INCLUDES THE NUMBER ONE COLOR FOR 2022
If you are working from home, you spend a lot of time in your home office whether it’s full or part time. Color can influence your mood, attitude and concentration. If you can, for a more healthy home office, make sure you have enough natural light. Enlarge your window(s), add a door to the outside and if that is not possible, add a roof window or skylight.
Decorating experts and paint companies release lists of new best colors for the next season or the next year. We think you should consider how colors affect you and most of all, your color preferences. We have a few ideas for colors paired with optional wallpaper. Yes! Wallpaper is back. Some patterns are subtle and a lot of the new ones are bold or humorous or both.
A number of major paint manufacturers have listed green as the top color for 2022. We we are suggesting that you pair your color choice with a coordinated wallpaper for variety and interest. Live plants are a healthy choice so you might consider an interesting leafy wallpaper that complements green and plants.
Don’t stop here! We have other office color combinations to look at. Select colors and patterns you think you can live with for longer than a season.If your office area is small, dark wall colors may make it appear even smaller. If your office is used occasionally as a guest bedroom, consider a Murphy bed.
Here’s a tip: Be a decorating quick-change artist. Paper a separate floor to ceiling wood panel and border it with wood trim. Paint the trim the color of your walls or one of the colors in the wallpaper. Next time you want a fresh change to your office, simply re-paper the panel or remove it. Removable wallpaper has an obvious advantage.
When you decide on the overall color theme, shop for wallpaper and order samples. You can do that on-line. We found the papers we sampled for you below at Birch Lane. Then be sure you purchase wallpaper before you buy your paint. Different lots of paper may vary in color slightly. You should match or coordinate your paint with the wallpaper you purchase.
Enjoy the additional five color idea starters below.
Gray wall paired with wallpaper left to right: Schumacher “Brindle”,
Brynn ^ Hayleyon Hand Painted Cranes and Schumacher “Zebra Palm”.
1. GRAY: Shades of gray, especially dark ones, paint a masculine picture. This is a striking choice when offset with bright, whimsical or bold wallpaper and pops of color. Dramatic is an understatement. Natural light enhances the look. If you are moody or at times, a little grouchy, this may not be your best choice. If working at home is a new thing and you are used to being in a workplace with other people, consider lighter, brighter colors.
Soft white goes nicely with subtle or bold wallpaper left to right:
Lilliam “August”, Perigold “Plaid”, Schumacher “Birds & Butterflies”.
2. SOFT WHITE: This is a happy choice, clean and bright. Pair it with a subtle geometric that allows quick changes in accent colors, artwork and accessories without redoing your walls. A bold geographic will liven up the room and might stimulate an energetic involvement in work.
Contrast a peach wall with papers that express your personality.
Above left to right: Soicher Marin “Mad Men About You”,
Sanderson “Rose & Peony”, Schumacher “Baracoa”.
3. PEACH: Youthful vibes and energy may abound in peaches and pinks. We call them happy colors. Peach paired with living plants may be all the color life you need in your home office. Or, add a natural companion in a floral wallpaper. If your choice goes to whimsy, you might like the Gecko above.
Blue perks up with contrasting wallpaper: “August” by Lilian,
above left and “Daybreak” wall mural by Glense Thompson.
4. BLUE: If this is your favorite color, it comes highly recommended for offices because it inspires confidence, so say the experts.
Pair a light, warm neutral with a subtle, neutral wallpaper, Above left to right:
Antonia “Vella Fan”, Candice “Plaid” and Adonis “Leaf Trail” in Wheat Color.
5. Need a surrounding that is anti-stress? Choose a calming neutral like a light beige or creamy tan. You can easily brighten it up with accessories and plants.
Natural Light is Important
Does your office have enough natural light? Is there wall room to install a larger window? Does one of your office walls face your yard or garden so you can install a single patio door or a gliding patio door? If not, consider a skylight or roof window.
(Above) Andersen® 200 Series Perma Shield® Gliding Patio Door.
Read our Andersen article.
If you are working with colors, natural light shows true colors best. It also is easy on the eyes compared to some artificial light. Reminder: Don’t forget those office things that keep you organized. Note: Dolan’s does not offer wallpaper or paint colors. You will find paint supplies at Dolan’s Home Improvement Centers in Concord and Pinole.
Thanks for the tips. Recently painted my office a dark gray and now I think I will add some wallpaper on one wall and put in a skylight or roof window. Really needs more natural light since the paint job.
Thanks for the info. I really like the soft white or warm neutral options. I have great light in my office but could use an update in color scheme.
I enjoyed this article, I feel wall paper still has a place today and color is very important to me. There are areas in our home that need to be updated just like me. The article was thought provoking and helpful to me, thank you.