Interiors: sweet like chocolate

In September 2006, Larry Annan and his wife Janet bought out the clapped out building his father had previously run the family hairdressing business from.They had a £70,000 budget and a plan to turn it into a warm, decadent salon. After much hard work - including having to replace half the roof and the staircase - they realised their vision and opened the Chocolate Rooms.

Fact file Name: Chocolate Rooms Address: 3 Whytecliffe Road South, Purley, Surrey Owners: Janet and Larry Annan Size: Ground floor 59sq ft, top floor 39sq ft Clientele: Multicultural Staff: Five Styling stations: Five Budget: £70,000 Financing: Self and business loan Designed by: Janet and Larry Annan Furniture: Pietranera, REM, Takara Belmont Features: Takara Belmont folding combo wash basins Al fresco outside waiting area BUDGET BOX Roof, windows, door and external repairs: £16,000 Electric, plumbing, carpentry, staircase, plastering and decoration: £26,000 Flooring: £5,000 Air conditioning: £3,000 Styling units and reception: £3,000 Chairs: £4,000 Backwash units: £6,000 Salon equipment: £4,000 Salon software: £3,000 HOW TO ACHIEVE THE LOOK Backwash basin and chairs: Pietranera at LSE - 020 8903 0002 Styling stations, mirrors: Silk Route - 020 8699 9888 Styling stations and reception area: REM - 01282 619977 Backwash basins: Takara Belmont - 020 7515 0333
	TOP TIPS If you can, buy the building - that way you don't have to compromise on the finished look Hire a reputable builder who can project manage all the works Stick vehemently to your concept Conduct lots of research and talk to as many people as you can Design it yourself - the sense of achievement is worth it. More Pictures>>