Before you start your design project you will want to consider what type of an image you want your office to project. While I can not possibly provide you with all the secrets of great design in such a short article, here are some ideas you could put to work. If your office is located in a rural community you will want to create an image that will put your clientele at ease. For example instead of a polished marble or granite entry tile you could use a more rustic slate tile. You could create a lodge like feel by using a false beam ceiling detail. I’ve even used cultured stone walls with a fireplace inset. This adds a lot of texture to the space. We usually combine rustic and contemporary details so that the space projects an image of warmth, cleanliness, order and reflect that you use the latest techniques in your practice. You do not want you patients to think that you are outdated. If your office is located in a Metropolitan area you really have a tremendous amount of freedom. Because you are likely to have more competition it’s a good idea to create a memorable experience. The practice image can be based on environmental themes by using natural colors and textures or an ultra modern theme using the latest and greatest colors. People in the City are always looking for something new. A skilled designer can tease out just the right image for you.

WHAT’S HOT

Our clients are always asking us for a timeless color scheme, something that will last forever. As a designer I can not understand why anyone would want to live with the same color scheme forever. But what I do understand is the cost of redecorating and I think what my client’s are actually saying is I want something flexible. I’m am always asking myself what will I do with this color scheme when I’m asked back to remodel in 5-7 years? What parts do I want to be flexible without major expenses to the client? I have gained a lot savvy experience over the last 19 years and I will share one invaluable secret with you. Build in a lot of style and color into the finishes that are going to wear out and need to be replaced in 5-7 years. This would include carpet, fabric, wall covering, and artwork.

So now when I say to you that the hottest up and coming, (actually already here) color is orange, baby boomers please don’t panic. I know your asking why is orange coming back. It has to do with generation Y. They have never been around orange....... and they crave it! Even so Orange is a very active color. It stimulates the nervous system. The right amount of it can chase away gloomy gray days and create a sense of well being and happiness. Too much and your patients and staff will become agitated. So it’s best to use in accents in fabrics, artwork, borders, carpet insets. You could however use deeper red-orange tones such as muted terra cotta for carpet. Red is also having a strong influence on color palettes. This includes bright pinks, fuschia and corals. Tomato soup and Chinese lacquer colors are also strong. These reds work well with blues and brightening up browns and the new soft black colors. Black is softening into a sort of chameleon gray-brown, which takes on the undertones of surrounding hues. Greens are no longer the grayed teal of the past. They are taking on more yellow undertones. Notice the emergence of environmental field greens. Mid-toned greens have a tranquil effect. Yellows are still strong and emerging into two directions. Pure yellow to compliment blues and greens. And orange based yellows. Blue works well with the emerging Red and Orange and Yellows accents. Mid-toned blues have a calming and renewing effect...... Blue skies, clear blue water.

DESIGN THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

Of course your floor plan is the most important aspect of how well your office will stand the test of time. A professional who specializes in orthodontic office design will help you to achieve a timeless space plan. But a floor plan is one-dimensional. You will want to work with a designer who can lift your floor plan off the pages and turn it into a three dimensional work of art.

While color schemes come and go, interior details and lighting will stand the test of time. Our projects stand out because of our attention to detail and our innate ability to create an interior image that appeals to adults and youth alike. Our philosophy is that an orthodontic office should have a feeling of hospitality and energy. You want everyone to feel like part of the family. When a patient enters your office they have antennas on their head and the appearance of your office speaks volumes about who you are. An institutional interior without personality tells them that they are a number. All the color in the world is not going to stand out without a good lighting plan. An interior designer with special training in lighting design will be able to develop a lighting plan using the latest and greatest fixture to bring your color scheme to life.

Interior details are used to develop a sense of syntax, rhythm and warmth. Designing different ceiling heights & ceiling details creates of feeling of passage from one space to another. Drywall layering will create a sense of depth. The Front Desk is the first impression, the lighting should be special and details should be highly decorative.

We hope this stimulates your imagination and remember we are always available to help you with your project on a consulting basis or with complete design services.

Susanne Slizynski, Senior Designer

Indesco, Inc.

503-629-5150

E-mail: plan@indesco.com