Why Colour Matters in Design

9th April 2026

Colour is a powerful tool in the designer's palette. It can transform spaces, set moods, and define identities. From the calming blues of a hospital waiting room to the energising reds of a retail store, colour impacts how people interact and feel in a space. Yet, colour does not exist in isolation it relies on light to be seen.

Light influences how we perceive colour. The exact shade of green can appear vibrant and fresh under daylight but muted and dull under artificial lighting. As specifiers, understanding this relationship is critical to delivering spaces that look and feel as intended.

Lighting is the invisible partner to colour. It affects hue, saturation, and brightness, transforming colours' appearance in different environments. The webinar highlighted several key factors that specifiers should consider:

• Light Source Quality: High-quality lighting, such as LED fixtures, ensures accurate colour rendering. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is a key metric here; it measures how faithfully a light source reveals the true colours of objects compared to natural sunlight.
• Colour Temperature: Warm lighting (around 2700K) enhances earthy tones and creates a cosy atmosphere, while cooler lighting (5000K and above) sharpens whites and blues, making spaces feel open and modern.
• Dynamic Lighting: With advancements like tuneable white and RGB lighting, we can now shift colour temperature or introduce vibrant hues to suit changing needs within a space. This flexibility opens a world of creative possibilities for specifiers.

Specifiers often face the challenge of balancing functionality with aesthetics. The "Colour Matters" webinar provided practical examples of how light, and colour can work together to achieve both. Here are a few applications to consider:

Healthcare Spaces

In hospitals or clinics, calming colours paired with soft, diffused lighting helps reduce patient stress. Studies show that cooler tones, such as blues and greens, paired with natural-looking light, create environments that promote healing and relaxation.

Retail and Hospitality

Colour psychology plays a significant role in driving customer behaviour. In retail spaces, bold colours like reds and yellows can energise and attract attention, while subtle lighting accents highlight merchandise. Similarly, warm lighting paired with rich, earthy tones in hospitality settings can make spaces feel inviting and luxurious.

Workplaces

Productivity and focus are enhanced in spaces with cooler colour temperatures and neutral tones. Dynamic lighting systems that shift throughout the day can mimic natural light patterns, support circadian rhythms and improve employee well-being.

The webinar delved into the fascinating science of how humans perceive colour. Our eyes process light and colour differently depending on brightness, contrast, and context. Lighting designers can use this knowledge to manipulate visual perception, creating spaces that feel larger, more intimate, or more vibrant simply through light and colour.

Signify offers innovative solutions that empower specifiers to master the art of light and colour. From advanced LED systems with high CRI ratings to dynamic lighting technologies, these tools provide greater control over how spaces are experienced. Pairing the right lighting solution with thoughtful colour choices ensures your designs meet aesthetic and functional goals.

Colour matters and so does light. As specifiers, we are privileged to shape environments that influence how people live, work, shop, and relax. By understanding the intricate relationship between light and colour, we can design spaces that look beautiful and feel meaningful.

If you missed the webinar; check it out here: https://www.signify.com/global/lighting-academy/browser/webinar/color-matters

Or visit Signify's website for more resources on how light and colour can transform your projects. Remember, every space tells a story and colour is the narrator. Let us make it matter.