New premises for elaje hair & beauty

When the premises next door to Julia Gaudio's salon Elaje Hair & Beauty became available, she jumped at the chance to expand her business.

Julia explains: "I had my eye on the property next door for a while - expanding into it effectively puts us onto the main road which is a prestigious address and makes us more visible to passers by."

Luckily, the owners of the premises, Carphone Warehouse, completely gutted the property before they left, leaving a blank canvas for Julia's team to work on.

Julia designed the new-look salon herself, but was keen to discuss ideas with colleagues and friends for a wide range of input. "I used a mood board and gathered ideas of colour schemes from a variety of places. It's a great way to identify exactly what your preferences are."

After two and half months of work, the finished feel is clean and calm. Julia describes it as "boutique with a contemporary twist" and emphasises the balance between look and functionality: "I certainly wanted it to be beautiful, but client comfort is just as important."  

I am in the process of getting more lighting on the ceiling because, while the lighting we have was fine during the Summer, I now realise that it is not sufficient for the darker months.

It appeals to a mix of clientele. I do want to attract male clients and have made a special effort to ensure it's not too girly.

Getting the units made was worth the risk. They are exactly what was needed. The reception area really works well; we don't have people queuing out the door and it is much less cramped.

The carpentry. This included the reception desk, the units, the walls and the doors to the 

treatment rooms.

 

The mirrors, they were £45 each from Homebase.

Name: Elaje Hair & Beauty 

Address: 150 Hills Road, Cambridge

Owner: Julia Gaudio

Size: 92sq m

Staff: 15

Styling stations: 11

Financing: Independent investors and self

Budget: £60,000

Design: Self

Furniture: REM, Habitat and carpenter DJ Garner