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Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
In our initial discussions with the Luma Counseling team, we quickly agreed on one thing: we wanted to avoid a cold, clinical feeling. The design needed to balance warmth with professionalism—comfortable and approachable, yet structured and intentional.
By holding these concepts in tension, our design direction emerged. We decided to incorporate warm tones, wood accents, and varied textures to create an environment that felt approachable and peaceful. Our furniture and decor choices prioritized both comfort and functionality, ensuring the comfort of both clients and counselors.
With several part-time counselors sharing rooms, flexibility was key. Each counseling room needed to serve multiple functions without feeling impersonal or temporary. Because of this, one of the larger counseling spaces doubles as the director’s office, and another counseling room also functions as a podcast recording space.
Soundproofing was another important element. Conversations in a counseling office need to feel safe and confidential, so we added strategic soundproof paneling to minimize noise transfer without disrupting the overall design.
The reception area shapes visitors’ first impressions, so getting it right was a priority. Rather than a stiff, overly formal check-in desk, we designed a welcoming, relaxed space to set the right tone for clients from the moment they walk in.
For Luma, warm neutrals with subtle pops of color helped strike the right balance between calm and engaging. Soft beiges, warm wood tones, and earthy hues created an inviting, grounded atmosphere.
Textures played a key role, too. Upholstered seating, wooden furniture, and layered decor elements added depth and interest to the space without overwhelming it. The goal was a setting that felt lived-in yet professional, where clients could feel comfortable and at ease.
Lighting was the final touch. We swapped harsh fluorescent lights for a mix of natural light, warm lamps, and soft overhead fixtures, creating a soothing ambiance that helped reinforce Luma’s peaceful, restorative environment.
In therapeutic environments, furniture isn’t just about looks—it impacts the experience of everyone involved in the session. We decided seating needed to be comfortable but not too casual, supportive but not stiff. We selected couches and chairs with care, ensuring they offered the right mix of comfort and structure.
For shared spaces, we wanted the furniture layout to encourage natural conversation, so we arranged seating, tables, and accent pieces to create a flow that felt both open and intentional, avoiding anything overly hierarchical or impersonal.
Since staying within budget was a priority, furniture and art selection became its own project within the project. Our team compiled a master spreadsheet detailing each recommendation—price, source, dimensions, color options, and more—so that the Luma team could make informed selections without any financial surprises along the way.
Office space matters, and we were excited to have the creative challenge of designing Luma Counseling’s interior environment in a way that transcends aesthetics and facilitates the work being done inside. The final result reflects a balance of warmth, functionality, and adaptability, serving as a place of comfort for clients and a practical work environment for counselors.
