Good Interior design can make a real difference
Designing for special needs is a challenge - whether for a hospital, care home or adapting a client’s home - there is just so much to consider. However, it is worth putting that extra consideration into the process. Good Interior design can make a real difference to the lives of patients, residents, visitors and employees. When we are happy and at ease we perform better, our mental well-being is improved and our recovery time from illnesses is shortened.
Often with hospitals and care homes, refurbishments or new builds, physical disability is accepted as having to be considered in the design (The Disability Discrimination Act - DDA) but what about taking mental health aspects such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s into consideration? As we live longer and care homes will be needed in greater numbers, and the issues of design for mental health will be more important. This is widely known already, however we really need to get away from the type of care home lounge rooms where everyone sits in high backed vinyl covered chairs placed around the outside of the room. The term ‘God’s Waiting Room’ clearly describes this scenario – and we have all witnessed it. You can only talk to the person either side of you, if you are lucky enough to find something in common. The television is often on even if it isn’t what you want to watch, or you just want some peace! I have also experienced dull and depressing dining rooms with uninspiring furniture and lighting, with residents often ending up eating in their rooms, as they do not wish to eat in the area dedicated for this purpose; this increases the incidences of loneliness and residents retreating into themselves.
Care homes or care villages need to be designed in the same way as upmarket hotels - with hairdressing salons, a spa or gym – why not? There are care villages out there now that have a system where one part of the complex is for those who are still very much active and cognitive, with another part of the village offering more complex care, as and when needed. The ability to move through the village as the resident’s needs changes means that the upheaval is lessened and friends and acquaintances can stay together, with a familiar environment. Lounge areas can have seating groups with a variety of chairs laid out so that people can choose to be sociable or not, as their mood takes them. We can create areas or ‘zones’ for quiet moments, for conversation or games, with additional areas for watching TV or films.
A Care Home that specialises solely in dementia care has to have a different approach. Certain colours and patterns cannot be used as they are perceived as a barrier or cannot be seen at all. Memory aids and the use of materials have to be considered in a different way, the key here is the perception by the person living in the space as to how they need to move easily around that space and the perception of their surroundings. The design needs to help them find the bathroom, handles etc. – this is where the use of primary colours can play a part, as they are easily differentiated and can be used to signify functions in different areas.
Although the old washable vinyl is now a thing of the past, sadly some homes go for the easy option with vinyl because they see it is the only fabric that can be easily cleaned. This could not be further from the truth. Vinyl is not very comfortable to sit on for long period of time, and does give a certain ‘medical’ feel to the room. There are now fabrics on the market which, whilst being waterproof and easily cleanable, are beautiful and tactile, imparting a much more homely feel to the space. 
A good designer understands all the factors which contribute to how good design can improve the outcome of residents, and uses all their skill in space planning, their materials knowledge and their expertise in the use of design for both mental and physical issues to make a care home a comfortable and even joyful place. Many care home owners and builders are beginning to understand how the cost of a Healthcare/Care Home Interior Designer is a cost that is a relevant, and indeed, an important part of the budget spend. Well designed and beautiful care homes are more popular with residents and their families and can ultimately charge more. It is also widely accepted that the cost of a refurbishment can be recovered within two years, if not before.
Koubou Interiors is a multi-award-winning BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) Registered Practice, specialising in healthcare and Care Home design. We ensure the training and qualifications of the staff are current and include all relevant aspects of healthcare and commercial design. The company has been operating for 12 years, working on Commercial, Healthcare and private client projects. The team consists of four designers with qualifications in Interior Architecture and Design. Managing Director, Gilly Craft, sits on the BIID Council as a Director and is also President Elect of the Institute, and has a real passion for working with clients on their projects to maximise their budget and space.
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