How to Use Color Psychology in Your Home Office to Boost Productivity
Do you ever feel that you are less productive at home than in the office? It could be color psychology working against you.
The majority of offices are "decorated" specifically to improve focus and productivity. Most homes, however, are decorated to be a relaxing haven after a hard day at work.
When you switch from working at an office job, you may think being at home, in your little relaxed atmosphere, will be fun. The truth is, it may be harder to get motivated when you are surrounded by the wrong colors!
The good news is you don't have to redecorate your entire house to look like your old office job.
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To be successful working at home, you will need three things:
Have you ever wondered why reading certain websites suddenly make you sit up and pay attention? Why, even if the advice is old news, you feel ready to do something?
Businesses and advertising geniuses pay attention to how people react to color, and they use color to influence YOU.
For example: studies show that people eat more if they are surrounded by the color red. How many restaurants use red somewhere? (Hint: a lot of them.)
You can easily use these same color psychology tricks to encourage yourself while working from home. And you don't have to redecorate your entire home. It's as easy as adding a couple of accents in the right colors:
- Productivity
- Motivation
- Self-Discipline
Have you ever wondered why reading certain websites suddenly make you sit up and pay attention? Why, even if the advice is old news, you feel ready to do something?
Businesses and advertising geniuses pay attention to how people react to color, and they use color to influence YOU.
For example: studies show that people eat more if they are surrounded by the color red. How many restaurants use red somewhere? (Hint: a lot of them.)
You can easily use these same color psychology tricks to encourage yourself while working from home. And you don't have to redecorate your entire home. It's as easy as adding a couple of accents in the right colors:
Positive and Negative Color Attributes
All colors have two attributions; positive and negative. When choosing what colors work best for you, take both into consideration:
Blue:
White:
Black:
Gray:
Brown:
Orange:
Red:
Yellow:
Purple:
Green:
Pink:
Blue:
- Positive: Calming, promotes focus (considered a "trust" color)
- Negative: Too passive
White:
- Positive: Cleanliness, minimalism, no distractions, professionalism
- Negative: Sterile, impersonal, emotionless
Black:
- Positive: Cleanliness, sophistication, "cool".
- Negative: Heavy, depressing,
Gray:
- Positive: Maturity, stability
- Negativity: Isolation, depressing, too neutral
Brown:
- Positive: Trust, earthiness, warmth
- Negative: Boring, rustic, dirty
Orange:
- Positive: Spontaneity, communication
- Negativity: Impulsiveness
Red:
- Positive: Energy, passion, power, determination
- Negative: Appetite, impulsiveness, anger
Yellow:
- Positive: Enthusiasm, optimism
- Negative: Anxiety
Purple:
- Positive: Power, authority
- Negative: Depression,
Green:
- Positive: Success, prosperity
- Negative: Materialism, overly passive
Pink:
- Positive: Calming, compassion
- Negative: Immaturity
How to Use Colors In Your Office or Workspace
Before you start redecorating for the sake of being more successful at your business, ask yourself one question:
"What is my least favorite color?"
No matter how powerful, how motivating, or how awesome a color might be...it won't work if you hate it. Especially if it's in your home where you can't escape from it.
On the other hand, your favorite color/s may not be your best work colors either.
Also, note that not all negative traits are detrimental to success.
Impulse colors can affect you two ways. They may make you jump up from your seat every few minutes to do some random task. OR, they could make you take good chances that you normally wouldn't (like querying a high-profile magazine, for example.)
Not all positive traits are a good thing, either. Take the color red. It could encourage you to make powerful decisions and take strong actions. But it can work against you if it is making you irritable and impatient. (And hungry.)
Unless you know you work well with a certain color or color combination, use a neutral like white for your main color, and add your colors in small splashes.
If you like a color, but it feels too weak or too strong, experiment with different shades of that color for awhile. A softer or brighter version may be your ticket.
Avoid painting rooms in a "sleepy" color, like all over blue or medium brown. You can't work hard if you are perpetually dozing!
(I learned this the hard way. After repainting our tan and copper walls white and black I found myself able to work more efficiently!)
A few ways to add colorful accents can include:
You can also do a DIY makeover of things you already own by painting mirror frames, photo frames, desk accessories, knick-knacks, etc.
And last of all, you can add your power colors to your website or just your background or wallpaper to give you a little extra visual boost when you start work.
"What is my least favorite color?"
No matter how powerful, how motivating, or how awesome a color might be...it won't work if you hate it. Especially if it's in your home where you can't escape from it.
On the other hand, your favorite color/s may not be your best work colors either.
Also, note that not all negative traits are detrimental to success.
Impulse colors can affect you two ways. They may make you jump up from your seat every few minutes to do some random task. OR, they could make you take good chances that you normally wouldn't (like querying a high-profile magazine, for example.)
Not all positive traits are a good thing, either. Take the color red. It could encourage you to make powerful decisions and take strong actions. But it can work against you if it is making you irritable and impatient. (And hungry.)
Unless you know you work well with a certain color or color combination, use a neutral like white for your main color, and add your colors in small splashes.
If you like a color, but it feels too weak or too strong, experiment with different shades of that color for awhile. A softer or brighter version may be your ticket.
Avoid painting rooms in a "sleepy" color, like all over blue or medium brown. You can't work hard if you are perpetually dozing!
(I learned this the hard way. After repainting our tan and copper walls white and black I found myself able to work more efficiently!)
A few ways to add colorful accents can include:
- Throw pillows
- Art prints
- Desk organizers
- Journals or other books
- Photo frames
- Lamps
- Small furnishings (table, side chair, etc.)
- Rugs
- Curtains
You can also do a DIY makeover of things you already own by painting mirror frames, photo frames, desk accessories, knick-knacks, etc.
And last of all, you can add your power colors to your website or just your background or wallpaper to give you a little extra visual boost when you start work.
Ready to Color Yourself Successful?
Just make sure you like the main colors, they don't make you agitated or sleepy, and they blend well with your furnishings.
If you still aren't sure, try browsing through some of your favorite websites or visiting a favorite business, and noting what colors they use together and how they make you feel when you look at them for a long period of time.
Once you have a basic idea of what makes you want to work, you are ready to color yourself successful!
If you want to know more, I recommend this book on color psychology. I received it as a gift last year, and have found sooo many ways to use it in everyday life, not just in business!
If you still aren't sure, try browsing through some of your favorite websites or visiting a favorite business, and noting what colors they use together and how they make you feel when you look at them for a long period of time.
Once you have a basic idea of what makes you want to work, you are ready to color yourself successful!
If you want to know more, I recommend this book on color psychology. I received it as a gift last year, and have found sooo many ways to use it in everyday life, not just in business!
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