Give your facility a healthy dose of color

Giving a healthcare facility's walls a healthier color palette might seem as easy as taking a trip to the paint store, but in reality it involves planning and input from healthcare design professionals, according to an article on the Ragan's Health Care Communication News website.

Operating rooms tend to be a solid, subdued color, usually light blue or green. This conveys calm and confidence and reduces visual distractions, the article said. Pale or neutral colors are also used for patient rooms because because of the amount of time a patient generally must spend there.

Flooring, countertops, high-tech equipment and other permanent fixtures can effect a color scheme, so planners must design around them.

Neutral colors are also a popular choice for hallways and common areas. They can be livened with an accent wall or color-coded wayfinding signage, the article said. This also makes it easier to swap color schemes as trends change.

Before colors are chosen, the article said, designers must select paints and finishes that are durable, non-toxic and contain few or no volatile organic compounds.

Read the article.