I am sup-leasing space for my massage practice inside another massage therapists office. We have a relaxation room, which she's in the process of decorating. It's awful. It doesn't match at all. There is a huge tapestry of Kuan Yin, which would be beautiful if it weren't pink and teal and blue, and lots of blue things in the room that don't match the blue in the tapestry. AND black and white chairs with a black table cloth.
Not to mention that it is not relaxing at all.

I don't even know how to approach her about this. I adore her and definitely don't want to hurt her feelings. I'm holding out hope that she's just playing around to see what she wants to do with it, because I know she does that a lot. But does anyone have any ideas how to handle it if that's not the case?

I'm usually very good at being tactful, but I'm drawing a blank here.
posted by:
Nicole
Baton Rouge
  • Re: I need a little help with diplomacy...

    Thu, May 8, 2008 - 4:55 AM
    Hmmm maybe mention that you were looking at it and you think it would look really nice if you changed the chairs and tables and maybe added some other colors here and there. As far as the tapestry goes, I'm out of ideas. If she really likes it I guess there isn't much to be done about it but delicate hints about the color scheme may go a long way!
    • Re: I need a little help with diplomacy...

      Thu, May 8, 2008 - 5:42 AM
      Ya if she loves the tapestry and it's her place it's her choice, and all that can be done is key off the colors in the tapestry to decorate the rest of the room.

      Is budget a big issue? In other words, is this room a mish-mash of freebies or stuff that she already had packed away somewhere? If so, then maybe offer to contribute inexpensive things with their own soothing quality, that go (as best they can) with the things already there. Wind chimes, a small fountain, fresh flowers or a blooming plant (with a gro-light if necessary, leave the light on at night so the plant egets enough light to bloom).

      I really like the idea of offering her books or magazines with a Decorating for Tranquility theme or Fung Shei, but do it in a non-confrontational way - "Hey, I was in the store, saw this, and thought about the Relaxation Room." If she's open to conversation right then, talk about it, ask her why she has the things she has in there, what she likes, what she doesn't like. You might be surprised at her answers.

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