The Most Instagramable Spas, Salons And Dental And Medical Offices Share Their Design Secrets

Social media has changed the game for businesses, especially medical and dental offices as well as salons and spas. Not only do these places need to be somewhere for customers and patients to snap a selfie, but the design and aesthetics must also create a feeling. Every decision from the art on the walls, to the fabric of the chairs and the style of lighting fixtures, must be carefully thought out to elicit emotions and elevate the experience.

Here are some of the most interestingly and specifically designed spaces that garner likes both on social media as well as in real life.

ALCHEMĒ Health And Wellness

 ALCHEMĒ Health and Wellness in San Diego, California isn’t a typical “day spa,” but rather they see themselves as a “hub and gathering space for like-minded individuals looking to optimize their health and well-being,” says the brand’s marketing director and wellness buyer, Lindsay Dunkirk.

ALCHEMĒ is located in the Little Italy neighborhood in a building that is nearly 80 years old. “We used its character to our advantages,” says Dunkirk. “We brought in a modern vibe that juxtaposes against its age, which creates a unique and dynamic contrast.” 

One of the most interesting features of the space is the periodic table menu. “We use it to communicate in a modern and iconic manner our diverse IV and nutritional shot offerings. It also serves as a focal point and great conversation starter around all our wellbeing disciplines. The names of our IVs and nutritional shots are named after the songs of rebellious musical groups we are inspired by,” says Dunkirk.

The design of the space is also an extension of their branding. “ALCHEMĒ’s disciplines and offerings are fringe and innovative so we wanted to portray the aesthetics as such. Spas can be cold and medicinal at times. We wanted to be modern, warm, and inviting but still wanted a touch of bite and edge.”

The furniture choices and color palette are warm, modern, and a welcome alternative to the typical bright whites and millennial pinks used in many new spas.

Shampoo Workshop

Shampoo Workshop is a brand new salon and beauty boutique located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania co-owned by hairstylist Travis King and television personality and influencer Ali Levine.

While the trend with salons in recent years has been somewhere between a maximalist glam or an overly minimalist aesthetic, Levine and King wanted their salon to be fun. “Beauty is a feeling,” says King, “But most relate it to a look. My partner and I had an instant connection over that very same thought. We want people to feel safe and inspired to play with our products—with the intention of finding what makes them feel beautiful.”

One of the most noteworthy features of the space is the graffiti wall, which was designed by artist Shelbi Layne. King wanted the look to be a throwback to the 80’s and 90’s.

For those trying to create a similar look in their own spaces, Levine suggests, “Have fun with your creativity and don’t draw a line, see the vision come to life and figure out those little touches that make it pop. Pops of color like our graffiti wall, different types of fixtures that have a little of each element, can create a fun, glam space.”

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental has four locations on Long Island, New York, all of which are elaborately and specifically designed. While the aesthetics are fun, when it comes to taking care of children’s dental health, it goes deeper. Dr. Marc Adelberg says “We feel it’s important to make our offices feel like a theme park.” 

Many children are afraid to go to the dentist. So, having a fun space that doesn’t feel like a medical office, makes the experience a positive one. Dr. Adelberg shared, “There are way too many people who are nervous to go for anything other than for an emergency.”

By creating bright spaces with toys, video games, and other amenities, children may actually look forward to having dental exams on a regular basis. Dr. Adelberg calls this the “Grassroots campaign” to get future generations to love the dentist.

Dr. Adleberg’s offices not only wow the kids, but he says the parents are equally impressed.

Dr. Michael Apa

When Dr. Michael Apa designed his New York office, his goal was to change the perception of what it is to go to an aesthetic dentist’s office. “All of the offices (New York, Dubai and the future Los Angeles location) have our signature in-house master [ceramic pieces] which are a centerpiece when you walk in. The lab space is enclosed in glass with a steel beam frame to make you feel like you are in New York,” he says.

Dr. Apa uses both marble and Corian to give a clean, modern look while bringing in custom accents. “We used special lighting called barisol, which is the same lighting used in the Ferrari showrooms.”

The look of the office also reflects the aesthetics of Dr. Apa’s beauty and oral care line, Apa Beauty. “There are clean and minimalistic, yet understated details everywhere you turn,” he says. 

Dr. Sheila Nazarian

Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian eschewed a traditional look and intentionally designed her offices to be Instagramable. “Instagram is a huge part of promoting my practice and brand. I wanted to make sure that every nook and cranny was Insta-Worthy,” she says. With over 226k followers on her main account, it’s easy to understand why.

Dr. Nazarian is known for providing her patients with not only natural-looking results, but also an upscale experience. “As conveyed by the interior design choices made, patients can immediately understand that our brand is top-tier. You walk in and know that you’re in for much more than a routine doctor’s appointment,” she says.

The doctor put her own vision into the entire look of the office. “All of the artwork, wallpaper, flooring, doorknobs, and furniture finishes were all handpicked… even the exam chairs have black faux ostrich!”

Dr. Jennifer M. Segal

The offices of Dr. Jennifer M. Segal, who is a dermatologist at Metropolitan Dermatology Institute in Houston, look very different than a typical doctor’s office.“I have always loved design and beauty. So when I decided to start my own practice, I wanted to create an environment that I would want to be in, both as a patient and a staff member,” she explains. “It felt very natural to enter into a warm residential-style reception area, that would transition into a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic in the clinical areas.”

Dr. Segal achieved this look with the help of interior designer, Michael Lupardo, architect Bernardo Rios of Rottet Studio and graphic designer Susie Gelbron.

Together, they all collaborated to create a warm-toned and tranquil space featuring Calcutta marble, gold leaf accents, and antique mirrors, along with Perennial fabrics in the seating area. This concept was inspired by Dr.Segal’s childhood home in San Fransisco. 

SKIN FIVE

SKIN FIVE med spa has a beautiful aesthetic that reflects not only its branding, but also helps to create an experience. “I wanted to go for a clean, modern and sleek look that was aesthetically pleasing and inviting. I also wanted to make sure the space gave off a bright, distinctive and confident vibe so when people walk in they feel comfortable receiving medical care in the space,” says founder Dr. Ava Shamban.

She also adds, “[The space] instantly makes me smile and feel at ease, which is what I want everyone to experience when they walk in.”

For those trying to create a similar look Dr. Shamban says, “When it comes to picking a look and style, you have to remember your brand DNA is the soul of a practice or business. You have to look into your soul to come up with authentic brand values. The brand essence and inspirations come into play in the design. The color palette, as well as the look and feel of the space, is an integral part of the design process and all the elements—from the entrance and front desk area through every common area and treatment room.”

Parklane Dental

Parklane Dental in Temple City, California is the first dental office in the US to partner with Sanrio to create a Hello Kitty and Friends themed space. These characters add an element of familiarity and make going to the dentist feel fun and safe. 

The theme is present throughout the office. This includes a waiting room decorated with a variety of Sanrio character art featuring Hello Kitty, Gudetama, My Melody, Chococat, Badtz Maru, Little Twin Stars, Keroppi, Pochacco and Pompompurin.

There are also two themed treatment rooms—Hello Kitty and Gudetama. The staff even educates patients on proper oral hygiene routines using Sanrio brushes, floss, rinsing, cups, etc.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.