Minimalism Had Its Moment—Now It’s Colour’s Turn

Guest article written by Bridget Taylor, Creative Director from Hellospace

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For years Scandinavian minimalism ruled supreme, its clean lines and muted aesthetics a symbol of calm, sophistication, and restraint. From mid-century modernism to the explosion of Scandi style in the 2010s, pared-back spaces and neutral palettes became the benchmark of commercial design. Minimalism was timeless. Universal. Safe.

But big global shifts change everything, from fashion to consumer habits to interior design. And…well, can you think of any recent global events? In a post-pandemic world, customers crave vibrancy, comfort, and connection. And the smartest brands are responding.

In 2025, retail is leaning into bold design and businesses around New Zealand are waking up to the power of colour. Rich jewel tones, earthy olives and terracottas, and saturated primaries are taking over retail, hospitality, and commercial interiors.

If your space still relies on safe, neutral tones, it might be time to rethink your approach. Because the future of retail is bold. It’s expressive. And it’s definitely not beige.

The psychology of colour and why it matters in retail

Colour is such a powerful tool because it’s not just about what we see, it’s about what we feel. Colour shapes our subconscious experience of a space, influencing everything from appetite to energy levels.

Colour is deeply embedded in human psychology and cultural history. It triggers emotions, memories, and even physiological responses. Take red, for example. It’s everywhere in fast food—KFC, Kokodak—or in fast cars like Ferrari. It creates a sense of urgency, hunger, and excitement.

Cool tones, on the other hand, evoke a sense of calm, trust, and sophistication, while earthy tones ground a space, enhance authenticity, and champion sustainability.

All of this matters because retail is about more than sales—it’s about experience, emotion, and engagement. The right colours don’t just fill a space, they influence how customers move, feel, and connect with a brand long after they’ve walked out the door.

The HelloSpace approach: Telling your story with bold design

Take a peek at our HelloSpace website and you’ll see phrases like spark imagination, playful wink, and plenty of pizzazz. After cutting my teeth at some of the busiest design agencies in Auckland for over a decade, I founded HelloSpace, and now I’m on a mission to bring joy and whimsy to commercial interiors across New Zealand.

So perhaps it’s no big surprise to say that, at HelloSpace, we’ve never been afraid of colour!  

When used with intention, bold hues don’t just look good—they tell a story, build a brand, and create spaces customers want to return to. The right colours can completely transform a retail environment, setting brands apart in an increasingly competitive market.

What I find most interesting is when we take our preconceived notions of colour (red is passion, blue is calm) and apply them in unexpected ways. And there’s no better example of this than one of our recent projects, Pastarita, an authentic Italian restaurant in Auckland’s Westfield, Newmarket. 

Colour in action at Pastarita: RED Award 2024 Colour + Texture Winner

Step inside Pastarita and you’re immediately immersed in a space that feels effortlessly warm, rich with character, and full of unexpected charm. We set out to blend traditional Italian motifs with a unique bohemian edge; our design went beyond clichés to create something truly vibrant, fun, and brimming with personality. 

A pop of classic Italian red is balanced out by Azure blues and rich greens, and warm timber tones are complemented by unexpected details like boho tassels. This fusion challenges convention, layering tradition with a fresh, modern identity—one that feels both familiar and distinctive.

Bringing this vision to life was rewarding enough—but taking home the Colour + Texture award at the 2024 RED Awards? That was the bright red cherry on top!

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Is it time to add a splash of colour to your commercial space?

Purposeful design has the power to transform retail interiors, but we appreciate that colour can be intimidating—especially after a decade dominated by neutrals! If you’re ready to move beyond ‘safe’ design, we’d love to help. At Hellospace, we design bold, meaningful spaces that tell a story, build a brand, and keep your customers coming back for more.