Could color be the missing piece in sustainable office design?
Refurbishment
Let’s be honest, when it comes to office interiors, beige has had a long run. Safe, neutral tones have become the default. But what if the very thing we’ve been avoiding, bright, bold color, could actually move us closer to a more sustainable future?
In an era where sustainability is (rightfully) a top priority for businesses, maybe it’s time to look at something as simple as colour a little differently.
What we see: neutrals in, colors out
We’re seeing more and more clients gravitate toward muted, minimal palettes for their workspaces. Think whites, greys, and earthy tones. And yet, the preloved furniture we receive tells a different story.
Every week, we get beautiful chairs, desks, storage, and breakout furniture in vibrant reds, greens, blues, and yellows, still in great condition, but often ignored for one simple reason: they’re not neutral. In fact, a significant share of all the furniture we recover is colorful. And while it’s still functional (and in many cases, barely used), it often ends up sitting in storage because it doesn’t match current aesthetic trends.
The hidden environmental cost
This mismatch between what’s available and what’s desired doesn’t just create a storage headache, it creates real environmental consequences.
When colorful furniture can’t be reused, two things happen: it stays in warehouses waiting for a second chance, or, worse, it’s discarded. That means usable materials go to waste, and new furniture needs to be produced, just to meet a stylistic preference.
The impact adds up. In 2024, we managed to rehome over 4,300 furniture items. Of those, we estimate that between 1,300 and 2,150 were vibrant, colorful pieces, reds, blues, yellows, and greens that just didn’t fit the typical “beige” office palette. If more businesses were open to embracing color, we could cut out up to 75 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. That’s like taking 21 Brussels households off the grid or avoiding more than 150 return flights between Brussels and Berlin. In the end, it doesn’t take much. A small shift in how we think about color could lead to a big win, for the environment and our spaces.
Why color might be just what your office needs
Beyond the sustainability angle, color brings actual value to the people in those offices. Studies have shown that color can brighten moods, spark creativity, and even support productivity.
A pop of bright yellow in a meeting room or a bold blue chair by your desk doesn’t just add personality, it gives new life to quality furniture that might otherwise be wasted. We’re not saying every office should look like a crayon box (unless that’s your thing). But a bit more openness to color could have some surprising benefits, not just for the planet, but for how people feel in their space.
Let’s change how we see color
If more organisations were open to embracing colorful pieces, especially when they’re in excellent condition, we could dramatically cut waste, reduce emissions, and keep valuable materials in use. It’s a small shift in mindset with a big impact.
If you’re planning a new workspace or simply looking to refresh your current one, we’d love to show you how vibrant, preloved furniture can fit beautifully, and sustainably, into your design. You might be surprised what a splash of color (and a change of perspective) can do.
