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Using Feng Shui to Achieve Balance in Your Day Spa Design

DR. STACEY DENISE MOORE

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Balance is important in all interior design, but it is especially important in Feng Shui. This ancient Chinese philosophy focuses […]

Balance is important in all interior design, but it is especially important in Feng Shui. This ancient Chinese philosophy focuses on using the elements wind (feng) and water (shui) to achieve a balance between yin and yang, peace, and vibrance. When feng and shui are balanced, the result is harmony and healthy energy.

In a spa, the tenets of Feng Shui can help designers create a balanced space that soothes and rejuvenates. To achieve balance in your day spa design, consider using the Feng Shui principles of natural light, nature, and energy.

Natural Light

Natural light boosts creativity and energy. It influences our bodies, telling them when to wake or sleep via our circadian cycles. Use as much natural lighting in your spa as possible, but filter that light through curtains or window treatments to soften it. 

Bright light is yang energy. It stimulates the mind and gets the body moving. Dim light is yin energy that relaxes the body and stills the mind. Incorporate both to achieve balance in your spa. 

Nature

Earth, fire, wind, water, wood, and metal are the five elements, also called the five phases. According to Feng Shui, these elements are associated with different types of energy, or qui. 

  • Earth — grounding, stability, balance, well-being
  • Fire — clarity, passion, transformation, passion
  • Wind — health, fortune
  • Water — wisdom, depth, spirituality
  • Metal — completion, precision, logic, efficiency

In a day spa, these elements can be layered and nuanced through colors, shapes, and materials. Below are several ideas for incorporating nature into your spa. 

  • Earth — Natural tones such as rich earthy browns, greens, and blues can bring the power of nature indoors. Be sure to balance these rich colors with neutral whites and tans. Textures can also add an earthy feel. You may choose woodgrains, fabrics, or flowers. You may also choose to install an indoor garden or use crystal and rock decor and real plants to welcome nature into your spa. 
  • Fire — When most people think of a spa, they imagine someone lying in a tub surrounded by candles. Although you may not want to use real candles, electric candles can provide the same ambience. These soft, flickering lights are soothing and set the mind at ease.
  • Wind — Changes in temperature control the wind. In your spa, be mindful of the temperature. Warmer temperatures cause people to feel sleepy, while colder temperatures rejuvenate and awaken. As always, strike a balance between the two.
  • Water — Blue, often associated with the ocean, is universally known as the most calming color. Play with this color by incorporating it alongside art and decor that mimic the flow of water. You may even install a fountain in your waiting room or simply play ocean sounds as an audio track. 
  • Metal — Silver, bronze, and gold provide elegant accents that pair well with other natural colors. Consider varying the materials used throughout your spa—glass, metal, clay, brick, leather, wool, clay, granite, etc.
Feng shui. Cycle of creation: fire, ground, metal, water, tree
Image Credit: Adobe

Energy

Another huge part of Feng Shui is the flow of qi, or energy. By changing the layout of a space, we control how energy flows through it.
In a spa, people should feel safe, relaxed, and in control. One way to ensure a pleasant experience is by keeping an open, organized space. When purchasing furniture, consider its look as well as its function.

For instance, consider modern massage tables with built-in cabinets and other pieces that have useful hidden storage spaces. With fewer bulky shelves, tables, and drawers, you’ll have more space and more freedom for your energy to flow freely. Tight spaces block energy, leading to stagnant qi that represents obstacles. 

To test the organization of your space, take a walkthrough. If you notice any difficult-to-navigate areas, consider rearranging them. 

Putting It All Together

Light, nature, and energy are three important parts of Feng Shui. By using these elements, spa owners can achieve balance in their interior design. 

Balance is defined as a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. Too much or too little of anything can threaten the balance of a room. Offset accents with neutrals, cool tones with warm tones, large items with small, and nature with technology. 

Consider the goal you’d like your spa to achieve. Beyond providing relaxation, how else would you like your clients to feel? Some ideas are safe, empowered, strong, controlled, restful, inspired, and creative. Your goal for the room should determine how you incorporate the items listed above. I’ll leave you with some inspiring palette ideas

Spa Color Palette Ideas

  • Charcoal, white, and teal — What’s great about charcoal is that it strikes a warm middle ground between black and gray. When paired with white and accented with teal, the combination provides a sense of sophistication, drama, and comfort. 
  • Marbled white and gray, silver, and wood — The coolness of marbled white and gray adds interest to the room. Wood grains bring nature into the space, whether in the flooring or the furniture. Complete the soothing aura with silver accents such as metal faucets and light fixtures.
  • White, lavender, and silver — Lavender is a soft shade of purple that reminds people of flowers and, of course, its soothing scent. Pair a lavender counter with white towels and silver accents.
  • Rich brown, earthy green, and buttercream — This unique idea for your spa is based on the idea that nature can regenerate your mind. Keep rich, earthy tones toward the floor, buttercream on the walls, and spotted green throughout in the form of real plants. 
  • Navy blue, silver, and white — Blue is universally one of the most calming colors. It is associated with nature, appearing in the sky and the sea. Mix blues and textures and fabrics such as backsplash tiles, curtains, and towels, but don’t overwhelm the room. Incorporate white walls and silver accents for a modern appearance. 
  • Seafoam, white, and silver — This palette is similar to the last except, instead of blue, try seafoam. This gorgeous green color, when paired with white, exudes elegance, simplicity, and calm. 
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