The Emotion of Space: Building Brand Identity Through Design

Think about the last time you walked into an office. Did it feel like a buzzing hive of energy, or a beige box of desks and coffee mugs? Did you feel inspired… or instantly start planning your escape?

It’s incredible just how much impact colours, materials and layout can have on how you feel in a space, after even just a few minutes. Well, that’s something we take into account when planning office branding and make sure that not only does a space reflect a company’s brand, but also creates an enticing atmosphere.

Office Branding That Goes Beyond Walls & Desks

Long gone are the days of an office being simply four walls with Wi-Fi…

Workspaces are now a stage where brand, culture, and people all play their parts. When the space matches the brand, something clicks. Employees feel a sense of belonging, clients feel reassured, and even the Monday blues are soothed.

A brand-aligned office should resonate with what the company is all about. A tech start-up might lean into bold colours and flexible layouts that scream innovation (Hello, Googleplex, we’re looking at you). A food brand, such as McCain, might put its focus more on community and wrap its offices in natural textures and warm tones that feel comforting. 

Either way, the space becomes a physical expression of the company’s story.

The Secret Ingredient? Emotion.

There is often talk about flow, acoustics, or ergonomics (all important, of course), but the magic happens when you add emotion to the recipe.

_Comfort: People are more creative and sociable when they feel at ease.

_Excitement: A splash of brand colour or a playful breakout area can lift energy levels.

_Trust: Consistency between brand and space builds confidence with clients.

_Mindfulness: Supporting employees and their mental wellbeing creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.

 

When people feel something in a space, they connect. And when they connect, they engage.

Narrative Furniture 

Think of furniture as characters in this workplace fairytale. 

A huge boardroom table can feel intimidating, while a round table says, “We’re all in this together.” Sofas in an open area encourage spontaneous chats. High stools at a kitchen counter spark casual bursts of collaboration. 

None of these interactions happen at random – they’re a result of specially chosen furniture, placed just right to orchestrate these interactions.

Colour That Speaks Volumes

Brand colours are emotional cues. For example, if you were to walk into a finance firm’s HQ that’s filled with calming blues and structured lines, these have been chosen to instil feelings of stability and trust. Now think of a drinks brand that splashes its signature bright tones across meeting pods and kitchen walls – this is to create an energy that is playful and fun.

Using colour intentionally inside a workplace helps weave the brand into the very fabric of the building. It’s a visual reminder of identity, purpose, and personality.

It’s All In The Details

Even the details carry weight. A sustainable brand might lean into recycled materials, greenery, and biophilic elements that reflect their values. A luxury brand may choose polished stone, rich fabrics, or brass accents that quietly (or not so quietly) say, “We’re premium.”

Textures and finishes shouldn’t be overlooked, as these are also key emotional triggers. They can be the difference between a space that feels flat and one that feels alive.

The Payoff (reflects brand)

Wanna know the best part? 

Emotionally resonant, brand-aligned design doesn’t just look good… it works hard. Staff retention often improves when people feel proud of their workplace, and clients will remember how your space made them feel long after the meeting ended. 

Your office becomes a living, breathing extension of your brand – more powerful than any logo.

We Practice What We Preach

Meticulously threading brands into workspaces is one of the things we do best. We understand just how important it is and, as a result, exactly how to do it in a way which is industry-leading.

But we’ve shown you we can talk the talk, so it’s probably about time we walk the walk. 

Class Dismissed

At its heart, emotionally resonant office design is about connection. It’s about telling your brand story in a way people can step into, sit down in, and experience firsthand.

So, next time you walk into an office and feel instantly uplifted or instantly drained, remember the design made you feel that way. And that’s the real lesson.