Did you know that color can affect human emotion and behavior? This is called color psychology — an important tool that influences how we view and react to an environment. Color can be a crucial design component in the workplace, and for good reason. Different hues can boost the aesthetic characteristics of an office space, as well as the attitude and productivity of individuals.

For example, blue is a popular color for many businesses around the world due to its calming properties. Painting an office space azure or periwinkle can evoke feelings of confidence, peace and orderliness. This hue may also help relieve tension, lower blood pressure, and promote trust and communication among colleagues. Blue can be paired with neutral tones, such as white or tan, to prevent the interior of a space from looking cold or unfriendly.

What colors should you skip in the workplace? Dull colors such as white and gray may be modern and inoffensive, but they aren’t especially stimulating. Moreover, they can have unfavorable effects on a person’s mood and behaviors. For example, gray may encourage workers to be passive and disengaged.

From floor to cubicle, to the meeting room and beyond, color psychology can be employed to develop an office space that is motivational and inspiring. For more ideas on how you can incorporate various shades to increase performance in the workplace, see the accompanying resource.