Align Chiropractic are a chiropractic clinic based in Southwick, West Sussex. Associate Chiropractor and Practice Manager, Dr Mike Cassidy Hogg, was keen to look at new ideas for improving the practice and providing an exceptional service to its clients. Part of this exercise was to re-decorate and refresh both the exterior and interior of the practice so as to create a more welcoming and supportive environment.

Having provided chiropractic treatments to natural paint expert, Nick Case, Mike was keen to use natural paints because of the numerous health benefits that they would provide to both staff and customers.

Nick then suggested a unique way to take the project one step further by involving colour consultant, Bernay Laity of InColour, an expert colour psychologist. Colour is more than just a visual experience, it influences mood and behaviour and Mike embraced the idea of using colour to optimise the wellbeing of staff and patients and further enhance the healing environment of the clinic.

Bernay visited Align to carry out a site analysis, as well as to meet with the staff and find out more about the practice. The walls of the clinic were almost solely white and although this colour is associated with cleanliness and hygiene, from the perspective of the theories of colour psychology the influence of white can often convey a sense of isolation and is therefore not necessarily considered warm or welcoming.

Bernay produced a report and visual ‘mood board’ for the clinic which recommended a colour scheme for Align which included an explanation as to the chosen colours and the psychological effect they would invoke. Bernay also recommended the use of patterned wallpaper on one wall of each of the treatment rooms, which she believes will add positively to an environment and make it feel more reassuring.

The ‘personality’ of the colours chosen were light and subtle and relate to the qualities of balance, calm, sensitivity, support, nurture, care, responsibility, attention to detail, formality, professionalism, quality and timelessness. The colours also identify particularly well with professions, institutions or businesses linked with care and support, health and healing. The characteristics of the colours are cool, muted, light, soft and subtle.

Bernay was also able to suggest where the colours were to be used, both externally as well as internally, so as to enhance or support a particular psychological response or behaviour.

Once the colours had been selected, Purepaint had the paint matched professionally mixed using natural paints. All painting and decorating works have been carried out during the evenings and weekends while the clinic was closed so as to avoid any disruption to the running of the business.

Align are delighted with the results and believe it is a fantastic selling point for their clinic. Mike commented, “The external painting has really placed our practice on the map, it’s bright, contemporary and eye catching, and we’ve drawn a lot of local attention thanks to our fantastic ‘face lift’! With regards to the internal walls of the clinic, I had always thought that white walls would create the best environment for patients, but now my eyes have really been opened to the psychological aspects involved and how a simple change in colour can create a much warmer and more relaxing atmosphere. Combined with the health and fume free benefits provided by natural paints, the service provided by In colour and Purepaint is the perfect marriage for a health orientated practice.  What they have created for us is outstanding and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

Due to the success of the project, Purepaint is now offering the colour consultancy service to all of its customers, both domestic and commercial. Nick Case comments: “We are passionate about the use of natural paint and actively encourage businesses to create healthier environments in which to live and work. I am therefore very excited by our alliance with InColour and believe that this provides the perfect way to promote a holistic view of health, using colour psychology and natural paints.”

For further information about the new service,
click here