A recent focus on salon interiors highlights how thoughtful design can significantly improve both client experience and staff wellbeing. Owners are integrating elements like open-plan colour bars, which Teresia Weller at Teresa Weller Hair Art found fostered collaboration and added a theatrical element for clients. Nancy Stripe of Stripe Studio notes that modern workspaces should mirror the salon's energy, whether through minimalism or vibrant patterns.
Emma Marcey, founder of ODD, is overhauling her staff break room using colour psychology, with lilac chosen for its calming and creative associations. This private space, linked to the colour area, remains exclusive to staff, offering a dedicated zone for relaxation. Kayleigh at Hex Hairdressing in Manchester introduced a private pod, initially for clients seeking quiet, which also serves as a vital retreat for staff, particularly for neurodivergent individuals sensitive to overstimulation.
Phill Gallagher at Dot Hair, Liverpool, advocates for self-contained styling units, housing all necessary tools and client storage for efficiency. David Cassidy of Palette & Bristle, Hove, stresses the impact of uncluttered spaces, advising against overfilling with furniture to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Harry Andreou at Studio U, Winchester, found long workbenches with integrated sockets a practical upgrade, eliminating cable clutter.
Break rooms are also being reimagined. Susannah Richardson at Butchers, Chester, equipped her staff room with a full kitchen to ensure team members can properly recharge. Furniture expert Lee Hamilton points to the rise of adjustable features like hydraulic chairs and tilting basins, designed to reduce physical strain on stylists throughout the day. Katie Fielder from Takara Belmont suggests dual-temperature lighting systems, offering flattering light for clients and clear visibility for stylists.
Lisa Feleppa of Comfortel Salon Furniture urges businesses to prioritise functional furniture and equipment early in the design process, not as an afterthought. Integrated storage, as highlighted by Emily Turton of Salon Equipment Centre and Georgia Catherall of Salons Direct, is crucial for reducing clutter and maintaining a professional aesthetic.
