Ma Hubbard, not surprisingly, was surely concerned with the contents of her cupboard, without much heed to its construction, components, or finish. What she didn’t realize, is that with the right cupboard, she may have avoided her disappointment, since a well-designed cabinet not only provides superior storage with easy access to contents, it is also an essential element of a clean, organized and productive space.
What should we consider when contemplating new millwork for a new or to-be-renovated office?
Begin with the old design principle “form follows function.” Will the cabinetry be used for work, storage, display, all of the above? Will it be required for heavy use? Will it be a focal point within a room? Is a counter surface needed? The purpose of a cabinet, then, will largely define the form it takes — its dimensions, the nature of its materials and its hardware — while factoring in ease of use, maintenance, safety, and longevity.
The credo, however, is not the total design solution, as for the most part, it ignores aesthetics. We all want our millwork to function superbly; most of us also prefer it to be attractive.
As with everything, design, quality, and source all influence cost, so an important consideration, which perhaps affect most of the others, is budget. Therefore, set priorities with respect to your cabinetry’s components and finishes; decide which options are essential, which are desirable, which are extraneous.
Treatment Areas
It is important that dental cabinets be ergonomically designed to reduce movement and fatigue. In general, this implies that components can pull out, swivel, and/or be adjusted to suit the operator and delivery style. Instruments and other stocked items should be comfortably accessible, with enough interior space to house them out of view of patients when not in use. If possible, “test drive” your contemplated dental unit to check potential comfort and ease of operation.
“Hands-free” operating hardware, self-retracting mechanisms, and door dampers are good elements to include for both convenience and prevention of cross-contamination and, incidentally, also prolong the life of cabinetry and hinges.
Whereas in European markets today, the trend is toward edgy, high-colour, powder-coated finishes for vertical surfaces, these trends are not yet readily available here. Nevertheless, this is a cue that vibrant colour may soon nudge conservative neutrals out.
In North America, most exterior vertical surfaces in treatment areas are finished in plastic laminate, as this is a practical and easily maintained finishing material. Melamine, being less durable, is normally employed for interior cabinet surfaces. Real wood is generally frowned upon because it cannot easily be cleaned without damage and has a tendency to warp over time.
As for counter top options, horizontal grade plastic laminates provide the most cost effective choice, but may be susceptible to chemical staining. Be aware that there are chemical- resistant products available within the various brands (at a slight premium per sheet).
Solid surfacing materials are more costly, but are a great seamless option for maintenance, aesthetics and durability, and are rapidly becoming the counter finish of choice in modern cabinets.
Steel, while cleanable and sterile-looking, is not com monly used, not only because of high cost, but also because it marks easily, and certain cleaning products tend to produce unsightly smudges. If steel is a desired element, be prepared for high maintenance.
Though scratch and stain resistant, hard, non-porous stones like quartz or soapstone are expensive. Granite, marble and limestone will need re-sealing and should never be considered in this application for obvious reasons. If you love the material, want the look, and are prepared to use stone in the office, reserve it for areas where its natural beauty can be appreciated without frequent refinishing.
Common And Private Areas
Very often, case goods in areas such as reception, business office, consultation and managerial rooms, are custom designed to function well within the allotted space. Aesthetics also becomes an important factor — the reception area, for example, is an important first impression for your practice. Will the millwork contribute to the inviting environment you wish to create? Will it help communicate your approach to patient care? With the right design, the answer is a definite “yes.”
Cabinets in rooms reserved for team members are often conservative and practical, yet should be attractive enough to promote a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for work (private offices, for example) or relaxation (staff lounge).
Whereas ready-made, residential-type cabinets might seem a cost-effective option, one must consider quality and longevity — will this be a sound investment if, in the not-so-distant future, the cabinets need repair or replacement?
Insist on metal drawer slides and shelf clips, which function far better than plastic under heavy weight. Correct shelf thickness and span will ensure support without warping, and gables should be strong enough to provide integrity to the cabinet.
Various inserts and dividers are valuable tools to organize storage, providing easy inventory management and accessibility. Consider also the options available to consolidate wires and cables neatly under countertops.
Some Final Thoughts…
Modular or adjustable components may be desirable if there is the possibility that at some point you may want to reconfigure your cabinets. Ask the manufacturer how easily this might be accomplished in the future.
Another important consideration is sustainable design. This means that your cabinetry will ideally be constructed of recyclable, non-polluting materials, using responsible manufacturing processes.
Ensure that your cabinets, including materials and workmanship carry a warranty.
Finally, consider your cabinets an investment-the right design, good craftsmanship, and appropriate finish selections will reward you with years of functionality and satisfaction. It’s an open and shut case, so to speak.
Jean Akerman is an award-winning interior designer based in Toronto, and is principal of Jean Akerman Interior Design. Specializing in healthcare, Jean has been creating office environments for the dental community for twenty-eight years. Some of her recent projects may be viewed at www.jeanakermandesign.com.
