Spa Ownership Workshop: Interior Design That Creates Balance and Harmony for Clients and Staff

Creating harmony, balance and calm in your spa business is essential and proper interior design is critical as a part of this process.  When your clients come into your spa they are coming in for a variety of reasons, including relaxation. Doing everything you can to contribute to that relaxation will lead to happier clients and obviously to more relaxed clients. The treatments they receive will work better, they will respond in a more positive fashion, and they will in turn have more treatments, spend more money with you and refer more friends and family members to you.

The first thing to consider when creating balance, calm and harmony in your spa are the walls. Soft pastel colors are best as they create relaxation. Bright loud colors, especially yellows and reds, have the opposite effect than that which you desire.  Soft light blues or greens, ambers or even off white walls can have soothing effects. The same is true of the art work the walls will be decorated with. Soft colors, traditional or abstract prints of paintings, charcoal drawings, or black and white photographs can contribute to the mood. This is true for the entry area, the hallways and the waiting rooms.

Furniture should be calm, plain and comfortable, especially in the waiting room. The last thing you need is a client coming in for a facial, a peel or a massage who is all stressed out. Overstuffed chairs, comfortable love seats or short couches, and moderate color tones will make your waiting room a pleasant home away from home for your clients.

Your treatment rooms may be the most important rooms in the spa. Follow all of the rules outlined above, and more so. Make sure that you have functioning, modern and attractive tables, clean and unworn linen, and pleasant music playing. New age, chants, sounds of nature, or other soothing and relaxing sounds on CD.

A little common sense and looking at how other spas are decorated can get you going on your way. If you are considering hiring an interior decorator, consider offering part of the fee in trade for your services. You might turn your decorator into a regular client in the future, while saving cash today.