Psychologists have known for many years that colour can affect how people feel For this reason attention should be given to colour scheme when decorating places such as offices and hospitals How true is this statement How far does colour influence people

Colour is arguably one of the earliest things that we learn about. As we grow up, we develop preferences for colour, and these are shown in the decoration of our home, the products we buy and clothes we wear. As colour plays such a huge role in our domestic lives, it is inevitable that it will also affect how we feel outside of the home, particularly in places such as hospitals and offices.

As a matter of fact, businesses have been aware of the impact of colour on employees for some time. The general view has been that if you work in an office that has too many colours and patterns on the walls, you will end up finding it hard to concentrate. Visitors may also be too taken up with the colours around them to focus in what they are doing.

Interestingly, however, there are some offices areas that suit bright colours. For example, creative people often say they can carry out their work better if a room is painted in bold colours. In my university, the creative room was painted entirely in yellow to inspire its users to come up with exciting and novel ideas. Students commented that they felt more energized in this type of environment.

While work is about output, hospitals are about the health of patients. Clearly, bright colours would be less welcome on a hospital ward, where patients are trying to recover from operations and illness. Here, relaxing shades are needed, such as pastels.

Having said that, some hospitals areas are the opposite. Unlike adults, children need some form of s can entertainment, and walls painted in bright reds and oranges with pictures and poster achieve that. Similarly, doctors and nurses might welcome brighter surroundings when they are taking a break from work.

As far as I am concerned, there is a direct link between colour and mood. This means that designers should think about who will occupy a building, and decorate its rooms in such a way that the occupants are able to get the best out of their surroundings.