HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE STYLE OF YOUR SALON INTERIOR?
STIL comes from the Swedish word for style, and I feel it’s more than a concept –it’s something that’s linked to my DNA.The salon is Scandi-influenced and inspired; it’s very minimal, but with a real attention to detail. We always wanted it to be very contemporary –a super modern, chic setting with a personal approach and experience for the client.
WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN?
The inspiration is drawn from myScandinavian heritage, and we’ve taken our design references from that clean, Nordic aesthetic. The interior combines white wooden flooring, indoor greenery and bespoke Crittall features –all hallmarks of contemporary Scandi design.
DID YOU USE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Yes, we worked with the incredibleDanish residential and commercial architect Max Broby. He’s been involved in a massive range of projects, and we knew he was a great fit for ours.
DESCRIBE THE VIBE CREATED BY YOUR INTERIOR.
The space is bright and airy, minimal with clean lines. We hope it creates an inviting, relaxed energy and becomes somewhere our clients love to spend time. Each custom-made mirror is accompanied by its own individual marble-based side table. Everyone gets their own designated area; it’s a personal experience.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE ARE YOUR CLIENTS’ FIRST IMPRESSIONS WHEN THEY WALK IN?
Hopefully it’s a wow factor. It’s luxury, but done in an informal way so the overall effect is high end, but it’s not intimidating.
TELL US WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF YOUR SALON DESIGN?
Light was one of the most important elements for us when we designed the salon. Having a bright, white space with black contrast makes it much easier to read hair colour. The white floor and walls bounce light around the salon and were chosen to create as much light as possible. We never overlook the little details either. We love flowers and every week we get fresh arrangements for our main displays as well as our bud vases. These small things add lots of happiness and colour inspiration.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CURATED PIECES OR SPECIAL FEATURES/AREAS IN THE SALON?
STIL’s affiliation with nature is reflected in the salon’s centrepiece, a sage green marbled, interactive colour mixing bar where clients can watch colour magic being performed. This and the marbled designs behind the backwash are inspired by the colours of the northern lights and flowing water. The splash backs run practically floor to ceiling with a palette of pale purples, blues and gold. They’re stunning. US company Calico Wallpaper created our own custom-made microcosmos wallpaper in conjunction with BCXSY. It was a fascinating process that allows you to come up with a hand painted design based on an infusion of your chosen colours.
HOW HAVE YOU EMBRACED SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN THE DESIGN?
When we were planning the salon, we considered how to be green in many different ways. We’ve got built-in waste drops that allow us to recycle cleanly and conveniently, we use bio-degradable towels so there’s less burden on washing and our systems are digital so that we’re pretty much paperless. The infrastructure of the salon itself is as energy efficient as possible and uses the latest green technology.
WHAT SALON SOFTWARE DO YOUUSE AND WHAT FEATURE OF IT DOYOU FIND MOST USEFUL?
Currently, we use Timely. It’s a very service-minded, efficient system in how it communicates. One feature that works well for us is that we’re notified if colour clients need a skin test if they book online –the booking will be pending a tour end until that’s confirmed.
DID YOUR PRODUCT BRAND/COLOUR HOUSE INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE OF INTERIOR DESIGN?
No, not really, although we made sure we selected a colour brand that aligned well with our vision. We’re with Wella Professionals who we feel are the for what we do.
WHAT SALON FURNITURE HAVE YOU CHOSEN AND WHY?
Much of it is bespoke or custom-made, but our salon chairs from Pahi are tastefully minimalist to fit in with the overall design.
DO YOU HAVE A DRESS CODE/UNIFORM FOR YOUR TEAM?
We embrace personal style and everyone in the team is free to express their individuality. The only guidance is smart casual but otherwise everyone can wear what they choose.
To visit the Stil Salon website, click here
