Exeter Hospital – Oncology Department – Re-design of the Quiet Room
During my initial meeting with the staff on the Cherry Brook Unit, I took a detailed brief, involving various members of the team. I was asked to create a timeless space for families, patients and staff to go to, which would offer a comfortable, relaxed environment away from the hustle and bustle of the ward.
Having carried out a survey and functional analysis of the room, I concluded that the lighting would play a key role in creating the desired effect. The existing Fluorescentceiling lightswere my main concern, as they were too stark for the space. My proposal was to introduce a split circuit to enable the staff to switch on low lighting upon entering the room, thus immediately entering a calm, relaxed space.
The colour palette I used was muted greens, soft beiges and creams, coupled with Oak furniture which would create a soft, subtle scheme.
I worked closely with Helen Daggar the Matron, to ensure all the teams’ ideas were considered and the brief was met accordingly. Part of this involvement, included ensuring that all the necessary requirements for a hospital environment, in terms of interior design were met. I was required to spec suitable safety flooring as well as a serviceable rug and fabrics.
As a solution to managing a small space with no windows, it is advisable to introduce large scale Artwork and mirrors. Upon request I sourced a photo of a Seascape, and ensured the colours would tie in with the proposed scheme. This was a triptych canvas, positioned so that it was clearly visible on entering the room.
To break up the visual heights in the room, I put in a tall faux plant, an oak tripod floor lamp and a contemporary design oak tree hat stand.
Finally an easy to clean, circular rug with a soft trellis design and colours to compliment the scheme was placed on the Oak effect safety flooring. By actually positioning the seating over the rug onto the edges, grounds the furniture and unites the scheme.
The fabrics used for the cushions and lampshades were a palette of soft sages, creams and beige, of different designs offering depth and interest to the scheme.
Emma Hayter, Interior Designer, Duo Interiors