From a young age we’re taught about the colours that ‘go’ together and the ones that don’t. For instance, pink and red are two shades we’re taught not to mix, simply because they don’t look right.
The thing is, who determines what looks ‘right’ and what doesn’t? Who says you can’t mix these two colours in a certain situation?
Choosing a specific colour scheme doesn't necessarily have to be a block shade and it doesn’t have to include the traditional colour palette with shades that are deemed socially acceptable to combine. For instance, black and white combine to create the classic monochrome design we’re all so familiar with, but what about grey and black? Don’t they compliment each other equally as well and look a little daring, instead of towing the party line?
So, are clashing colours and patterns always a huge no no? Not at all; if it looks great, go for it!
When you’re indulging in a little office space planning and redesigning your overall decor it’s important to think outside the box if you want to create a space which is inspiring and motivating for your employees. Colours and different patterns can easily be clashed, provided you do so skilfully, rather than throwing them together and hoping for the best. Clashes can look dynamic and interesting, adding an extra dimension to your office and showing real fashionable style.
Do you think Versace was scared to mix up patterns? Of course not, and neither should you be!
Clashing specific colours needs to be done with caution if you’re going for extremes. For instance, if you have office tables which are surrounded by a cacophony of colour, it’s not going to help with concentration. On the other hand, it could inspire ideas, provided you use a little yellow and blue in there too. Knowing about colour psychology and mixing and matching using those guidelines will help you to create the look you’re going for, with real benefits, and not one which looks like you’ve thrown a few pots of paint at the wall!
Clashing patterns can also look very stylish and can compliment collaborative office desks really well. Biophilic design is making huge waves in the office world, and it’s easy to incorporate patterns and colours form this theme and mix them together to create a dynamic appearance. For instance, leaf patterns with block colours other than green, or solid greens with mosaic patterns for an edgy alternative.
Commercial office furniture isn’t rigid in design these days; there are no rules as to what is right and wrong, and the same goes for whether or not you can clash colours together. If you want to create a fresh look, perhaps a complete change of office design, then it’s worth being dynamic and really going for something alternative. This could be enough to inspire your employees towards new ideas and collaboration, which increases productivity in a huge way. Colour is extremely powerful, after all, colour can even affect the outcome of a marketing campaign!
Choosing the right office furniture to work alongside your new decor style will ensure that your new space is not only stylish and inspiring, but that it is also comfortable and supportive for those working within it too. In addition, asking for opinions from your employees about the colours and patterns they would like to see will do a lot for morale. There could be a fantastic idea sat there waiting to be unearthed, and if you don’t ask, you won’t ever find out!
Never be afraid to mix and match design ideas. There are no rules to this game, and the only guideline is that you ensure your final outcome looks fantastic. You have no idea about what ‘goes’ and what doesn’t until you grab some colour swatches and attempt to put them together. You might be very surprised by the outcomes you stumble upon!