environment that is ‘calming’ for your management and your employees. Something as seemingly minor as the colour choice for your office can have a huge impact on the overall mood of your staff, and indeed their productivity.

In this article, we’re going to look at some colour schemes that create a calming effect, what kind of décor can make the space look classy, and how much it would cost to redo your office, on average. Read on if you’d like to learn more.

What colours are calming for an office?

So, what colours can create a ‘calming’ effect in an office space? First of all, the more important thing is an office is having ample lighting. Natural light is the most effective, however, if your office does not receive an abundance of natural light, you must ensure that your office is well-lit with LEDs that have a natural and warming colour temperature.

When your office is well-lit, it will help to keep productivity levels up and prevent your employees from feeling too easily fatigued. Simply put, a well-lit office can help your employees focus on the task at hand without feeling utterly miserable about being trapped indoors.

Another great way to create a more calming environment (particularly without an abundance of natural light) is via some well-placed office plants. Office plants bring a number of physical and psychological benefits, not to mention the fact that they brighten up the place with spatterings of natural green.

Aside from lighting and plants, however, what colours can you paint the walls in order to create a more calming effect? Here’s a closer look at colour psychology for offices:

  • Gray is a balanced colour that does not cause too much distraction. Not only that but it pairs well with office furniture and/or other colourful accessories.
  • Neutral colours such as brown, taupe, or sand can create a non-distracting background without making a space feel drab. They also pair wonderfully with the greens from your office plants.
  • Blue is a naturally tranquil colour that has many positive associations with ‘clear thinking’.
  • Darker blues are said to create a stable atmosphere (not to mention the fact that it is rather classy – which we will come to shortly).
  • Aqua blues and turquoise bring peace and balance.
  • Yellow is most associated with optimism and is believed to stimulate creativity in the workplace.

 

How do I make my office look classy?

And how can you make your office appear to be classier? There are many different things that you can try, but these are some of the top tips for creating an awesome-looking office space:

  • De-clutter: the saying “less is more” applies wonderfully to an office environment. An office that is too cluttered and poorly optimised will not only hinder performance and productivity, but it looks uneasy on the eye.
  • Use quality vendors: from the ergonomic furniture that you kit your office out with to the artwork that you display for good measure, make sure that you use quality vendors. Yes, you’ll pay a higher premium, but if you want a classy-looking office, paying the extra for high-quality products and materials is always recommended.
  • Ditch the carpet: gorgeous hardwood floors or polished concrete is an easy and effective way of classing up your office.
  • Add plants: as mentioned above, not only do plants bring a number of physical and psychological benefits, but they are a sure fire way to break up a space and make it look far more sophisticated.
  • Invest in smart lighting: smart lighting solutions can make a huge impact on the look and feel of an office space – and you can combine different fixtures in a multitude of ways. For example, track lighting pointing at feature walls, lambs for individual tables, and LED spotlights to create harmony throughout.

 

How much does it cost to redo an office?

How much does it cost, on average, to redo an office in the UK? These numbers can vary significantly depending on a wide variety of criteria, however, for a mid-level refurb, you can be looking at anywhere between £20 and £100 per sq/ft. This isn’t including any furniture or artwork that you choose to kit your office out with.

In some cases, you can pay more or less, it depends on the amount of work that you need to do. For example, if your office has already been fitted out and you simply want to breathe some life back into it, a lick of paint, some new light fixtures, and swapping / re-arranging your furniture can make a huge impact.

In any case, redoing your office is well worth the investment. The fact is, creating a more calming and harmonious space with productivity in mind is an effective way of boosting employee performance, morale, and ultimately revenue. By classing up your office, you can indeed create a healthier working environment and take your business to the next level.

Find a reputable office fitout and renovations company like Alpha Ceilings and Partitions which can help transform your office space entirely and watch as your business thrives.

 

Final thoughts

To recap:

  • An office can have a more calming effect throw ample lighting and well-placed plants.
  • Gray, blues, greens, and neutral colours can have a wonderful impact on employee morale.
  • Offices can be made to look classier by de-cluttering, using quality vendors, opting for wood or polished concrete floors, and investing in smart lighting.
  • The average office redo in the UK costs between £20 and £100 per sq/ft.