Gone are the days of commercial interiors painted magnolia from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between.
No self-respecting DesignTonic office design would ever be seen sporting anything so bland and unimaginative - and not only for aesthetic reasons.
We know that colour affects us profoundly and subconsciously, provoking reactions and shaping our behaviour and emotions.
The power of colour to change how we think, feel and act extends through all aspects of our lives - from the clothes we wear to the brands we buy; the places we live and of course, the spaces where we work.
Clever colour choices can boost your employees’ productivity, health and even their happiness.
They can underpin and reinforce your company’s ethos and personality, and have a positive impact on how your clients and customers see your business.
So it’s worth getting your office colour scheme right.
Here are 3 of our favourite schemes for a happy, healthy and productive workplace and a trend to look out for in 2025.
2025 Update: The Colour Scheme to Watch
Earthy Elegance
Business Personality Type: Sustainable, grounded, forward-thinking
As businesses become increasingly focused on sustainability and employee well-being, 2025 is set to embrace an "Earthy Elegance" palette that brings nature indoors in a sophisticated and modern way.
This scheme revolves around warm terracottas, soft moss greens, muted ochres, and rich clay tones balanced with natural textures like stone, wood, and linen. These colours evoke a connection to nature, reduce stress, and create a welcoming, grounding atmosphere.
We’re seeing this trend being adopted in wellness-driven workspaces, where companies want to foster calm, comfort and a deep-rooted sense of stability for their teams.
Paired with eco-conscious materials and plenty of natural light, Earthy Elegance delivers a workspace that feels both rejuvenating and effortlessly stylish.
Modern Monochrome (with a twist)
Business Personality Type:
Cool, contemporary, professional.
Bright, crisp white paired with touches of deep, intense black is the ultimate classic combination - harmonious, visually balanced and memorable.
In colour psychology, black is connected with intellect and stability, while white is pure and peaceful.
This look was ideal for Tenet Financial Services. Far from the stuffy, traditional reputation of their sector, Tenet have a fresh, open approach that they wanted to convey throughout their new interior scheme.
But of course, we added our own DesignTonic touches to make this scheme successful!
The key to making this gorgeous monochrome palette work lay in the little twists. Softness and muted colour pops were introduced through furniture and soft furnishings, depth and warmth comes from the dark wood flooring and added visual interest is provided by the custom wall decals.
The result is a spacious and open office environment, with a relaxed yet businesslike feel - perfect for Tenet’s forward-thinking approach to their sector.
Deep and Thoughtful
Business Personality Type:
Progressive, collaborative, grounded
There was a time when office designers steered clear of darker colours, but we’re happy to say those days are in the past!
Properly balanced with natural light, beautiful planting and complementary colours, deep, dramatic tones are a wonderful choice for a modern workplace.
Creating a calming, cosseting ambience, they’re perfect for breakout spaces and meeting areas, and switching from a paler colour to a moodier shade is a simple and effective way to mark zones.
We used this approach when creating an interior scheme for Search Labs, in Leeds.
Flooded with light from large windows, this multifunctional breakout space embraces the twin virtues of collaboration and escape.
Catering for every need, we created quiet zones, social zones and larger gathering areas, mixing deep tones with neutrals, neon, natural woods and plenty of biophilia for a restful, calm and positive vibe throughout.
Colourful Creative
Business Personality Type:
Imaginative, innovative, vibrant
Creative office environments have a range of needs to serve.
They need spaces infused with inspiration, to spark original thought and foster inventive energy, spaces for reflection and calm, where great ideas can be properly mulled over, and spaces for productivity, where concepts can be progressed and actioned.
Colour is a brilliantly effective way of helping employees switch from one function to another.
In colour psychology, yellow brings optimism and creativity, and is perfect for sparking inspiration.
Green, white and deeper colours, including black, are the ideal choices for relaxed contemplation.
And natural shades - blues, greens, tans and woods - are universally recognised as the perfect productive choices, encouraging focus and concentration.
Our interior design for IncSpaces is a great illustration of a creative colour scheme in action.
Desk and collaboration areas are dressed in vibrant yellows offset with monochromes and natural light, while the restful and productive spaces bring muted blues, warm woods and a stunning mix of deep and neutral shades.
And it goes without saying that, being a Design Tonic original, the whole scheme is bought together with an abundance of lush planting - adorning walls, ceilings, seating and floors, this is biophillic design that satisfies every sense!
