When it comes to curating customer experience, there is only so much you can accomplish with your printed images you use to present your brand. Psychology is essential for business owners and corporate designers responsible for making decisions such as which custom wall coverings to use.
Your customers will perceive colors, patterns, images, shapes, and more at a subconscious level, and understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about how your space should function. How do you do it? Custom wall coverings are one of the most effective options, as their ability for customization is nearly limitless.
Here are the basics to get you started on the psychology of patterns and how you can use custom wall designs to shape mood and productivity in products and services. A portion of the influence your business has comes from the colors of your space.
Key Takeaways
- Natural patterns can make people feel safe, so emulate nature (e.g., leaves or water) to create that effect.
- Geometric or sharp patterns are tied to focus, professionalism, and energy.
- Patterns should repeat; complex or busy imagery can cause stress and distraction.
- Shapes moving vertically often create an alert, inspired atmosphere, while those moving horizontally contribute a sense of calm and grounding.
- Business should match their patterns to the identity of the company through colors, similar shapes, and visual identity (e.g., curves, points).
How Wall Patterns Influence Mood and Stress Levels
Wall patterns can range from stark, straight lines to elegant curves, bubbles, and more. In general, organic patterns such as leaves and water (or shapes that resemble them, even if abstract) tend to calm people. Research shows that the association with nature that such patterns bring can promote a sense of homeyness or security that reduces stress.
However, these are far from the only ways to impact a person’s mood in your space. Geometric forms presented in high contrast, as well as sharp edges, are tied to stimulation and energy that can leave people feeling inspired and excited. No matter which option you choose, though, be sure to consider patterning.
A room full of unpredictable, non-repeated patterning can leave visitors feeling unmoored, anxious, or distracted. Aim for repeating or consistent patterns, even if spread far apart, to help guests feel comfortable during their visit.
Patterns and Their Role in Focus and Productivity
A person’s emotions are not the only element that you can shape using patterns in your business location. As you may infer from the way that patterns can cause distraction, choosing wall coverings with low-complexity patterns can help if people in your space need to focus. Sustained concentration is easier in a calmer space.
By contrast, businesses in need of creative problem-solving, collaboration, or other high-energy endeavors can leverage a moderately complex pattern to home in on that focus. However, as mentioned previously, moderate complexity is as high as you should aim; truly busy patterns can be distracting, even for engaged teams.
Even if your pattern is simple and small (for instance, clusters of bubbles), if the overall pattern is too closely packed, it can still create visual busyness that fatigues the people in your room. Aim for something intelligible, keeping in mind that the direction (vertical for uplifted and alert, horizontal for calm and grounded) also has something to add.
How to Harmonize Form and Function in Custom Wall Designs
Custom wall coverings are increasingly preferred over other options, such as wall paint, because they are so customizable. However, this also means that the sky is the limit, which can serve your business or leave you struggling, depending on your strategy for your patterns. A company experienced in digital decor can help you develop an effective strategy that fits your needs. As you consider your options, be sure to:
- Align the visual type (sharp, smooth, soft, rounded, etc.) to your own brand’s identity, such as your logo and values.
- Choose matching or complementary colors with your brand’s palette.
- Consider the scale, density, and frequency of repetition of the pattern of your choice.
- Blend the pattern with a function (e.g., long, horizontal lines for a calming environment that can also help people navigate)
Transform Your Space’s Impact with Custom Wall Coverings
If you are looking to elevate your business’s space with visual impact while achieving functional benefits, custom wall coverings are an effective and affordable way to do so! However, patterning your walls correctly requires careful planning. If you are unsure how to proceed, the professionals at Tree Towns can help you develop a business-specific strategy.
Contact Tree Towns to share your goals and space so we can begin developing a custom interior strategy that leaves your employees and guests feeling positive about their time inside!