Interiors: spare the blushes

After 20 years in the business, Darrell and Mark Blake were running out of space in their salon, so they couldn't believe their luck when the shop next door came up for sale. As the building was Grade II listed, they spent eight months in discussions and negociations with English Heritage over planning and permissions. But one year and a lot of hard work after buying the building, they opened their doors to the new Blushes salon: a modern, minimalist yet contemporary salon able to cater for the 150 clients that come through its doors each day.

Fact file Name: Blushes Address: 74-76 Westgate Street, Gloucester Owners: Darrell and Mark Blake Size:2,847sq ft Clientele:Male and female, professionals, ladies who lunch and yummy mummies Staff: 37 Styling stations: 24 Budget:£550,000 Design: Mark and Sophie Blake Furniture:Bespoke dark wood units, travertine floor Features: Kérastase Hair Spa and retail area, colour bar. Budget Box Flooring: £30,000; Air-conditioning: £30,000; Reception desk: £10,000; Styling units:£60,000 Building works:£300,000 Electrics: £50,000 Plumbing:£30,000 How To Achieve The Look Chairs: LSE - 020 8903 0002 Floor: Domus - 020 8481 9500 Styling Units:Aston & Fincher - 0870 240 2176 Shopfitting:Barnwood Shopfitting - 01452 614124 Reception Seating:CS Contract Furniture: 01948 665363
	Top Tips Research the look Choose a good designer (that may be you) Have faith in your builder Keep an eye on extras Get written quotes Be realistic on your opening date