Pretty in pink at luxury wirral salon
When Lauren Fricker decided to open her first salon, she wanted to create a modern hair and beauty space that could provide all the essential services under one roof. "The salon needed a welcoming feel, and I wanted it to be comfortable, and have a little added luxury," she says.
The premises she chose, in the Wirral, were in a bad state of repair - but the position on a busy road with on-road parking was a key factor in her choice.
The extensive refurbishment involved removing some internal walls and building new walls, adding new electrics and plumbing, as well as a new floor, windows and doors.
The floor was fairly problematic, as when the existing flooring was lifted, the floor below was in such poor condition that it needed to be replaced.
Lauren designed the salon herself, with the help of REM. She says: "I had specific items in mind for my salon. However, sometimes you just have to compromise a little. I chose the furniture and the fabrics first and worked out the final salon design from there. Some things were made as bespoke items, and the team at REM was very helpful."
Lauren is now hoping to enjoy the benefits of her three months of hard work. She says: "The shop was basically gutted, and I started from scratch. I was limited slightly with the backwash positions, but I am extremely happy with the end results."
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Fact File
Name: Essential
Address: 15 Arrowe Park Road, Upton, Wirral
Owner: Lauren Fricker
Staff: 11
Budget: £48,000-plus
Design: Self, with the help of Mick Roach and his design team at REM
Features: Curved reception desk with chandelier and pearl curtains; backwash with massage and footrest facility.
Top Tips
- Choose a reputable furniture manufacturer.
- Make sure the design team understand what you are trying to achieve before they start.
- See the furniture before you buy it.
- Measure up carefully, and have the plans made up to ensure the furniture will fit into the salon.
- Find a builder you are happy with and trust.
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Essential in Brief...
How would you describe the salon's image?
Professional.
What was your best buy?
The pearl curtains.
Is there anything you would do differently with hindsight?
I would probably have chosen a slightly larger reception desk.
