Color psychology is the study of how color influences moods and behaviors. You can use color psychology to provoke emotion and promote work culture ideologies. Warmer colors like red, orange, and yellow have a duality of comfort and hostility. The difference is in their shades and how they are used. A hint of red may be festive and fun, but a room with red walls can provoke anger and stress.

The same goes for cool colors. Cool colors, like blue, green, and purple, create different influences depending on their shade and how they are used. These colors may feel calm and serene, but they can also feel isolating and sad.

Also, consider your industry. If your workplace serves the food industry, you may want to steer clear of decorating with blue. Blue, other than in blueberries and blue corn, does not commonly occur in natural foods. The color blue can provoke images of spoilage and has been found to reduce one’s appetite. But the color blue is commonly used in the technology industry because it can portray messages of innovation and nobility.

Biophilic design focuses on bringing elements of nature inside. It is closely tied to environmental wellness, so it can help express a conscious message of sustainability in your work culture. Workspaces that follow biophilic design usually include recycled or reclaimed furnishings. Some design features include raw materials like copper, wood, and brass. Biophilic design goes beyond the traditional potted plant and incorporates greenery through living walls.

Energy-efficiency is also a key feature of biophilic design. It uses natural light from windows to illuminate a workspace and cut down on financial and environmental costs.