LHQ Hairdressing Salon Redesign + Fit-out | Commercial

LHQ Hairdressing Salon Redesign + Fit-out | Commercial

For this project we provided a full-design service. We worked through our signature step-by-step design process with the owner of the hair dressing salon. We started the project by establishing a detailed design brief. This is the foundation for producing a design concept that fits with the vision and expectation of the client. From there we created the first draft of the new layout of the salon.

One of the major requirements was to improve the functionality of the layout. A large proportion of the available floor space was used ineffectively. In essence to add a 3rd washbasin and an 8th workstation. The salon is about 52 sqm in total size. We had to be smart with the layout to maximise the full potential of the salon. This also meant to look at the size of all the work areas within the salon and re-assess.

Once the layout was established we went on to develop the design further. The design development phase usually incorporates minor tweaks to the layout if needed, selecting colours and materials & finishes needed for the interior fit-out. For this project we also selected furniture, fixtures and fittings and designed custom joinery.

Producing the Design Concept

It became clear to us that certain areas had to be redefined. The reception area was in relation to the salon too big and the centre of the floor space was used ineffectively. We had to reorganize the reception area, waiting area, work stations and hair wash area. To fit a 3rd washbasin and an 8th workstation we had to reorganize the workflow in the hair wash area and reception area. Instead of washing hair from the side we opted for washing the hair from the back. This method allowed us to condense the space between the wash lounges. This gave us a little more room for the work stations. Washing the client’s hair standing behind them is more efficient and has less ergonomic strain on the hairdressers body as they don’t have to rotate their upper body.

As there was no space to be unused we also had to make sure that the fit-out, e.g reception desk, benches for the waiting area had to be in a certain size to exactly fit into the dedicated space. Therefore we went for custom made joinery and furniture. The reception desk, the wall-hung shelf, the storage units in the hair wash area as well as the bench seats in the waiting area were designed by us.

Functionality Perks – little details that make a difference

We added a display shelf to the reception desk to ensure there was still plenty of space for products to be on display for sale. The storage cabinet in the wash area has a great functional feature. To keep laundry baskets out of sight and the floor space tidy we added a towel trap to the built in cabinet. The benchtop features two large holes where wet towels can be put after use. Amazingly the laundry baskets are hidden within cabinetry and can be emptied when needed.

The benches in the waiting area also function as additional storage boxes. Having lots of ample storage was key as this hair dressing salon is situated in the country and orders a larger amount of retail products as it orders less frequently compared to a hairdresser in a metro area.

The Colour Scheme

The brief was to create a bright fresh new look. Wanting to use a white colour on the walls, it was essential to the owner that the white wall colour would not throw any yellow or green undertones. The undertones from the wall colour can show a ‘false’ result of coloured hair. Our choice was Dulux Lexicon Quarter for walls. It looks bright and fresh in the salon. To add a little colour the choice fell on Dulux Fibre Moss for a muted natural green. As the green and white are cool colours we added a little warmth with some pink accents – which is the owners favourite colour. This was perfect as green and red/ pink are complementary colours. They are always in harmony with each other when the correct tints and shades are chosen. Also the laminated timber choice was Laminex Rock Maple which features a warm red base.

Design Challenges

The main challenge was to optimize the layout and make all work areas fit in the space. But also separate them visually and physically from each other with clear defined boundaries. We added a room dividing screen wall for two of the workstations. The wall features timber screen sections so the wash area would not be fully blocked off from the front section and still allows light to come through.

Before Photos