With the value of your RRSP dropping faster than the sleet on an April day in Ottawa, it might not seem like the best time to spend money on your waiting room. But not only is your waiting room more important than you might have thought — “That first impression when a patient walks in the door is huge,” says Alberta-based medical office interior designer Tim Stensrud — it can also be improved without costing you much money or time. Here are five tips:

1. Get colourful Abandon that clinical white esthetic and infuse the room with some colour. Either hang some paintings or repaint. “Give two different walls different accents,” suggests Tom Nader, a Port Colborne, ON, medical office designer.
2. Go green A few plants placed around the room can make the space feel much more comfortable. Try adding a dry flower bouquet whose colours match your walls or artwork, Mr. Nader says.
3. Light right Turn off your ceiling fluorescents and point a cheap ambient light fixture or two at the ceiling for a less harsh atmosphere, advises Mr. Nader. Track or recessed (pot) lights also work well, says Mr. Stensrud, and pendant lights over the reception desk are a welcoming touch.
4. Hide your desk A decent-looking reception desk is crucial. No need to ditch your old desk though, says Mr. Stensrud — just install a cheap façade or panelling to make it look clean and professional.
5. Be a good host Clean up your magazine collection. Get a couple of newspapers delivered. A nice, big flat-panel TV now sells for well under $1,000 but while some patients will appreciate it, you run the risk of annoying others. One compromise: mute the TV and turn on the closed captioning.