Chromatic Zoning for Restorative Wellness Interiors: A Mixed-Methods Framework for Tonal-Green Colour Strategy, Perception and Behaviour in Commercial Wellness Centres

Abstract

Background. Colour is routinely specified in interiors as a mood tool, yet the evidence base is fragmented: studies typically treat colour as a coarse warm/cool category, test short exposures in laboratories or virtual environments, and focus on offices, schools, retail and restaurants. Commercial wellness settings, where emotional regulation is the product, are comparatively under-examined.

Aim. This paper (i) critically synthesises current evidence on colour, light and biophilic effects in interiors; (ii) identifies five research gaps; (iii) proposes Chromatic Zoning, a design framework in which tonal variations of a single hue family (green) are assigned to spatial functions along a user journey; and (iv) specifies a mixed-methods protocol to test the framework in a 4,000 sq. ft urban yoga and mindfulness centre.

Method. A sequential explanatory design is proposed: a within-subject experiment across four zone conditions (reception, studio, breathwork/meditation, lounge) using calibrated renderings, followed by structured interviews. Outcomes include perceived restorativeness, valence–arousal–dominance (PAD) ratings, perceived function-fit and behavioural intention.

Contribution. The framework moves beyond "green is calming" to a testable, function-specific specification covering hue, saturation, lightness, material, light temperature and biophilic layering, with a context-sensitive Indian focus.