Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/365665
66 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 Minimalism (above) versus embellishment (right). Neither is right or wrong; they're simply two different styles. My husband, Shane (who is also a massage therapist), and I have been married for about 20 years, and early on in our relationship it became clear that our esthetic tastes lean in opposite directions. Whereas I tend to favor a cozy, Bohemian, eclectic (he might say "cluttered") style, he leans toward a minimalist, modern (I might say "stark") esthetic. Needless to say, we've both had to make some compromises when it comes to our home and business spaces. Whether or not you need to directly accommodate the tastes of a business partner when designing your massage space, there's more to consider than just your own inclinations. minimalism Minimalism was born from the concept in Japanese interior design that the contents of a space should be reduced to only the necessary elements. If you opt for a minimalist approach to your massage space, the main concern is that your design might come across as stark, harsh, sparse, or simply boring, rather than sophisticated and polished. There is a fine line between "minimalist" and simply "empty." Here are some ways to overcome this challenge: • Stick closely to a color scheme. Straying from your chosen palette will quickly cause a minimalist design to lose focus and clarity. • Create a strong focal point. In a minimalist design, one large, striking piece of artwork is preferable to many small pieces. • Group similar objects in one area as opposed to scattering them throughout the room. • Pay close attention to the balance of the room—whether it's symmetrically, asymmetrically, or radially balanced. • When creating a minimalist esthetic, the finishes and materials you use often play a more dominant role than the objects themselves. Using fewer objects means the surfaces have to really pack a punch of personality (interesting textures, materials, finishes, etc.). • To highlight these finishes and materials, be sure to pay close attention to your lighting. • The shapes of furnishings and accessories play a more dominant role in a minimalist design. Bold outlines, silhouettes, and lines will be important features to highlight, but avoid including too many competing shapes. • Minimalism requires the elimination of clutter so the clean, fresh, organized environment can shine. minimalism vs. embellishment