Color is an inherent part of our everyday lives, but do you give much thought to the colors around your office? Probably not. However, color likely affects your mood, productivity and sense of well-being. The same holds true for colors used in schools. And with RMPR's help, Smith System, a school furniture manufacturer, is letting schools in on the secret.

Schools are going green and we’re not talking environmental

Imagine it's your child's first day of school. You walk into the classroom and immediately feel frazzled. There's so much "stuff." Where to focus? You wonder how your child must feel. Overwhelmed? Apprehensive? Engaged? Excited?

Studies on emotion and color show a direct link between color and feelings. Color choice directly impacts how a student navigates and interacts with the classroom, retains knowledge and concentrates on a lesson. The color of furniture is no exception.

RMPR recently secured a byline article by Amee Meghani, Smith System product engineer, in the July issue of School Planning & Management. "Color Your World" focuses on color's impact on learning. Specifically, it highlights how different colors affect mood (for example, yellow promotes happiness) and define different classroom areas. It also gives practical guidelines for selecting furniture colors that complement room colors, but don't detract from learning.

A well respected, top-tier trade publication, School Planning & Management, provided the perfect venue to reach school decision-makers. In addition to pushing information through dealers who specify Smith System products, the article helps create interest and name recognition for the company, as well as position the company as a thought leader on classroom furniture selection with the purchasing audience.

As one of the last components addressed in a school redesign or new build, schools base furniture selection primarily on cost and functionality. Smith System now gives them a reason to consider color and understand the true importance of careful furniture selection – student health, well-being and aesthetic appeal.

"Color Your World" is one article in a series of contributed thought leader pieces, including a byline on versatile furniture and an upcoming "Know-how" piece on active learning environments in American School & University. With trends in schools changing every day, even a 104-year-old school furniture manufacturer can find new topics to share!

Client: Smith System

Media Outlet: School Planning & Management

Date: July 2009