You clearly want to develop spaces that everyone will find comfortable, regardless of their gender or age, says veterinary architect Wendy Wheeler Martinez. And you need to consider your practice type and what image you want to project.

For example, pink is perhaps too feminine to appeal to male clients; brown is more masculine. “A combination of the two could be nice as accent colors to a neutral backdrop, would be more likely to appeal to your entire clientele,” she says.

A bold, bright color, when used sparingly and balanced with neutrals can provide an uplifting atmosphere. You might consider a choice like that for a cancer treatment specialty center. “Of course, you want your environment to remain professional, but, at the same time, that doesn’t mean you need to project an image that’s somber or bland,” she says.

If you choose bold, bright, deep, dark colors, use them in balance with neutral colors such as white, cream, tan, taupe, gray, and even accents of dark brown or black, Martinez advises. The neutrals offer visual relief for the viewer, while the colors draw attention. Keep in mind, she says, too much color everywhere can become overwhelming.

Use these tips to guide your choices:
>A bright, light colored ceiling will “open” a confined space.
> A light colored floor, although sometimes a challenge to keep looking clean, will give the perception of a larger space.
> A dark or bold color at the end of a long hallway will visually pull that wall closer, giving the impression of a wider hallway.
> A warm color will visually pull a surface closer.
> A light, cool color will visually push a surface further away.
> A dark color will provide the feeling of an intimate space, which is a nice effect for grieving room/euthanasia room, for example.