30 Jun The Power of Color in Design
“Color influences how we feel, how we move, and how we connect to space. It’s not just decoration, it’s communication.”
At OLC, we understand that color isn’t a finishing touch, it’s foundational. From municipal aquatic centers to university wellness facilities, color helps us shape environments that are not only functional and enduring, but also uplifting, inclusive, and emotionally resonant.
More than Aesthetics: A Psychological Tool
Color impacts how we process space. Neuroscience shows us that color interacts with our brains long before we’re aware of it. It cues calm or energy, confidence or curiosity. In fitness environments, vibrant hues can promote movement and vitality, while spa and recovery areas benefit from cooler tones that foster rest and relaxation.
Our team takes this seriously. When we select a palette, we’re not just choosing what “looks good,” we’re aligning with purpose.
For example, using warm tones in a lobby can foster a welcoming atmosphere and create a sense of energy. In contrast, blues and greens in aquatic facilities connect us to nature and evoke cleanliness and serenity.
Designing with Intent
As interior designers within an architecture firm, we see color as a connector between form and function, branding and experience. In public facilities, color can guide wayfinding, reinforce safety zones, and subtly reinforce a community’s identity. In athletic facilities, it enhances team pride and motivates users.
We’ve worked with clients who’ve expressed surprise at how strategically placed color helped reduce stress, improve circulation patterns, or elevate user experience across generations and demographics. That’s the impact of intentional design.
Custom Solutions, Client-Focused Results
Our clients often come to us with strong visual brands, and it’s our job to translate those identities into physical spaces. Through OLC’s collaborative process, we explore custom color options, performance materials, and finishes that endure high-traffic environments while maintaining design integrity.
Whether it’s a LEED-certified recreation center or a reimagined high school natatorium, our material selections, including color, are always rooted in long-term durability, maintenance strategy, and emotional response.
Final Word: Color is Not an Afterthought
At OLC, color is integral to every phase of design, from programming and conceptual design through documentation and construction. It’s how we help our clients tell their story, support their community, and make their facility a place people want to return to again and again.
We design with intention. We design with empathy. And we design with color.
About the Author
Brenda Amsberry is a Principal and Senior Interior Designer, responsible for business development, initiating interior design concepts and directing design development and documentation throughout design and construction.
For additional information contact:
Brenda Amsberry
O: 303.294.9244
M: 303.919.5288
E: bamsberry@olcdesigns.com
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