7 minute read
Salon design
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CHANGE OF SCENE
Th inking of redesigning your space, giving it a refresh or opening a new location?
Th ose in the know share their advice on getting it right – and why it matters.
WORDS KAYE MCINTOSH
Creating a new salon, or refreshing your space, is an exciting challenge – but it’s easy to get it wrong. How can you use your imagination without blowing the budget?
Set a budget
First, work out what you’ve got and cost everything you want. Include a contingency of at least 10%, as there are always unforeseen expenses (see the budget planner in Resources).
Try to have as little construction work as possible, says Francesca Corteen, lead interior designer at REM UK. ‘Moving utilities is a big job, so we try to recommend a layout based on current drainage and power points.’
Natalie Hamilton, co-owner of Chapter One Hair Spa, which has three salons across East Lothian and Midlothian, says the budget for her latest salon, in an old ballroom, ‘grew arms and legs quite quickly’. Th ere were extra costs because it was a historic building, and the high ceilings required a sprinkler system for fi re regulations and scaff olding for painting.
CASE STUDY ‘I WOULD 100% DO IT AGAIN’
Natalie Hamilton, co-owner of Chapter One Hair Spa, opened a new luxury salon in an old ballroom.
They kept their grey walls and monochrome theme found in their other salons. Natalie says: ‘I love the buzz of designing and opening a new salon. It’s hard work but the adrenaline keeps you going.
‘We fell in love with the space. We were drawn to the high ceilings and beautiful windows at either end. It feels really bright and airy.’
Natalie was determined to bring the key positions into the room, not lined along the walls. ‘Using the body of the salon creates a more luxurious feel for styling positions. From any angle in the room you can see the glorious arched windows.’
Her top tip? ‘Get the right people on board. Your builders need to know and understand you. There’s nothing worse than discussing something with a joiner or decorator and then you come back and it’s not what you wanted. ‘Get to know them before you commit. If they aren’t right, it won’t be right.’
The redesign of the November Collective, Livingston
And when it comes to furniture, light colours may look great, but will get tired sooner. Francesca advises trying it out fi rst. ‘Comfort is important, so you need to visit a showroom or a stand at a trade show before investing.’
Design matt ers How long will it last?
Your look should appeal to clients from the moment they walk past or see your socials – but think about the experience, too. ‘Consider your target market,’ says Francesca. ‘Is it luxury, high end and relaxing, or is it about getting as many positions in as possible and quick turnaround?’
Christopher Lairds, owner of the November Collective in Livingston, near Edinburgh, says: ‘Design is not just colourways and furnishings, it’s how the space works and feels.’ He was able to design his salon from scratch, working with the developer (results above right and opposite). ‘It was important for the salon to be functional and effi cient while still feeling luxurious and welcoming.’
Bad design, on the other hand, can make people unhappy – and awkward spaces or poor lighting can even cause accidents. How often do you want to update your salon? ‘A timeless design will last,’ says Francesca. ‘Th ink neutral colours and natural surfaces such as wood and marble – nothing fussy.’ If you want to refresh your look regularly, she says, ‘go for a laminate and fabrics that work with diff erent colours and styles. Th at way you can keep your furniture while changing the wall fi nishes, lighting and decor.’ Remember lighting
Th ink about how much natural light you get and how to use it – it’s great for make-up positions. You will need task lighting in positions where stylists and clients need to see clearly, as well as mood lighting. Decorative elements, such as a statement chandelier, can make a real impact.
Colour me beautiful
‘Choose colours you like. Don’t go for a design because everyone else has it,’ says Francesca.
Light colours create a feeling of space, while bold colours make an impact. If you want to prevent strong colours from becoming overpowering, you could have a couple of feature walls in a striking shade and continue it through towels and accessories.
HOW TO STAND OUT HOW
• Think about what you like. The natural look is on trend – mixing light woods with metals – but ensure you express your style and personality if opting for trends.
• Kerb appeal is vital – focus on your signage and window display.
• Choose your reception desk carefully – it’s the start of your client’s journey.
• Design doesn’t stop with the space and the furniture – carry it through from gowns to products and coff ee cups.
• Clients increasingly expect the experience to include tech: tablets, in-mirror TVs, colour displays, pedi spa chairs – it can be worth investing here.
CASE STUDY BE YOURSELF
Reception is key
Reception is the fi rst space your client sees – what feel do you want here? Softer lighting creates a relaxed mood, while a statement desk makes clients feel they’ve arrived. ‘You need smart storage in the right places’, says Francesca. Clutter gives a poor impression.
Designer or DIY?
You may have a strong vision, but designers bring insights, contacts and ideas to the table, helping you create a salon that is functional and stylish, maximises space and
RESOURCES
• NHBF Salon design and fi t-out guide: nhbf.co.uk/ salon-design-guide • NHBF blog – Make a big diff erence to your salon reception with litt le extra touches: nhbf.co.uk/ extra-touches
achieves the best layout. On the other hand, doing it yourself can be satisfying.
Elsa Larkins, owner of the Dapper Fox barbers in Wandsworth – a Salon Design fi nalist at British Hairdressing Business Awards 2022
Elsa says: ‘Be original – it’s easy to copy someone else. Create a moodboard with everything you like.’
Elsa chose copper mirrors, painted the ceiling black and covered the walls in wooden pallets. There’s a pool table and a bar, as well as a tatt oo studio. ‘People have asked where we got certain items, such as the bricks and bar materials, and although I’m fl att ered, we spent days, weeks, months designing this. It’s important that people have their own vision.’ See Dapper Fox and other inspirational designs on pages 44 and 45.
