We are so excited to show off our most recent commercial project – Isabella Avenue Dentistry! Having acquired a well-established dental practice in the bustling heart of Coronado Village, owner (and repeat client), Leslie Strommer, hired us to help create a fresh modern aesthetic for her new space. Dr. Leslie’s main objective was to make the space feel more open and expansive, without tearing down too many walls. While it was clear that the office would benefit from a modern update, we knew that we wanted to retain some of the original seaside village charm that is so unique to Coronado. A fresh and vibrant color palette against Crisp white shiplap walls, with hints of reclaimed wood all work to create a dental office that may finally convince you that flossing is cool.
The building that houses Isabella Avenue Dentistry was originally constructed in the early 1900’s and has been a dental office for as long as many of the locals can remember. In fact, Isabella Avenue was historically known as “Doctor’s Row,” because of the high concentration of doctor’s and dentist’s offices on the street. We wanted the exterior of the building to retain that original cottage charm to stay consistent with the neighboring buildings. However, the interior was in desperate need of a complete overhaul! Pale yellow walls, worn brown carpet and heavy fabric valances above the windows all made the space feel very stuffy and dated.
Working in tandem with Utgard Construction, our go-to experts in medical and dental office construction, we set out to change all of that! We were on an extremely tight timeline, as the office could only be closed for a few weeks – Most remodeling projects take at least 6 weeks (sometimes months) to complete. Which meant that every detail had to be carefully planned well in advance to ensure that we were ready to go the minute they closed-up shop!
One of the biggest challenges with this project was figuring out how to make the space feel larger without changing the footprint of the building. The first step was to open up one of the walls in the waiting room and build a more expansive reception desk that would function better for both patients and staff. With the new reception area now in the center of the office, Dr. Leslie was able to convert the old reception room into her own private office space. Which, in turn, freed up enough space for a fourth operating room!
We proposed using light gray quartz stone on all counter surfaces with a soothing pale green paint color in the main areas to create a calm and serene environment. Using light colors in a small space can help to make the space feel larger. Next, that old, dingy carpet was ripped out, and beautiful wood-laminate floors installed in its place. Dr. Leslie and her staff expressed interest in using a more feminine color palette throughout the office. We embraced that idea whole-heartedly, installing a graphic Ombre wall mural in the waiting room that embodies vibrant teal and coral hues. It’s something you wouldn’t expect to see walking into a dental appointment. Patients have lovingly dubbed it, “The Mermaid wall” due to its striking resemblance to fish scales.
Pulling from the wall mural, we subtly incorporated those colors in other areas. A mesmerizing hanging mobile, in the front operating room, boasts a floating garden of air plants, gems, and moss sitting on vibrantly colored sand. An unexpected series of beautiful watercolor dental X-rays adorn another operating room wall. Even the upholstery on the dental chairs was specified to coordinate with our palette. Dr. Leslie also decided to keep a few pieces of art that were inherited with the space. The large watercolor of Coronado that hangs proudly above the new waiting room sofa was a hand-painted gift from one of the practice’s long-time patients. We had it reframed in a custom reclaimed wood that helps the painting to stand out beautifully against the stark white shiplap wall.
Isabella Avenue Dentistry must be the most on-trend dental office in town! It just feels like a completely new office. Dr. Leslie, the staff, and their patients absolutely LOVE the new look! Not only does the office look great, it also functions more efficiently now, and has capacity for more patients. The future looks bright for the little cottage on “Doctor’s Row.” Are you ready to make your office shine? Drop us a line and let us know how we can help!
Before Construction
During Construction
After Construction
