How your office looks on the inside is very important for creating a therapeutic environment. You don’t have to be rich or have a great taste to design therapy offices that’s both pleasant and budget-friendly. In today’s post, I’m sharing my top tips for therapy office design!
Therapy Office Design: Things To Remember
Here are five factors to keep in mind when designing your office space, whether you’re starting from scratch or not.
Traffic Flow
The first step to feeling safe in your office is having a clear traffic flow. If there are any chairs, desks, or other obstructions blocking pathways or if it’s unclear what route to take, the space can feel uncomfortable.
Never put anything in the way between the door and where your clients will be sitting. Also, try to keep furniture away from the door so that the space doesn’t feel cramped.
Plants
You might not think that a single plant could make much of a difference, but you’d be wrong. Not only do they help to purify the air, but they can also make your office feel more vibrant and alive.
Lighting
Personally, I really dislike poor lighting like overhead fluorescent lighting, but if you use these tips, you’ll get it right. If possible, take advantage of natural light by welcoming as much of it into the room as possible. Don’t block out all of the light with blackout curtains. Try not to rely on overhead ceiling lights too extensively–it makes us have to strain our eyes in order see each other’s facial features well. Tabletop lamps are a great way to make it easier see each other clearly and comfortably.
Wall office decor
Too many blank office walls can make a room feel uninviting. Hang up some pieces that complement the therapy office decor of the space without being too distracting. Aside from therapist office decor, another option is to display personal elements like your degrees or credentials to add a sense of authority to the therapy room.
Textiles
Making your office feel like home doesn’t have to be difficult. Something as simple as adding a few textiles can make all the difference. Here are some ideas: blankets, pillows, wall hangings, etc.
Use soft textiles to make your office seem like a cozy and safe place for clients, in order to build trust.
Color Affects System
Depending on its intensity, people tend to react to colors differently. For example, someone who is creative would be stimulated by a bright yellow room, whereas someone needing to relax would appreciate a pale soft yellow. When choosing colors for a therapist’s office, it’s helpful to start with the four primary colors and their universal reactions.
A good rule of thumb for office design is to use pale colors for the walls to create a calm and soothing effect. You can then layer darker hues and other colors throughout the space.
Therapist Office Interior Design on a Budget
If you are on a budget, furnishing your room with Craigslist furniture is more affordable than buying all new pieces. You can make the space look nicer by adding a few newer items, such as office textiles and plants.
If you stick to these tips, then the rest of your design will follow suit. Clients won’t be able to tell how expensive an item is, they’ll only perceive how they feel in the space.
Therapy Office Design – Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or trying to work with an existing layout, there are plenty of ways to create a therapeutic office environment. By focusing on traffic flow, lighting, wall decor, plants, and textiles, you can ensure that your clients feel comfortable and at ease in your private practice.