Is It Time for a “Glow Up”?

Happy Spring! We have (hopefully) made it through the cold winter, and can start to enjoy some nicer weather. One of my favorite things to do in spring – other than spring cleaning – is to open my windows, get some fresh air and really take a look outside and see how my house and yard look. We get such a different perspective when the sun is shining and the snow has melted, and we can start to see a glimmer of what is to come.

While we often focus on deep cleaning in spring, this is also a great time for a smaller “freshening.” We just recently completed a kitchen project that was long overdue. While we loved the idea of a complete kitchen overhaul, the thought of living through that currently was just too much for us to consider. We decided instead to do what my husband calls a “glow up” – a much smaller project that is more refreshing than completely renovating. What did ours entail? We swapped out our (previously trendy) black granite counter tops for white quartz, added bright white subway tile, put in a larger kitchen sink, touched up some moldings and trim and added a new coat of paint. What was the result? It feels like a completely new kitchen – but on a much smaller scale – both project-wise and financially!

Could this same idea apply to our practices? In previous years, we have talked about doing a deep clean for spring and eliminating clutter, which is also so important. But can we take an additional step and add a smaller facelift? To many of us, the thought of renovating our practices is overwhelming and not feasible. We can’t close for weeks for a major renovation. This month, I challenge you to consider the ways you can make manageable, efficient and impactful upgrades around your office.

Start by taking a look at your practice from the patient’s point of view. Is there outdated wallpaper or paint colors in your waiting room? Are the waiting room chairs mismatched or stained? Have you had the same artwork hanging on the walls for years? A quick coat of paint, new chairs or decor are relatively inexpensive, quick fixes that are very impactful.

The same goes for the exam rooms. While a full remodel is costly and time-consuming, small changes go a long way. When was the last time you had new chairs for family members who accompany your patients? Is your exam chair upholstery in good condition, or are there areas that are wearing down and cracking? Can you update the artwork in the exam room and freshen things up with a new coat of paint?  Take a look at your hallways – are there scuff marks that detract from your offices appearance? These are smaller adjustments that can go a long way in the appearance and overall feel of your practice.

While the thought of an office update can seem daunting, going room by room and thinking of small improvements that can be fairly inexpensively and done quickly can lead to impactful changes. These little things may seem inconsequential, but they can really change the look of an office and make it feel fresh and new. What part of your office will get a “glow up” first? I can’t wait to hear (and see!) the results!

Yours in success,
Jennifer L. Stewart, OD