Branding involves a number of design elements that can strengthen recognition, but it is easy to overwhelm a workspace with bold colors. What are the best ways to incorporate branded colors in the workspace?
Accent Pieces
If brand colors include bright primary colors, care must be taken to keep the colors to small accent pieces. It is very easy to overwhelm a space with bright primaries, and it can cause fatigue and eye strain to be in a space saturated with color for an entire work day. Small accent pieces can include picture frames, ceramic pots for indoor plants, and pillows. Larger textiles, such as window treatments and upholstered furniture, should use texture and pattern from natural materials, such as tweeds, in neutral colors.
Accent Walls
Accent walls can use branded colors if they are on the natural and quiet end of the scale, but dark and bright can both make spaces look smaller. Gloss or semi-gloss surfaces can wear easily and show marks from furniture and traffic.
Furniture and Art
Furniture can incorporate brand colors in both upholstery and wood, but primaries in shiny materials, such as plastics and leathers, can be overdone quite easily. A workplace should, more than anything, appear functional and efficient, and the primary colors may look loud and young, like a nursery school or daycare. For bold colors and fonts, a single piece of art that reflects the branded colors and fonts can make an effective statement piece, such as a logo in neon, while the rest of the space is more traditional.
Tying Accents Together
Metal accents, such as storage areas, lockers and coat racks, can be easily painted to reflect brand colors, and they can be sturdy, long lasting, and modern in appearance. If a single bright color is chosen for accent pieces, such as burnt orange, using this color on several metal and ceramic accents may give a modern vibe. Using a single color on various materials and textures can make for a cohesive and interesting design, such as a single color of deep teal on both a metal accent piece, textured linen pillows, and ceramic pots.
Include a Neutral
Branded colors should include a neutral. For most design schemes, a cool or warm neutral is needed, usually a white, ivory, cream, or various silvers and grays. The agency working on branding can recommend the tone and color for a neutral that works well with branded colors.
We would love to work with you to incorporate branded colors into your workspace! Please contact us for more information.
