Color Influences 90% of a First Impression – and How to Use Them in Your Hotel

Color theory explores how color influences our subconscious perceptions.

Although not always fully acknowledged in day-to-day life, colors can influence guests’ opinions, emotions, and overall satisfaction. Color can change perceptions on a subconscious level.

Color theory explores how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to evoke specific emotions or reactions. For hotels, choosing the right color scheme sets the tone for the entire guest experience. A well-thought-out color palette can create a welcoming atmosphere, convey your brand’s personality, and even influence guest behavior.

Software company Hubspot reports that up to 90 percent of a consumer’s first impression comes from color and 93 percent of consumers make purchasing decisions based on visuals. The visual appeal of your lobby and rooms is no exception.

Color theory can be applied in many ways while looking at things such as wall color, flooring, furniture, pillows and bedding, and decor.

Red

Red is a powerful and evocative color. It can be associated with passion and energy. It’s often used to draw a consumer’s attention to something. Softer versions of it can create a warm atmosphere. You can use it as an accent color in public spaces like lobbies, lounge areas, or reception desks. While a touch of red can add warmth, using too much of it in guest rooms might create an overly stimulating environment. Consider only using red in small doses or as accent colors in room decor. Red can also be overpowering in long, narrow spaces like hallways. Don’t overuse it to avoid a claustrophobic feel.

Orange

Orange is a warm and vibrant color. It’s often associated with energy, enthusiasm, and vitality. It can create a lively and uplifting atmosphere. It’s also linked to friendliness and creativity. That being said, it should be used sparingly. Hubspot reports that 29 percent of people rank it as their least favorite color.

Yellow

Yellow is a bright and attention-grabbing color. It’s associated with energy, positivity, and happiness. It can create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. And like orange, it’s often linked to creativity and innovation. Yellow can be used in common areas and lobbies to create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. In areas dedicated to recreation and leisure, such as game rooms or lounges, yellow can contribute to a fun and lively atmosphere. It can, however, be overstimulating in guest rooms or workspaces.

Green

Green is often associated with nature, representing the calming and tranquil qualities of nature. It can lead to feelings of freshness and relaxation. If you have a spa area, that’s a great place to integrate this color. Green is also a popular choice for guest rooms as it can create a calming and restful atmosphere. Soft greens can be used in lobby areas to create a welcoming and calming first impression for guests. It contributes to a sense of openness and friendliness. Because green is so calming though, you’d be doing your guests a favor by avoiding it in workspaces where guests would like to focus.

Blue

Blue is frequently associated with calmness, serenity, and tranquility. It has a soothing effect on the mind and is known to reduce stress. It’s often perceived as a trustworthy and reliable color. It is oftentimes used in corporate settings to convey professionalism and stability. Blue is also associated with cleanliness, making it suitable for areas where a sense of cleanliness and hygiene is important, like bathrooms and spa facilities. Light or muted shades of blue can create a serene and relaxing atmosphere in guest rooms. It contributes to a comfortable and restful environment.

Purple

In history, it was associated with royal and high-class members of society. Even now purple is often associated with luxury, sophistication, and wealth. Because of this, purple can be effectively used in luxury suites, premium rooms, or VIP areas to create a sense of exclusivity. It can also be used in the lobby and reception areas to garner a sense of elegance for guests as they arrive. Just don’t overuse it as it has the potential to be overwhelming.