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From calming blues to energizing yellows, the hues that surround us can directly influence mood, focus, and even performance.
Whether you’re planning an office revamp or just looking to feel more grounded in your home workspace, a thoughtfully curated mood board could be the first step toward not just a better space but a better state of mind
In today’s high-stakes, high-stress work culture, productivity isn’t just about better tools or tighter deadlines, it’s also about better environments. And increasingly, color is emerging as one of the most overlooked yet powerful psychological tools in workspace design. From calming blues to energizing yellows, the hues that surround us can directly influence mood, focus, and even performance. At the heart of this shift is a simple but strategic design tool: the mood board.
“We believe color is more than visual; it’s a psychological tool,” says Aryaman Vir, Founder & CEO, Morpho Dimensions. “I’ve seen how the strategic use of color can shape not just spaces, but emotions and behaviors.”
For Morpho Dimensions, color selection is far from random. Every palette begins with an in-depth analysis of the client’s workflow, stress triggers, and brand identity. Mood boards are used to translate this information into curated palettes that work in harmony with natural light dynamics, functional zones, and emotional needs of the space.
“Soft tones like greens and blues foster tranquility, while warm neutrals promote balance,” Aryaman explains. “Each area from breakout zones to executive cabins is differentiated through tailored combinations. Color, when aligned with function and daylight, becomes a behavioral catalyst.”
The science backs this up. Random or overly stimulating color schemes can increase visual clutter and even spike cortisol levels. Aryaman notes that well-planned palettes can reduce stress by 15–20%, leading to noticeable improvements in focus, creativity, and overall morale in the workplace.
This physiological response to color is something that psychologists also closely observe, especially when treating clients dealing with stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma.
“Colors do profoundly shape our mood, stress levels, and productivity,” affirms Aanchal Narang, Psychologist and Founder, Another Light Counselling. “Calming hues like blue and green activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and enhancing focus.”
Aanchal notes that up to 60% of people associate blue with calmness, and that exposure to blue-toned environments has been shown to lower heart rate and stress. Green with its associations with nature and growth has similar soothing effects. In contrast, overly dark or stark spaces can trigger fatigue or emotional withdrawal, especially in individuals coping with unresolved trauma.
“Interestingly, people dealing with emotional overwhelm often gravitate toward black, it feels grounding and protective,” adds Aanchal. “Our brains associate certain shades with comfort or threat based on past experiences.”
This is where mood boards become therapeutic tools in themselves acting as a bridge between personal emotion and spatial experience. By visualizing not just color, but also textures, shapes, and light, individuals can create environments that feel emotionally safe, stimulating, or stabilizing, depending on their unique needs.
“Mood boards help map the journey,” Aryaman reiterates. “They ensure every shade aligns with the client’s goals, not just aesthetically, but psychologically.”
As hybrid work and mental wellness take center stage, color psychology is no longer a design trend, it’s a workplace necessity. Whether you’re planning an office revamp or just looking to feel more grounded in your home workspace, a thoughtfully curated mood board could be the first step toward not just a better space but a better state of mind.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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