As part of our experiential design series in partnership with Takara Belmont, we look at how designing an inviting salon reception area offers clients a wonderfully warm welcome into your world with Russell Eaton.
Russell Eaton is no stranger to style, with the multi-award-winning brand ensuring clients visiting its two salon outposts (in Barnsley since 1978 and Leeds since 2009), can relax in luxe spaces with a home from home appeal. Both salons boast individual designs while offering the same service with a style that clients have come to know and love from the brand. A family-run business, both founder Russell and his son Robert (the current British Hairdresser of the Year) wanted to create bespoke, luxurious designs with the client in mind: “Our aim was always to create modern, contemporary spaces with client experience at the forefront, which begins and ends with our reception areas. It’s here that our retail spaces take centre stage,” say the duo, whose combined attention to detail – and retail – works its magic via a stylish, experiential shopping space that clients walk through en route to the reception desk, encouraging purchasing as they go.
“It was also hugely important that we fully considered functionality and longevity, creating timeless, luxe spaces to stand the test of time.” These spaces boast muted colour palettes, think cream, wood and shades of grey, which the duo have cleverly combined with pops of colour to create a feeling of calm. “Furniture played a key part in our design process,” they continue. “Takara Belmont (used within our carefully created zones, from chill-out spaces to salon floor) was the perfect fit thanks to the stylish designs, which complement our salon interior. The quality, comfort and functionality are unparalleled and it’s reassuring for us to know everything is built to last, too.”
So what advice can the duo offer others looking to create a welcoming reception space? “The devil is always in the design detail. Look at your available space and maximise what you can. Our Leeds salon is a corner unit with a huge amount of passing trade, so we use our window space to encourage retail opportunities with clients and passers-by.” It’s a design win-win for the Eaton’s, who love the spaces they’ve designed with clients in mind. To follow suit, fully considering how to utilise your space effectively is an essential part of creating a welcoming reception area. Once right, you’ll be assured that every client will receive a warm reception.
Recreate the look
Upscale every welcome with the Pandora Front of House Reception Desk. Understated in its design with a soft LED light surround and storage for an organised reception space, customise to your salon interior from natural Oak, dark Oak or natural Walnut wood veneer options. Find out more at takarahairdressing.co.uk Price: £1,490, with Lease Purchase options from just £8.17 per week. 
As one of two waiting chairs from Takara Belmont’s globally successful Zen range, Shiki Waiting is an ideal complement to the Shiki styling chair. It ensures complete comfort as your clients wait with natural upholstery colours and textures, Shiki Waiting brings elegance to every waiting area. Price: £620, with Lease Purchase options from just £3.59 per week. Find out more at 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 April issue of HJ, this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Takara Belmont.
