Check out this Margate salon with a design that falls somewhere between a New York loft and a coastal retreat
After a decade in London working with prestigious brands like HOB Academy and Wella World Studio, hairstylist Chris May was seeking a change of pace and scenery. Lured by the sea and a thriving creative scene, he relocated to Margate, where he opened a five-chair salon called Marcella in 2023.
Soon after opening, however, he realised that the space wasn’t quite right. “I knew eight months into opening the first shop that we would need a new space,” says Chris. “We grew so quickly, with the best clients and team coming from all different backgrounds of hairdressing.”
At the time, Chris and his wife were planning their wedding, and had chosen Waverley House in Margate as the venue. When it went bust six months before the wedding date, Chris turned a disappointing moment into a business opportunity.
“The Waverley building had always stood out to me,” he says. “Full of history, beautiful original features and incredible views across Margate Main Sands.” Chris contacted the owner to enquire about its future and after months of negotiations, he secured a lease on the upper ground floor with direct street access and a balcony overlooking the sea. “What started as a setback became the beginning of something much bigger, giving a historic building a new purpose and home for our growing salon,” he says.
Sophia Gabriella, a long-time stylist at Marcella with a background in interior design, worked with Chris on the design of the new space. The look and feel were heavily inspired by the salon’s beachside setting. A warm colour palette, plenty of natural light and original wooden flooring create a vibe that Chris describes as “somewhere between a New York loft and a coastal retreat.”
A highlight is the beautiful stainless steel bar, which reimagines the salon as a social hub where clients are treated as friends of the brand rather than just customers. But the true jewel in Marcella’s crown is its balcony overlooking the beach. “It wasn’t a necessity, but it has become the pièce de résistance,” says Chris. “It offers a flood of light, breathtaking sea views and a lovely place for our clients to relax before or after appointments and while colours are processing during the warmer months.”
Key Facts
Name: Marcella Hair
Address: 46 High Street, Margate, CT9 1DS
Owner: Chris May
When did the salon open: November 2023
How many staff: 10 team members
Budget: £60k
Chris' Top Tips
1. Stick to the budget
If you’re chasing debts and are in over your head, you’ll never reap the rewards of the new space.
2. Not everything needs to be done in one go
You can slowly add as the salon is open and operating.
3. Try and enjoy it
Take it all in, the reward of seeing the new space is totally worth it.
