Sleek sheffield salon is a sunken treasure
Finding the right premises can sometimes be the catalyst required to create a unique salon concept - and in the case of Conrad Blandford Hairdressing in Sheffield, finding an historical subterranean site was all the inspiration the owners needed to create a salon with a difference.
Conrad Blandford, who previously spent nine years managing Charles Worthington's Manhattan salon, had enjoyed a taste of Big Apple cool and wanted to bring a hint of the city's sophisticated urban nightlife scene to his new South Yorkshire home town. He explains: "Our aim was to create a stylish New York basement bar feel."
Located in the vibrant Devonshire Quarter of the city, the historical building that houses the salon dates back to 1836. Previously home to an ornate Victorian Turkish bath, the unusual sunken space had been left derelict for 15 years. "We were attracted to this landmark building because of its history," explains Conrad.
"Through our own salon concept, we have strived to maintain the relaxed luxury of the original premises." And, despite the building being left in a state of disrepair for more than a decade, it took protracted negotiations with the Council to get the restoration work approved.
Once signed off, the building presented its own unique set of challenges, and it took four months of hard work to transform the space into the tranquil salon it is today.
Conrad says: "We were forced to gut the building. The salon space was previously home to the boiler rooms, so we had to remove the tank and walls before we were able to fit out the interior."
Careful consideration of lighting, white walls, and blue-glass surfaces all help to create a light and airy space in the basement, while exposed brickwork, wooden floors, and cocktail bar all add up to create the New York vibe.
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How would you describe the salon's image?
Upmarket, professional and approachable.
What was the most expensive part of the refit?
The building work.
In hindsight, is there anything you wouldn't choose?
The sunken lights in the floor, which can make cleaning difficult
