When Dr. Bragg, a local vein specialist, asked me to give his medical office a “face lift”, he had one goal in mind: to make it more comfortable and inviting for both his patients and his staff.
Since he’s renting and working with a budget, I knew we had to get creative without making any permanent changes. But just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to settle for a dull or uninspired space.
The Right Touches Do Not Have to be Expensive
Whether you run a medical practice or another type of business, a smart, budget-friendly design can make a world of difference. By focusing on simple updates like color, window treatments, furniture, greenery, and artwork, you can create a huge impact without requiring permanent changes.
All photography by Susan Goyer
The Power of an Office Renovation
You know the old saying ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression’ so we began our office facelift by giving all the walls and interior doors a fresh coat of paint.
For the walls, I chose Sherwin Williams 6385 - Dover White, a versatile neutral that instantly brightens up any space, whether it’s a home or office.
Painterly Sophistication
To add a subtle touch of sophistication, I painted the doors in Sherwin Williams 7546 - Prairie Green. This rich color, part of the "Off the Grid" palette, is inspired by the outdoors and western heritage. While it appears taupe at first glance, the green undertones give it a unique depth and dimension, creating a striking contrast that elevates the entire space.
Addressing the entryways and patient waiting areas was next on the list. Dr. Bragg’s office has 2 entryways, and although one is considered the “main” entrance, the other entrance was just as important.
Before: This was the first thing patients saw when they walked into the main entrance to the office. Notice the cluttered literature and the TV screen’s messy cords visible beneath the console.
Before: Main seating area. While there is adequate seating, the chairs are too close together and the furniture is dark and outdated.
After: The old console was replaced with a more modern piece of furniture that compliments the office’s new overall look. The TV was mounted to the wall for better viewing, and the cords are now hidden.
After: We added comfortable modern seating, greenery, and calming colors that immediately puts patients at ease. These small but impactful changes created a more welcoming atmosphere without requiring a major investment.
Before: Just like the main entrance, the secondary entrance and waiting room area was also dark and outdated.
The secondary entrance and waiting area was renovated to match the main reception room unifying both areas into one cohesive and professional look.
Every project, whether residential or commercial, shares one goal: creating a space that reflects comfort, style, and purpose.
Balancing Comfort with Functionality Makes for a Winning Office Renovation
I always strive to find the perfect balance between comfort and functionality, especially in busy workspaces like Dr. Bragg's office.
In the patient examination room, the soothing Dover White walls create a bright and airy atmosphere, promoting a sense of calm. Thoughtfully selected artwork adds visual interest and warmth, while a comfortable, modern exam chair ensures that patients feel at ease during their visit. This design balances functionality with a welcoming environment.
At the same time, I made sure his staff had an efficient and organized workspace to keep the office running smoothly.
Before: The staff office was dark and cramped, with outdated furniture and dull, faded walls that made the space feel uninviting and lifeless.
The use of ergonomic furniture and plenty of storage space ensures that the staff’s environment is both aesthetically pleasing and supports productivity. The team now enjoys a brighter, more efficient space that helps them feel energized and focused throughout the day.
And when updating your office space, don’t forget the bathroom! It should feel like a natural extension of the overall renovation, maintaining the same welcoming and cohesive atmosphere.
By adding stylish fixtures, and incorporating small touches like artwork or plants, the bathroom can feel just as inviting and thoughtfully designed as the rest of the space, making every corner of the office feel refreshed.
While technically there’s nothing “wrong” with this bathroom, there’s nothing right with it either.
Bright walls, modern lighting, and fresh artwork give this office bathroom new life.
One of my favorite parts of this renovation was transforming an unused hallway into a sleek retail space.
The outdated cabinet was used to showcase products in the main reception area and this unused hallway was wasted space.
After: What looks like custom built-in cabinetry is actually a clever combination of furniture pieces from Ikea, giving it a high-end look without the high-end price. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can maximize every inch of a space!
Small Budget, Big Results
Dr. Bragg’s office renovation was completed on a lean budget, but we achieved incredible results. By focusing on key areas such as seating, greenery, and color, we made the office feel open, bright, and inviting without a major renovation.
Sometimes, all it takes are a few targeted updates to completely change how a space looks and feels.
Could You Use an Office or Home Renovation?
If this article has you looking around at various rooms in your office – or even your home – and feel like it might be time for an update, let me know, and I'll come by and review it with you and we can discuss possibilities. Do let me know if you're interested, whether it's one room or the entire set of spaces. No project is too small or too big, for that matter.
I'm Easy to Reach
Choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com
And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.
