Interior inspiration: craig chapman hair design has stunning refurbishment

We caught up with Craig Chapman for a sneak peek into the new salon space and get a bit of advice for those looking for a successful salon refresh. [hji-gallery-legacy] “Four years ago we decided to downsize the salon because I was working away so much that I wanted a salon that was more manageable to enable me to explore other avenues in our industry. But with getting our new premises really quickly and having little time to fit out, it ended up looking very clinical and actually a little soulless! This year, thinking about time, budget and what look we wanted, the decision was made to go for a more homey, eclectic feel that would work by just adding to the existing salon….Nothing we purchased for the salon was new! Thrift shops, second hand future shops and charity shops totally came into play and up-cycling was the best fun! From Victorian wash stands, 20’s iron cinema seats, picture frames from eBay (the most expensive was £3.11!) which some were then sprayed in a car workshop, books I already had to make wall art, and a very understanding painter and decorator (lovely handyman!) we spent 3 months and the odd evenings and Sundays updating the look. The total budget spent was £5000 which included a complete shop front and internal paint, tiling, upholstery and the reception desk wallpaper which came from MrPerswall.com and all labour costs! LOVE IT. Going for an eclectic look did seem a bit daunting to start with, but searching for interesting pieces became and obsession and honestly, if you take that time it’s amazing what you can find right on your doorstep! Now the salon has a more welcoming and warm feel, clients and staff alike love it and we now have an image nobody else in our area has! I never thought I would be able to do it for that kind of money. Thanks Mum! Top wall-paperer if anyone is looking! The most fun thing I did was to paint a chalkboard on the staircase wall and called it our “Freedom Board”. Its free for staff or clients to write their favourite quotes on…Censored of course! But I love to see individual’s wit and love hearing the laughter as people walk up and down the stairs! Interior designer…NO! Imagination is all you need!”