With the exception of seeing a newly-born baby, most people do not look forward to visiting a hospital. That, however, does not mean that people should not experience some measure of comfort when visiting a healthcare facility, whether as a patient, primary caregiver, or visitor.
Although patients go to hospitals seeking professional help, the interiors of these facilities can contribute significantly to alleviating anxiety and even inspiring confidence and hope among patients and their loved ones.
These goals can be achieved by giving sufficient attention to hospital interior design and by putting an emphasis on comfort and providing patients and visitors with a feeling that they are visiting a place akin to home.
Breathe life into a sterile environment
If you have ever visited a hospital or any other kind of healthcare facility, you probably remember walking inside a sterile environment. Did you feel a measure of relief or confidence in the abilities of the doctors and other health professionals working there?
The use of drab and lifeless wallpapers may become a thing of the past as many experts in healthcare interior design are moving toward using more interesting wall decor or coverings that allow facilities to make an excellent first impression on patients and visitors.
The colors and patterns of wallpaper can affect patients based on the principles of color psychology. For example, colors typically associated with calmness can subtly contribute to easing the anxiety of patients about to undergo surgery. On the other hand, fun and vibrant colors in a waiting room can lessen the worries of loved ones and friends.
How to use colors and patterns in a healthcare facility
Wallpapers come in a diverse array of designs and colors that can be used to customize the look of the different sections of hospitals and similar facilities, from waiting rooms to treatment rooms.
However, which patterns and colors should be used for these areas?
One key consideration is the specific purpose of the area. After that, the next important thing to consider is the typical age group of patients or people who use such rooms.
Although it is practically impossible to completely nail down the right patterns and colors for each section in a hospital, what is crucial is to find a balance between the design and the need to reflect a professional environment.
Here are some noteworthy suggestions for some of the most common areas in hospitals:
1. Pediatrics
With children as the primary visitors of pediatric wards and treatment areas, more vibrant patterns and colors can certainly work. Patterns like animals, numbers, letters, flowers, and stars are sure to catch the attention of young patients and provide them with a relaxing atmosphere.
As for colors, yellow, turquoise, blue, and green are highly recommended. It is also worthwhile to consider adding feature walls in this area.
2. General practitioners and specialists
Areas where general practitioners and specialist treat patients often receive a diverse variety of people from different age groups and genders.
As such, it is highly recommended to use light colors like yellow, green, and earth colors and patterns that draw inspiration from nature.
Strong geometric patterns and darker hues can work, but these should be limited to feature walls. Otherwise, visitors may feel overwhelmed.
3. Psychology and psychiatry
These two hospital sections must exude light and welcoming energy that must be considered when choosing wallpaper patterns and colors. Upon entering these areas, patients should feel calm and relaxed.
For patterns and colors, consider those that are cheerful and bright, like blue and bright colors and tropical designs. Cool colors and retro patterns may also work.
Other considerations
Cleanliness is a significant consideration when installing new wallpapers in healthcare facilities, especially treatment areas. As such, it is highly advisable to buy wallpapers that are washable and scrub-resistant.
For waiting rooms and similar areas that receive ample natural light, it is worthwhile to consider wallpapers that have light resistance.
Finally, since healthcare facilities are often renovated, it is highly advisable to use non-woven wallpapers, which can be easily removed from the walls and replaced.
AUTHOR BIO: James Prathap is the General Manager at NGC Nafees, top importers and exporters of wallpapers, flooring and fabric in the Middle East. Formed three decades ago, the business also offers high-quality panoramics, coordinated fabrics, and creative stickers for residential and commercial projects.
