Aesthetic Design: No Longer Simply a Decorative Decision

December 18, 2025

As design has evolved into a strategic component of the point of care ecosystem, there is greater understanding in how a more holistic approach to design has the power to transform and strengthen the healthcare experience for providers, staff and patients. Better care truly does start with a better-designed experience—one that offers an empathetic approach that brings together workflows and technologies to support increased efficiency and safety, as well as improved outcomes.

A serendipitous benefit of this approach to ambulatory care design has been an evolved understanding of the vital role aesthetics can play at the point of care. When it comes to healthcare design, it is no longer “aesthetics vs. functionality.” It is about balancing the two to create an environment that can directly influence patient outcomes, staff efficiency, safety and the overall healthcare experience.

Aesthetics can actually enhance functionality

Gone are the days when aesthetics in healthcare design was treated as “decorative” decisions, or as just a way to create stronger brand identity and foster patient loyalty. Aesthetics is now understood as doing so much more, including enhancing patient comfort, reducing anxiety, supporting healing and well-being, and facilitating safety and accessibility. When executed properly, aesthetic design choices can enhance the very functions to which they might seem secondary.

For example, natural lighting is visually comforting, but it can also regulate circadian rhythms, reduce stress and improve mood, which can accelerate recovery. A decluttered space not only creates an inviting environment for patients, it can also improve staff efficiency and increase patient throughput. Even tactile qualities of surfaces, furniture ergonomics and acoustic treatments serve dual purposes. They can create a sense of comfort while enhancing hygiene, durability and communication.

Taking a balanced approach with aesthetics and functionality can strengthen the performance of the point of care environment. For instance, here’s how aesthetics and functionally can be equally balanced in exam room design:

Aesthetics

• Creating an inviting environment that helps patients feel comfortable and safe, while also taking into consideration patient privacy.

• Ensuring the environment is decluttered, with equipment and supplies stored out of sight until needed to provide the room with a non-clinical look and feel.

Functionality

• Designing a room large enough to comfortably accommodate patients and caregivers, and allow exams and procedures to be properly and efficiently performed.

• Ensuring the configuration and size of the room enables versatility for introduction of new equipment and in-office procedures, as well as future growth.

Color is more than just a brand expression

Color is a clear example of how aesthetics has evolved to play a larger role in ambulatory environments. Color remains an important part of establishing and strengthening a distinct brand in the healthcare space, especially when it comes to cabinetry and upholstery.

As healthcare design continues to evolve, there is growing understanding that thoughtfully selected colors can meaningfully influence how patients feel, how staff perform and how effectively a space supports healing and well-being. At a very basic level, colors can aid in creating an environment that feels less clinical and more inviting, thereby helping reduce anxiety and improve comfort.

Research shows that cool colors like blue and green can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and, in some cases, lower blood pressure. While warm colors such as shades of red and orange are associated with heightened feelings of comfort. Additionally, the use of color can contribute to a more positive work environment for healthcare staff, enhancing overall job satisfaction and performance.

Colors can even play a role in designing for accessibility by helping create sensory-friendly healthcare environments for neurodivergent patients. Neurodivergent individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, may often experience heightened sensitivities to stimuli. Design elements, such as neutral color schemes, can help minimize incidents of sensory overload.

At Midmark, we very much recognize the important role color plays in healthcare design. We offer a wide variety of upholstery and cabinetry color selections to compliment the look, feel and intended function of the ambulatory space. Our design experts work closely with customers to ensure the right color selection. In 2026, we will be unveiling a refreshed color selection for our customers.

To learn more, visit Midmark Design Resources.