By Mitra Silva, Simour Design

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul." – Wassily Kandinsky

Every detail matters in health care design. From the layout of the space to the furniture chosen, each element plays a role in creating an environment that fosters healing and well-being. One often-overlooked but crucial aspect of health care design is color, which has the remarkable ability to evoke emotions and trigger physiological responses. In health care settings, where stress and anxiety can be prevalent, the right colors can make a significant difference in creating a calming and supportive atmosphere. This post will discuss the emotional dimension that color imbues the medical environment and how to successfully use color to deliver the intended reaction from your patients.

Calming blues and greens

Blue and green are often considered calming and soothing colors. These hues can evoke feelings of tranquility, peace and serenity, making them ideal for spaces where patients may feel anxious or stressed, such as lounge areas or patient rooms.

• Blue: Associated with stability and calmness, blue is a popular choice for health care design. Lighter shades of blue can create a sense of openness and cleanliness, while darker blues can evoke a more formal and professional atmosphere.
• Green: Invoking nature and growth, green is inherently calming. It can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of harmony. In health care spaces, incorporating greens can create a restful environment, particularly in areas where patients need to unwind or recover. Soft greens are often used in health care settings to create a connection to the outdoors and promote healing.

Energizing yellows and oranges

Yellow and orange are vibrant, energetic colors that can uplift mood and create a sense of warmth. In health care spaces where energy and positivity are desired, these colors can be used strategically.

• Yellow: The color of sunshine, yellow is associated with happiness and optimism. It can uplift moods. In health care settings, yellow can be used strategically in spaces where patients need a boost of energy, such as physical therapy areas, pediatric units and rehabilitation centers.
• Orange: A warm and inviting color, orange stimulates creativity and enthusiasm. It is another energizing color that exudes warmth and vitality. It can be used in moderation to add accents or highlights in areas such as therapy rooms or communal spaces, encouraging social interaction and a sense of community.

Soothing neutrals

Neutrals such as white, beige and soft grays are versatile and widely used in health care design. While they may seem unassuming, these colors create a clean, minimalist backdrop that allows other elements to stand out.

• White: Symbolizing purity and cleanliness, white is a staple in health care settings. It can make spaces appear larger, brighter and more sterile. However, too much white can feel cold and clinical, so it's often balanced with warmer tones.
• Beiges: A warm, earthy tone, beige is comforting and neutral. It provides a sense of stability without overwhelming the senses. Beige is often used in combination with other colors to create a balanced palette.
• Earth tones: Colors such as soft browns and warm grays are grounding and reassuring. They bring a sense of stability and security to health care spaces. These colors can be used in corridors, staff areas or consultation rooms to create a comforting ambiance.
• Grays: Grays are sophisticated and timeless. They can convey a sense of calmness and professionalism. In patient rooms or corridors, soft grays can create a serene atmosphere that promotes calm and relaxation.

The right color for the right spaces

In health care design, it is crucial to consider the specific functions of different spaces and the emotions you want to evoke in different areas:

• Patient rooms: These should feel calming and comfortable. Soft blues, greens and neutrals can create a soothing environment for healing.
• Lounge areas: Use warm neutrals and earth tones to make waiting more comfortable and less stressful for patients and their families.
• Treatment rooms: Depending on the type of treatment, a balance of calming and energizing colors might be beneficial. Soft blues with accents of warm colors can provide both comfort and stimulation.
• Staff areas: For areas where staff members need focus and concentration, cool neutrals like soft grays can help maintain a professional and efficient environment.
• Staff break rooms: Consider soothing neutrals or muted tones to provide a peaceful retreat for health care workers during their breaks.
• Patient rooms: Opt for calming blues and greens to create a serene environment conducive to healing and rest.
• Children's areas: Bright, cheerful colors such as soft yellows, greens and pastel blues can create a welcoming and playful atmosphere for young patients.

Color psychology is a powerful tool in health care design, influencing emotions, perceptions and even physical responses. By understanding the effects of different colors, medical spa owners can create environments that promote healing, comfort and well-being. Whether it's calming blues and greens, energizing yellows and oranges, or soothing neutrals, each color has a role to play in enhancing the health care experience for patients, visitors and staff alike. Next time you step into a health care facility, take a moment to notice the colors around you—they might just be working quietly to promote your healing and hope.

Embarking on an expansion or renovation journey for your medical spa? Take the first step with Simour Design by scheduling a discovery call to get started with its intentional design process. Simour Design’s dedication to crafting intentional spaces ensures that you can navigate confidently through its streamlined, time-tested approach, guaranteeing success from the outset.

As a leader in medical spa interior design, Simour Design goes beyond aesthetics. It prioritizes maximizing profitability, enhancing patient experience, and increasing productivity through intentional interior design. Simour takes pride in its ability to deliver a practice that not only fosters healing and well-being but also stands out in a highly competitive industry. Unlock Simour's proven interior design strategies for a profitable and elevated medical spa experience. Book a discovery call with its team today at simourdesign.com.