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written by Amanda Nevels
photography by Tyllie Barbosa
styling by Kelly McKaig
Reality television peddles the belief that with a couple
hundred bucks and sheer determination, in a weekend you
can turn any room from a dump into a delight.
While it may be true in a very few cases, you might find
yourself cursing the design geniuses on TV after
experiencing a do-it-yourself go at renovation.
If only life mirrored the seamless ease of the amazing
room transformations broadcast on HGTV and the like.
Truth is, there’s a staff of paid designers, carpenters and production staff tucked in the
background who are responsible for making it all happen.
Of course, if you could afford that kind of help, budget
wouldn’t be an issue. That doesn’t mean you don’t have
options when creating a space for your massage therapy
practice. There are tons of them. With dedication,
planning and a little cash to spare, you can transform
your massage therapy practice into a place you can be
proud of and your clients will love—all without sending
yourself to the poorhouse.
“I choose my massage therapists for who they are and not
because of their environment,” says Mark A. Miller,
owner of Mark A. Miller Architects/ Builders, a Chicago
architecture firm that has been specializing in the
spiritual side of life since 1998. That said, a little
enhancement to your practice space can go a long way to
adding to your clients’ overall experience.
Stretching your dollar
The most important thing is making sure that the space
is safe and finished out, says Chicago-based designer
Clair S. Molony, meaning, if you have exposed air ducts
in your ceiling, drywall is cheap and easy to install.
Your space also needs to be clean and free of leaks. “If
your space has ‘good bones,’ it will be easier (and less
expensive) to complete.”
You also need to look at the physical structure.
Architecture is a reflection of the therapist and the
therapist’s efforts, says Miller. “Your design space
should complement your goal of treatment,” he says.
“Your space is telling your client what kind of
treatment he or she will receive.” Other things worth
considering include where the space is located within
your house or commercial space, how it is divided and
the noise level associated with it. Is it near a washer
and dryer in the basement or next to a bathroom where
you’ll hear flushing? If so, you’ll need thicker
insulation—which is relatively inexpensive. If you lease
a commercial space, you’ll also need to check with the
building’s owner before you make any major changes to
ensure you are not violating any terms of your
agreement.
You should also have a clear strategy of how you bring
people in, says Miller, whether it’s a separate
entrance, or strategically placed folding screens
throughout the area to limit should a client open his or her eyes during the
session.
Bright white is clean, but it can sometimes be too
intense, says Miller. Olson agrees and promotes the use
of warm tones. “There is a lot of psychology behind it.
There are 1,000 shades of white, but linen is one of the
best whites ever made. It is warm and inviting,” he
says. “It literally hugs you.”
Try
painting the walls, trim and detailing in different
shades of one color, such as linen and beige. You can
get paint for $25 a gallon and do it yourself. If you’re
not sure of your color selection, there are some paint
stores that let you buy inexpensive, sample-sized
containers of paint to try on the wall and see if you
like it. All lighting will change the color, so be sure
that you select a shade in natural lighting.
Floors
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American Massage Therapy Association®
