Do you ever notice a shift in your mood when you enter a room? According to Clarus’s 2025 presentation Color Theory & Mental Health, the colors present in a space can subconsciously influence our behavior and emotions. As an interior designer, I strive to find creative ways to incorporate colors, textures, lighting, and other elements to create ideal spaces and environments where people can engage and work efficiently.
Selecting the appropriate colors for a given space is critical as you want the feeling of the space to match the function.
When designing a space, whether an office renovation, medical office space, or a building lobby upgrade, it’s essential to strategize the concept and determine the purpose and feelings these spaces should serve. Some examples of how we utilize colors include:
Warm Colors / Earth Tones
Neutral colors can help create a sense of home, positively influencing serotonin levels, enhancing feelings of contentment, and fostering authentic interactions. Upgraded building amenity spaces can incorporate these colors to help users feel at ease, as if they are casually working from their own living room. The careful selection of colors can aid in relaxation and encourage more comfortable interactions among users.
Blue Colors
Blue has been shown to reduce anxiety by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, blue can aid in problem-solving and enhance alertness. This concept can be beneficial when designing workplace conference rooms, huddle spaces, and meeting areas.
Green Colors
Green can help lower blood pressure and heart rate while fostering greater engagement among individuals, leading to improved conversations. Not only does this make it an effective color in healthcare settings, but incorporating this color into pantry or gathering spaces can create an environment that enhances interaction among users. An inviting atmosphere also encourages participation in team bonding activities or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while catching up with coworkers.
Gray and Muted Colors
Gray and other muted colors have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing overall well-being. Wellness rooms can benefit from incorporating these colors to promote relaxation and meditation. This can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing a stressful day, allowing them to enter a calming space and feel at ease.
Color Usage in Wayfinding
Color can influence not only moods and emotions but can also serve as a navigation tool throughout a building or indicate transitions between different areas.
A recent example is a completed healthcare project for renovated internal medicine offices and exam rooms. Our project team incorporated colors specifically to create an environment to help patients easily locate exam rooms and find their way back to reception. By using colors thoughtfully on the walls, ceilings, and floors, we enhanced accessibility for all types of patients, including those with sensitivities to harsh lights or colors, as well as individuals who are visually impaired or aging. The distinct colors throughout space allow patients to orient themselves from various perspectives, whether they are looking down at the floor or up at eye level.
Another example of using color for wayfinding are the “blue portals” our project team implemented in a recently completed workplace renovation. These portals help direct users through various areas, guiding them from public areas to work zones and employee spaces.
Colors play an essential role in our daily lives, often influencing our emotions and behaviors without us even realizing it. As designers, one of our main objectives is to create spaces that not only make users feel comfortable but also enhance their ability to perform tasks efficiently.