Interiors inspiration: hairs & graces, bedfordshire

Hairs & Graces owners, Elizabeth Morris & Lisa Keane wanted to create a modern, contemporary space for their established salon in Dunstable. Fact File Name: Hairs & Graces Address: 3 Ashton Square, Dunstable. beds. LU6 3SN Telephone Number: 01582 478010 Owners: Elizabeth Morris, Lisa Keane Size: 125 Sq Metres How long have you been at the premises: 2 Weeks Clientele: We are busy all the time with a wide range of clientele Staff: 7 Styling Stations: 9 Budget: £75k Financing: Loan Furniture: Black Leather, Chrome, Wood Floor Features: Great furniture, massage chairs, coffee bar, beauty rooms, underfloor heating, PIR Control Lighting along with air supply system on the ground floor [hji-gallery-legacy] Tell us a bit about yourself and your company; when you started in hairdressing and first set up the business etc. We set up our first salon 21 years ago and decided we wanted to move to a new building. What were the premises formally? In what state were the premises before you began refurbishment? What attracted you to the premises? The premises was a card shop. We completely gutted it, we wanted to move to this space as it was in a pedestrianised area in a busier part of town which had great opportunity to drive foot fall. How long did the work take? Nearly 3 months. Describe the reception and the waiting area in detail and where they are. The reception and waiting area are at the front of the salon. We have two large windows where our bespoke retail unit and nail bar sit. Does the salon look different in separate areas and if so, why? The salon has the same decor throughout although it does look different depending which area you are in. Is the salon meant to appeal to anyone in particular? A client that wants to experience a comfortable, contemporary space with a touch of luxury. What are the most interesting features in the salon? The lights are a great feature as well as the massage chairs at the backwash. What major work had to be undertaken to prepare the premises and why? The property was stripped bare, all mechanical/plumbing and electrical work had to be brand new. Who designed the salon? Project Elite What was the best thing you did and the worst thing you did? The best thing is being able to work in the new salon. The worst thing was how much hard work it took to get to this point. What would be your top five tips for renovating/refurbishing a salon

• Have a good Project Manager
• Get your finances sorted
• Have a clear idea of what salon you want to create
• Be prepared for a busy few months
• ENJOY IT!