Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
office design From the signage on your door to each corner of the treatment room, your office space should create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that reflects both your personality and your healing intent. Before designing and furnishing your space, give some thought to the colors and textures you might use and the type of setting you want to establish for your particular practice. When choosing furnishings and accessories, keep in mind not only what appeals to your own sense of pleasure, but also what will relax your client. With a little bit of imagination and a thoughtful application of color, lighting, and music, you can transform your office into a comforting haven for your client and a pleasurable working environment for yourself. Keep colors subdued. Bright red may be your favorite color, but it won't help your client relax. If you don't have a palette in mind, a good place to start might be with a special object you intend to use as the focus of your theme, such as a scenic painting, an ethnic wall hanging, or a favorite piece of pottery. You can choose colors that either reflect or complement your focus and carry the theme throughout your office space. First Impressions First impressions are important and can set the mood for what follows. The signage at your door should simply but clearly state your business. To make the entrance more inviting, try adding a plant or some type of welcoming decoration that matches your interior theme or business logo. Choose comfortable seating for the waiting area and make use of accessories, such as nature prints or a table fountain, to create a holistic atmosphere of peace and serenity. Mirrors are useful in opening up small spaces and, according to the art of feng shui, will block the entry of negative energies when hung opposite the doorway. Feng shui—the ancient Chinese system of aesthetics— emphasizes balance in color, lighting, and the positioning of furnishings. Reducing clutter and providing clear passageways will increase the flow of chi and enhance that balance. The reception or waiting area is a good place to display business cards, client information fliers, or brochures. Bodywork brochures and client newsletters are a nice touch, neatly arranged on a table or placed in a basket or small rack. If sufficient space is available, an office area separate from the waiting room will keep the business end of your business out of the client's sight and mind. Whether in a reception area or another room, avoid clutter and disorganization at your desk to augment good energy flow. Keeping papers neatly tucked away is easy with inexpensive storage boxes or a small filing cabinet. The treatment room should be a separate, closed area with a door for privacy. Although a minimum of 80 square feet is needed to work around the massage table, try to plan 150– 200 square feet for optimum comfort. Lighting and temperature have a significant effect on your client's comfort. Lighting should be soft and indirect. Avoid overhead lighting or harsh high-watt bulbs, opting for wall sconces, lamps designed for lowwatt bulbs, and nonglare surfaces. Installing a dimmer switch will allow you to control lighting according to need. Make sure the room is wellventilated and use separate room thermostats to accommodate the individual client's preferences. To help maintain balance between your own comfort level and that of your client, you can also use a heated blanket, lamb's wool, or a mattress pad to keep him or her warm. If the designated changing area is a corner of the treatment room, provide a clothes tree or hooks along with a basket or small tabletop for the client's personal items. A mirror