Q: You’re a world-leading colour expert, what is the link to healthcare?
The psychological impact of colour is extremely powerful. We constantly communicate with our environment through the language of colour, which secretly has a great influence on our emotional life, our social behaviour and our health.
Over the years, I have been involved in a significant amount of research on colour. My studies aren’t undertaken within the confines of the laboratory, as many are, but instead are carried out in real-life contexts – particularly in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
The psychological impact of colour is extremely powerful
This evidence-based research is wide and varied, ranging from the therapeutic effects of colour on patients with different health conditions, to the influence of colour design on patient wellbeing and satisfaction.
I have also recognised the far-reaching influence of colours directly on the nervous system; it can affect metabolism, breathing, blood pressure and muscle tone for to name a few. Colour also affects our feelings, and because feelings are a person's strongest driving force, colours have the power to shape our thoughts and actions.
In any healthcare space, the wellbeing of people is of central importance, and the colours used can ultimately impact everyone who enters the building - patients, staff, and visitors – the right colour palette can be very healing and comforting.
Q: Why does the colour of flooring matter in healthcare?
When we speak of colour design in healthcare, most attention turns to the walls which indeed are a very important consideration when creating a feel-good atmosphere, but what about the surface underfoot?
The colour of flooring plays an important role too, as it can also create a positive atmosphere and enhance wellbeing.
The colour of flooring plays an important role
Using natural elements in the design of interior spaces, starting with the floor colour, can deliver many benefits, which I’ll explore later.
Equally, if an inappropriate colour concept is selected, it may have a negative effect on people. If the colour is not tailored to the needs of patients and staff, or if it is not evidence-based, it can be dysfunctional and counterproductive to its intended purpose. In fact, it may even significantly impair people’s wellbeing.
Q: What colours do you recommend and why?
It’s important to select the right floor colours, as it is the basis for creating conditions that promote a more productive and focused environment.
Clinical spaces, don’t have to and shouldn’t settle for the standard, traditional cold colours that have been the go-to choice for years. I would always recommend reflecting the soft colours of nature to build a better ambiance. In a hospital for instance, there may be areas such as interior corridors that lack any external view of nature, yet studies show that our connection with nature has a positive effect on health and wellbeing.
There are five colour collections, and 15 earthbound colours
Ensuring a balance of natural colours is crucial for maintaining a professional and comforting atmosphere in healthcare. I recommend earth tones such as on a grey-green, or grey-blue range, as this creates a sense of warmth as well as portraying an element of professionalism and credibility which are both important for patient trust.
The colours of Bona’s new collection, while natural, are designed with a subtle and restrained aesthetic that makes them highly versatile. This ensures they harmonise effortlessly with the surrounding wall colours and furnishings. As a result, they offer great adaptability to changing requirements over time and in different spaces.
Q: How does colour affect people in the healthcare environment?
Research states that the colour of flooring has a profound psychological effect on people, including:
- Enhancing wellbeing
- Improving physical health
- Increasing trust and confidence
- Improving staff focus and experience
A positive atmosphere can improve the wellbeing of building occupants, visitors, and staff by up to 100 %. While a colour concept that takes into consideration daylight conditions, structural context, and usability criteria, improves workplace identification by more than 50% reduces sick leave by around 30%, and improves the rating of the working environment among staff by 40%.
These figures are of pertinent importance in today’s world of healthcare due to the growing issues around workforce burnout and the equally increasing challenges of recruitment and retention.
Q: What are the latest developments around flooring colour in healthcare?
I have recently collaborated with Bona on the development of an exciting new range in the flooring industry which, inspired by nature, is perfectly suited for healthcare; the Bona Resilient Colour Collection. It’s for use on resilient floors, which are commonly found in healthcare – think PVC, rubber, or linoleum.
With a natural subtle floor colour, the colour scheme of a room can be enhanced as required through the walls or soft furnishings
There are five colour collections, and 15 earthbound colours; all of which bring nature indoors and help foster a nurturing and tranquil environment. The collection integrates tones and colours inspired by the natural world, and are expertly designed to cater to unique needs of the healthcare sector.
Remember too that with a natural subtle floor colour, the colour scheme of a room can be enhanced as required through the walls or soft furnishings.
Top image: Dr Axel Buether