Designing a salon
Few Salons have the luxury of large space
Few Salons have the luxury of large space, especially here in Hong Kong where space is very hard to find and expensive to rent.
The key to maximizing your salon space is functionality and incorporating multifunctional equipment and furniture design. Work with an interior designer who specializes in salon design. The designer can optimize your space by focusing on the following areas:
Reception - The reception desk is the hub and brain of any salon. Choosing the right design for your reception desk can make or break the entire look and appeal of the salon by altering its face. It functions as a work table for taking appointments, accepting payments and storing client information. It is equally important that the client feels welcomed and relaxed.
Styling - Hairdressers need space to work in. It is unfair for any stylist to feel restricted and unable to move around comfortably. This affects his work and state of mind. Clients want personal privacy and territorial space. They feel uncomfortable in a crowded setting where they are overheard, cannot store their belongings or feel relaxed and pampered. It might be better for a salon to set up less cutting chairs and offer better stylist/client surroundings than squash everybody together.
Colour - Colour is a key factor when designing a salon. Colour sets the stage, creating the mood and the experience the client will have upon entering your salon. When choosing a colour scheme, keep a few things in mind: How do you want your clients to feel in a particular space? Warmer, softer earth tones with wood accents can create a calming atmosphere. Using metals, glass and vibrant colour accents can energize the space. How long do you want your clients to occupy a space? Vibrant colours, which are stimulating, energetic and lively, tend to be used in places with fast pace turnover. Softer hues of the same colours can be used to slow the movement to a more relaxing, calming experience.
Salon Lighting - Your salon station lighting comes from two places: the front (wall lighting) and overhead. The wall lighting affects how a guest looks whilst in the salon chair. If a guest feels good about their appearance, it reinforces a positive experience for repeat business and increased revenues. The overhead fixtures provide general overall lighting to clearly perform tasks as well as light the space. If the overhead lighting is properly designed, this will provide enough illumination for hair styling and colour application.
Retail - If you do not have a large salon and cannot afford to allocate a certain amount of space in reception for a retail/ boutique area, the best way to incorporate and maximize retail space is by featuring point of purchase products for display at the reception desk. Stylists who personally recommend the right products to their clients display a higher level of professionalism and care.
Staff Room - Treat your staff as honoured guests and show respect for their professionalism. The staff room is the only place they can de-stress and feel relaxed away from being on show in front of clients. Happy employees are central to the success of a business. Invest space and design the staff room for efficient employees and better work culture.
Philip George