DE S I G N S NA P S H O T
Just What the Doctor Ordered Compiled by Amelia Boldaji / Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Neal
FOR PAUL HENRIQUES OF
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Planked Ceiling
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Reception Area
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Recessed Uplighting
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Vinyl Plank Flooring
PREMIERE CONTRACTING,
every job presents its own unique set of challenges – but when Dr. Steven Doering of Driftwood Family Dental approached him about a new office remodel, there was one hurdle in particular that caught his attention: It had to be completed in about four months. Filled with ideas but on a fixed timeline, the project utterly transformed a space that had previously been a blank slate – and proved that even a commercial design can dazzle with a dash of coastal chic.
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According to Paul, the ceiling was the centerpiece that really set the tone for this project. As one of the first design decisions they made, these rough-cut cedar planks were individually stained twice over the course of three days to achieve a hue that’s reminiscent of weathered driftwood – tying its distinctive effect directly to the dental practice’s name, and matching it with several other driftwood-inspired accents throughout the office.
With the ceiling as the main feature, it only seemed fitting that at least one design concept would evolve to put it on prime display. Starting with essentially four bare walls, Paul constructed a soffit around the entire room with recessed LED uplighting to give the space a soft glow – and to give eagle-eyed office visitors a glimpse of the soothing deep-sea blue paint behind the wooden ceiling planks.
As part of their design collaboration on this space, Dr. Doering sent Paul numerous pictures of other visually interesting dental offices, including one with a reception area that particularly appealed to him – which Paul was able to recreate in a nearly identical manner. With its dropped middle section and supporting columns, this open workspace is finished with a white quartz countertop and pairs perfectly with the old coastal cottage vibe of the shiplap wall in the background.
In keeping with the driftwood theme, it made sense to match the tone of the floor with the ceiling – while also bearing in mind the heavy foot traffic concerns of a commercial space. Fortunately, they were able to find a highly durable luxury vinyl plank flooring that both complements the other components of the office and will be able to withstand the high-humidity coastal climate for many years to come.
