People, Places, and Things

The psychology of design: How to create an environment in which you will thrive

Sally Augustin Ph.D.

Designing Great Guest Experiences

Want happy guests? Want to be a happy host or guest? Consider the environmental psychology of visiting.

It’s Painting Season. What Colors Should You Pick?

Wall colors matter; they influence how you think and behave.

Bring the Plants In!

Indoor plants are good for your physical and mental well being.

Letting the Sun Shine In

Natural light inside your home is good for your mind and your body.

Add an Aquarium

Looking into aquariums relaxes and refreshes us.

Lace Up Your Sneakers!

Take a walk. It'll be good for your head and your heart and your health.

Welcome Visitors to a De-Cluttered, Familiar Home

Got company coming? Create a space where you're comfortable to keep your guests happy.

Designing for Right Eating

Scientists have linked design and diet.

Seats, Options, Selections

Use science to overcome design paralysis.

It's Time to De-Clutter!

Clutter can, and must, go.

Looking out the Window, What Should You See?

Put science to work outside your window.

Benefits of the Indoor Plant

Add a potted plant to your world!

Coloring Your World—With Light

Want to feel calmer? More alert? Get along better with others? Think more creatively? Change your light bulb.

Break Out the Candles!

Science-based insights are handy at the holidays.

Silence: Golden?

Quiet is worth the effort.

Go With Green

Thinking of sprucing up your home before end-of-year entertaining begins? Use what scientists have learned to select your hues.

Reflecting on Mirrors

Put up some mirrors, change your life.

Design Empathy

Designing with empathy is designing for everyone's comfort.

Maintain What’s Right in Your World

Polishing and sweeping can be good for your mind as well as your waistline.

Picking Paint Colors

Use science to select colors that are "just right" for your rooms.

Designing for Diet Season

Tweak the design of your home to live a healthier life.

Take a Walk!

Want to feel—and be—better mentally and physically? Dig out your sneakers and go for a stroll.

Airplane Anguish

The friendly skies are often not a very pleasant place to be.

Connecting Spaces

If you can't knock down any walls, but want an open floor plan, don't lose heart. Use color, scents, light, furniture, and a few design tricks to unite separate spaces.

Hygge Is Here—and That’s a Good Thing

Make your life better, with hygge!

Besting Stuffiness with Science-Based Scenting

Your nose is always sniffing--make sure it's smelling the right scents!

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

Want to build relationships? Order rounds of toasty and tasty beverages for all!

Red, Green, and Blue, for the Holidays

Use science-based insights when you decorate this holiday season.

Giving Guests Control, Making Them Comfortable

Inviting guests? Consider their options.

Why Should You Build Some Nostalgia Into Your Life?

Nostalgia can make your life better.

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