Even if it has little to do with psychology or therapy itself, there’s something we can all learn from the visuals of therapists’ offices we see on screen. If nothing else, the sets of these spaces inspire us with their approaches to interior decoration. Read on for the analyses.
Having fun with visual contrast
A handful of offices show us cool ways to mix tones and patterns, perhaps reflecting the complexity of emotion dealt with in therapy.
Soft, floral couch upholstery against seafoam tile feels unexpected and fresh.
Color exploration, a vast book collection, and scattered framed art all work towards character, while contrasting elements like the fireplace, flooring, and coffee table offer sleekness.
Classical grandeur in the carpet and paneling is balanced by a lighter modernism in the seating, side table, and decorative sculptures.
Childish carpeting beneath mature leather seating and a spicy tiger print pillow prompts an intriguing confusion.
Rug layering on all heights of the room makes for a cozy maximalism.
Finding warmth in cool tones
A look at offices with cool-toned color schemes shows us how to establish a comfortable feel even amid a frostier palette.
Soft textures in the curtains, lampshade, rug, and wall art maintain a sense of warmth in this space.
Curves in the ceramics on display and flow in the painting’s strokes on the wall soften and comfort chilly tones elsewhere.
Pristine cleanliness and lack of decoration or texture variation prevent a sense of welcome in this already-cold frame.
Avoiding muddiness with brown
Each vision below contains slouchy, disheartened expressions and postures, which enhance the heaviness brought on by a swamp of brown monochrome.
Incorporating shiny black into an otherwise-muddy palette provides a freshness that livens the space.
Angularity in the chair is the only component here that balances out the drowsy beige and brown palette.
Texture variation makes monochrome work: the sheer curtains, cushy leather chair, and radiator each present unique treatments of brown and beige that keep it interesting.
The power of wood walls
Wood walls and their classy tones inspire patients to be their most put-together selves.
Carved wood panelling recalls academia and old libraries, which feel notoriously cozy.
Flat wood walls strike a cool balance between a rustic look and a modern one.
In addition to this space’s own rustic-modern balance, its design shows us how wood walls can accommodate discrete cabinetry.
Letting plants elevate your space
Plants model what it’s like to be alive without any of the human stress, and their grounding in nature soothes discussion about the human experience.
Ceramic work and a carved wooden frame support the plant here, taking advantage of opportunities to incorporate art.
Generous windows grant access to outdoor plants for a meaningful interior-exterior relationship and a sense of peace.
Placement of a fluffy plant in a sharp corner of the room helps to soften the space.
Words by Eva Berezovsky