Home / ANALYSIS / Facilities Management / Colour Me Happy

A calming colour scheme by Sigma
[More Images]

Choosing the right colour scheme for your facility can improve productivity and, ultimately, your organisation’s bottom line. Jeff Roberts reports.

The colour red is said to convey passion, strength, energy, excitement and love. It can also increase one’s respiration, raise blood pressure and stimulate appetite. Blue, on the other hand, is said to convey peace, harmony, unity and tranquillity. According to colour specialists blue can also stimulate employee productivity and—in some cultures—keep away evil spirits.

Yellow is said to increase metabolism, improve concentration and make babies cry. Green symbolises intelligence and fertility and is often used in decorating for its calming effect. Orange conveys warmth; purple is an historical symbol of nobility.     

Since 1894, psychologists have been studying the affects of colour on the human psyche and while their findings vary—largely due to culture and gender—the fact remains: people react to the colours that surround them. Whether it’s emotional or physiological, a reaction occurs, and that reaction speaks volumes about mood, attitude and overall well-being.

“The colours that appeal to different people are those that have a deeper meaning to the individual from past experiences,” explains Hossam Soliman, general sales manager for Sigma Paints. “I believe, people grow to learn the thoughts, events, situations, and feelings, associated with colours.”

Enter facilities managers (FMs). If it’s been shown that grey instils boredom, it’s not a huge leap of faith to deduce that grey walls beget unproductive employees and disinterested clients.

Moreover, psychologists have long since proven that yellow makes infants uncomfortable and thus more likely to cry, so it stands to reason that yellow walls in a hospital’s paediatrics ward is just foolish. Given what we know, it is clear that colour is about more than just aesthetics. “Colour is a deeply personal thing,” says Amna Saqib, assistant manager and colour specialist for Dulux.

“Many people think that colour is purely cosmetic. The truth is that colour is light. It’s the source of life itself and there is nowhere that colour does not exist.”   

Story continues below

Advertisement

COMMENT Comment on this article

Colour and profitability seem to enjoy a relatively straightforward relationship. Colour schemes within facilities affect the psychology of inhabitants; psychology affects comfort; comfort affects productivity in employees, clients, visitors and staff.

While it is generally the remit of an interior designer to plan and execute colour schemes, it is important for FMs to recognise problematic combinations if they want to sidestep potential pitfalls. 

The colour wheel is based on yellow, red, blue and green (YRBG), which are grouped together into colour families.

Colours such as reds, oranges and browns belong to the same family and thus, are considered harmonious. Contrasting colour combinations—or, those located opposite each other on the colour wheel—are said to oppose one another.

Generally, yellows exude warmth, inspiration and vitality. They are considered the happiest colours. Reds are dynamic and passionate and are known to stimulate activity, conversation and appetite. Blues usually bring comfort and serenity, while greens represent freshness, security and tranquillity.

Put simply, a colour scheme is a planned combination of colours for a given space. Though there are several colour schemes from which to choose, the most common include monochromatic, harmonious and contrasting.

“A monochromatic colour scheme is the simplest type and the easiest scheme to live with,” explains Saqib. “In a monochromatic scheme, a single colour is used in different densities to create variation. This scheme is ideal for aggressive personalities.”

A harmonious colour scheme is created by simply choosing colours next to each other on the colour wheel. “These schemes are tranquil and restful,” explains Saqib, “and, again, best suited for aggressive personalities.”

“Contrasting colour schemes are created by mixing opposing colours in different concentrations to achieve a balance of tones,” adds Saqib. It is said that contrasting colour schemes are best suited for docile personalities.