A system includes at least one graphical display configured to display information associated with an industrial process and with a control system associated with the industrial process. The system also includes at least one processing device configured to identify a current state of the industrial process or the control system. The system further includes an ambient display configured to generate ambient lighting having one or more characteristics based on the current state. The one or more characteristics could include a color, an intensity, and/or a speed of transitions in the ambient lighting. The color could be based on whether the industrial process is operating normally and whether the control system has generated any warnings or alarms associated with the industrial process. The ambient display can be configured to transition the ambient lighting from a first color to a second color based on a change in the current state.