The Best Colors for Your Home Office

Whether you chose to work from home or you were forced to do your work from home due to the Pandemic, you are now in the situation where you must motivate yourself because your boss and/or superiors are not around anymore. And while working from home does have many benefits, sometimes it can be difficult to work at home due to distractions and feeling unmotivated.

A Simple Solution to Find Your Motivation within Your Home Office

Science supports the use of color to enhance your mood. Adding the right color to an office wall could increase the productivity and morale of your home office.

Choosing the best colors for your home office can be as simple as your taste in hues. Choosing for an office full of folks is more complicated. You don’t want your staff over or under stimulated. It should be easy to care for and look appealing.

A 2012 scientific study found that when offices were painted white, it was read by users as a ‘clinical appearance.’ Those in the area felt unwelcome and intimidated. You’ll want to choose a subtle office color, but avoid stark white.

On the other end of the spectrum, the University of Rochester psychology department did a study on color and mood. They found red increases speed and intensity, which could be good for an office. However, the color also stresses people out with urgency, which can lead to worry and anxiety. Not the outcome you want in an office.

Here are office paint colors that are supposed to improve productivity, among other benefits.

Off-White

White is very sterile and clinical, but a soft off-white warms up the feel. It’s still a great neutral that will be easy to decorate and feels clean, without the coldness of white. It can also give off a warm glow or softened look.

Teal

Teal provides the benefits of both blue and green paint. Since they both enhance collaboration and creativity, teal is a great option for home offices. Choose a light version of teal or light blue with a touch of gray so as to not overpower the room with the bright wall color. Pastels and less vibrant versions of teal could also give you the desired effect.

Gray

Gray is a balance between black and white which creates a neutral mood. Neutral can come across as bland and even a little sad. But if you pay attention to the undertones, you can choose a gray that produces a welcoming feel. Sometimes grays, like stark whites, can be seen as sterile & bleak. But grays with cool undertones can be very calming and relaxing.

Light Blue

Soft blues evoke a peaceful and calming feeling in the room. It’s good for rooms that are particularly stressful like doctor’s offices and accountants. It is important to note that researchers are unsure how long the influence of color lasts.

Blue-Gray

When it comes to corporate settings, blue-gray walls give off a clean vibe that can also boost moods. They read professionally without overpowering the room or feeling too moody. People often describe blue as the color of stability and safety. Being a fan of blues & grays might indicate that you are dependable and trustworthy.

Brown

When walls are brown, it gives off a vibe of power and strength. Match it with wooden office furniture and you’ll have a warm and natural feeling office. But natural wood comes into style, then goes back out. So make sure you check what is trending before going all out on wooden interiors

Light Yellow

Creativity flourishes in yellow, but take heed, the color can quickly become too much and assault eyes. Keep to the lighter, softer versions of the color to increase productivity especially in the creative fields. According to the experts, loving yellow hues might mean that you are a happy person in general and perhaps a bit more willing than the average person to take risks.

Green

Choosing a deep and dark green provides an heir of trust and knowledge. Use a deep green to get these benefits. Keep in mind a lighter green, with light in the room could read neon and may be a turn off. So keep your greens light or dark, but usually not neon.

Orange

Orange can easily overtake a room, but it is great for energy. If you are painting a work out facility, this color could be just the ticket. For other uses, consider adding orange as an accent wall or part of a geometric pattern. Darker oranges have been very trendy over the past few years.

If you are still unsure of what to do with your office colors, CertaPro keeps color experts on staff to help you choose the perfect color or plan a whole color palette for your home. Our color consultants are happy to help.

Ready to start a painting project today? Call your CertaPro painters of Don Mills/East York for an estimate today.