How would you describe the design of your salon?
The design of the salon had the client’s journey in mind from the start. We wanted to create a ‘home from home’, complete with creative features captured from all over the world. An open space with no doors, no staff rooms and no hiding holes.
The open brickwork was the central feature of the salon, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors opening up the grand 20ft ceiling height with aesthetic lighting, all handmade. I also love the pianos, which add to this idea of little, spontaneous features throughout the space. Finally, the penny bar reflects my belief that every client should be embedded into the full journey of the salon. Everything was thought about – from the luxury backwash and lay-down massage chairs, to how you position where clients will pass the retail experience. All the chairs can be taken out, and the room can transform into a large auditorium for the various educational experiences we offer.
We also have downstairs, which is a beautiful area that is actually very different from the floor above – it’s a lot cleaner, with more concrete, more white lights and more digital features. Throughout the salon, everything is timeless; everything is hard wearing and everything will stand the test of foot traffic and endurance.
Do you have any curated pieces or special features in the salon?
Our latest feature was a shutter wall. I got the idea from a place called Potato Heads in Bali, which had hundreds of shutters surrounding the building. So, I went over to my place in Italy and took all the shutters off the old building and brought them here!
We also have a wall of dreams, hopes and achievements. I have a deep fear of water, so that’s represented on the wall with a symbol of religion. Then, there’s my dreams of being a little boy walking up to a castle which I hope to own one day, that’s up there too. Lastly, there’s all the places where my journey has taken me to achieve things – we have pictures of Russia, London and all the other places I’ve taught across the world.
How have you embraced sustainability within your design?
Within my design, everything that we have was reused from the previous salon. We also use sustainable LED lighting throughout the space.
Do you have a dress code for your team?
The team can wear whatever they like, I just want them to feel good in their own skin. As long as they are clean, smart and happy, then I’m happy. We usually all wear black though, just because we don’t want to wreck our clothes!
Give us three words that reflect the vibe of your salon.
Wellness, family and home.
Quick-fire questions:
1. SALON FURNITURE?
Salon Ambience and Maletti
2. PRODUCT BRAND?
Schwarzkopf Professional
3. SOFTWARE?
Salon IQ
4. OTHER SERVICES OFFERED?
Aesthetics
5. NUMBER OF STATIONS?
20
