Many times you find dark surfaces, often highly lacquered. Although it gives the room a high-tech corporate look, it may not be conducive to a good working atmosphere, Prof. Morton said. Contrast isn't bad. It simply has to be controlled. There's a good side to controlled contrast.
Contrast is important.
This reflective-absorptive principle also makes the choice of exterior colors significant. Light-colored, reflective coatings are like a white shirt for a house. They can help cut cooling costs. Light colors used inside a home or office also can help save energy costs. The EPA reports that electric lighting accounts for almost one-fourth of the electricity used in this country.