Exclusive Article By: Ashley Hicks
Designing the overall look and layout of a hospital is never an easy task, especially if you are working to update hundreds, if not thousands of rooms for prospective patients. Knowing how to create spaces within hospitals that are comforting, welcoming, and modern can feel extremely challenging if you are unfamiliar with medical facilities or unsure of where to begin altogether. Using a few design tips, help drastically make patients more comfortable in the design you choose throughout all wings of your hospital or medical facility.
Choose a Bold Theme and Aesthetic
Choose a bold theme for the hospital you are designing or redecorating that includes at least three major colors. Once you have a color scheme in mind, choose the boldest color to help accentuate the rooms you are redecorating or the hallways you intend to paint. Always choose solid neutrals and calming colors along with the bold color you have selected to provide a sense of peace to patients and visitors. Avoid choosing color palettes that include reds or neon colors as these colors are designed to provoke emotion and heightened senses, rather than feelings of calm and peace.
Research nearby local hospitals and medical facilities to compare color schemes and themes currently used. Brainstorm various color palettes that mesh well with the theme of the hospital you are working with along with its current location and purpose.
Update the Furniture and Overall Layout
Updating the overall layout and the furniture used throughout hospitals is the first step to ensure patients feel calm and at ease whenever they are visiting or staying in the hospital. Consider the style of furniture you intend to use and why based on the hospital’s location and whether or not patients are familiar with a specific style of furnishings and decor. Consider updating the layout of each patient room to suit their needs better while moving beds and chairs closer to outlets and electronics (or bathrooms for handicapped patients).
Focus on Bathroom Comfort
Bathroom comfort is one of the most important aspects of a well-designed hospital or medical facility. Whether a patient is having a quick routine surgery or a procedure that requires inpatient care, bathroom comfort and design is essential to keep in mind.
Verify that all bathrooms throughout the entire hospital are accessible for all patients, even those who are currently using a walking cane or wheelchair for mobility purposes. Bathroom designs should be simplistic, yet robust when it comes to providing patients with easy-to-reach emergency cords, outlets, and other necessities while using the facilities. Implement the same color scheme chosen for hospital rooms into the bathroom to help streamline a patients’ experience whether they are required to stay at a hospital for one day or weeks. Utilize warm lighting in bathrooms if possible or lights that have a dimmer switch for patients who are not currently a fall hazard.
Increase the Security in Your Hospital
Home security has become increasingly commonplace for individuals whether they are living in a studio apartment or if they own a large residence of their own. Implementing security throughout hospital rooms is another way to add a layer of security to location while providing patients with peace of mind they are able to find when at home. Installing security cameras or monitoring devices is one way to ensure hospital patients that they are safe and secure in their current location, especially if they do not have friends or loved ones visiting on a regular basis.
Add Comforting Technology Into Patient Rooms
As technology becomes more prevalent in our society, offering comforting devices and solutions for patients is essential. Ensure each hospital room provides adequate outlets for patients and visitors to charge their phones and access their devices (such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones). Equipt each room with a television that is visible for both visitors and patients alike. Provide lighting and temperature controls (wherever possible) to give visitors a sense of being at home and with less discomfort. The more comfortable patients feel once they are placed in a hospital room, the easier it is for them to maintain a positive attitude and outlook regarding their procedures.
Once you are familiar with the needs of most patients, deliver high-quality results with the design changes and updates you choose. With a complete understanding of patient needs and your own design abilities and flexibility, implement a new look and feel that is sure to put the minds of all patients at ease as they arrive for checkups, surgeries, and even personal emergencies.
Author Bio
In 2010 I graduated from the New York School of Design and moved to Austin, TX. Since moving to Dallas, I’ve married by sweetheart, started a family, and founded a company in which I assist with interior design work. I have recently begun delving into the writing scene and enjoy writing about design, homes, and family life! Contact me at ashleyhicksdesign@gmail.com with any questions.
