The perfect salon experience: making your space work for staff and clients alike

For this instalment of our experiential design series in partnership with Takara Belmont, we look at how Bond Shoreditch crafted the perfect salon for both staff and clients. The feeling of being in a homely, but immaculately- designed apartment was the atmosphere that Ursula, founder of Bond Shoreditch wanted to create in her London salon. “I wanted the salon to feel minimal, but warm and inviting. Hairdressing is so colourful, but sometimes salons can feel so sterile and clinical. I wanted Bond Shoreditch to feel like you’re inside your cool friend’s apartment,” explains Ursula. “Plus, it was important for me to create a space where both clients and stylists feel at peace.” Thankfully the original site exuded charm and classic style – the original windows even have an Art Deco feel which Ursula loved. Elsewhere it was very much a blank canvas for Ursula to put her stamp on. Working with interior design company Splash of Milk, Ursula added navy walls, wooden floors and light pink accents. It’s fair to say that Ursula and Splash of Milk, have made the space come alive with unique, but classic design elements. “I wanted to make sure that the interior wouldn’t look dated in a couple of years. I knew that I wanted it to be fashion-conscious, but the navy colour adds a classic element.”

"I wanted Bond Shoreditch to feel like you’re inside your cool friend’s apartment.”

It was a no-brainer for Ursula to select Takara Belmont furniture for Bond Shoreditch. Ursula cites the Adria II styling chair as a key feature of her interior. “I love that they look similar to Eames chairs. They are truly timeless pieces, plus they’re light and so comfortable.” At Bond Shoreditch, clients are given longer appointment times (haircuts are 1 hour and 15 mins; new styles include an extra 15 mins), which all adds to the feeling of comfort, luxury and a sense of ‘stay-all-day’ service. And at the backwash, clients and stylists are in for a treat too. “Our Takara Belmont wash basins are risen higher so that our stylists are in the best possible position for their posture. And with Takara basins, you know that the temperature of the water always stays the same – it never fluctuates.” One particularly unique aspect of Bond Shoreditch is the fact the team don’t have a staff room. “We have a bar downstairs with a room divider where clients and stylists can sit together,” says Ursula. “We could have had a closed-off space for the staff, but I think this communal space avoids negativity – everyone has to bring their best selves to work. Plus, any mess and chaos has to be tidied!” Bond Shoreditch has created a space for clients and stylists where comfort is key, and is an environment that everyone wants to be in.

Recreate the look

Introduced in the 1970s, the Adria II styling chair encompasses classic style, supreme comfort and enduring performance. With 360 ̊ lockable rotation, a backrest shell in white or black gloss and an optional protective backrest cover, the Adria II is timeless. Price: £1,200-£1,220 Raising the bar for shampoo services, the RS Axis creates a more delicate aesthetic without compromising on comfort. With thermostatic water temperature control and a shower head that regulates water volume and pressure, you can elevate the backwash experience for every client, every time. Price: £3,500+VAT Available to buy or Lease Purchase: visit www.takarahairdressing.co.uk   Don’t miss our monthly The Perfect Salon Experience features. In each issue, we look at a different aspect of salon design, from elevating the backwash zone to creating a private area for VIP guests. See the full article in our August issue of HJ, this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Takara Belmont.