Wellbeing is a growing metric in company culture. We talk to workplace designer Pernille Bonser, CEO of Resonate about the role of colour and texture in creating environments people want to work in. 

Why are corporate clients increasingly focusing on their employees’ wellbeing in the workplace?

PS: Wellbeing at work is not only a key criteria for retention of staff, but also creates harmony within an organisation. If people feel well and cared for, they are loyal and productive. Also the generation Z understands the need for mindful healthy living. Investing in good food and nourishing your staff allows employees to thrive. 

How are those concerns informing the workplace design projects of today?

PS: We are incorporating juice bars, barista coffee, mindfulness rooms, yoga and Pilates studios, rooms for nursing mothers, and prayer rooms. There are a multitude of offerings that were not necessarily available 10 years ago, apart from the most forward thinking clients. This does mean that businesses need to allow more room for these secondary spaces, whereas previously the primary focus was on workspaces. 

Outdoor spaces are also critical, we are finding more vertical farming, hydroponic systems, as well as relaxation, outdoor meeting and lounge spaces. This adds value to the appeal of a workplace. 

How can the use of colour and texture impact workers' sense of wellbeing?

PS: As we know colour affects our behaviours and our reactions, and also has different cultural associations, we have to be very mindful of which colours we use and where. We want fast and slow colours, soft and vibrant depending on the task and the amount of natural light. 

Texture and combining elements of both residential and commercial design (resi-mercial), is coming more to the forefront of commercial interiors, so layering patterns and palettes is so important to create depth and originality for an interior. Tactile aspects are quite profound in how it affects our mood. 

Which colours and textures are typically used to improve wellbeing, and why?

PS: We are seeing softer, more organic natural colours used in commercial spaces, ones that reference nature, are easy and gentle on the eye and the brain. The bright white office environment of the last few decades has gone. Also much darker colours are re-emerging, almost akin to colours seen in Victorian times, deep greens and blues.

Which colours and textures are typically avoided, and why?

PS: Bright primary colours are being avoided; they’re too harsh and too basic. There is definitely a trend for pastel tones, especially for some types of businesses. Plastics and man made textures and materials are to be avoided at all costs, as we all work to a more sustainable world. At Resonate we call this ‘treading lightly’ and we therefore specify locally, and from sustainable sources. Natural timbers, plants and recycled components are always best. 

Overall the office of the future has a softer, more holistic approach that combines work and home and allows people to be the best versions of themselves.