Everyone is impacted by their atmosphere in a subtle yet profound way. Those who are sensitive to their environments know that interior design is powerful. The elements of interior design have been shown to impact our emotional and physical health – for better or for worse.
It seems obvious then that thoughtful aesthetics should be a top priority when designing any kind of healthcare environment, such as a surgery center. However, chances are when you visualize a care center, your thoughts are much more likely to jump to dull and sterile rooms, outdated furniture, and a looming sense of fear and discomfort.
In this Design Journal, we explore why intentional, quality design is an imperative consideration in the wellness world and how you can elevate and distinguish your practice from the competition.
With a massive amount of time spent indoors, we must create environments that promote health from an aesthetic approach, providing visual tranquility. It’s equally as important that we develop functional environments that make our wellness practices more efficient and ergonomic.
What the Science Says > Where Wellness Meets Interior Design
Adjusting Priorities in Healthcare Design
When it comes to commercial spaces in healthcare, design isn’t simply an aesthetic luxury. Research shows that interior design impacts everything from the stress levels of staff to the overall comfort and care received.
When building a wellness center, interior design aesthetics should be at the top of the priority list to keep your practice on top.
Wellness is all about living with intention. Listening to your body and surroundings allows you to take steps towards a more fulfilling life. We believe interior design should also speak to that.
The expectations for wellness facilities are ever-evolving. Patients expect not only professionalism and cleanliness but also a healing atmosphere of relaxation to help them achieve their desired health outcomes.
How Our Design Firm Approaches the Wellness World
Many elements play a role in the healing impact of a space. Sensory inputs, meaning what staff and patients see, hear, smell, and feel, all contribute to a spatial experience in addition to layout and architecture.
Key research findings have shown that these four general principles help shift people closer to holistic well-being through interior design:
1. Give People Choices
In most cases, a sense of control is inversely proportional to stress levels. By minimizing stress, you cultivate trust, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
2. Embrace Human Connection
In certain medical environments, patients may feel isolated from the outside world, so visits from loved ones are incredibly impactful. Develop comfortable lounges and waiting rooms and create private rooms that still have plenty of space for visitors.
3. Eliminate Environmental Stressors
In a wellness or healing environment, environmental stressors and triggers are an instant repulsion for patients. Some of these stressors are obvious, but even harsh lighting, uncomfortable seating or beds, and a sense of stuffiness can create feelings of unease or anxiety within a patient.
4. Create an Intuitive Layout
Without the help of a professional and a great sense of style, it can be challenging to create an effective and intuitive layout. Medical environments can turn into a labyrinth of confusion that can lead to stress for patients, visitors, and staff.
Wellness-Focused Interior Design
It’s more than these four general principles; it’s about being intentional with all facets of the design. Through thoughtful, dedicated planning with a skilled interior designer, you can achieve a wonderful wellness space.
When working with InterLux Interiors, our wellness-focused interior design we may bring these trends into your practice.
Connect with Nature Through Biophilic Design
Biophilia, translating to ‘love of life,’ is the concept that humans are part of a greater ecosystem and, therefore, drawn towards a connection with nature. Design that connects us to nature has been scientifically shown to boost inspiration, productivity, and health.
You don’t have to turn your office into a jungle to bring in elements of nature. And in many cases, regulations may not allow live plants. Incorporating these elements can have a powerful effect:
plenty of natural light
textures and materials from nature
good air quality
peaceful views of the outdoors
Get Inspired > Biophilic Design
Luxurious Lighting for Function and Comfort
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any space. Design your space with natural light sources as a top priority. Our designers at InterLux Interiors consider factors such as the directional placement of your property, the function of the room, and the time of day the room is used.
Natural lighting has substantial benefits for our health, psychology, and outlook on life. If natural light is not an option, smart lighting systems can be expertly designed to mimic daylight without feeling harsh and unnatural.
In some situations, softer and darker lighting may be more effective, such as in an environment for sleeping, massage, meditation, or other spa offerings.
Inquire today to discuss your goals and learn how InterLux Interiors would approach your specific project’s needs.
Consideration of Comfort
Careful consideration of elements such as color, furniture, lighting, and décor will help patients feel relaxed. This is important for guests who may be nervous about a certain medical procedure or results.
Creating a comforting and cozy space will additionally encourage guests to visit, helping your patient feel safe.
Promoting Playfulness
Laughter is the best medicine. There is a sophisticated way to add playfulness and light-hearted elements into your wellness space that will promote the body’s release of natural uplifting chemicals.
Color, functional art installations, interactive technologies, and organic, eclectic shapes can help your clients feel greater joy and peace.
EKH Children Hospital, photography credits to Ketsiree Wongwan
Innovative Interior Design Solutions
One of the greatest challenges of medical or wellness interior design is all of the regulations and rules that must be strictly followed. The design must adhere to certain functional and hygienic standards.
These regulations exist for safety, so interior designers must dive into the depths of their creativity to find a balance between design innovation and legal regulations.
If you are designing a medical or wellness practice or spa, our ground-breaking interior designers will help you set your office apart to provide the best possible service for your clientele and expand your community.
Designing the Future of Healing
As we move towards the future, the patient and their experience are becoming a top priority in wellness environments.
Interior design and architecture are impactful ways to achieve this. If you are ready to step into the future of wellness, contact InterLux Interiors today to elevate your business.