It’s no secret that commercial spaces just love using the color gray in their furniture, but why is that? The short answer, because it’s easy! However, let’s dive in and see why. Sure, there are higher powers that dictate what the end result of an office space looks like, but for good reason (sometimes corporate knows best).
The custom seating you see here were made for our friends at Renoir Lofts. Soft lighting + gray tones.
Have you ever taken a long look at the chairs surrounding you at the bank’s office and wished there was more color? You’re not alone (we all do it), but here’s why too much of a good thing can be bad. Think about it! Why do we go to these spaces? Usually not for fun (though if you do go to the bank for fun, we won’t hold it against you). We often go because we need to. It’s an obligation we have to fulfill and it’s usually not the most pleasant (think getting a tooth pulled at the dentist, or staying at a hotel for a business convention). It’s also important to note that while we might enjoy a pop of yellow at the doctor’s office, John Doe with the upset stomach might find it less than appealing.
We see light pops of color here and there, but we see even more varying shades of gray.
Neutrality is important (when it comes to decorating public spaces that is). Though normally we’d advise against being too broad and casting such a wide net (after all, it’s important to know who your audience is) in this case, the audience is us (all of us). Have you ever tried making everyone at a party happy, but just couldn’t? That’s because it’s actually impossible (one person wants pizza, the other scoffs at sushi, and the vicious cycle continues). Taste is relative and varies from one man to the next. Though you may think a mural of daisies and daffodils would really jazz up the accent wall of your business, others may not (and they just might never come back because of it). It’s important to separate our personal preferences when trying to be neutral (save those fun projects for the house).
Take a look at these custom ottomans we designed for Marlowe. Though you can see a gorgeous selection of printed fabric in the room over, it’s important to note that the common areas remain neutral.
Let’s circle back to an earlier example, the doctor’s office (not to be confused with pediatricians, as they are the exception to the gray rule). Though having such a bright and fun environment may seem great in theory, in practice, not so much. Whether you’re the patient or just tagging along, it’s important to know you’ll be taken care of. That’s when professionalism comes into play. How comfortable would you be going into surgery just to have a large painting of sad clowns staring you down in the waiting room? Not very. Okay that was a bit extreme, but you get the point. Colors play a huge role in telling us how to feel, and neutral tones can put us at ease (not that we don’t like rainbow wigs, just not when we’re sick). When it comes to our health and wellbeing, we want sterile environments and impartiality (it’s color psychology).
Light gray tones can still convey neutrality while also representing brightness.
The same can be said about other commercial spaces. That sofa you’re sitting on while signing your lease? Gray. The banquette that greets you in the lobby of your insurance company? You guessed it. Gray!
Important decisions are usually made on gray sofas. That’s just science.
Though the absence of color may seem dull, gray can also represent balance. It’s not only inoffensive, but it also has mass appeal. Gray is the easiest way to convey cleanness without being off putting. Let’s take another color for example, let’s say yellow. There are different tones and shades (some of which are muted enough to be neutral), but as a whole it makes us think of sunshine or caution signs (which isn’t always a bad thing, just not what we need in this case). Essentially, it’s because of its lack of color that we associate gray with being unemotional and impartial.
How could you possible not feel at ease while sitting in these custom Arium upholstered chairs?
Gray is truly the word “compromise” personified (some could argue “diplomatic” even). Contrary to popular belief, it’s also rather calming in its maturity.
Another great common area tucked into the corner (we’re pretty sure a lot of important deals were made here, but don’t quote us on that).
Gray also doesn’t mean boring by any stretch, and is often used as an accent to other more vibrant options (you could say it plays well with others).
As you can see, gray can encapsulate a space without consuming it.
Though it might not seem like it, the color (or lack thereof) is what puts us at ease when it’s time to make those important (or mundane) life decisions. Making a financial commitment, inquiring about your health, or moving into a new apartment are enough to give anyone anxiety. That’s why it’s so important for those businesses to be as safe as possible when it comes to their interiors. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying gray is to be used exclusively by corporations. We’re just shedding some light on why!
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