Leaving a gorgeous space in plain white paint makes the shop look bare, boring and uninviting. With the sheer amount of interior decorative paints currently available on the market, going for plain white is not only a crime but a sign of laziness.
On the other hand, as a boutique owner or entrepreneur, picking a color that you like is not enough. People are hardwired to feel certain emotions when looking at a color or a group of colors.
Carefully choosing the color palette for your retail space can have an effect on how customers will perceive your establishment, and feel when they are inside. For instance, infusing it with red can encourage customers to purchase. However, too much of it can make people feel agitated as well.
Thinking about what colors to use and go well together for your business establishment may give the entrepreneur in you a massive headache. To help you out, here are a few popular color trends and combinations you may want to consider when choosing a color palette for your place of operation:
1. Going retro
Classics never go out of style. Whether it involves painting the exterior or interiors, designers are bringing back the use of retro and vintage colors.
There are many benefits to reusing vintage colors. For one, it reminds customers of the quality of the brand and its products. This is effective for brands that have been around for a long period of time.
Some brands have applied this concept to packaging. By releasing special editions that feature old packaging and designs, they are reminding people of the history of the company. The same perception of color can be applied to the interior space of a business establishment.
Another effect of retro colors is nostalgia. For instance, colors from the 1980s and 1990s are becoming more popular. Individuals who lived through these eras will be drawn to these colors as these are hues that are familiar to them.
2. Vibrant colors
Vibrant colors have replaced the dull grays and earth tones that were so prevalent just a few years ago. This could be a throwback to the 90s when vibrant colors were the norm.
However, other than nostalgia, there is another benefit to using bright hues. Vibrant colors are more effective in grabbing attention.
Think of the use of bright reds in eating establishments such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds, among others. The bold hues get people through the door and eat.
Reds also evoke a sense of urgency. This is why you may find plenty of reds inside discount stores or during sales and clearances. The contrary is also true.
If reds encourage people to buy, blues, on the other hand, calm people down. It gives the impression of trust and security. This is why greens and blues are frequently used by banks and other financial institutions.
3. Monochromatic palette
Have trouble coming up with a color palette? Use a single dominant color instead.
Bright colors are effective in grabbing one’s attention. The same can be said of using a single color.
The use of a monochromatic scheme is nothing new. However, during recent years, they have been replaced by more eccentric mixes. As designers get creative with their color combinations, it is possible to find interiors bathed in an explosion of colors.
As a direct reaction, the trend is now going in the opposite direction. A single color simplifies the design of the space. There is also greater focus on the products on display.
For entrepreneurs having difficulty coming up with colors for their shop, a simple monochromatic palette is a great way to start. Other colors can be added to the mix later on.
When picking a color palette for your retail space, keep in mind that colors can affect the ambiance of a place. Consider colors as a form of a subliminal language. Colors can be used to communicate and send a message.
Do you wish to get customers to linger longer and buy more or relax?
The message you wish to convey depends on you. Use these trends as a starting point to create a unique color palette for your store and your brand.
AUTHOR BIO
Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.