Studio U: A Vibrant Co-Working Salon in Winchester

The colour palette of Studio U is bold and intentional, with a luxe, raw sienna paired with a forest green. “I was drawn to that combination because it feels both grounding and vibrant at the same time. The green brings depth and calm – it anchors the space – while the orange adds warmth, energy and personality,” Harry shares. And, with the addition of the natural light that flows into the space, a palette that could feel overwhelming is instead softened. “It feels fresh, rather than heavy,” he adds. One big influence on the design was Marrakech. “The richness of the architecture, the warmth of the earth tones, the way colour feels sun soaked rather than artificial. There is something about that vibrancy that feels alive but still sophisticated. I wanted the salon to carry that same feeling.”

Harry stresses the intentional use of colour throughout the salon to support the client experience, taking the basin room as an example. “It is completely colour-drenched in burnt orange. When you step inside, it almost wraps around you. It feels cocooning, like you are being held or hugged by the space,” he describes. “The basin experience is where clients slow down so it is quieter and more intimate. The colour amplifies that sense of comfort and escape.”

In a salon, lighting is everything, which is why Harry asserts that it was one of the most considered elements in the design. “It affects how the colour looks and how the client feels – even how confident they are when they leave.” In the main area of the salon, LED wall lights were installed between each mirror, positioned to illuminate the face evenly. “It’s flattering, but honest” Harry describes. This was paired with LED downlights in the ceiling, carefully offset from the chairs so they don’t cast shadows over the head. “That detail was important,” he adds. “Shadows can completely change how you see tone and depth in colour, so the placement had to be precise.” Within the basin room, lighting was about balance, with individual LED lighting above each basin offering flexibility and control dependent on the moment. Yet, while lighting needs to be functional, it can also be atmospheric; an orange, stained glass pendant acts as a feature, adding warmth and softness akin to golden hour.

When it came to the flooring, Harry wanted to ensure that this warmth flowed throughout the entirety of the space. Porcelain tiles were selected for their practical benefits, being able to withstand constant footfall, colour spills and more, but in a rich brown wood effect, to prevent the space from feeling overly polished or clinical.

Another intentional choice for the salon was to eliminate the traditional reception desk. Instead, when clients arrive, there is a relaxed seating area featuring a generous sofa, which naturally draws people in. “I didn’t want guests to walk in and feel processed,” Harry explains. “It softens the start of the appointment and makes the whole experience feel less transactional.”

The salon features eight styling chairs, sourced from Ayala and upholstered in orange to complement the wider palette. Rather than each chair having its own section, two long work benches run the length of the walls, creating an uninterrupted sense of openness. Explaining this decision, Harry notes: “Many of our clients work remotely, so the continuous bench gives them room for laptops, coffee and personal items without feeling cramped.” There are then three backwashes, tucked away from the main salon area, each featuring gel neck cushions for added client comfort.

As with most renovation projects, there were challenges along the way, which resulted in running a week behind schedule. However, Harry believes that his time as a police officer helped him navigate this period. “In policing, you learn quickly that panic is never productive,” he explains. “Staying calm, assessing the situation objectively and focusing on solutions rather than emotion becomes second nature.”

As for the best thing Harry did throughout the renovation process? “Build it alongside my husband. It wasn’t always smooth – we challenged each other constantly – but that push and pull made the space stronger. Where I was driven by feeling and vision, he brought perspective and practicality.”