I’m an interior designer specialising in dental fit-outs. You might be surprised at my love for such a niche area, but let me assure you that when it comes to interior design, dental practices offer a huge amount of scope for individuality and creativity. When it comes to the success of a practice, and the impression your patients get of you, the look and feel of your working environment can make a world of difference.
Cool, clean and modern
A look that’s particularly popular and effective is one I call ‘cool, clean and modern’. Don’t be caught thinking that’s the same thing as ‘dull and corporate’. It’s important your practice looks chic and streamlined without looking like a hospital.
For a recent refit at St Marks Orthodontic practice, we brought this look to life with wooden furniture and a contrasting wooden floor. Check out the simple white walls accented by the pop of zesty lime seating. You could consider modular seating that looks like a sofa, it comes in versatile units that you can configure to match your space. We used it to great effect at St Marks where all the units were upholstered in easyclean, but comfy, coloured and patterned vinyl.
This look requires calm white walls, but there are some great solutions for wallpapers too. You can use one on a single feature wall to give personality to your space. Investigate fabric-backed vinyls; often used in hotels and other high-traffic establishments, they’re available in commercial grade that can be scrubbed clean, so they’re a perfect choice for hardworking
environments. I used standard vinyl to create a mural in the waiting area at St. Marks. It’s a great example of how you can bring decorative elements into a modern practice without looking fussy or overly colourful.
When considering your reception area, your reception desk is key. You could have one made to your exact specification, or you could select from many of the standard designs that are on offer. There are lots of finishes to choose from, from crisp white with hidden lighting to warm wood or striking zebra effect. The one I recently put in for St. Marks is crisp dark wood effect with white glass. It looks fabulous - modern, calm and confident.
Boutique
Another look that’s really upand- coming is ‘boutique’. Taking its cue from lovely hotels and quirky café culture, this is a richer,
warmer option that can work in a professional environment. It is good for creating a luxurious, ‘looked after’ feeling for your patients. This approach works perfectly at Number 18 Dental where it was important for the practice to blend in with the boho vibe of Notting Hill Gate.
To pull this look off, stick to a neutral colour palette, then add personality and interest with wooden floors, rugs, natural stone,
frosted glass, brass and copper – as well as ‘reclaimed’ traditional lighting. Seek out some lovely pendant lamps that are industrial in inspiration.
Whatever look you go for, remember to keep surgeries white to communicate cleanliness and order, but warm them up with a single wall of colour or wallpaper. Make sure your materials are hard-working, commercial-grade and easy to clean. Above all, remember your practice is a reflection of you, and needs to be a home-from-home for your patients. So don’t just blend in with the crowd, make a statement about who you are.