How to Make a Large Salon Space Inviting and Impactful

Radio London Hair Salon & Gallery in Kings Cross is set in a large warehouse space, so creating a warm, but cool environment was the order of the day. Polished concrete floor, white walls, moveable bespoke oak furniture and a long reception coffee bar area made of terrazzo tiles are the key elements of the design at Radio London Hair Salon & Gallery in Kings Cross.

Designed by Universal design studio, the raw, industrialised history of London’s King’s Cross area and its loft warehouse spaces served as inspiration for the decor. But creating a good flow for both clients and stylists was absolutely paramount too.

“We sought out local craftsmen skilled in joinery and metalwork to fabricate key detail pieces that bring a ‘lifestyle’ element to the space. We wanted an eclectic mix that celebrates the Radio brand but also feels knitted into the area,” says Operations Manager Adam Jones. With a simple white colour scheme that enhances, rather than fights against the contemporary warehouse space, RADIO London could have easily looked too much like a stark modern gallery. However, the exposed ductwork combined with grey from the exposed concrete walls and floor, plus the light brown from the bespoke oak furniture, all brings an element of warmth to the Davines flagship salon.

“Our salon also doubles up as a gallery so the minimal design reflects this and allows the art work to take centre stage and influence the mood of the space,” adds Adam. “The biggest thing for us is quality. Cost is obviously a factor, but low quality equals fast turnover.” And that’s why the salon turned to Takara Belmont for their furniture. “We love our Takara Belmont barber chairs, because a lot of chairs can be bulky but these are so streamlined,” explains Adam. “We love how much light goes through them, which means they don’t dominate the space they work with it.” And with 17 chairs (and 6 backwashes) allowing the space room to breathe was obviously a priority.

 “It goes without saying that the Takara Belmont aftercare service has been great. We had some amends to our basins, but they were replaced within a week,” says Adam. Alongside the artwork, plants are at the heart of Radio. They are after all a Davines salon. However, with the huge windows it initially proved tricky to find plants that would thrive in the environment. “We also stayed away from anything with flowers as they are so many allergies to consider, and we actually went for Ficuses and trailing plants which proved popular,” Adam adds.

Putting into context how important good design is, Adam told HJ that many of the salon’s reviews comment on the interiors, which only goes to prove that impeccable design and rave reviews go hand in hand.

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Looking for a little more salon interior inspiration? Check out how Laundry for Hair in Sheffield has centred its salon around the theme of quality time.