Designing spaces for wellbeing.
creating calm with colour
Kathryn Lloyd has been part of Crown for over 20 years, starting her career in 2006 as a temporary Colour Consultant. Over time, her role has evolved from Colour Consultant to Colour Specialist, with growing responsibility across design and colour guidance. While her role has developed, at its heart it remains the same—helping people create spaces that feel right for them. This expertise was brought to life through a recent project supporting Lancashire Mind, one of Crown’s charity partners. When the team began preparing a new office space, they reached out for support with both paint and colour selection. Kathryn worked closely with them to understand how the space would be used and, importantly, how they wanted it to feel. With the building still undergoing renovation, the project relied on detailed conversations, floorplans and insights from the team rather than in-person visits. Together, they explored how different areas within the space—from welcoming entrances to quieter, more reflective rooms— could be shaped through colour. The aim was to create a balance: energising spaces where needed, alongside calm, restorative environments for those who required a sense of comfort and quiet.
A cohesive palette was developed to link the space together, combining softer, calming tones with more uplifting shades, alongside thoughtful use of natural light and materials. The result is a space designed not just to look good, but to support how people feel as they move through it—reflecting the important work Lancashire Mind does every day. For Kathryn, the project held personal significance. With close friends who have experienced mental health challenges, she has seen first-hand how environments can influence how we feel. Her passion for colour comes not just from design expertise, but from understanding its impact on wellbeing. As she explains, even small changes can make a difference: “A little injection of colour… can really help to lift a mood and create a sense of warmth.” Alongside the consultation, Crown supported the project with a paint donation, helping to bring the designs to life and ensuring the space could be transformed in a practical and meaningful way. Kathryn’s advice for others looking to create spaces that support mental wellbeing is simple: choose colours that feel right for you. While colour theory can offer guidance, personal preference
Reflecting on the impact of the project, Emma Broom, Corporate Fundraiser at Lancashire Mind, said: “Our Balfour Court office really will transform the way people in Lancashire access our life-changing services. This wouldn’t have been possible without your generous support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
plays a key role. Lighter, softer tones can help create calm and relaxation, while brighter shades can energise and uplift. Deeper colours, when used thoughtfully, can create a sense of comfort and security. Ultimately, it’s about balance and confidence. Whether through bold statement colours or subtle, calming palettes, even small changes can have a positive impact. As Kathryn encourages, don’t be afraid to embrace colour—there are tools, samples and expertise available to help along the way. As part of the Charity pillar of Project Possible, this project highlights how Crown’s expertise and products can come together to support communities in meaningful ways. By combining colour insight with practical support, the team has helped create a space designed to make a real difference to those who use it.
Kathryn Lloyd Crown Colour Specialist
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