Monday 16 April 2012

Essentials of a beauty salon design

To start the designing of any salon or spa, it is utmost important to understand the business plan, the kind of services that will be provided, the target audience, the revenue generation potential and the brand positioning. All these points if clearly understood; interpreted help in creating an interiors which is appropriate, highly customized, sensitive to the needs of both clients and the business, in sync with the brand positioning.  Thus a holistic approach to the design is the basic necessity.

Once all these points are understood, we need to elaborate the various components of the salon. These components are as follows:



Entrance/reception area: It’s the first point of contact for the customer and the salon. It should be welcoming. A reception desk cum cash desk should be positioned in such a location that the receptionist can see all the movement happening in salon.  There should be a waiting area for clients.  There can be a retail space/cabinet in the reception area which is placed at such a location which is highly visible and controllable by the receptionist. The signage is an important part , the logo panel should be placed at a strategic location preferably behind the desk. A signature wall can also be created displaying the signature elements.

Styling Area: It’s the area where various styling services are provided. Styling stations can be placed in various permutation and combinations depending upon the space available. Each styling station has a styling chair and a mirror in front.  The Styling area can be unisex or gender based. Another important part of styling area is the back wash area where hair are washed.  
It is very important to create a place where shampoos, conditioners, fresh towels and used towels are placed for easy access.

Pampering services include pedicure, manicure , head spa etc. This area can be semi-enclosed for restricted visibility.

Beauty Rooms: These rooms are used for facials, waxing, massage etc. The room should have a facial bed with space all around, a basin, a storage cabinet, a full height mirror etc. The environment should be relaxing and soothing. It’s a good idea to do sound proofing as much as possible. The combination of various lights like cfl downlighters, spots, cove lights and LED’s can create various combinations.

Utilities include wash rooms, pantry, staff area and storage areas.

There are various steps involved in the process of design of a salon. The First step is to create a program of areas/requirements. The next step is to create a design concept along with a layout plan. It also includes creating 3d models and simulations. This whole process takes around 7-10 days. The next stage is to create drawings and specifications for execution and that takes around 7 days. So the total time taken to design a salon is around 15 days.

The programming for every salon is quite unique; complex with various independent as well as overlapping functions. Each and every space has its own sanctity & functioning. A relationship between these independent spaces and the site needs to be defined very clearly. In addition we need to evolve a visual / spatial language strong enough to create a brand identity. Once all these macro level issues are taken care of, there will be micro level detailing issues which require a very careful handling as they are crucial in creating a difference between an average or a high class interiors.

To create an appealing salon following things play an important role.

Lighting plays the most important role in creating an appealing salon. Down lighters placed in technically correct positions in working areas, indirect lighting thro’ coves or uplighters, spot lights highlighting the visual elements and products and LED’s creating dim light areas..all these light elements used properly create wonders for the salon appeal.

 The choice of finishing material plays an important role. The materials should be well coordinated with each other as per the concept design and should form a part of the larger picture. The materials should be maintenance free and easily cleanable and shouldn’t look shabby after few days.

Visual elements communicate with the customers and establishes a dialogue with them. Signages, logo, posters, signature wall if strategically placed adds to the visual appeal to a great extent.

Identity markers are very important as they provide a uniqueness to a salon.  Reception desk, styling stations, salon furniture, display areas, ceilings, handles, Light fixtures, all create a signature appeal.



 Detailing is of prime importance, which require a very careful handling as they are crucial in creating a difference between an average or a high class interiors.

Note: All the content posted in this article are the intellectual property of Vivea-Viveck Vermaa Architects unless specified otherwise. Any unauthorized use of these shall be violation of copyright.   

1 comment: