Advice From Industry Experts
May 26, 2025
At a recent Lunch & Learn, we had the pleasure of hearing from Jamie Smith, LMT and interior designer, on how to design a treatment room that works for you—therapeutically and professionally. Jamie showed us how intentional design can support your clients’ nervous systems and your marketing goals. From choosing the right lighting and materials to capturing scroll-stopping images for social media, this recap covers her top tips for creating a space that feels good and photographs beautifully.
Watch the replay of the lunch & learn here:
Your treatment room isn’t just where the work happens—it is part of the work. A well-designed space enhances the client experience by creating a sense of comfort, safety, and professionalism. But thoughtful design doesn’t just benefit your current clients—it’s also a powerful marketing tool. Sharing images of your space online can help attract new clients and reinforce your brand identity. Your treatment room should reflect not only how you work, but what you want your business to be known for.
Jamie explained how the sensory experience of a room can immediately influence the nervous system. Your space should feel calm, safe, and relaxing—the kind of environment that helps people exhale and let their guard down. Every detail plays a role: soft lighting, natural textures, gentle sounds, and an uncluttered layout all contribute to a sense of ease. When clients feel physically and emotionally at ease in your space, they’re more likely to settle into the session and get the most out of it.
Your treatment room doesn’t just serve your clients—it also speaks for your brand. Jamie highlighted how intentionally designing your space helps tell the story of what you offer. When you share images of a thoughtfully curated room, you're not just showing where you work—you’re showcasing the kind of experience people can expect. Clean, inviting visuals can help attract the right clients by reflecting your style, values, and professionalism before someone ever steps through the door.
Designing a treatment room goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels good to be in. Jamie broke down the essential elements that influence how your room looks, feels, and functions, including lighting, materials, layout, sound, and subtle natural patterns.
Lighting sets the tone of your space, and Jamie emphasized the importance of using a layered approach. She explained the three types of lighting:
Combining all three helps create a flexible, calming environment that supports both functionality and relaxation.
Jamie also discussed how light that mimics nature—like the dappled light that filters through trees—can soothe the nervous system. These biophilic patterns help create a sense of peace and safety. Tools like dimmers and smart bulbs are especially useful for adjusting lighting throughout the day and supporting natural circadian rhythms.
Jamie emphasized that our brains are wired for nature—even though most of us spend our time inside. Incorporating natural materials into your treatment room can help bridge that gap and create a more soothing, grounded experience. Think wood, stone, plants, cotton, and woven textures. These elements not only enhance the look and feel of your space, but also support a calming, nature-connected environment.
When possible, choose materials that are non-toxic and low in synthetic chemicals. This doesn’t just benefit your health and your clients’—it also reinforces the therapeutic nature of the experience you're providing.
The way your room is arranged has a big impact on how it feels—and functions. Jamie stressed that less is more when it comes to furnishings and decor. A clean, uncluttered layout helps create a sense of calm, while also making your space feel larger and more inviting.
Symmetry is especially effective—not just for visual balance, but also for taking strong photos. Jamie also suggested incorporating fractal patterns—repeating natural shapes like those found in leaves or shells—which have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Finally, consider your table placement. Positioning the face cradle away from the door can help clients feel more secure and undisturbed during their session.
Noise pollution directly impacts stress levels and has been shown to raise cortisol—exactly the opposite of what we want in a massage room. Jamie emphasized the importance of both reducing unwanted noise and intentionally adding calming sounds to create a truly restorative environment.
She outlined three components of soundproofing:
In addition to soundproofing, Jamie introduced the idea of soundscaping—using sound as a therapeutic tool. Strategically placed speakers (near the face cradle or on either side of the room) can deliver soothing sounds like birdsong or flowing water, which are shown to trigger a sense of safety. She also suggested experimenting with sound frequencies or binaural beats to deepen relaxation.
Jamie highlighted the power of fractal patterns—naturally repeating shapes found in things like leaves, shells, tree branches, and even cloud formations. These patterns are pleasing to the eye and calming to the nervous system because they mirror the visual rhythms we see in nature.
Incorporating fractals into your treatment room design—through artwork, textiles, wall decor, or even plants—can subtly signal safety and ease to the brain. They also hold visual interest, which makes them especially effective in marketing photos. A well-composed image featuring fractal elements naturally draws the viewer’s eye and can make your space feel both beautiful and inviting before someone even visits in person.
Many treatment rooms are small, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel cramped. Jamie shared smart design strategies to help make the most of your space—keeping it functional, calming, and visually open without sacrificing style.
In a small space, every item should serve a purpose. Avoid overcrowding—visual clutter can feel overwhelming. A minimal, intentional setup helps your room feel more open, calming, and professional.
Painting the walls and ceiling the same color—known as color drenching—can make a small room feel larger and more cohesive. It removes visual breaks and creates a seamless, calming effect that draws less attention to the room’s size.
Visible floor space makes a room feel more open. Opt for floating shelves or wall-mounted storage instead of bulky furniture. It helps reduce visual clutter and gives the illusion of a larger, more breathable space.
Instead of decorating with several small items, choose one large piece to create a strong focal point. Jamie suggested going bigger than you think—something impactful, but not wall-to-wall. It adds personality without cluttering the space.
Your treatment room can be one of your best marketing tools—if you know how to showcase it. Jamie shared simple but powerful tips for capturing images that reflect your brand, connect with potential clients, and tell the story of the experience you provide.
Your photos should do more than show your space—they should capture the feeling of the experience. Whether it’s the calm your clients walk into or the transformation they walk out with, aim to reflect who it’s for and what they can expect to feel or gain.
Too much visual information can overwhelm and cause people to scroll past. Keep your photos clean and focused—choose one main subject or focal point so the viewer’s eye knows exactly where to land.
Clear out anything that doesn’t support the story you’re trying to tell. Keep only the essential elements that reflect the experience you want to highlight. After taking your photos, crop out distractions like light switches, door frames, or extra decor that pull focus.
When it comes to photography, natural light is your best friend. Turn off overhead lights if possible—natural light makes your space look more inviting and true to life. You can always brighten the image slightly during editing if needed.
Jamie emphasized that people connect with people. Including yourself in your promotional photos helps build trust and starts the therapeutic relationship before a client ever walks in. Thanks to neuroaesthetics, familiar human faces can create a sense of comfort, safety, and connection—key feelings in any healing space.
You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create polished marketing images. Tools like Canva make it easy to brighten photos, crop out distractions, and add elements like your logo or simple text. A little editing goes a long way in making your posts look professional and on-brand.
A well-designed space supports both your client experience and your brand. ClinicSense helps you carry that same professionalism through to your scheduling, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Start your free trial today!
For 14 days
