Colour and materials can play a real role in workplace wellbeing, influencing mood, focus and how comfortable people feel in a space. Get them right, and the workplace can feel noticeably better to be in.
You can see it in the contrast between a bright white office fit-out and the darker, moodier interior of a restaurant. The look and feel all help set the tone.
We spoke with Amit Gupta, Product Development Manager at Bremworth, about how colour and materials shape workplace design and what’s influencing commercial interiors now.
How do colour and materials affect the workplace?
Colour and materials contribute significantly to employee wellbeing, comfort, and engagement, says Amit.
“They are fundamental to shaping how a space is experienced. Flooring, wall finishes, furniture, and textiles collectively influence not only the visual identity of a workplace but also how people feel within it.
Colour can affect mood, energy, focus, and perception of space, while materials introduce texture, warmth, and sensory richness. Natural materials, in particular, help create environments that feel more grounded, authentic, and welcoming.”
What colours are designers using in workplaces right now?
Workplace palettes are becoming softer and more nature-led, a direction that also comes through in Buro’s earlier colour trends with Bremworth piece.
“We're seeing a growing preference for nature-inspired palettes, including earthy greens, warm neutrals, clay tones, soft browns, and muted blues. These colours tend to create calm, restorative environments that support wellbeing and concentration.”
It’s less about making a statement and more about creating atmosphere.
“There is increasing interest in layered, tonal schemes rather than bold contrasting colours. This shift is driven by a broader focus on wellness, sustainability, and the desire to create workplaces that feel more human and less institutional. It's exciting to see how these palettes are shaping the next generation of workplace design.”
How do colour, texture and form work together?
Integrating colour, texture and form creates environments that are both visually appealing and emotionally resonant, says Amit.
“These elements are most effective when considered as part of a holistic design approach.
Colour establishes mood and visual identity, texture adds depth and tactile interest, and form influences how people move through and interact with a space.”
That mix can also help signal how different parts of a workplace are meant to be used.
“A carefully balanced combination can make an environment feel calm, energising, sophisticated, or collaborative. While colour often attracts immediate attention, texture and form tend to create a lasting sensory experience that gives a space character and authenticity.”
Konfurb Gem Ottomans and a Bremworth rug create a breakout space.
Why do natural materials continue to resonate?
There’s a reason natural materials keep turning up in commercial interiors.
“Natural materials help people feel connected to nature, which has been shown to support wellbeing and reduce stress. In an increasingly digital world, materials such as wool, timber, stone, and other organic finishes provide warmth, texture, and a sense of authenticity that people value.”
Sustainability is another reason natural materials are holding their ground.
“They also align with growing sustainability expectations, as designers and clients increasingly seek materials with strong environmental credentials and enduring appeal.”
What’s next for workplace colour and materials?
“Over the next few years, I expect to see continued demand for biophilic design principles, natural and renewable materials, and colour palettes inspired by the natural environment.
Sustainability will remain a key driver of material selection, with greater emphasis on transparency, circularity, and product lifecycle impacts.”
As workplaces become more flexible, colour and materials can help give each area a clearer purpose.
“Workplaces are also becoming more diverse in how they support different work styles, so designers will continue using colour, texture, and materiality to create a variety of spaces that support focus and collaboration.
I'm particularly passionate about how these shifts will help workplaces become more adaptive and supportive for everyone.”
What should good workplace design ultimately achieve?
For Amit, the starting point isn’t a particular palette, product or trend. It’s the people who will use the space.
“Good design is ultimately about people. Colour, materials, and form are important tools, but their real value comes from how they help create spaces where people feel comfortable, inspired, and able to do their best work.”
Buro Axon chairs with optional colour slips.
Where seating fits in
When you’re thinking about colour, texture and materials in a workplace, seating is part of that picture too. The right chair can bring colour and character into an interior while still giving people the ergonomic support they need to work well.
Designing beyond the surface
Explore Buro’s Workplace Trends Report to better understand the full range of ideas behind the workplace.
