Decorating a nursing home is no simple matter. Choosing the right colours, shades and paint products is not just down to personal tastes – it's important to understand how those choices can impact the daily lives of the residents.
Because the choices are difficult and confusing ones, you might be tempted to go for plain white or off-white shades and keep things as simple as possible. This is not a good way to decorate a nursing home, however, as the lack of stimulating colours can be boring and depressing for the residents.
Instead, follow these tips and choose a colour scheme that both soothes and interests the people who live with it, making them feel comfortable and right at home.
Colours
There has been plenty of research into the psychological effects of colour, with findings far too extensive to list here.
Most relevant for nursing homes are the differences between hot and cold colours. Cooler tones like blue, green and even purple are associated with relaxation and a peaceful atmosphere. This works well for bedrooms.
Warm colours, on the other hand, are typically more stimulating, helping to promote alertness and creativity. Reds and pinks are excellent in common areas like lounges, while yellow or orange can be useful in dining rooms, as they're said to stimulate the appetite.
Shades
Once you've settled on colour schemes, there's still a lot of variation in terms of exact shades. Generally, it's best to stick to light pastel colours rather than bold, bright or dark colours. This avoids the risk of colours being strong enough that they're distressing or uncomfortable to look at.
Type of paint
In brand new nursing homes, it doesn't matter too much what sort of paint you use. In most situations, though, the redecorating will be going on while there are still residents in the building.
To avoid causing an unpleasant atmosphere, look for paint with low odour. Ordinary paint will cause a stench that will hang about for days.
Using colour to assist
Patients with dementia find it difficult to find their way around, and colour can be really helpful. Painting the doors of residents' rooms in different shades makes each room more memorable, which is hugely beneficial for navigation. Painting all of the bathroom doors the same colour is also a good way to make sure these important rooms are easy to locate.
For residents with limited sight, strong contrasts can make important things more visible. Use contrasting colours on light switches, doorways and any hazards. For more tips, contact commercial painters in your area.
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