The first colour of the year predictions have started to appear and one caught MPL’s eye in particular. The Dulux Colour of the Year 2027 is Soulful Sage – a shade of green that is perfect for use in workspaces.

The colour was chosen after Dulux’s Trend Forecast event – its annual gathering of international design experts. Those attending wanted an antidote to current conditions, citing that ‘many of us are feeling weighed down by world events and information overload’.

Soulful Sage is described as ‘soft, silvery and light’, reflecting the gentlest of nature. The shade is so benevolent that it can be used as a neutral in place of cream or even white.

Green: the ideal workplace colour

 The colour properties of green had long made it a favourite with interior designers and the team here at MPL. For us, considering the colours we use is part of the occupant-led design process – establishing who will work in the offices and what their needs will be, then specifying colour palettes and designing spaces that enhance employee wellbeing.

Paler, nature-inspired greens convey calm, cleanliness and peace, connecting people to nature and helping them feel more grounded in their environment. 

More specifically in offices, using green as the flagship colour can reduce eye strain, lower stress, improve focus and in the case of sage green, reduce anxiety. Sage green is a fantastic colour when you’re creating neurodiverse-friendly environments, as it can also minimise sensory overload.

Green as part of a biophilic design package

MPL is increasingly asked to base refits and refurbs around biophilic design principles. Not just decorating in shades of green, biophilic design incorporates house plants that purify the air, specificies the use of natural materials and centres layouts on increasing employees’ exposure to natural light.

Striving for a biophilic workplace often puts business on course to achieve a good BREEAM rating, as many of the categories that are assessed are intrinsically linked to sustainable, eco-friendly design. If you’re debating whether to put biophilia at the heart of your next refit, these benefits may confirm your choice:

  • For every £1 spent on biophilic design enhancements, office owners could get £2.70 back in value and wellbeing1
  • Employees working in environments with natural elements reported 15% higher wellbeing, 6% higher productivity and 15% greater creativity than those in conventional office settings2
  • BREEAM-certified prime office buildings command an average 11.6% rental premium and an approximate 20% to 20.6% capital value premium, when compared to non-certified, conventional equivalents3
  • Improving office environments is said to boost employee retention across all generations by 53%4

4 ways to use Soulful Sage in your workplace

1. Like all shades of green, Soulful Sage pairs especially well with wood. Opt for paler finishes, such as white oak, ash and pine, for a soothing Scandinavian atmosphere. Timber slat panels remain a popular way to increase the amount of natural materials in a workplace setting.

2. If you’re aiming to create a more opulent, upscale atmosphere, Soulful Sage takes on a new complex when used alongside matt gold and burnished bronze. Add a dark forest green as a rich accent and you’ll achieve a luxe look that’s grounded in nature.

3. Break-out rooms and reception areas should feel inviting, and Soulful Sage is a great starting point. It’s neutral enough to be used as the dominant wall colour but you can create extra warmth by adding shades that straddle the pink-brown border. Paints with terracotta, rust, plaster or clay in their name will sit comfortably against any earthy green.

4. Soulful Sage can influence your choice of accessories and accent colours – something to bear in mind if you’re restricted to white walls. We can colour match upholstery to Soulful Sage to inject colour – think guest seating, office chairs, window blinds and sofas. Also ask MPL about sage green pendant lights, wall tiles, kitchen cabinetry and storage solutions. If it’s not available off-the-peg, we can custom make any item to suit your exact dimensions and colour palette profile.

MPL’s projects where green has been the star of the show

[1] Research conducted by Joyce Chan Shoof Architect and Sustainability Lead at the UK Parliament. 

[2] Human Spaces global report 

[3] JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) 

[4] Knight Frank 

If you’ve been inspired to refresh your workspace or have relocation plans, collaborate with MPL Interiors. We’ll create an outcome that improves wellbeing, brand perception and productivity. Contact us to start a project.

 

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