Glass and perspex at michelle griffin in birmingham

Michelle Griffin opened her first salon in 1986, aged 22. Since then she has moved salons three times, increasing the size and footfall of the business. After being taken on as a trainer by a major hair extension company in the 1990s, she travelled around the UK teaching salon staff and college students. However, Michelle's dream was to open her own academy and salon and build her reputation as a hair extension specialist by looking after influential clients and celebrities.

The premises Michelle chose for her salon was previously a travel agency. "I was attracted by the position, a central location in an affluent village near to the motorways and Birmingham airport," says Michelle. The project to refurbish the academy and salon took three months, with Michelle and her husband Robert designing the interior.

"We had lots of ideas from travelling around Europe," explains Michelle. "We love glass and Perspex, and wanted to create a look that was clean, contemporary and workable." This aesthetic is apparent in the central reception area of the salon, which features a desk and retail units made from white Perspex. Glass walls divide the salon into different areas, including a backwash space and a VIP room for brides and celebrity clients.

The shiatsu massage backwash chairs sit on an elevated platform sectioned off by glass to create a relaxing area. Extra privacy is also available in the VIP room, which features two styling units, a chandelier and a TV.