The relationship between color and mood has been documented in study after study, and anecdotal evidence presents itself to us every day. When we are down, bright, warm colors can lift our spirits. Blue and green tones tend to soothe, whether found in nature or on the walls of our homes. White can be refreshing or enervating, depending on how it is used. Choosing the right color for the walls of your business is a matter of deciding on the ideal mood for each room's function.
Instructions
1. Choose the mood you want to set. If your business invites customers into its space, you might want to convey an upbeat, positive feeling with gold or yellow. If you rely on your employees to be creative, you might want to establish a playful, stimulating environment by using reds or oranges. On the other hand, if being detail-oriented is critical to successful operations, soothing, peaceful cream or pale blue tones might be your preference.
2. Research color and mood. You can find articles and websites devoted to color. Search through decorating magazines and their archives. Consult a designer who specializes in workspace interiors. You can even take a course on color theory at an art or design school if you have the time. Whether you have a few days, a few weeks or a few months to plan, do your research, because the color choices you make can have a critical impact on your business. It is advisable to gather as much information as you can.
3. Visualize with paint chips. Once you have decided on the mood to create, gather a batch of paint chips from a decorator, a paint store or another retailer. Choose a range of colors you feel will invoke the mood you have selected. For example, compare stark white with softer white shades. What will be the effect of varying shades of grey or blue? Hold the paint chips, one by one, up to the wall of the room or rooms you will be painting. Visualize how the wall will look covered with the colors you select. Repeat this process more than once, even on separate days, if you have to. Choosing paint colors should not be done under extreme time pressure.
4. Visualize with paint strips. Once you have narrowed your selection to two or three colors, buy small cans of each color, or ask the paint store for small samples of your favorite colors. Paint the wall or walls of the room with a strip of each color. Again, try to visualize how the wall will look covered with that color. (This step is essential. Often, the actual paint product gives a different impression than the paint chip.)
5. Make a final color selection. Whether riotous red, exuberant yellow, soft green or quiet blue, your color choice should set just the right mood for your business.
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