Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/365665
58 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 4 clients see in your massage space should be relaxing, calming, and promote health and well-being. Dim lights, flickering LED candles, beautiful art or sculpture, and natural elements like wood, plants, or stone can soothe the eyes and mind. Offer books and magazines in your waiting area that encourage healthy living. Soft music or trickling fountains allow many clients to further tune out the outside world and deepen their relaxation. You may opt to diffuse relaxing essential oils or set fresh flowers in your treatment room (avoid flowers with a strong fragrance, though, to avoid triggering allergies). You might be surprised at how memorable all these little elements are to your clients. With each visit, these simple touches will become part of your clients' memories of the amazing massage you provide. add the extras Moving beyond the essentials, focus on what your clients will actually experience. Spend your budget on the things that matter to them. If they will never see your computer desk, there is no need to spend a fortune on it. Expensive artwork in the treatment room may please you, but your clients will have their eyes closed for 95 percent of their time with you. Clients are more likely to remember and appreciate those items that are chosen for their comfort and care. windows. Note the placement of electrical outlets. Write down any obvious shortcomings, so you can compensate for them with design choices. For example, is there a place for clients to hang their clothing and store personal items? If not, you will need to purchase wall hooks or furniture. Do windows and doors have appropriate closures and coverings to ensure your clients' safety and privacy? Is the floor covering suitable? Wooden or tiled floors are much easier to keep clean than carpet, but they can get cold and also make it more difficult for you to stand for long periods of time. A secure area rug can help. set the stage Think of your studio space as a stage set—the backdrop to your client's overall massage experience. From the moment clients walk into your treatment room, they should begin to sense the energy surrounding you and your practice. When choosing your design elements, ask yourself what it is you want your clients to feel: Balanced? Open? Welcomed? Visit restaurants, shops, and spas that have design esthetics you admire, and take notes. What are your favorite design elements and how do they make you feel? You may only have a fraction of the space and size to work with, but you can take away useful insight and inspiration. A five-star massage space will touch all five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Everything your clients touch should feel clean, inviting, natural, soft, and warm—blankets, carpeting, linens, towels, and more. Your massage room might offer purified water infused with berries, cucumber, or lemon, providing a pleasant and refreshing taste clients can associate with their massage. Everything T he setting you create for your clients is an extension of you, and it sets the foundation for your clients' massage experience. Designing your treatment space isn't just fun—it's a vitally important part of your practice. With a bit of creativity and imagination, it's possible to create a five-star massage space without breaking the bank. Always remember that your office is one of your practice's most valuable branding and marketing tools. It should be as unique as you are. The design, layout, and feel of your space is crucial to your clients' experience, as well as to your daily comfort and happiness. You will be spending many hours in this space, so take your time and make it as beautifully yours as possible. have a plan When setting up a new massage space, you might be tempted to run straight to the store with your credit card—but wait! The first step is to grab a note pad. Spend time in your new space to get a sense of the lighting, noise levels, and temperature at different times of the day and evening. Take measurements of doors, walls, and By Kayse Gehret