Former florist blossoms into business for westrow harrogate

Opening a salon in a prestigious location means the results need to be high-end, high quality and beautiful. So when Westrow opened its latest salon in Harrogate, that is exactly what it created.

A former florist's shop was transformed in just two weeks by a design team from Stephen Neall. "We wanted to create a modern, futuristic salon that could take the brand forward into the next decade of style," says franchisee Simone Spencer. The whole building was stripped back to its bones, with new fittings, flooring, plumbing, lighting, air conditioning and a water system installed. 

The initial design concept was diamond-inspired: angular, reflective, light, desirable and sharp. "We wanted the lines to remain simple and monochrome and create shapes in the walls, furniture and ceiling using angular mirrors for a multitude of reflections visible from all areas of the salon," she says.

A clean white colour scheme gives a feeling of calm and space to the 1,980sq ft salon.

The lighting was of paramount importance and several systems were chosen. The main ceiling lighting comprises two main lights that provide a perfect even light. 

Small spotlights in the centre gently diffuse soft light, which means haircuts look sharper.  "The lighting is much better for staff to work under, and clients are delighted with the way they look, so everyone is happy," says Simone. In addition, there are decorative lights in white and orange that illuminate the mirrors at each cutting station and recessed circular tube lights above each backwash which provide ambient light.

While the salon is open plan, two full-height frosted-glass partitions separate the backwash from the main salon. Remotely controlled LED colour-changing ceiling lights in the backwash area offer a variety of relaxing hues to set a relaxing mood. There is also a no-talking policy for staff in this area, so clients can unwind in a calm, serene environment.

Adding a splash of colour are the violet leather chairs in the waiting area, along with brightly packaged retail products. Simone is delighted with the finished look. "It is exactly how I imagined it and the clients love it too," she says. 

Apart from the building works, it was the lighting at £15,500.

There were no bargains. Everything was made  bespoke and we used the best products on the market.

Contemporary, futuristic and cool.

Name: Westrow Harrogate

Address: 81 Station Parade, Harrogate

Franchisee: Simone Spencer

Size: 1,980sq ft

Staff: 12

Styling stations: 11

Budget: £150,000

Financing: Self

Lighting - Artemide

Reception tables - A White Room, 01282 862626  

Reception chairs - Allermuir, 020 7251 8059 

Backwashes, section chairs, footrests - Muster & Dikson

Climazones and trolleys - Salon Equipment Centre, 01455 553558 

Hairdryer holders - Hairsupermarket, 01322 787560 

Mirrors and styling stations - Stephen Neall Interior Furnishers, Harrogate: 01423 521288