Figoli salon is a hygge hideaway in rural berkshire

Situated on a busy, independent high street in the village of Sunninghill in Berkshire, Figoli is a homage to Scandinavian style and it has a relaxed Nordic ethos.

In fact, it was in part thanks to a trip to Scandinavia that owner Roberto Figoli made the decision to go from being a franchisee for a big hairdressing chain to owning a new independent salon with his wife Lucy.

“After a canoeing and camping trip to Scandinavia, Roberto discovered the concept of ‘hygge’,” explains Lucy. “Simply put, it means focusing on life’s simple pleasures such as family, friends, graciousness – and of course, gin, cake and a great hair ‘do!” This ultimately became the ethos for the salon. The couple wanted to downsize to give more time to their customers and themselves. They wanted to be able to enjoy hairdressing again and live a more hygge life.

Fact file

Name: Figoli Address: 29 High Street, Sunninghill, Berkshire Owners: Roberto and Lucy Figoli Budget: £100k Staff: 7

Figoli has neutral, calming colours and the interior is functional, yet beautiful with lots of natural light and indoor plants. The walls are painted a bright white and the light oak herringbone floor complements the simple, yet elegant design. Soft furnishings include Maletti styling chairs in a natural stone shade, a large cream sofa and a dusky pink armchair, which has proven to be very popular with clients. “We knew we would spend more time in the salon than our own home, so it was important that we created a beautiful space for us, as well as our clients,” adds Lucy.

Highlights of the salon include a retail shelf that was designed by the couple and handmade by a local carpenter and the reception area, which includes a marble coffee table complete with flowers, books, magazines, indoor plants and a floor standing lamp. It was a conscious decision not to have a reception desk as the salon’s strength lies in its informality. “We like to sit and chat comfortably with our clients while we take payments and bookings,” Lucy adds. Guests are also treated to homemade cakes from Lucy’s mother, gin and tonic and organic fairtrade tea and coffee.

“Closing the doors on our old salon with no new salon to go to was quite scary,” admits Lucy. “It wasn’t easy with two small children at home, but with dedication, long nights, big discussions and a lot of juggling we somehow made it work. We are so proud of what we have made together.” Figoli is a labour of love that has paid off.

Lucy’s top tips

Go with your instincts Do what feels right for you and your brand. Don’t just follow the crowd – you need to create something that is authentic to you.

Don’t rush Spend time looking for the right furniture. We spent months looking until we found Maletti. We were prepared to travel to Italy to source the right pieces, but luckily Lacey’s (who are based in Reading) stock the brand!

Have a balance Be practical, but don’t lose your creative side either. Creativity is just as important as practicality.