Salon interiors: sitting pretty

FURNITURE HAS A VITAL ROLE IN CREATING SALON AMBIENCE Annette Hanford reports When buying salon furniture, it’s important to choose wisely, according to Stephen Ewings, Aston & Fincher salon designer. “The furniture will be in your salon or spa for a long time and can be one of the biggest investments you make in your career. “The best advice is to plan ahead. Begin the purchasing process at least 90 days before your expected opening (or relaunch day) to allow for unexpected delays. And it’s a good idea to schedule your grand opening at least 30 days after your expected opening date. PIC: ASTON & FINCHER'S SUN DIAL SOFA “Visiting a showroom is very important when deciding on what to purchase. Go and see it for yourself, since this will give you the chance to see, touch, and even sit on the furniture you’re going to buy. There’s only so much you can see in a picture. “Planning your salon space is just as important as buying your furniture. We offer a series of two-dimensional flatplans, showcasing a variety of workable layouts. It is important to create a floorplan to bring to light issues of practicality that can often go unnoticed. “Even if you have a clear idea of how you want your salon to look, it’s worth seeking professional advice from a salon designer to check the feasibility of your vision. We not only have in-depth knowledge of furniture dimensions, but also specific working spaces for each zone, so understand the specific needs of a salon environment while creating a free-flowing, contemporary space. “Remember, quality drives return on investment. When deciding what to purchase, bear in mind that quality of salon equals quality of therapists, which means quality of clients, and therefore quality of income. Following this basic advice can make your new salon a less stressful and more productive experience for all concerned.” Read on to see what the best dressed salons are sporting... SITTING PRETTY Whether in the reception area or outside your treatment rooms, your clients need somewhere comfortable to sit. As well as making your salon look inviting, a sofa can also make a really strong statement and inject a real burst of colour. The modular Sundial reception sofa from Aston & Fincher’s Gamma Range can seat up to six people. With vinyl upholstery and polished aluminium feet, it is available in a range of colours. Price £1,985 +VAT. The Italian-designed Amaka Sofa, from Salon Equipment Centre, allows salons to combine a range of colours and fabric options to suit the environment and give reception a real wow factor. Price £1,237 +VAT Featuring clean lines, Salon Ambience’s red and white Cuba sofa from the Alba Line is ideal for salons wanting a modern or minimalist look. Price £365 +VAT Gallia sofa from REM’s Alchemy collection comfortably seats three and can be finished in any colour from the company’s range of laminates and upholstery materials. The sofa shape matches the Xenon desk. Price £1,995 +VAT. ON THE SHELF Retailing is an important economic factor for any salon. Make the job easier by showing your clients what is available as well as encouraging them to browse when passing the salon or following a treatment. The Glowall from Aston & Fincher is a wall-mounted, illuminated retail unit. Add focus or change the feel of the salon by introducing coloured gel strips to the strip lights. Price £765 +VAT. With a silver metal frame and Perspex shelving, Salon Equipment Centre’s display stand 203, is an oval-shaped unit for displaying retail items. Price £114 +VAT From Salon Ambience’s Yasmin line, Crystal is a clear glass shelving display unit to show off your products without any distraction. Price £320 +VAT Part of the Tokyo furniture range from REM, this compact wall display is large enough to house retail products, but can be fitted behind reception if space is at a premium. Available in a range of colours. Price £210 +VAT DESK JOB The reception is the first port of call for clients, so it’s essential to create the right first impression. It should reflect the ethos of the salon and make the client feel welcome, as well as being functional and housing vital equipment. With strong visual impact, Fat Beauty by Gamma is a real focal point for any salon. Available exclusively from Aston & Fincher, it is not just stylish (26 colour options), but practical, with two drawers and spacious cupboards. Price £2,875 +VAT. Combining durable moulded plastic and glass, the Soana reception desk, from Salon Equipment Centre (SEC), is available in black or red. Price £828 +VAT. Featuring lockable drawers, Salon Ambience’s Roma Breeze has a sleek modern frontage and curved glass for a soft finish. Chrome and wood detailings gives it a sophisticated feel as does the front light. Price from £925 +VAT. Make your own shape desk with REM’s Sigma system. Combine different-length, straight and L-shaped modules, in a choice of more than 20 laminates, to meet your needs. Price modules from £285 +VAT.