Table of Contents
- Colour and Choice
- Brand Identity
- Psychological Impact
- Functionality and Wayfinding
- Local Environment and Regulations
- Lighting Conditions
- Durability and Maintenance
- Case Study: Dulux in Australia
- Balance and Harmony
- Expert Insight
- Cultural Considerations
- Trends and Timelessness
- Industry Trends
- Choosing Your Colours
Colour and Choice Selection
Choosing the right colour scheme for a commercial fit-out is critical as it affects customer experiences, brand identity, and general functionality.
This blog provides insights to help you make well-informed decisions by examining the important factors to consider when choosing colours for commercial settings.
How Brand Identity is Reflected in Colours
The brand’s identity and the room’s intended use should be reflected in the colours chosen.
Bright, energising colours are frequently used in shopping centres to create an exciting environment that entices customers to explore and shop.
Tranquil blues and greens that lessen tension and encourage a feeling of effectiveness and orderliness are beneficial for airports. Bold, energising colours like red and gold are commonly used in casinos to heighten the atmosphere of luxury and excitement, drawing in more customers. To promote functionality and convenience of use, bus stations may choose colours that are practical, easy to see, and have clear signage.
The brand’s identity is strengthened and the intended atmosphere is created when colours are coordinated with the brand.
Think about Apple Store locations worldwide. They emphasise a minimalist, clean airy design, using natural materials and muted colours.
To make an area feel light and airy, white is used for the walls, ceilings, and exhibits. For flooring, tables, and shelving, use light wood and natural hues. Huge windows and glass panels let in natural light and give the space an air of openness. Black is only rarely used for signage or product displays. The primary visual components are vibrant Apple items and a large display of the Apple logo.
These retail spaces have been designed to influence customer behaviour and perception while fostering the development of a powerful brand.
The consistency of Apple stores around the world has been essential to the company’s worldwide identity and helps consumers get to know the brand regardless of where they are in the world.
Knowing Your Demographics
Understanding the demographics of a location is essential when choosing colour schemes. Expectations and desires vary throughout different demographic groups.
Bright and vibrant hues may be quite appealing and help create a dynamic, engaging environment in areas that are aimed towards younger audiences. A balanced colour scheme that combines warm and cool tones can work better in areas that serve a wide spectrum of demographics, making the area feel cosy and inviting to people of all ages.
The target audience’s decisions will also be influenced by characteristics such as marketing methods, age, gender, socioeconomic level, and cultural background.
By selecting hues that speak to your audience, you can improve their experience and level of pleasure with the area.
84.7% of consumers cite colour as the primary reason when buying a particular product and 52% of shoppers did not return to a store due to overall aesthetics.
Colour can account for up to 90% of an initial impression and can raise brand awareness and recognition by 80%.
Understanding Psychology
Leveraging Colour Psychology
Colours can have a profound psychological impact, influencing feelings and actions.
Blues and greens are known for their calming effects, making them suitable for high-stress environments like hospitals, medical centres and airports, where establishing a quiet and calm atmosphere is important.
Reds and oranges are more stimulating and can boost excitement and energy levels, making them perfect for casinos or lively retail spaces that want to create a lively ambience.
Greys and beiges are examples of neutral colours that can convey a feeling of organisation, neatness and professionalism, which is frequently necessary at transport hubs and other functional areas.
Wassily Kandinsky, a famous 1800’s Russian painter, ‘Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.’
Today’s commercial spaces must take into account the importance of colour psychology and select appropriate colour palettes for shopping centres in order to create surroundings that elicit the necessary emotional reaction and improve the overall visitor experience.
Functionality and Wayfinding to Assist With Navigation
The use of colour is essential to a space’s usefulness, especially when it comes to designating distinct zones and facilitating navigation.
It can be simpler for people to navigate their way around if significant locations or signage are highlighted with contrasting hues. Adding a colour-coding scheme to distinct areas or services in a space can also improve readability and user-friendliness.
For example, distinct colours can be used to designate various areas or services in a sizable mall or airport, making navigation easier for customers. Functional colour selections enhance user experience and guarantee that the area is both aesthetically beautiful and simple to utilise.
Understand the Local Environment and Regulations
The surrounding architecture and any local codes should be considered when selecting colours for a commercial fit-out.
A unified and harmonious appearance can be achieved by making sure the colours selected blend nicely with the surrounding landscape and existing structures. Also, it’s important to confirm compliance with local legislation by looking into any colour limits in your location.
In some cases, certain colours may occasionally be prohibited because of their cultural or historical value or to preserve a uniform aesthetic in a given area. Following these guidelines guarantees that the colours you select are both compliant with local regulations and aesthetically beautiful.
The Effects of Lighting Conditions
The way colours seem in a room can be greatly influenced by the lighting.
To make sure the colours appear as intended, it’s necessary to test colour samples in a variety of lighting settings, including both natural and artificial light. The quantity and quality of light might vary throughout the day and season, and this will impact how the colours will appear in differing lightning conditions.
For instance, in some artificial lighting settings, a colour that appears vivid and inviting in the morning time may appear washed out or drab in the late afternoon. Maintaining the intended look and feel of the room across the day and year can be improved by understanding lighting.
It’s important to test colour samples under different lighting conditions, including natural light and various types of artificial light, to ensure that the colours look as intended.
Understanding lighting helps maintain the intended look and feel of the space throughout the day and year.
Consideration for Durability and Maintenance
In commercial and retail environments, practicality is a critical factor to take into account when selecting colours for long-term use.
Choosing colours that are easy to clean and maintain is especially important in high-traffic areas where surfaces can easily get worn down or soiled.
Even with frequent use, the right colours can stay brilliant and appealing for a longer period of time if high-quality, long-lasting paints and finishes are used. This is particularly important in high traffic settings where a good customer experience is also greatly influenced by the space’s aesthetic attractiveness.
Sensible colour selections guarantee that the area will always look good and work well.
Case Study: Dulux in Australia
Source: https://www.dulux.com.au/
Leading paint company Dulux invested $165 million in a brand-new Merrifield, Victoria, water-based paint factory.
The plant specialises in creating paints with superior quality and durability that adhere to changing technological requirements for uniformity and resins. The project emphasises how crucial it is to use cutting-edge technology to produce paint products that are durable and fit for commercial use.
You can make sure that your business space is both aesthetically pleasing and practical over time by taking lighting and paint finish longevity into consideration.
Bringing Balance and Harmony
For commercial spaces, maintaining a consistent and well-balanced style is crucial for both use and appearance.
One effective approach is to follow the 60-30-10 guideline, which states that one major colour should make up 60% of the space, a secondary colour should make up 30%, and an accent colour should make up 10%. This results in a visually appealing and intuitive colour scheme that is harmonic and well-balanced.
Colours can also be used to make sure there is a seamless transition between the space’s various sections because sudden colour shifts can be startling and unsettling. The entire user experience is improved by visually appealing and coherent environments created by well-balanced colour schemes.
Creating a cohesive and balanced look throughout a commercial space is essential for both aesthetics and functionality.
Expert Insight
“The subject of colour seems to have almost endless ramifications and to touch upon life in almost every quarter, for colour is rich in lore, rich in meaning and purpose.” – Faber Birren
Colours evoke a wide range of emotional responses. These associations can be specific to a country or region, while others are universally recognised.
By understanding the principles of colour psychology, you can create a well-balanced and harmonious colour scheme that improves both the appearance and usability of your commercial space.
Cultural Diversity Considerations
It’s important to keep in mind the cultural connotations of colours in multicultural places like Sydney. Some colours may have different meanings in different cultures.
For example, while red is often associated with luck and prosperity in some cultures, it can signify danger or warning in others. Aim for a colour palette that is universally appealing and sensitive to cultural differences, particularly in spaces that serve a multicultural audience.
Cultural awareness ensures that your colour choices are inclusive and respectful, enhancing the overall appeal and acceptance of the space.
Staying on Trend and Being Timeless
Balancing current colour trends with timeless appeal is essential in commercial fit-outs.
While incorporating trendy colours can make a space feel modern and up-to-date, it’s important to ensure that the overall colour scheme has longevity.
One effective strategy is to use fashionable colours in easily interchangeable components, such as accent walls or furniture, while maintaining a more neutral and classic colour palette for the main body of the design. This eliminates the need for expensive upgrades and makes updates and refreshes simple.
Maintaining a modern yet timeless aesthetic for your area will ensure that it continues to have long-term appeal and functionality.
Industry Trend Analysis
Commercial Design Trends
- Bold colours and patterns: Expect to see more vibrant and dynamic colour palettes, moving away from neutral-dominated spaces.
- Texture and large artwork: Adding depth and dimension through textures and large statement pieces is becoming increasingly popular.
- Balanced workspaces: Designing spaces that cater to both collaborative and private work needs, reflecting the hybrid work model.
Colour Palette Forecasts
- Sanctuary: Naturally inspired neutrals for a cosy, home-like feel.
- Encounter: Organic earth tones that emphasise sustainability and connection to nature.
- Tapestry: Dramatic and authentic colours for spaces that prioritise self-expression.
- Continuum: A blend of synthetic and natural tones for a balanced, futuristic look.
Choosing Your Colours
For commercial fit-outs, selecting the appropriate colour scheme requires considering a number of variables, such as target audience, brand identification, psychological impact, utility, local environment, lighting conditions, durability, balance, cultural concerns, and trends.
You can design a colour scheme that is aesthetically pleasing, practical, and appropriate for the space’s intended usage by carefully weighing these components. This all-inclusive strategy guarantees that your business spaces are functional and aesthetically beautiful, giving every user a satisfying and unforgettable experience.
Download The Ultimate Guide to a Commercial Fit-Out Project for more information on commercial fit-outs and professional guidance.
Get in touch with us now to begin designing your ideal commercial space.
Key Takeaways
- Align colours with your brand: Ensure your colour scheme reflects your brand identity and the specific purpose of the space, creating the desired atmosphere.
- Consider colour psychology: Choose colours that resonate with your target audience and leverage colour psychology to influence emotions and behaviours positively.
- Balance practicality and aesthetics: Select colours that are durable and easy to maintain while ensuring they create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing environment.
FAQs
- How can I test colour schemes before finalising them?
Use digital renderings and physical paint samples in the actual space to see how colours look under different lighting conditions. Conducting small focus groups with target users can also provide valuable feedback. - What are the upcoming trends in commercial painting colours for 2025?
In 2025, expect to see earthy tones like terracotta and sage green, bold accent colours for vibrancy, and neutral palettes with subtle variations of grey and beige. Natural greens and blues will also be popular, reflecting a biophilic design trend. - What are the best colours for shopping centres, casinos, airports, and bus stations?
Shopping centres benefit from vibrant, energetic colours to attract customers. Casinos should use bold, stimulating colours like red and gold to create excitement. Airports work well with calming blues and greens to reduce stress. Bus stations should use practical, easy-to-navigate colour schemes with clear signage for functionality.