HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE STYLE OF YOUR SALON INTERIOR?
To be honest, although I had a good idea of what I wanted, it was something that I left largely in the control of my designer when it came to the execution. I told her that I wanted the feeling of a high-end, luxury London salon brought to the high street of Berkhamsted.
WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN?
I was heavily influenced by luxury lifestyle buildings like hotels and boutique shops. I actually made a moodboard of looks and details that I loved. After that, it was a case of being inspired by what was already in place in order to work more sustainably. The unit had a very unique ceiling, so that was something that we wanted to expose and make a feature out of.
DID YOU USE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I used Consilio Interiors. They are a local company, and that community feel is something I really focused on in so many areas of the salon. The company’s owner is actually my friend who has modelled for me in countless industry shows, so it just felt right that she did this with me too.
DESCRIBE THE VIBE CREATED BY YOUR INTERIOR.
It feels expensive and unique, but there is still a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere even though it’s dark. The dark walls and materials are complemented with perfect lighting, ensuring the hair colours always show true. The sections are all custom made with built-in lights around the mirrors, this allows clients to feel and look their best when they see the final result.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE ARE YOUR CLIENTS’ FIRST IMPRESSIONS WHEN THEY WALKIN?
I want them to be blown away – and judging by the reactions since opening, they have been! I want clients to know they’re in a really cool, modern space, whilst also feeling relaxed.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF YOUR SALON DESIGN?
Each section is over two metres tall without being overwhelming; they’re well-lit and custom made from beautiful materials. The ceiling has been sprayed jet black to enhance the unique shape, paired with black metal track lighting to give an industrial feel but in a subtle way – it’s warm, not stark or hard. We also have a very pink instagrammable toilet!
DO YOU HAVE ANY CURATED PIECES/SPECIAL FEATURES IN THE SALON?
Our reception desk is a huge piece of stone that is very impactful when clients arrive. It’s made from Silestone’s new HybriQ Romantic Ash as a bespoke reception desk. As it’s composed of a high percentage of recycled materials, we were able to create a beautiful and durable work surface, whilst also minimising our environmental footprint.
HOW ELSE HAVE YOU EMBRACED SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN THE DESIGN?
As well as the Silestone, we also chose to preserve the existing concrete structure of the salon’s ceiling. Instead of boarding over it, we just painted it – this provided a clean and contemporary look whilst still keeping the amazing shapes and texture. By doing so, we avoided unnecessary waste and saved resources that would have been used to cover up the existing structure.
WHAT SALON SOFTWARE DO YOU USE AND WHAT FEATURE OF IT DO YOU FIND MOST USEFUL?
Salon IQ – it’s got so many features that help to grow the business, including automatically sending commission and taking reports to my accountants. It’s also really simple to use the online booking system for clients – we have a lot of bookings made out of hours which it helps massively with.
DID YOUR PRODUCT BRAND/ COLOUR HOUSE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE OF INTERIOR DESIGN?
Not really, but the fact that Keune are now
B Corp certified made me really focus on sustainability as much as possible – that’s one of the reasons I’m also using Leaf scissors and Easydry towels.
WHAT SALON FURNITURE HAVE YOU CHOSEN AND WHY?
The backwashes and chairs are all Pietranera, made in Italy. They are so luxurious, comfortable and in-keeping with the salon design. In fact, the backwashes can be fully reclined to add to the relaxing backwash experience.
DO YOU HAVE A DRESS CODE/UNIFORM FOR YOUR TEAM?
My assistants wear Luke Benson Hair black t-shirts, but I want everyone else to be able to show off their individuality. I think it subconsciously makes clients feel at ease when their stylist has their own personal style, it can help them to find common ground.
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