Subjective Interactions of Wood-Derived Olfactory and Visual Stimuli During Work and Rest

This study investigated the effects of wood-derived visual and olfactory stimuli on subjective evaluations during work and rest. Twelve participants experienced seven conditions involving walnut panel interiors, Hinoki cypress scents, or their combination, introduced during either work or rest phases. A within-subjects design was used to assess spatial impressions, mood states, and fatigue. Visual stimuli significantly improved visual impressions across items such as “settling–unsettling” and “luxurious–simple” ( p < 0.05). The Hinoki scent enhanced olfactory impressions and, when introduced during rest, reduced negative mood states including “Anger–Hostility” and “Confusion–Bewilderment” ( p < 0.05). Combined stimuli further improved scent impressions ( p < 0.1), suggesting cross-modal effects. However, their introduction during work increased “Anger–Hostility” ( p < 0.05), highlighting the importance of context. Although the within-subjects design supports internal validity, the small sample size ( n = 12) limits generalizability. These findings provide insight into the context-sensitive use of wood-derived sensory elements in workplace design.