All surfaces should be easily cleaned and light-colored, with a minimum of nooks and crannies. Each room in which a patient is likely to be interviewed should have a small writing desk and a prominent wall clock. Locks should be on all rooms or cabinets containing instruments, syringes, and drugs, even if constantly attended, and should be used after hours, even if the main clinic door is secured. Water fountains are a courtesy much appreciated. Whenever possible, built-in fixtures and indirect lighting are to be preferred for convenience, appearance, and functionality since they can be mounted above cabinets to conserve space and reduce clutter.
Interior fixtures serve many functions other than supporting the care given.
One of the functions is communication. A clinic that looks like a storage cubicle or a hospital room circa 1943 will convey the impression that the health of employees is a low priority in the organization. A related function is orientation. A bright decor, preferably with some natural lighting, will lend a more cheerful aspect to the clinic but the color combinations used should be soft and warm. Pastels, on the other hand, are not to be preferred in a predominantly masculine workforce.