How to Design a Physician's Office

A well-thought out physician's office is an optimal environment for promoting calmness and authority. Patients hand over their trust and health concerns to physicians for the best in care. By designing an office that uses a soothing color scheme, incorporates comfortable chairs and adds attractive focal points for walls, you are able to help the patient take their mind off of their visit. Decide what you want your office to impart in the patient. Both confidence and respect can be gained by improving your office's decor.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paint

Instructions

1. Draw a diagram of your office and include the receptionist area, waiting room, patients rooms and your own office. Take measurements of the all the walls. Make sure that there is a consistent flow from room to room by drawing all your ideas on your diagram before implementing.

2. Choose a color scheme. Colors can invoke a range of emotions that can facilitate a soothing atmosphere. According to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, blue can lower pulse rates, yellow represents joy, orange promotes feelings of warmth and green provokes thoughts of nature.

3. Make swatches of your color scheme to bring with you when you buy furniture and decorations. Paint pieces of paper of the colors you use or take some swatches from a paint store.

4. Pick out comfortable fabric that has durable fabric and frame. Frames made from oak or beech are longer lasting than pine, plastic or metal. Buy a fabric that has been treated to be stain resistant. Sit on all potential couches and chairs to ensure you are getting furniture that is comfortable.

5. Find artwork for your wall space. You can buy artwork at local galleries, art schools and art fairs. A poster can look expensive when placed in a custom made frame. Hang a piece of work that uses some of the colors in you color scheme, but be careful that the subject matter of the artwork is appropriate for a professional setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorporate natural elements into your decor by growing plants and flowers. However, refrain from using any poisonous plants.

• Avoid painting your walls white, because it can signify coldness and sterility.

References

• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Graphic Design: Colors and Moods
• Good Houskeeping: Tips on Buying a Sofa