A sea of tranquilty at clay salon & spa

Published 17th Aug 2010 by sophieh

After spending the first 10 years of his career on the road in the UK and USA, James Davis decided to find a more permanent base.

Putting his creative skills together with his experience of working with photographers and celebrities, and the hectic life of catwalk styling, James decided to create a haven of tranquility in the shape of a salon and spa.

An interior design shop in Oxshott, Surrey, gave James a blank canvas for his first salon, Clay Salon & Spa. James and his team then visited some of the best salons and spas in the country to research different interior designs. "We discussed at length how we could incorporate the best elements of these businesses and then take it to another level," says James.

Influenced by his love of all things Eastern, James has created an ambience of calm, which exudes throughout the salon. In the main salon area sits a 5ft Buddha surrounded by large wall murals and strategically placed candles. Other features, including thought-provoking quotes grace that the walls around the salon, amethyst crystals, and hand-painted murals help create a Zen-like ambience

Fact File

Name: Clay Salon & Spa

Address: 4-5 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey

Owner: James Davis

Size: 3,500sq ft

Clientele: Affluent businessmen and women

Staff: 16

Styling stations: Eight

Budget: £135,000

Financing: Investor and self

Furniture: LSE

Features: Hand-painted Buddhas and chandeliers, coffee lounge.

How to Achieve the Look

Furniture: LSE: 020 8903 0002.

Clay Salon & Spa in Brief

What was the most expensive part of the refit?

The three massage chairs were £3,500 each.

What was the best buy?

The 5ft Buddha, which was reduced from £1,000 to £250.

How would you describe the salon's image?

Total relaxation and calm.

Is there anything you would now change?

The coffee lounge tables and chairs were flat-packed and putting them together was very time consuming. For an extra £100 they would have come pre-assembled.