Anthony john salons: interiors inspiration

Anthony John Salons is housed in a former micro-brewery, but these days it's luxurious hairdressing services that customers are drinking in. Located in a small shopping centre in Lichfield, the building a stunning barn conversion with exposed brickwork, a mezzanine level and high ceilings. "The building was a big inspiration," says salon owner Tony, who designed the salon himeslf. "We didn't want to detract from it too much. I also didn't really want it to feel too much like a salon. I wanted it to feel more inviting and homely than that, yet also luxurious. I looked more at home and hotel interiors for inspiration than I did other salons." Neutral colours - "no high gloss!" - were used throughout to create a look which Tony describes as 'industrial country chic'. The existing industrial lights were retained a feature, with other lighting sourced from a variety of stores because, "you can never have enough lighting in a salon" says Tony. Making the salon feel homely and inviting was top of Tony's list of requirements, with a help-yourself fridge full of wine and a coffee machine located in the waiting area. Comfy seats at the styling stations were another priority. "Clients can be here for a long time," says Tony. "So it's important that they're comfortable. We want them to almost feel as though they're the only client in the salon, so we ensured sections were spaced out and in the right areas of the salon to reflect that." [hji-gallery-legacy] In Brief Name: Anthony John Salons Address: Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9QR Owner: Tony Walmsley Size: 1,000 sq ft How long have you been in the premises: 3 years Number of staff: 10 Number of styling stations: 7 Budget: £60,000 Financing: Self-financing Design by: Tony and a creative team of builders Furniture: chairs and backwash – Salons Direct; mirrors – Downton Interiors; side tables – Not On the High Street What were the premises formerly? A micro-brewery What state were the premises in when you took over? Once the brewery had left, everything had to be ripped out. We were basically left with a shell. What attracted you to the premises? The small shopping centre it's in. The building itself is a stunning barn conversion – and we have the scope to extend when we are ready. How long did work take? 7 weeks What was the most expensive part of the refit? The flooring What was the best buy? The mirrors Top tips

• To REALLY plan, both logistically and financially.

• Take control. Even if you are using a designer, it's still your business and your salon. Make sure your personality and philosophy come through.

• Dedicate a large portion your budget to branding. Brand identity is crucial.

• Try sourcing furniture from places other than salon suppliers.

• Clients spend a long time in your salon. Think about the type of place you would like to spend a lot of time in.