Spotlight on Fun Farmyard Office Decor

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Outdoor Eye-Catching Theming
Interior Theming Transformations
Themed Wall Decor
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Time for an IDS theming feature! Today, we’ll take a look at some adorable farmyard themed spaces that went hog-wild with their characters and playful atmosphere. There’s no one way to bring some barnyard fun to your kid-focused clinic, dental office or daycare, so we’re going to feature a handful of our favorite ways to bring some udderly amazing decor to any office environment!

Outdoor Eye-Catching Theming

As we’ve discussed before, a great way to signal your incredible theming to potential visitors traveling by your business is by beginning with the outdoor decor.

Farm Themed Landmarks

Grab attention with a giant outdoor landmark character. This smiling cow and horse sculpture can be seen for miles around! A landmark like this would bring your theme to the neighboring community before they even step in the door.

Landmarks at ground level can also act as fun photo ops for kids and parents to pose beside. This crazy scene below portrays a group of chickens on the run with the help of their big bull friend. The farmer horse is on their tail and a couple of pig farmhands have gotten caught in the middle of all that feathery chaos. If that doesn’t get the neighborhood talking, what will?

Exterior Signage

Building signs and billboards are just as eye-catching as a big landmark display. This crew of farmyard characters wraps around the building so it can be seen by drivers going in all directions.

Exterior Photo Ops with Friendly Farm Animals

Passers-by will love to cuddle up next to this cute photo op bench featuring an overall-clad piggy. The bonus of having an outdoor photo op is that even non-patients will want to get their picture taken. Both guests and locals from the neighborhood can pose beside this smiling farmer and share the photos with their friends and family on social media.

Photo ops can be farmyard characters or even props. A miniature farm truck or tractor would make a fun photo for kids to sit in. Classic head hole photo ops are great too.

You can learn about great ways to use a photo op in our previous blog on the topic.

Farm Window Murals

Exterior window murals (bonus: you can see these on the inside too) create privacy and are a unique way to theme the outside of your building. Anyone passing by a building like this will be very curious to see what’s inside. It’s a great way to create foot traffic and new clients.

The UV-resistant vinyl we use to print these scenes of rolling pastures and grinning farm animals keeps these graphics looking colorful for years to come.

Traveling Billboards

We’ve talked before about the amazing benefits of a billboard on wheels. Vehicle wraps are an eye-catching way to take your brand around town. It’s for more than just running errands, you can visit sports events, drive in parades, attend local fairs & markets, or drive it to schools during events. This lounging cow with its western graphic wrap grabs attention everywhere it goes.

Your farm themed building will stand out like a big red barn when you add theming to your exterior.

Interior Theming Transformations

To really make an impact, IDS can bring the whole farm inside! These whimsical environments are packed to the rafters with expertly themed fun. From floor to ceiling, the moment you walk through the door you’re transported to a barnyard where even pigs can fly.

Combining 2D murals, 3D sculpted elements, and themed furniture, all these harmonious elements truly bring the experience to life in this clinic waiting room. Check out these a-moo-zing theming ideas!

Barn Themed Reception Desks

The reception desk is often the first thing a guest or patient will see when they enter an office. Why not make it the most noticeable thing in the room!

A warm and inviting barnyard reception desk is a great way to set the scene. The red against a subdued paint color or a colorful mural makes the desk pop! Patients will know just where to go to check in when they enter the office.

Farm Themed Gaming Areas

Adding an entertaining distraction to your reception area or kids’ play room is an important part of the immersive theming experience.

Playboards are great for little folks visiting the farm.

Gaming stations and game walls are a great way to entertain kids and teens with some high-tech distractions. Tablets can be added to any theme, but they sure look extra cute attached to a bail of hay.

This game wall is transformed into a full country band, with a combination of 2D and 3D to bring this scene to life.

Educational Entertainment with a Barnyard Twist

Play can be educational as well. IDS has a long history of theming museums before working in dental and medical offices. Hands-on, interactive, and educational displays are a great way to engage patients as they want for a dental or medical appointment.

The educational areas in these two dental offices have lots of interactive entertainment, including a brushing demonstration station and an informative model of a tooth with cavities vs healthy teeth.

Farm Prize Cupboards

An important part of any dental or medical visit (at least to kids, anyway) is the prize at the end. This writer still remembers getting a neon bouncy ball from the dental treasure box or a sticker for being good at a doctor’s appointment.

This barn-shaped cabinet takes that treasure box concept to a whole new magical level. This particular chicken doles out t-shirts and prizes to those who visit her barnyard.

Cozy Farm Seating

Seating is an integral part of any office, whether it’s for a dental, medical, or childcare space. Seating is one of the best things to theme as it’s a piece that guests will feel the most comfortable interacting with. And don’t worry, our seating solutions are built tough so they are meant to be used.

From hay bail benches to seating made to look like a wagon wheel to stools carved like the worms that make the vegetable fields fertile, the possibilities are endless for farm themed seating solutions.

Mooore Photo Ops

We already mentioned photo ops for the outside of your building, but of course you should have them inside where your visitors will spend the most time. Grab your cowboy hat and mooove on in beside this charming cowpoke for a great photo to share on social media.

Themed Wall Decor

From brushing mirrors to murals, wall art can truly enhance the environment of your practice. It’s the easiest way to transform your space while leaving room for important equipment and storage.

Farm Animal Brushing Mirrors

For some practical decor, themed brushing mirrors like this cow and goat can blend in seamlessly with your other themed elements while still fulfilling an important role in a pediatric dentist’s office. Smiling mirrors are a great way to teach little kids how to brush their teeth in a fun and memorable way.

Farm Landscape Wall Murals

Whether sophisticated and neutral or bright and colorful, a wall mural acts as a simple and cost-effective way to thoroughly theme your space. Even a barnyard setting can be simplified and modernized using sleek silhouettes!

But really, who wants a clean and sophisticated barn theme… you’re probably looking for something filled with color and pizazz! Check out this crazy barnyard scene below. This mural is also an “I Spy” game so kids can search for hidden items in the scene while they wait.

Look closely at the treatment rooms below – part of the fence is actually a real piece of wood – the board acts as a chair rail to help prevent scuffs from the chairs and trolleys that move around the room. Genius!

From the reception area, open bay, treatment & exam rooms, play areas, and yes, even your bathrooms, murals can transform a room from something plain into acres of wheat fields, meadows, barns, and windmills.

If there’s one thing kids love, it’s potty humor.

Faux Windows with Fields and Pastures

Cute window frame murals bring the world of your theme right into your office in a subtler way. These simple touches with real window frames are a simple yet effective method to bring the barnyard to your practice.

These smaller graphics can be just as transformative as full-on murals. Children can imagine a whole world beyond just the bull peeking in the window while munching on hay.

What did we miss? What would you like to see in your farm themed decor? The possibilities are endless when you work with the design team at IDS to create your dream office.

Want to check out more of our farmyard themed projects? Check out the links below!

A Moo-Zing Farm Theme Mega Office

A-maize-ing Barnyard Clinic

Ronald Mcdonald House Barn Room

Want a barnyard themed office of your own? Our Creative Consultants can’t wait to help you get farming!

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Top 5 Functional Medical Clinic Decor Ideas for Kids

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1. I Spy Murals for Waiting and Exam Rooms
2. Themed Benches and Stools
3. Wayfinding Signs Around the Office
4. Storytelling Reception Desk to Welcome Guests
5. Height Chart Graphics
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For both big and small medical clinics, utilizing each square foot is a top priority to ensure patient comfort and prevent unnecessary crowding. Knowing how important space is can sometimes make bold theming feel difficult due to floor space restraints, low ceilings, or even just logistics in a very busy clinic – but we have good news! You can have a space-efficient practice AND theme it just as effectively by utilizing functional decor!

What is “functional decor”?

Any decor in your office with an additional purpose beyond being attractive can be considered functional decor. Be it seating that doubles as a themed sculpture, adorable characters that hold wayfinding signage, or a social media photo op that’s great for organic marketing – as long as the item can also be used in more than one way, it can be considered functional decor.

We have assembled 5 of our favorite functional decor ideas to help you re-imagine the potential of your medical office:

1. I Spy Murals for Waiting and Exam Rooms

Wait times can not always be avoided in a medical clinic. But there are ways to make waiting fun – such as using fun a distracting “I Spy” picture find game murals on your walls.

Children’s books are classic waiting activities that help distract children, but in a post-covid world where communal touchpoints have become something to be avoided, having a bright and colourful distraction, like an “I spy with my little eye” wall mural with an activity built right in, is a great alternative.

2. Themed Benches and Stools

Waiting room seating is a necessary item in every office. Providing different sizes of seating – from single seats to long benches – to accommodate single patrons and families, kids, and adults gives people options to make them comfortable.

Seeing as seating is, of course, non-negotiable, why not use it to your advantage by making it the centerpiece of your office theme?

Wrap an incredible tree sculpture in round plush seating…

Add a photo op character (with a relatable bump on the head or a broken bone) to long bench seating…

Or even transform your seating into themed props, like these cute mushrooms fitting in perfectly with this woodland office…

Don’t pass up the option of creating a bookshelf or a bit of storage in your benches as well, adding bonus functionality to your decor…

Themed seating is uniquely suited to immerse guests into your office environment as it is a sculpture they can interact with. It’s an obvious option if you’re looking for a way to transform your office into a fun and welcoming environment.

Love this idea? Us too! Check out some more examples of fun waiting room seating!

3. Wayfinding Signs Around the Office

Walking through the halls of a medical clinic or hospital is already stressful enough without the fear of taking a wrong turn. By having the signage held up by an eye-catching whimsical 2D or 3D character, not only are you allowing a playfulness that will lighten the mood, but it can also seamlessly tie your necessary signs into a theme creating a more immersive environment.

Bonus? The ability to hang from the ceiling is a great space-saving option. You’re really theming every square inch of your space when you take advantage of the ceiling tiles to direct traffic.

Wayfinding can consist of more than just traditional signs. Color-coding areas and decorating exam rooms with different themes is another great way to create an information system that guides people through your physical environment and enhances their understanding and experience of the space.

Patients may end up with a favorite room – will they prefer the orange beach room or the yellow sunken ship room?

4. Storytelling Reception Desk to Welcome Guests

First impressions count. The reception desk is the first thing your patients see when they walk through the door, setting the mood for their visit, so make it welcoming.

A welcome sign, a smiling character, a mural scene that tells a story – what a sterile reception desk can transform into a jungle adventure and tell an exciting story, drawing patients into your practice, while allowing your front desk staff to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.

5. Height Chart Graphics

A silly height chart in the reception area is a great way to distract kids and their siblings as they wait for their appointments.

Nothing is quite as exciting to a child as growing another inch or 2 in height – comparing themselves to the height of a moose will make that ritual even more exciting.

Your clinic space truly holds endless potential when you begin to factor in the addition of functional decor. Whether your office is big or small, we can theme it all!

IDS theming is not an expense; it is an investment in your business. Valuing your patients and their families sets them up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. And the environment you create can help you achieve a better patient experience.

Check out these related resources for ideas on theming your office:

How to Theme Your Office on a Budget

Whether Your Office is Big or Small, We Have Options to Theme It All

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Top 5 Functional Pediatric Dental Office Decor Ideas

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1. Brushing Mirrors
2. Themed Seating
3. Wayfinding Signage
4. Storytelling Reception Desk
5. Self Check-In Stations
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For dental offices big or small, using each square foot of your space to its full potential is a top priority to ensure the comfort of your patients (we all want to avoid dental crowding afterall). Knowing just how important efficient use of space is, it can sometimes make bold theming feel difficult due to floor space restraints, low ceilings, or even just logistics of people coming and going – but we have good news! You can have an efficient practice AND have a fun theme by utilizing functional decor to transform your space!

What do we mean by functional decor?

Any piece of decor in your office with a purpose beyond just being a nice decoration is considered functional decor. Functional decor can be a sculpture that doubles as seating, adorable characters that hold wayfinding signage, or a playful reception desk that is a great social media photo op.

Here are 5 functional decor ideas to get you inspired to re-imagine the potential of your office

1. Brushing Mirrors

Brushing mirrors are already a necessary addition in any dental practice (especially pediatric dentists), so why not maximize their impact by sculpting them into wall art? Adorable characters like smiling fish or grinning tigers both contribute to a playful jungle theme while doubling as brushing mirrors to coach kids on their tooth cleaning technique.

2. Themed Seating

Reception area seating is the #1 most bulky and space-consuming item in any office. Seeing as seating is, of course, non-negotiable, why not use it to your advantage by making it the centerpiece of your office theme?

Wrap incredible centerpiece sculpture in round plush seating…

Add a grinning photo op to a long bench seating…

Or even transform your seating into themed props, like these cute mushrooms fitting in perfectly with this woodland office…

You can even add book and toy storage in to your themed benches…

Themed seating is uniquely suited to immerse guests into your decor, making your environment even more impactful. The space would already be taken up by chairs or other seating, so why not transform it?

Love this idea? Us too! Check out some more examples of fun waiting room seating!

3. Wayfinding Signage

Plain signs that aid in direction can often make a practice feel cold and clinical. By having the signage held up by a whimsical character or featuring a cartoon drawing, not only are you creating a playfulness that lightens the mood in a kid-centric practice, but it can also tie your necessary and useful signage into your theme.

Hanging signs for the ceiling is a great space-saving option. You are really theming every square inch of your space when you take advantage of your ceiling tiles to direct traffic.

Wayfinding is more than just a sign or arrow – it can consist of colors and themes to separate areas. Decorating each treatment room with a different theme is a great way to create an information system that guides people through your physical environment. It enhances visitor’s understanding and experience of your space.

4. Storytelling Reception Desk

The reception desk is the first thing your patients see when they walk through the door, so make it work for you. Make it say hello and welcome guests in with signs, a smiling character, or a themed scene telling a story. Kids will know they are about to go on an adventure when a waving elephant or friendly otter is waiting to greet them.

5. Self Check-In Stations

A bit of modern technology can stick out like a sore thumb in a themed office but when it’s built right into a sculpture, bulky screens can be transformed into FUNctional hardware. We love the way these tiki-inspired sculptures blend seamlessly into this jungle theme while still allowing easy self-check-in.

Your office space truly holds endless potential when you begin to factor in the addition of functional decor. Whether your office is big or small, we can theme it all!

Want to learn how? Reach out to us and one of our Creative Consultants will be happy to help you decide the best way to bring some whimsy and fun to your practice.

[1] Big Picture Graphics

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Say Cheese! Playful Photo Op Inspiration

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What is a photo op?
Why should you add a photo op to your office decor?
Explore Different Types of Themed Photo Ops
Make the Most of Your Photo Op
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The ultimate investment in both marketing and office appeal, a photo op is the perfect way to make a huge impact in your community awareness.

Unique and fun, a photo op combines form and function by injecting instant playfulness into your space while also working 24/7 to market your brand. But what type works best for your practice? And what more can you do with your photo op once you have it? We’ll explore the answers to these questions and more by examining one of IDS’s favorite additions to any office.

But first and most importantly…

What is a photo op?

A photo op is anything that is eye-catching and lends itself to selfies and sharing with friends or family. At IDS, a photo op is a sculpture or wall mural that is designed to encourage photos. Think posing animals, hole cutouts for guests to put their faces through, or murals with signage that advertise a clinic name or logo.

Why should you add a photo op to your office decor?

The first and most obvious reason is the undeniable fun that a photo op brings to an office. If you want your practice to be known for its friendly atmosphere, nothing says ‘playful’ quite like a smiling turtle greeting guests as they approach your front door.

Second, the marketing value found in photo ops is second to none.

Picture this: A young child just finished she dental checkup, and she has no cavities! Smiling and excited, her mom asks to get a picture of her with the surfboarding pug photo op in the reception area. The pug is holding a sign with your practice logo on it – and when that mom proudly posts the picture of her happy daughter all over social media, her network of parents take note.

The stress of doctor or dentist appointments is top of mind for all parents, and suddenly they see a solution posted by their trusted friend or family member. Your brand is instantly catapulted in front of an entire audience of potential patients, and they already have the ultimate stamp of approval. A photo of a smiling child post-checkup shared to a network of other parents is the holy grail of social media marketing.

This is the true value of your photo op in action. They are the perfect marketing employee – they never stop working for you, and they work for free!

There’s no one way to do a photo op, so we’ll explore everything from giant sculptures to friendly cartoon animals that’ll have parents begging their kids for just one more picture. Our photo ops are specifically designed to be irresistibly fun to kids, and equally irresistible to parents who can’t wait to snap a photo and share it with the family.

Explore Different Types of Themed Photo Ops

Bench Photo Ops

Casual and comfortable, bench photo ops are a great way to really get your patients shoulder to shoulder with your office mascot.

They can be placed indoors or outdoors, and are a great option for guests with mobility challenges who may not be able to pose beside a free-standing sculpture. Put your arm around a friendly fox and her baby, or read along with a safari flamingo.

“Sit-in” Photo Ops

Photo ops don’t always have to be animals or mascots that you stand with – they can also be interactive play pieces!

“Sit-in” photo ops are created specifically for kids to… you guessed it! Sit inside! Children won’t be able to resist crawling in the driver’s seat of a jeep mid-safari expedition or explore a colorful fair-ground snack stand. These photo ops play right into the imagination of a young child and make both great pictures and play places to pass the time pre-appointment.

Large Scale Photo Ops

Patients will say OMG the moment they see your gigantic (and very photogenic) sculpture!

These are the photo ops that patients and even passersby won’t be able to resist posting on social media. The playfulness is simply unforgettable, and the gargantuan size will be easily communicated through photographs with a smiling child standing beside it for comparison.

Posing Photo Ops

These interactive photo ops bring patients right into the action with immersive environments parents and kids can’t resist!

These sculptures feel more like part of a theme park than a photo feature in a dental office – and what a great shot for the social media feed!

Face Cut-out Photo Ops

Another great and playful photo op option to bring your patients on board with your branding is head hole sculptures or wall cutouts.

Any child (or parent) can proudly announce what an amazing experience they had at your practice while also creating a hilarious memory. Who would’ve thought you could have so much fun at the dentist?

Tip: Use accessories, signs, and social promos to make the most of your photo op.

So, you’ve got the photo op installed. People are loving it and it’s brought new life into your practice. How do you take advantage of it? The possibilities are endless, but here are our top 3 ideas.

1. Create a social media campaign with prizes. For example, when people take photos with your photo op and tag you on the social media channel of your choice, a random winner is chosen and given a free checkup, or perhaps another gift. It’s a free promo all over social media!

2. Include signage with different phrases that suit your practice. Allow kids to proudly advertise Cavity-Free Today!, Had a Great Appointment!, or I was Brave Today!.

For an optometry office, try a sign that says New Glasses Day! or My First Pair of Glasses!.

If you own a medical clinic try, I Was Vaccinated Today!, I Got a Shot Today!, or I’m Feeling Better! for children to pose with.

3. Do cross-promotion with other local businesses. Bring the local health food store staff or neighboring orthodontist in to take photos with your sculpture and create a long-lasting connection in your community.

Want some tips on the best ways to utilize a photo op? Check out 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Office Photo Op

For more inspiring photos of photos ops in dental and medical offices, check out Themed Photo Opportunities

Ready to get a photo op of your own? Connect with one of our amazing Creative Consultants today to learn how you can get your own unforgettable sculpture!

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3 Styles of Fun Waiting Room Seating Ideas

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Bench Seating
Circular Seating
Stool Seating
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The truth is, no one likes waiting for their appointment. Despite that fact, waiting is an unavoidable part of receiving care, and whether it be for 2 minutes or 20, there are ways to make even those first moments of the appointment more exciting.

To add a bit of fun to a reception area, you can start from the very chairs your patients are sitting on.

Everyone can take advantage of updated seating, whether it be a simple space needing a pop of color, or a fully themed office wanting to immerse their patients even further in their custom decor. Your guests won’t want to sit on a boring office chair when they’re surrounded by an underwater pirate adventure, so why not make patients feel like a part of the action by letting them sit in the scenery?

To help you bring some creativity to an unexpected place like your waiting room chairs, we’ve assembled a collection of our favorite seating projects for dental and medical offices that maximize your seating space and maximize fun!

THEMED BENCH SEATING FOR FAMILIES

Bench seating is both space and patient-efficient and doesn’t require a ton of square footage to fit a whole lot of guests. Plus it allows families or groups to sit together more comfortably than a row of chairs.

In this fun barnyard themed kids’ playroom, we created hay bales benches to transport kids to the farm while they enjoy a movie or play on a wall-mounted gaming station. Subtle rope ties space off the individual seats while still making visitors feel like they’re home on the range.

Adding a photo op character is another great way to make your bench seating fun (and great for some interactive marketing). Patients will love sitting next to this friendly elephant and maybe take a look over his shoulder to see what he’s reading.

Adding a logo or a sign to a seating area with a photo op creates a great opportunity for organic marketing. Parents will want to show off pictures of their “Cavity Free” kids sitting with a friendly octopus to their friends and family and as a result, your logo will be posted all over their social feeds.

Building seating into your themed sculptures is a must for any fully themed office. This bench seating looks right at home with matching log supports and a cute sculpted leopard head peeking out of the trunk. Kids can make themselves comfortable and play on the mounted gaming stations while sitting right next to their parents.

For a larger space, bench seating can take on a life of its own as the centerpiece of your office. This client incorporated both an exciting jungle adventure scene and a live fish tank into their bench seating. It’s like peering through a rushing waterfall. Practical and entertaining!

THEMED CIRCULAR SEATING FOR CENTERPIECES

Circular benches are a beautiful and immersive way to incorporate your theme into your seating while creating a memorable centerpiece. Adding centerpiece seating to an existing area invigorates the space effortlessly.

There is a reason the tree is a classic centerpiece to circular seating. They evoke feelings of calm and relaxation. Who hasn’t lounged under lush tree cover in a park or a forest? Your patients have it made in the shade while in your waiting room. One focal point tree is a great and simple way to keep up the illusion of the forest without sacrificing practical seating area if you are low on floor space.

For an extra interactive bonus, you can add a tunnel feature for kids to keep themselves busy while they wait for their appointment.

But it’s not all about trees. There are so many ways to incorporate other themes, like ocean or beach, into your seating area! Whether it be a breezy beachside scene with a lighthouse centerpiece or an elaborate deep-sea coral sculpture, you can incorporate the ocean easily into your circular seating.

Above or below the waves, patients will be able to enjoy a day at the beach right in your waiting room.

If you have high ceilings, circular centerpiece seating is one of the best options to accentuate that open area. Seating doesn’t have to be a huge statement piece to be impressive, a small touch can be just as impactful, like this adorable squirrel corner bench.

Create that wow piece that takes your reception area from just a waiting room to a “wow” room!

THEMED STOOLS FOR KIDS

Stools are the perfect seating addition for children waiting in your reception area. Easy to move around and incredibly space-efficient, stools are a simple and cost-effective way to dress up your office.

Log sculpted stools fit in woodland settings with their simple, rustic design – they’re certainly a favorite of ours.

Stools are also an incredible asset when immersing guests in a fully themed space. These colorful aliens look like they’re popping right out of craters in an asteroid while offering comfort and support for each kid’s gaming station. What a blast!

Talk about functional decor! Stools are perfect for any gaming area where you want children to sit back and relax while they are waiting.

Who knew stools could have so much character? This springtime waiting area utilized their rolly polly worm character as comfortable seating that blends in perfectly with their theme.

Updating your office can be as easy as bringing in new and fun seating for your patients to enjoy. Whether it be a simple sculpted bench or a custom centerpiece with surrounding circular seating, updated seating can transform your existing office decor or immerse your guests in an overall theme.

Check out more inspiring seating and decor ideas for your office:

Unique Bench and Stool Seating Ideas for Dental and Medical Offices

Dental Office Interior Design and Decor Tips

Ready to stand out from the competition? Don’t hesitate to reach out and one of our Creative Consultants will be happy to help you choose the most eye-catching seating that works with your unique space!

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Our Top 4 Attention Grabbing Building Exterior Ideas

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Be honest – would you rather your patients say they booked with your practice just because it’s closest to their house or because their kids can’t stop talking about the giant octopus on the roof and they had to come? The answer is obvious.

Transforming your office from a regular building to a legendary local landmark can be as simple as adding incredible external decor that parents and kids won’t be able to drive past without stopping for photos.

Whether it be subtle window decals that make your office seem like it’s hidden deep in the jungle, or a 20-foot tall elephant busting through the wall and into the street, nothing says “fun” quite like well themed exterior signage.

Our clients can’t stop talking about how their external creations changed their practice for the better, so we wanted to showcase a few of our favorite examples to get your ideas flowing!

Why Add External Signage to Your Building?

It’s the ultimate tried and true advertising technique.

If you want to attract new business and become the #1 choice in your community, your community needs to know about you first! Sure, a sign is fine but to stand out from the competition and truly use your brand as a tool, you need to think outside the box.

Think of your exterior design as a silent salesperson. Themed windows or photo op sculptures are constantly working day and night to differentiate your practice from others, letting everyone know that what you’re doing is new and exciting.

Not only is it making your commitment to fun and high-quality obvious to anyone driving by, but it also helps potential patients locate your business.

“Telling patients it is the clinic with the giraffe and alligator is an easy visual landmark to help them find us. This has helped get new patients through the doors.”

– Sheryl Wright, family nurse practitioner

A strong impression will stick like glue, and with the right amount of intrigue in your design, a new guest might not even need to navigate on their phone to your location. They already know where your office is since they’ve passed by your adorable bear sculpture a hundred times, and maybe even stopped to take a picture.

There’s no other way to say it: Attention-grabbing exterior decor makes your business stand out!

ROOFTOP LANDMARK CHARACTERS

The ultimate in external decor, your practice will be seen for miles around with a powerful and fun rooftop landmark! If you have the space (meaning no upstairs neighbors) or your building-mates are ready to be injected with some professional whimsy too, there is no better choice than a rooftop landmark to stand apart from the competition.

Creative multi-character sculptures can stay on theme, like this adorable cast of jungle characters helping each other brush and floss:

Smiling faces peering down from the rooftops are both fun and also more inviting for nervous kids on their way to the dentist:

“I had my staff track every new customer for six months by asking them what it was that brought them to our practice. At the time, I had been spending as much as six thousand dollars per month on newspaper ads, TV commercials and even radio spots. I would have been happy had my new investment been responsible for 50% of the new patients tracked. You could have knocked me over with a feather when the results came in… a full 94% cited the theming above my entrance!”

– Dr. Chuck Hughes, dentist

Or what about this eye-catching octopus that is easy to see from miles around? Both the interior and exterior are underwater themed in this show-stopping clinic, and the cherry on top is no doubt their curious rooftop cephalopod.

“When we opened after installing the octopus on our roof we were seeing up to 59 new patients a day.”

– Dr. Derek Thompson, dentist and owner of 7 themed iffices

GROUND LEVEL LANDMARK CHARACTERS

Like rooftop landmarks, ground level landmarks can be seen for miles around and really define your practice in the community. They also act as a great way to bring your guests in on the action, encouraging them to take photos with incredible sculptures they can reach and pose with.

Ground level landmarks can be built right into the wall, alluding to the theme inside or placed close to the road to draw potential patients. Create a visual story like this high-octane barnyard chase:

Or a smashing vignette like this jungle trio in a Jeep:

See more showstopping decor, inside and out, in this undersea office.

EXTERIOR PHOTO OPS

Fun meets function in any photo op! Not only is a photo op sculpture perfect as a centerpiece to your external decor, it’s a great way for your guests to do the marketing for you. Encourage online photo competitions by giving incentives to patients for posing with your sculpture. Or, take advantage of social media obsessed parents who would love a cute shot of their kid smiling and cavity free after their check up, arm and arm with a grinning turtle.

Photo ops can be placed at the front door of your office as a friendly greeting:

Or a whimsical addition to practical outdoor bench seating:

Show off your theme before guests walk through the door with a fun exterior photo op!

EXTERIOR WINDOW DECALS

If you’ve decided to theme your office interior, exterior window decals are the perfect finishing touch to really bring the environment together. You’re literally wrapping your office in your theme! It’s also a sneaky way to create some intrigue in the minds of potential patients. If the outside looks like a sunny day at the beach:

Or a safari adventure:

– it’s literally a window into another world.

Window decals on their own are great as an exciting and eye-catching addition, advertising to anyone driving by that there’s tons of fun to be had inside.

THE BENEFITS OF Exterior Office Decor

External office decor is the perfect way to start telling your brand story before your patients even walk through the door. It’s eye-catching, innovative, and memorable in a way that few other marketing tactics are.

As they say, “if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it” and businesses have been utilizing fun signage and external decor as long as business has existed. It works for a reason! Externally theming your practice with playful and fun characters is a striking and effective way to tell onlookers just how special and incredible your office is. Needless to say, it was hard to choose our favorites. Which one is yours?

Ready to become a local legend in your community? Landmarks are a great part of an IDS Environment™. One of our Creative Consultants would love to help you transform your environment. Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started.

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Top 11 Creative Reception Desks

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1. Frigid and Fun Front Reception
2. Under the Sea Welcome Desk
3. Zoom Around the World Reception Desk
4. A Sophisticated Woodland Scene
5. A Simple Seaside Desk
6. A Fantastical Castle Adventure
7. Pirates in the Bayou Desk
8. Tropical and Technicolor Desks
9. Explore Shipwreck Cove Desk and Play Area
10. Welcome to the Savannah Desk
11. A Dino-mite Desk
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It’s the first and last thing your patients see when they walk through the door of your office, so why not make it exciting? Your reception desk is the first point of contact for any visitor to your practice, new and returning. It acts as the focal point of your office space, drawing the eye to the administration team and guiding anxious new patients who may not know where to check-in.

For these reasons, if you want to bring some fresh new excitement to your office, the obvious first place to start is the reception desk! We’ve created hundreds over the years, but let’s narrow down some of our favorites.

OUR TOP 11 PICKS FOR THE MOST FUN RECEPTION DESKS TO LIVEN UP YOUR SPACE

1. Frigid and Fun Front Reception

The immersive sculptures and murals in this desk design will make you feel like you’re part of the action! By utilizing the desk space itself, it looks like the reception was carved right out of a glacier with snowy overhang still intact. Even the floor is exciting, allowing guests to follow the bear paw prints and penguin flippers directly from check-in to their appointment. Not only is it fun, but also a great distraction for kids who may be nervous.

The treatment area in this office is as cool as the desk.

2. Under the Sea Whale Welcome Desk

This reception desk is the ultimate example of a show-stopping entrance to your office. From the vibrant colors to the life-sized whale, be prepared to have pictures of your front desk plastered all over social media!

Immersive, colorful, and fun, this beautiful front desk has it all. Sculpted seaweed pillars are built right into a beautiful coral reef desk that incorporates both custom 3D fish and vibrant mural work – never mind the giant 3D whale suspended from the ceiling! While not only acting as a dazzling greeting to patients, nervous children will instantly forget their fears of the doctor or dentist the moment they see the friendly whale smiling at them when they come inside.

There’s a lot more underwater decor to see in this office.

3. Zoom Around the World Reception Desk

This globetrotting reception desk has no lack of exciting features to look at! Remember at the beginning how we discussed the front desk as the focal point that sets up the entire office experience?

This jet-setting design sets the theme for the rest of the office, which features a wide variety of exotic environments – will patients prefer the treatment room set in the pyramids of Egypt or the busy streets of London? What a great way to theme your space! This unique build incorporates 3D sculptures on a 2D mural, making each piece stand out even more.

Explore the rest of the world in this dental office.

4. A Sophisticated Woodland Mural Desk

What could be better than walking through the door of your local doctor’s office and being greeted with a serene forest setting? This sophisticated silhouette combines soft greens and browns to create a beautiful and soothing environment while still feeling fun. Done entirely in a 2D mural, the depth of this inviting forest will have patients coming back again and again.

We love this reception desk mural for more teen and adult-oriented environments that still want a unique design.

5. A Simple Seaside Check-in Desk

You don’t have to dive too deep with theming to make a huge impact! The adorable dolphin mural covers the entire front wall, and 3D sculpted dock supports transport any guest to a beachy seaside vacation upon arrival.

Check out the rest of this beach themed reception area.

6. A Fantastical Castle Adventure Reception Desk

This reception desk is like entering a portal into a magical world! From floor to ceiling, the inquisitive dragon and stacks of books will keep kids entertained while their parents schedule their next appointment. For this build, we incorporated 3D characters everywhere possible, utilizing not only desk and wall space, but ceiling tiles as well! The extra book sculpts on the counter really bring the theme to life, allowing staff and patients alike to get in on the adventure.

Tip: can you find the Dental Care for Dragons book?

Like this desk? Check out the entire magical office here.

7. Pirates in the Bayou Welcome Desk

Visual storytelling is a great way to decorate your front reception. In this exciting pirate themed example, kids and parents alike will love the eager crocodile gazing at the eye-patch clad turtle – a great character to grab a photo with while waiting for their appointment. In the background mural, we see a pirate ship silhouette. Is it a pirate ship full of pirate turtles? Who knows! It leaves enough to the imagination to excite any child waiting for their checkup.

Not only is this desk ideal for storytelling, the incorporation of 3D characters both to the side and on the desk itself really brings it to life. Plus, a convenient “welcome” sign guides new patients effortlessly!

There’s more to see in this bayou office.

8. Tropical and Technicolor Reception Desks

Ocean themed desks are one of our most popular designs, and it’s easy to see why! This bright and fun reception desk area is filled with fantastical 2D murals and 3D elements that liven the space instantly. We even themed the dividing walls to look like ocean waves! Can you spot the baby fish?

Explore the rest of this deep sea office decor here.

9. Explore Shipwreck Cove Desk and Bonus Play Area

This bright and colorful reception desk also doubles as the entrance to the kids play area, the perfect example of an IDS Space™! Utilizing the combined reception desk and play area spaces, this entirely 3D shipwreck themed archway makes it feel like you’re entering a whole new world of undersea adventure, while keeping the rest of the waiting area geared towards adults. Not only is this fun for your guests, but your staff will also love feeling like they’re part of the undersea action too.

10. Welcome to the Savannah Desk

We love the way playful animals are used as functional supports in this safari themed reception area. It also acts as a great example that not all custom theming has to be an entire overhaul – the original tile design on the front of the desk was kept while the new design elements were created to surround it. The tall giraffe also acts as a playful photo op, while the thatched roof makes the entire experience feel more immersive.

Click here to tour the rest of this safari office.

11. A Dino-mite Dinosaur Themed Desk

This desk will make your guests feel like they’re part of an exciting archaeological dig! Dinosaurs are a favorite for young and old, so the combination of partially excavated fossils and hanging pterodactyls are both fun and visually engaging. Bonus! The 3D fossils create an exciting sensory experience for children to touch while they wait. This client opted to incorporate their business name into their front desk, and this was seamlessly done by painting each letter to look like the ancient rocks surrounding it.

There’s more to uncover at this dino dig, check out the rest of the dinosaur-themed office here.

Transforming your space is as easy as theming your front desk with a magically creative touch. New patients will instantly know they made the right choice when they see the effort that you have put into your office, while existing patients will recommend your practice to all their friends. Before you know it, referrals will sound like “I go to the doctor with the giraffe at the front desk”!

Interested in more decor and interior design ideas for your office? Check out these resources:

Amazing Reception Desks by IDS

Create a Memorable Patient Experience through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor

Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming

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8 Color Schemes and What They Mean for Your Office Vibe

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1. Blue
2. Brown
3. Gray
4. Green
5. Orange
6. Yellow
7. Purple
8. Red
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When designing your dream office, there is nothing more important than attention to detail. From the light fixtures to the baseboards, no feature is too small. But what about your color choice? How impactful is color? Simple answer? Very!

When you consider the volume of dental and medical office color schemes available to choose from, color just might turn out to be the most important and difficult choice you make.

Before you head to the hardware store to gather paint swatches, read over our quick how-to guide and decide just what kind of vibe you want your patients to feel when they come in for an appointment. Think of it like hacking the brain with color!

MORE TO COLOR THAN MEETS THE EYE

It might seem irrelevant to put so much energy into color choice, especially after hours of looking at color pallets – chartreuse starts to look like seafoam. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and make snap decisions, but don’t underestimate the psychological impact of color!

Color taps into emotion.
Color influences behavior and mood.
Color can influence efficiency.
Color can help reduce fatigue.
Color is visually stimulating.

Your team and patients might not have a verbal reaction to your color choice, but it has a subtle effect that will likely be noticeable in their subconscious mood from the moment they walk in your office.

YOUR FAVORITE COLOR MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR VIBE

Color scheming isn’t about playing favorites. Red might be your favorite color, but does it make sense for your space? The design decision process requires being more intuitive and less worried about personal preference. What do you want your patients to feel when they arrive to your office? Relaxed? Excited? Energized? You choose!

Pro Tip: Be mindful about it.

Color mindfulness means understanding there’s an entire psychology (yes, there really is) behind choosing the right hue. To become more fluent in color mindfulness, here are eight popular color schemes and what they communicate to your patients.

8 COLOR SCHEMES AND WHY THEY CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR OFFICE VIBE

These eight color profiles provide an overview of popular colors and their unique “personalities”. Keep in mind that certain tones and hues can be adapted and mixed to create the exact vibe you’re going for, but on their own, each color has its own distinct power.

1. Blue

Think caaaaalm and tranquility. Blue ranks high in popularity on the color grid due to its versatility and vast array of beautiful shades. It’s an easy choice for any office space. We feel relaxed just thinking about it!

A blue environment is soothing and creates a feeling of serenity and peace. It’s also common to experience a lowering of blood pressure when looking at the color blue– and in tough or scary situations especially for kids and nervous parents, lower blood pressure is a huge bonus. It’s no wonder our underwater themed spaces are so popular Certain tones of blue, such as navy or royal blue can also promote tradition, loyalty, and reliability.

2. Brown

Looking for an earthy, inviting vibe? Go with shades of brown! A brown themed color scheme has a natural, cozy feeling that helps patients slow down and relax.

Deeper, richer browns can also create feelings of togetherness and intimacy. An expert tip when working with browns is not to underestimate its ability as a base color. Brown tones love to blend in with other textures or colors, so it’s easy to mix and match with alternative designs you like. Brown tones are great for creating cozy woodland themed spaces.

3. Gray

While it’s easy to see gray as a dull or overly serious color, its superpower is as a perfect wash of relaxation. Like blue, grey has a calming presence known to lower blood pressure and create an environment of serenity that your patients will love.

In addition, grey is a perfect neutral color. It acts as a great background color or can be used as an accent to brighten more vibrant hues around it. A grey treatment room with a brightly colored chair can look very sleek and modern.

4. Green

We’re green with envy if you choose a green themed office! Green is another popular choice that inspires vitality and makes your patients feel more in tune with nature. It’s a great stress-relieving color, and any and all shades will always feel fresh and clean.

Lush, light tones can encourage feelings of playfulness and vitality, while richer hues feel restful and safe.

Green doesn’t just have to be a paint or chair color, it can be found in plants and scenery. Luscious jungle scenes come to life with green plants and trees.

5. Orange

Orange is a loud and excitable color, so use it with caution! Stimulating and bright, this summery hue encourages action. This unbeatable energy often works better as an entryway or transitional color to bring the mood up when first entering the office, but not always the best choice throughout. It works great as an accent color in safari themed spaces for kids.

6. Yellow

Yellow is energizing in all the right ways. If you are looking for a bright, warm pop of color for your space, yellow is the best choice to do so. Yellow works to open the mind and increases mental productivity through its energizing demeanor without becoming overwhelming. Is there a happier color out there? We don’t think so! Try it in a warm backyard scene.

Try using shades of yellow in accent decor like throw pillows or wall art. Paint the walls in a consultation room or staff break room, not necessarily your treatment area – yellow still has a particular connotation when it comes to dentistry – no one wants yellow teeth!

7. Purple

If you want your dental or medical office to feel modern or mysterious, purple is the color for you. Darker tones like plum or mauve can create a sophisticated atmosphere whereas softer lilac and lavender feel chic and relaxing. Purple is a great accent color – either for an accent wall or for decor pieces around your office.

Bright purple is great if you want to create an outer space or magical fantasy feel for a kids area in your office.

8. Red

Red is a cannonball of adrenaline for any space. Like orange, this powerful color often works better as a transitional or accent color so as not to conjure up feelings of aggression or stress. Red is often associated with anger (or a blood tooth, ick), so use this hue sparingly. Pair it with other warm colors, like shades of brown, to create a warm cozy atmosphere. Pair it with white for a bold statement. Use it in western or barn themed office spaces for a warm and cozy space for children.

CHOOSE WISELY AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX

While it’s easy to want to choose just one color, we recommend that you select a few bright shades in addition to a dominant, neutral color to cover the largest space in your office. Go for a simple base like grey or white and use accent hues that create specific moods or tones to craft the perfect vibe for your office.

Our #1 suggestion? Choose colors that are calming or productivity-enhancing. Blues, greens, or light purples could be the key to a trustworthy office space your patients will be happy to come back to again and again. It’s no wonder our underwater themed spaces are so popular! The ocean blue is as calming as it is playful.

Check out these design-themed resources to upgrade your patient experience and rejuvenate your office environment:

6 Dental Office Images That Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience

3 Steps to Transform Your Office Decor from Mundane to Magical

Create a Memorable Patient Experience through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor

Feel like you’ve painted yourself into a corner? One of our Creative Consultants would love to help. Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience.

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Our Top 8 Pediatric Dental Office Styles to Inspire Your Design Strategy

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1. Retro-themed Vignettes
2. Theme Your Office Green
3. All-in (and Out) Theming
4. Create the “Spa Factor”
5. A Cast of Characters
6. Color Scheming
7. Genre Fans
8. Stay and Play
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If you’re considering making upgrades to your office, or you’re opening a new clinic, the best first step is to create a mood board of inspiring spaces.

While in this stage of planning, try to think outside the proverbial “box” of dental office design strategy. There are so many interesting decor options to consider, allow yourself to dream big and consider all possibilities.

To help get you started, we put together a collection of interesting interior design ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t forget to use a photo-saving site like Pinterest to keep your ideas organized.

TRANSFORM YOUR DENTAL OFFICE: INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IDEAS AND TIPS FOR CREATING AN ENGAGING PATIENT EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS

As you browse through the following dental office design and decor pictures, keep in mind that choosing a theme is personal and relative to what you want to convey with your business. These are some of our top choices for you to be inspired by and reflect on the designs to see which would work best for you.

1. Retro-themed Vignettes for Your Dental Office Design Ideas

A retro theme creates a feeling of nostalgia. It also enhances that sense of familiarity patients can identify with. It’s the brand of design you might associate with a Disney theme park. Each area you encounter transports you physically and emotionally to another “world” of sorts. Choose a design expert who’s equipped to design around your vintage vision!

When designing your retro-themed dental office, consider incorporating elements reminiscent of iconic eras such as the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s. This could include retro-inspired furniture, decor accents, and color schemes that capture the essence of the chosen time period. Think bold patterns, vibrant colors, and iconic motifs like jukeboxes, vinyl records, or mid-century modern furnishings.

2. Theme Your Office Green with These Dental Office Design Tips

A cause or strong belief in something such as the environment or being “green” can prompt your dental office theme.

This theme could begin with your choice of building and marketing materials. Many people are attracted to this level of social awareness – especially those with an environmentally conscious mindset.

Beyond that, patients could appreciate your “clean-and-green” approach to their care. Your “green” dental office becomes more than just a place for dental care—it becomes a symbol of your dedication to making a positive impact on the planet.

Consider options like:

Incorporating live plants into your dental office design not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also improves indoor air quality and creates a healthier environment for patients and staff.
Promote environmental sustainability by choosing and highlighting recyclables, etc for your construction and design.
Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs within your practice can help minimize the amount of waste generated and promote sustainable practices.

3. All-in (and Out) Theming for Your Dental Office Design Strategy

From the exterior to the interior, the “wow-factor” happens when you go all-in on theming. The built-in appeal has the potential to draw people in as they drive by and enter your facility.

A compelling themed space creates a marketing buzz. A complete commitment to your theme makes a greater impact on the patient psyche more than random, piecemeal theming.

When patients pull out their phones to snap an image or two – you’ll know you’re onto something!

4. Create the “Spa Factor” with these Dental Office Design Recommendations

What is it about the word “spa” that creates a vibe? It appeals a bit more to an adult demographic, but even so, a pediatric dental office can apply the principle to its overall environment.

A spa-themed dental office provides a premium feel through its services. Clean, streamlined features add to the ambiance you will want to generate.

Other amenities could include:

Water features.
Soothing images and sound effects.
Complimentary “anything” from beverages to Wi-Fi, etc.

Spa theming goes beyond the use of the word in your branding. It promotes luxury, relaxation, and a top tier brand of services that attracts a particular patient.

5. A Cast of Characters Adds Personality to Your Dental Office Design Inspiration

If you’re looking to add some creativity to your office and you can build an “immersive” world of characters to drive your brand with a mascot to represent your business. Fantasy and education can be combined with your themed characters to help provide care.

Begin with a costume, a toy, or a sculptured character to represent your mascot and then transform your space to match you character. Kids will identify with your brand as each character promotes a positive dental image. This character can appear in your promotional materials and in your interior design, and really define your office theme. With the help of professional designers and artists, go to the drawing-board and create your own cast of characters!

6. Color Scheming and Color Psychology in Your Dental Office Design

Most dental offices default to whites or earth tones in their practice. While it’s a very clean and neutral look, those can be a bit mundane and typical.

There’s a psychology to color selection. Color scheming takes it up a notch by going with specific colors that elicit an emotional response from your patients.

For example, orange increases confidence and joy while reducing the feelings of loneliness or fatigue. Meanwhile, the color blue can bring feelings of calmness and serenity.

White isn’t the only color that promotes the sterile, clean environment you desire. Ask a design professional to suggest a color scheme to brighten your office and your patient’s mood.

Different colors evoke distinct emotional responses, making them powerful tools in shaping the atmosphere of your dental practice. For example:

Blue: Often associated with calmness and serenity, blue can help patients feel more relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. It promotes a sense of trust and professionalism, making it an excellent choice for treatment rooms or waiting areas.
Green: Symbolizing growth, renewal, and harmony, green can create a sense of balance and tranquility in your dental office. It’s also associated with nature and health, making it an ideal choice for practices that emphasize holistic or eco-friendly approaches to dental care.
Yellow: Yellow is known for its uplifting and energizing qualities, making it a great choice for areas where you want to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. However, it’s essential to use yellow in moderation as excessive exposure to bright shades can be overwhelming for some individuals.
White: While often associated with cleanliness and sterility, an all-white color scheme can sometimes feel cold and clinical. However, when used in combination with other colors or softened with warm accents, white can create a modern and sophisticated look that exudes professionalism and hygiene.
Warm Neutrals: Shades of beige, taupe, and ivory can create a sense of warmth and comfort, making them popular choices for dental office interiors. These colors provide a neutral backdrop that allows other design elements, such as artwork or furniture, to stand out.
Accent Colors: In addition to main color schemes, incorporating accent colors can add visual interest and personality to your dental office. Bold accent colors like red or orange can inject energy and vitality into the space, while muted tones like mauve or sage can create a more subdued and calming atmosphere.

Learn more and find out about these 8 color schemes and what they mean for your dental office vibe.

7. Genre-Themed Decor Transport Your Dental Office Design to Another World

Introducing a genre-themed approach to your dental office design can revolutionize the patient experience. By immersing patients in imaginative worlds such as outer space, underwater realms, or rustic farm environments, you elevate your practice from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Genre themes create an engaging and memorable experience for your patients, which are especially popular in kid-friendly or pediatric clinics for reducing appointment anxiety.

These immersive themes not only captivate patients’ imaginations but also serve to alleviate any apprehension or anxiety they may have about dental visits. By transporting patients to alternate realities, you create a sense of wonder and excitement that distracts from the clinical nature of the environment.

8. “Stay and Play” is the Most Kid-friendly Dental Office Design Strategy

Kids want to play! Encouraging children to play and providing interactive experiences can significantly enhance their dental visit. Research shows that when kids are engaged in play activities, they’re more likely to feel comfortable and cooperative during their appointments.

Entertaining wait times and healthy distractions can help get some kids and families off the fence about a dental visit. Offering safe and risk-free play options allows kids to release excess energy and divert their attention away from any nervousness they may be feeling. This not only helps them feel more at ease but also allows parents to relax knowing their children are occupied and content.

Ultimately, by recognizing the importance of play and incorporating it into your dental practice, you can create a positive and memorable experience for young patients and their families, fostering a lifelong commitment to oral health.

These dental office pictures represent being intentional about office design. Use them to spark ideas or adapt them for your new or upgraded design.

Ready to elevate your dental office design? Contact us today for personalized design solutions!

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL OFFICE DESIGN AND IMPROVE YOUR PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Check out these design-themed resources to upgrade or renew your dental office design:

How to Create a Dental Design Strategy That Enhances Patient Experience

6 Dental Office Images That Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience

Create a Memorable Patient Experience Through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor

Stand out from other service providers by providing a unique dental experience that’s influenced by your design choices.

Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
Prime patients and families for their appointments
Create positive dental care experiences
Create “buzz” in the community you serve
Accelerate patient referrals
Generate positive online reviews

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.

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Important Details for Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition

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Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition
Details That Influence Patient Acquisition
Relationship Development Details
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Acquiring new, lifelong patients is a journey. A journey that starts with the patient’s first appointment and develops through a series of good experiences with your clinic. Those positive results will typically point back to how well your office is optimized for patient acquisition.

That’s no small task. These days patient interaction is skewed by your staff demeanor, your care standards, the services you provide, insurance acceptance, and more.

And then there’s your office design. It enhances or diminishes the first impression the previously mentioned influences have on a patient.

Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition

Conscious Effort Required

The cost of acquiring a single patient can total hundreds of dollars or more. Your investment total can vary patient to patient depending on their responsiveness to either your office culture or subsequent targeted marketing initiatives.

There’s also the competitive environment. Advertising campaigns can cross their line of site via direct mail or an online search.

The choice is theirs.

And therein is the essence of your required efforts – occupying a prominent place at their choice point!

You gotta be intentional!

Environmental Awareness

Your physical environment, practice atmosphere, vibe, and overall culture have a substantial impact on patient acquisition. New patients especially are discerning about specific things relative to your office environment.

Is stress reduced?
Does it feel safe and clean?
Can it be trusted?
Will satisfaction be consistent?

These factors align with what’s referred to as an evidence-based design strategy. That’s the big idea that you create an office environment to achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes.

Obviously, this would strongly influence patient acquisition as well.

The power of first impressions relies on how each patient feels the moment they encounter your practice. It could be the theme of a direct mailing, how your website engages them, or the glowing referral of a friend or family member.

Keep in mind also that many patients are influenced by how they interpret those experiences.

”Design choices matter. Approximately 24 to 35% of a patient’s overall satisfaction with a health care experience is influenced by the design and decor of the facility.” ^[1]

Details That Influence Patient Acquisition

Overall Design Details

Maximizing your office design begins at the “curb”. Visibility, traffic flow, parking availability, ease of access, intuitive facility navigation, they all set the tone for patient acquisition success.

Remember that one scheduled appointment doesn’t guarantee a second, third, or more. A design glitch can sway a discerning patient to reconsider establishing an ongoing relationship with your office.

Apply conscientious design from street to chair side.
Maintain and routinely upgrade your exterior and interior spaces.
Theme your office according to the demographic of your patients.

Mood Details in Your Front Office and Reception Zone

The attention to detail you bring to the vibe of your entry space will help your patients feel more in control. A welcoming, inviting, and comfortable tone puts patients at ease and more likely to begin establishing a long-term relationship with your practice. Interior design and decor is important for setting a mood in your dental office.

Design your reception area to create an inclusive feel for your patients.
Reduce the impersonal barriers to provide somewhat seamless access to the front desk team.
Designate a team member as the “host” for all arriving patients.
Provide patients with comfortable “distractions” like reading materials, free (guest) wi-fi, a dedicated workspace, and themed decor that reflects local points of interest, etc.
Use natural features such as plants (non-allergenic), outdoor views, and skylights that utilize natural lighting effects.

These tips might seem irrelevant to patient acquisition. Yet, realize it’s the vibe you create that helps patients feel more engaged and in control of their relationship with you as their care provider.

Relationship Development Details

Not all relationships start at a good place. In fact, for many healthcare appointments, there might already be a strike against you.

It’s nothing personal, it’s more of perception. Do the hard work of creating the right environment and match that with good relational skills to help dissolve some of the patients’ natural existing anxieties.

Pay Attention

Every patient interaction or conversation provides you an opportunity to deepen your relationship with them.

Your top relational skill: listening!

It helps (beyond a phone conversation) to rely on your office design flow for enhanced listening. Meaning, it’s a good idea to have patient conversations in a designated, comfortable consult area or room.

Patients will feel more at ease and you/your team members will be better equipped to truly listen to what your patients share with you.

Leverage Your Knowledge for Their Benefit

Patients know it’s a good idea to take care of their physical or oral health. But they’re often lacking the “why” behind it.

Patients who feel informed are more likely to have a positive experience. And that positive experience leads to an increase in your patient acquisition success.

Listen to their specific questions/concerns and provide the answers/solutions they need.
Allow them to ask questions about your standard of care, technology, treatment outcomes, financials, and more. Freedom to ask questions enhances the relationship.

Schedule the “Next”

Relationships require consistency. The same applies to maintaining health. Your intentional efforts to set a patient’s next appointment confirms healthcare as a priority.

They stay connected to you/your office and their health maintains essential consistency. Those levels of consistency confirm that you’re on the path to increasing your patient acquisition percentages.

Keep in mind that acquiring patients is fundamentally a two-fold process. It’s one part environment and one part relational.

Optimize your office around each and you’ll increase your patient acquisition success.

Check out these related resources on these strategies that lead to an increase in patient acquisition:

6 Dental Office Images That Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience

What is Patient Experience and Why Does It Matter?

Key Strategies to Jump-Start Your Dental Marketing

A Practical Guide to Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.