Color Trends for Business: What's Hot in Commercial Design

So, you're looking to jazz up the office or workspace and wondering what colors are trending in commercial design right now. As an interior designer focused on business spaces, I've got the inside scoop on what's hot in color this year and beyond.The colors making a splash in the world of commercial design might surprise you. We're seeing bold yet balanced shades, natural earthy tones, and dramatic jewel-inspired colors. The modern minimalist look is out, and distinctive personality is in. If you want your office or workspace to reflect the latest styles and impress clients, check out these on-trend colors that will elevate your business space.

Neutrals Still Reign in Commercial Spaces

Neutrals like white, gray, and beige are still the most popular color choices for commercial spaces. Their versatility and timelessness appeal to a wide range of businesses and interior styles.

Soft, muted tones

Pale shades of blue, green and pink are emerging as new neutral options. These muted tones create a sense of calm and relaxation perfect for hospitality, healthcare or education settings. They're natural complements to wood accents and greenery.

• Shades of seafoam, dusted pink or mint green in upholstery, paint or accent walls.
• Pair them with natural light wood flooring, tables or reception desks for an organic, spa-like feel.

Warm neutrals

For a cozy, welcoming vibe, warm neutrals like camel, terra cotta or rust are attractive options. They work well in residential-style offices, restaurants, retail shops or coworking spaces.

• Incorporate warm neutrals in area rugs, throw pillows, artwork or accent walls.
• Combine with black or dark wood furniture and leather or woven textures for a rustic yet polished look.

Bright whites

A crisp, clean white remains a timeless choice that makes a space appear more open and airy. All-white interiors are a bold statement that put the focus on architectural details, natural light, greenery or pops of color.

• Use shades like eggshell or ivory for walls and trim with slightly warmer whites on ceilings.
• Add texture with woven rugs, rattan or wicker accents and potted plants.
• Incorporate wood or black accents for contrast.

In the end, neutrals provide a blank canvas for businesses to build a customized look that aligns with their brand and appeals to their target customers. Combined with natural light, greenery and high-quality, sustainable materials, neutrals create an elevated yet balanced commercial space.

Earthy Tones for a Natural Look

Earthy tones are hugely popular for commercial spaces right now. Rich browns, deep greens, and natural wood accents create a grounded yet cozy feel.

Rustic Wood

Reclaimed or distressed wood panels and furnishings are ideal for cafes, boutiques, and office lobbies. The organic warmth of wood balances the sleekness of metal and glass. Wood also enhances acoustics, absorbing echoes that can make large open spaces seem cold.

Forest Greens

Dark green shades reminiscent of pine forests or eucalyptus groves are perfect for lounges, hotels, and coworking spaces. Pair forest green walls with natural light fixtures, woven textiles, and potted plants for an escape from the bustle.

Terracotta and Brick

Nothing says down-to-earth like terracotta tiles, brick walls, and earthenware pottery. For a Tuscan villa vibe, incorporate terracotta floors, brick archways, olive green shutters, and wrought iron accents. These rustic touches bring richness and dimension to minimalist spaces.

Coppery Metallics

While bright golds can seem flashy, coppery metallics in rose gold, bronze and rust add warmth without pretension. Metallic fixtures, leather chairs, pendant lighting and table legs in burnished coppers pair beautifully with natural stone, timber and potted succulents.

With the resurgence of craft cocktails, farm-to-table fare and artisanal goods, earthy tones satisfy our appetite for simple, hardworking and handmade elements. Natural, textured and imperfect, these shades make commercial spaces feel established, storied and sublimely sensory.

Bold, Saturated Colors Make a Statement

Bold, saturated colors are making a big statement in commercial design. Vibrant shades of blue, green and red are popping up in office spaces, retail stores and restaurants.

Blue hues evoke feelings of trust and security.

Deep navy or bright azure walls can make a dramatic impact in an office or lounge area. Paired with crisp white trim and accents, the bold color becomes an energizing focal point.

Emerald green is associated with growth, renewal and prosperity.

A dark forest green feature wall acts as an organic backdrop for indoor plants in a coworking space or cafe. Mint or seafoam green cabinets freshen up a break room.

Red stimulates passion, excitement and appetite.

A rich crimson or vermillion accent wall creates visual warmth in a lobby or reception area. Burgundy leather chairs or booths make a stylish statement in a swanky bar or dining room.

Orange shades convey cheer, creativity and adventure.

A vibrant tangerine or amber wall sparks innovation in a tech startup workspace. Burnt sienna partitions or room dividers add visual flair in an open-concept office.

Purple embodies luxury, imagination and individuality.

Eggplant or plum colored furniture, cabinetry or paint creates an upscale, fanciful feel in a boutique shop or salon. Lavender or lilac walls soothe the senses in a spa waiting room or treatment space.

Saturated colors make a bold impression and ignite the senses. When used strategically in commercial spaces, vibrant hues attract attention, stimulate creativity, improve mood and boost brand identity. Corporations and small businesses alike are embracing bolder color choices to make a memorable statement.

Pastels Add Softness to Professional Settings

Pastel shades are making their way into commercial design, adding a refreshing softness to professional settings.

Pretty in Pink

Dusty rose, peach and blush tones are popular choices for feature walls, cubicle dividers and office furniture like chairs, lamps and rugs. These rosy hues create a warm, welcoming vibe while maintaining a polished appearance suitable for business.

• Millennial pink in particular has become a trendy shade for startup offices and co-working spaces. Its fun yet sophisticated vibe appeals to young entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Blue-Green Dreams

Light aqua, seafoam and mint green are tranquil, calming colors ideal for spaces like waiting rooms, cafeterias and conference areas. These pale teal tones blend nicely with wooden accents and lots of natural light, giving a space an open, airy feel.

• Accent walls in these hues can make a bold statement while still appearing professional. They also pair well with creams, tans, and light grays for a coordinated look.

Subtle Yellow

Buttery yellow, lemon and daffodil are cheery shades that brighten up a space in a tasteful way. When used for details like furniture, lighting fixtures, floor rugs or wall decor, these pale yellow tones inject warmth and optimism into an office setting.

• For high-energy, collaborative work environments, a pale yellow feature wall or set of cubicles fosters creativity and lifts moods in an understated manner.

Whether for an entire office redesign or simply livening up a few key details, pastel colors allow businesses to follow the latest commercial design trends while maintaining a professional image. By keeping shades light and varied, pastels can make a big impact without overpowering a space. Choosing a color palette with tones that complement each other results in a cohesive, stylish look for any company.

Using Color to Delineate Different Zones

Using color in strategic ways within a commercial space helps define separate zones and gives the overall design a cohesive flow.

Zones for Collaboration

Bright, energetic colors like cobalt blue, orange, and yellow work well in collaborative areas where people gather to brainstorm or work together on projects. These stimulating colors boost creativity and make a bold statement, perfect for an open office layout.

Quiet Zones

For zones intended for focused, individual work, use more muted, calming colors like forest green, navy, or eggplant. These darker, nature-inspired hues create a cozy, intimate feel for small meeting rooms, private offices or open areas with fewer people.

High-Energy Zones

In spaces where a burst of liveliness is desired, like a break room, choose a vibrant red, vivid turquoise or electric lime green. These dynamic colors give people an instant boost of energy and lift their mood. They also signal that an area is meant for recharging and taking a quick break from work.

Transitional Areas

For transitional spaces like hallways, entries and reception areas, rely on neutrals like light gray, off-white, pale pink or muted sage green. Neutral tones keep these spaces feeling open and airy but also help subtly transition from one zone to the next. Accent the neutrals with natural materials like wood or stone for added warmth and texture.

Using a purposeful palette of complementary colors is key to delineating different zones within a commercial space. Carefully selecting colors based on the desired mood and function of each area will result in a stylish, cohesive design that enhances productivity, creativity, and wellbeing.

The Comeback of Terracotta and Burnt Orange

The 70s are back in a big way. Burnt orange and terracotta colors are making a major comeback in commercial design. These warm, earthy tones create cozy, inviting spaces that foster creativity and collaboration.

Burnt Orange

Vibrant burnt orange evokes feelings of warmth, energy, and optimism. This zesty shade is ideal for communal areas like open-plan offices, lobbies, and conference rooms. Burnt orange works well with natural materials like wood and stone. Pair it with navy blue for a complementary color scheme.

Terracotta

Terracotta, a muted clay-colored orange, brings warmth and comfort to commercial spaces. Its soft, grounded tone is ideal for walls in private offices, workrooms or lounge areas. Terracotta pairs beautifully with sage green, olive and mustard yellow. Use terracotta paint or tiles for an organic look.

Accent Colors

For a harmonious color scheme, choose accent colors within the same color family as burnt orange and terracotta. Rust, cinnamon, pumpkin and coral complement the warm base shades. Olive, moss and pine green provide contrast. Add pops of color with throw pillows, rugs, chairs or wall art.

Natural Materials

Enhance the earthy feel of burnt orange and terracotta with natural materials like wood, stone, rattan, and leather. Reclaimed wood tables, stone tile floors, rattan place mats and leather chairs create texture while reinforcing the organic vibe.

The resurgence of 70s-inspired burnt orange and terracotta in commercial design creates welcoming spaces that promote creativity and wellbeing. By combining these warm shades with natural materials and green accent colors, you’ll give your business an inviting retro-modern look. Your clients and employees will love the cozy, grounded feel of these on-trend colors.

Blue and Green Bring Calm to Offices

Blue and green are popular accent colors in commercial design right now. Shades of blue, especially navy, cobalt and cerulean, create a calming vibe in office spaces. Blue is associated with intelligence, trust, and productivity. Adding blue accent walls, flooring, furniture or decor is an easy way to make a workspace feel more tranquil and focused.

Soothing Hues

Pale blue and seafoam green walls evoke feelings of peace and serenity. These muted shades work well for open office areas, conference rooms and lounges. Deeper teals and forest greens bring nature inside and energize employees. For high-energy spaces like recreation rooms, cafeterias or brainstorming areas, bolder blues like ultramarine or bright turquoise make an energetic statement.

Subtle Touches

If repainting walls isn’t in the budget, there are other ways to incorporate calming blues and greens. Area rugs, throw pillows, lampshades and artwork featuring aquatic colors help create a relaxed ambiance. Potted plants, especially those with rounded, flowing leaves like ferns or spider plants, reinforce the natural connection. Reupholstering furniture in deep blue or jewel-tone fabrics transforms a space without a major renovation.

Soothing Palettes

Some popular blue-green color schemes for businesses include:

•Navy, teal and gray - Classic yet stylish. Navy walls or furniture anchor the space while teal accents brighten it up. Gray acts as a neutral complement.

•Cerulean, seafoam and ivory - A peaceful beachy palette perfect for creative work environments. Pale blue and green shades are balanced by creamy ivory.

•Cobalt, emerald and chocolate - A bold combination that stimulates thinking. Vibrant cobalt and emerald energize while rich chocolate grounds the palette.

Using restorative blue and green shades in office design helps boost focus, clarity and creativity. Even small splashes of these colors create an oasis of calm, inspiring employees to do their best work.

Metallic Accents for Sophistication

Metallic accents are a stylish way to add sophistication to commercial spaces. Brushed nickel, chrome, and rose gold details on fixtures, furniture, and decor instantly make a space look polished and upscale.

Brushed Metal Finishes

Brushed metal finishes like brushed nickel or stainless steel have a soft, muted glow that provides subtle elegance. Brushed metal light fixtures, doorknobs, cabinet hardware, and chair rails are an easy way to incorporate this trend into your business.

Polished Chrome

Polished chrome is a mirror-like finish that reflects light, making spaces appear more open and airy. Chrome details on tables, chairs, trash cans, and bathroom fixtures give a sleek, modern look. The shiny surface also makes a bold statement, so use chrome accents sparingly.

Rose Gold Accents

Rose gold is a warm, blushing metal tone that provides an stylish pop of color. Rose gold decor, lamps, wall art, and electronic accessories give a space a glamorous feel with a touch of whimsy. Use rose gold in moderation, such as with picture frames, table numbers or chair backs.

Mixed Metals

Don’t be afraid to combine different metal tones in a space. Mixing metallic accents of varying colors and textures adds visual interest. For example, pair brushed nickel lighting with chrome tables and rose gold decor. The key is to choose metals that have an underlying tone in common, such as silver, gold or copper. Start with a 60/30/10 ratio of your main metallic and two accent metals.

Metallic accents provide an simple way to make a powerful design statement in your commercial space. By incorporating trending metal finishes and textures, you'll give your business an stylish and sophisticated vibe that appeals to customers and clients. Keep experimenting by mixing different metals together or by varying the amounts and types of metallic pieces in your space.

FAQ on Current Color Trends in Commercial Design

With color trends changing each year, it can be hard to keep up with what's popular in commercial design. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the latest color trends for business spaces:

What are the most popular color schemes right now?

Neutral, earthy color palettes are very popular for commercial spaces. Think beiges, tans, light browns and grays. These create a warm and inviting environment. Accent colors like forest green, navy blue and rust orange are being used to add pops of color.

What colors stimulate productivity or creativity?

For productivity, bright white is always a good choice. It's clean and energizing. Shades of blue, especially lighter azure and cerulean blues, are also said to boost productivity. For creative spaces, colors on the warmer end of the spectrum like red, yellow and orange can stimulate creativity and inspire innovation.

What colors should be avoided?

Overly bright neon colors can seem unprofessional and distracting for most commercial spaces. Dark, muted colors like eggplant purple, hunter green or burgundy red should be used sparingly, as they can make spaces feel cramped or dreary. In general, limit the use of secondary colors, especially adjacent to each other.

How do I make a space appear more upscale?

To convey an upscale feel, use a monochromatic color scheme with shades of gray, charcoal and touches of chrome or silver. Add in high-quality materials like stone, marble or wood paneling. Ensure high ceilings, good natural lighting and uncluttered spaces. An accent wall in a luxurious color like navy, emerald or plum can also help create an upscale vibe.

How can I use color to improve wayfinding?

For effective wayfinding, use a consistent and logical color coding system throughout the space. For example, shades of blue for one department, green for another. Or warmer tones at one end of a hallway, transitioning to cooler tones at the other end. Be sure to also include clear signage, especially at key decision points. A thoughtful use of color and signs will make any commercial space easier to navigate.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the latest color trends making waves in commercial design. Whether you’re looking to give your office a quick facelift or planning a whole remodel, incorporating some of these stylish and mood-boosting hues is an easy way to make a big impact. And the best part is, in a few years when the trends change again, you can simply introduce some new accent colors to keep things fresh. The possibilities are endless when you know how to work with the trends. Now go forth and spread some color around your business space. Your employees and customers will thank you.