How to get your salon interior right

From chandeliers to sinks and tables to tiles, the furniture, fixtures and fittings that you choose for your salon speak volumes about your image and are among the first things a new client will notice. The finalists and winner of the Design Award category in HJ’s 2007 British Hairdressing Business Awards know more than most about what makes a salon space look fabulous.

The Winner!

Brady's Guernsey With a stunning panoramic sea view across Guernsey’s picturesque capital St Peter Port, Brady’s has an outlook most buildings can only dream of. And the inside is just as spectacular. “The aim behind our design was to maximise light and the sense of space,” says owner Paul Brady. “We’ve gone for bold, sculptural forms and uninterrupted lines.” The glass floor is Paul’s favourite element of the décor – parts of it are illuminated from beneath. But the most expensive additions were the bespoke stainless steel reception desk and bar. Be bold, is Paul’s advice to salon owners looking for style on a limited budget. “If you can’t do the whole place, do part of it and do it well. Decide what you’re about and get that across in the design – be distinctive.”

The Finalists

	Philosophy Hairdressing, Oxfordshire Owner Mark Creed has fused ultra-modern touches with natural light and warmth in his salon’s 18th-century building. “Our glass atrium ceiling floods the space with light, which is essential to the salon’s focus on precision colour work,” he says. “We’ve also introduced a wall of well-being – lights set into the wall between styling stations, designed to keep the winter blues at bay.” The recycled copper splashbacks behind the salon’s backwashes were Mark’s best bargain. He recommends getting to know local builders and craftsmen if you’re keen to make your design budget stretch. “Sometimes bespoke builds can be cheaper than standard pieces, and lend your salon individual style,” he says.
	Rainbow Room International Academy of Hair, Glasgow Simplicity and comfort are the priorities at this salon dedicated to the development of hairdressing students. “Our aim was to produce a multi-functional space,” say owners Linda and Alan Stewart. “We wanted to create a modern environment with loads of natural light, courtesy of the glass-panelled vaulted ceilings. One of our favourite features is the gallery of hands, which features photographs of the hands of some of the most iconic hairdressers of our time – Vidal Sassoon, Trevor Sorbie, Anthony Mascolo and Joshua Galvin are just some of those included.” The secret to brilliant salon design, believe Linda and Alan, is ensuring the flow is perfect. “Walk through, visualising where things will be and look at the space from a client’s perspective,” they recommend.
	hob salons, Temple Fortune, London This 2,000sq ft salon, set in a beautiful listed building, boasts 24 styling stations and a separate backwash area. “We’ve made the most of the space to create an inviting and relaxing environment for clients and the separate backwash room with electronic massage chairs offers pure luxury and comfort,” says hob salons director Paul Simbler. Paul believes too much clutter and uncomfortable waiting areas are common design mistakes and says quality, well-wearing furniture is essential to ensure the salon keeps its polished look for longer. “Long-term, it’s probably cheaper to pay more for quality furniture at the outset and gain longevity,” he adds.
	Hair and Jerome, London Set in London’s über-fashionable Spitalfields district, Hair and Jerome blends boutique style with kitsch antiques and quirky avant-garde inspiration. “We wanted to integrate the local spirit into our décor so mixed Victorian, Art Deco and 50s pieces with Indian saris,” say owners Cecile and Jerome Hillion. The duo believe a common mistake made by would-be salon designers is to replicate what’s been done elsewhere. Their top tip for style on a shoestring: check out auction houses, car boot sales and second hand shops. “Be ready to restore or reupholster,” they say. “It’s worth it for a unique result.”
	Frances Hunter Hair and Beauty, Stirling From the soft amber seating to gold-framed mirrors, everything about this salon suggests warmth and relaxation. “We devoted a large area to retail and have seen a 39% increase in that side of the business in the 12 months since our refurbishment, so it was a great decision,” says owner Leslie Hunter. “Directional movement through the salon is essential too, and the space has to be practical.” Getting the look right isn’t always easy and, as Leslie points out, coming up with a great design can take many hours and hard work. “Listen to your designers and take their advice on board – they’ll have the best hints and tips,” she says.

Top Tips For Designing Your Salon

• Stick to a simple colour scheme
• Don’t be a fashion victim – classic style never dates
• Don’t compromise on the essentials – plumbing and electrics must be of a high standard
• Keep clutter to a minimum
• Make the most of natural light
• Work with the best features of your building.