When approaching interior design for any sector, it’s important to take a holistic approach that encompasses everything from aesthetics to performance: giving consideration to the overall impact of the space on the people who use it will offer the best results.

The use of décor is especially important, providing not just the backdrop for the furniture and fittings and contributing to the overall ambience of the space, but also setting the schedule for the maintenance cycle. That’s why when discussing specifying paint and coatings, it’s essential to emphasise both colour and product performance from the beginning.

In this blog, written by Kathryn Lloyd, Crown Paints’ colour consultant. Kathryn explains some of the considerations to bear in mind when selecting interior paints.

Considered use of colour

“Far from being a frivolous consideration, the use of colour in interiors is essential. From architects to neuroscientists, we are developing a greater understanding of how our immediate environment affects our wellbeing. At Crown, our colour consultants apply principles of colour psychology to ensure that colour schemes create exactly the desired effect in any given setting.”

“Different environments demand different interior colour schemes: the use of calming, lighter tones will provoke a different response to vibrant, strong shades which can be more stimulating. Interior colour schemes should take into account everything from a building’s architectural era to the use of each room – for example, the colour scheme for a hotel reception would be markedly different from that for the guest rooms, where relaxation and comfort should be at the fore.”

“Educational settings should promote concentration and a feeling of community: this can be achieved through selecting a bespoke palette, with flexibility to use different shades for different zones, from pastels for high-focus classrooms such as science laboratories, and high-intensity colours for more energetic spaces like sports halls.”

“Healthcare settings should be calming and comforting, so chalky, less-saturated colours – dark or light – can work well. Equally, colour can be used to help wayfinding, especially in corridors and other circulation areas, and contrasting shades can be used to pick out features such as doorways, access areas, and handrails, as required under the Equalities Act.”

“Colour is also a key consideration when it comes to creating inclusive and fully accessible environments which cater for those with dementia, autism or those with visual impairments.”

Picking your products

“The requirements for interior paint vary depending on the use of the space: for example, the needs of commercial settings are different from those of residential, and even within a building individual rooms should be carefully considered.”

“In general, it is worthwhile considering a durable paint product whatever the setting to help reduce the maintenance cycle: while premium products such as Crown’s Clean Extreme range require an increased investment at the outset, the fact that the paint can be scrubbed clean repeatedly without impacting on its appearance reduces the need for repainting longer term.”

“What’s more, water-based products including Clean Extreme, and the Fastflow range of trim products, offer additional benefits. Water-based paint is fast-drying, meaning that decorating can be completed more quickly, and is virtually solvent- free, helping to eliminate any strong odours.”

“This not only helps to create a more pleasant working environment but makes it ideally suited for use across the healthcare and education sectors or on projects that required immediate use after painting. Clean Extreme is available in matt and acrylic eggshell finishes, while Fastflow offers gloss or satin options, and can be tinted into hundreds of shades so there is no need to compromise on appearance.”

“In some cases, specialist paints should be considered – for example, flame retardant coatings such as Timonox should be used in common areas like stairwells and corridors in commercial, residential, and public sector settings to help prevent the spread of fire.”

Whatever the requirements of the interior, Crown Paints’ specification team works closely with specifiers to help determine the right paint for the job, as well as offering access to Crown’s colour studio to help select the right colour combinations too. That means aesthetics and performance can go hand in hand from the very start of any interior project.