COMMERCIAL COLOUR
When choosing colour for any environment there are several factors to consider: function, dimensions, lighting and existing furnishings will all influence the final colour choice. And, when choosing colour for a commercial setting, it’s vital to acknowledge the users of the space; accessibility for all is a growing concern. In some instances companies may have their own corporate colours and they may wish to incorporate these into an interior scheme as a way of creating a sense of identity and strengthening company branding. In some commercial settings, corporate colours may just be shown in a logo, in others colours could dominate a space and be chosen for the walls, floor and soft furnishings. The context of the corporate colours are as important as the colours themselves. Colour can be used to relate to your brand but it must be used carefully to encourage the proper associations and evoke the desired emotions. The visible spectrum of light corresponds to a wavelength range of about 400-700 nanometres (nm) and a colour range of violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. There are many theories surrounding colour psychology and how certain colours have been shown to evoke specific physical and psychological responses in our bodies, however, although colour can indeed influence a person’s behaviour, it must be remembered that these effects will differ to some extent between individuals. Red, a long wavelength colour, is considered the ‘physical’ colour. It is thought to stimulate the senses, promote activity and raise the blood pressure. Colour psychologists believe red induces appetite; they believe this is directly related to the physical effect red has on our bodies. On the other hand, blue, a short wavelength colour, is thought to be the ‘intellectual’ colour; it tends to affect us mentally by stimulating thought, communication and concentration. As a guide, warm colours such as red, orange and yellow are considered to be stimulating while cool colours such as blue and green tend to be more restful. It’s useful to consider these factors when designing spaces we live, work and play in.
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