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“Image is everything, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” asserts Larry Oskin, president of Fairfax, Virginia-based Marketing Solutions, an agency that provides PR, marketing and consulting services for the professional beauty industry. You want clients to remark about the decor when they first walk into your salon. Create an atmosphere that offers something different than the cookie-cutter nail salon. Consider using uber-modern stools or shabby chic couches that are somewhat out of the nail salon norm. “Be sure that you create a ‘wow’ factor,” continues Oskin. A standout piece, such as a chandelier, oversized mirror, vintage chair or even fun, interesting artwork can create that “wow” factor.

FUNKY FURNITURE

B y T r a c y M o r i n

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Don’t feel like you need to play it safe when select-ing new furniture. While solid-colored furniture in a bright shade can draw eyes to it, you don’t have to concentrate on one-hued fabrics for your designs to have the same impact. Furniture with patterned fabrics has the benefit of adding interest to your design, while providing a pop of color in an unexpected place.

Style Suggestion

Mix and match colors and patterns

in accent pieces.

Even if your services are top-notch,

no one will want to visit your salon

if the wall colors are depressing,

stations are jumbled and uncom-

fortable, and the waiting area

consists of three-year-old magazines strewn over

a dusty table. OK, so maybe your salon isn’t that

bad, but it’s always a good idea to keep your

space new and exciting, which means sprucing

it up every now and then to keep things fresh.

We asked top design experts about the current trends

in design and what you can do bring your salon up a

notch. Whether you’re looking to redesign your salon

from top to bottom or simply update it with a coat of

paint, here are some tips on how you can make

your space stand apart from the crowd.

SalonStyleStyle

SuggestionUnusual shapes and colors can add spice

to your space.

Style Suggestion

Funky furniture can set the mood of a salon, making it

upbeat and fun.

Updating

the look

and feel of

your salon

is as easy

as adding

a splash

of color,

designer

table or

sparkling

chandelier.

Style SuggestionDon’t be afraid of furniture

pieces that aren’t traditionally found in the salon.

Beauty Design

Stingray Seater-Sofa beautydesign.com

DesignXKinky Manicure Table salonfurniture.com

DesignXScont Treatment Chair

salonfurniture.comStyle

SuggestionLook through design

magazines to find a color scheme that you like.

DesignXKinky Chair with Cushion

salonfurniture.com

Style Suggestion

Accessories that add a pop of color bring

a room together.

Style Suggestion

Patterned and textured fabrics add interest to

your design.

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HIRING A PRO“No matter what your budget is, use a professional salon designer, someone who is experienced with salons; ask your salon furniture manufacturers and distributors for recommendations of salon design pro-fessionals. Look through NAILPRO and other professional magazines for beautifully designed salons and day spas, and contact the salons to ask who designed them. Bring the pictures with you when you meet the designer—this ensures that designers fully understand your wishes and dreams. Get estimates in writing for everything you need, as well as an extra list of potential options. Have the de-signer estimate a timeline with any and all possible

extra costs so there are no surprises!” —Larry Oskin, president, Marketing Solutions, Fairfax, VA

DESIGN ELEMENTSFinding those terrific accent pieces often takes a little hunting and creativity on your part. “Try looking for great finds, like antiques, unique furniture to reupholster, or refur-bished metal or ceramic sculptures,” says Jack W. Cornell, se-nior design consultant at DaySpaDesign.com based in Albany, New York. “If you’re handy, do something interesting with old, repainted picture frames, or purchase smaller, less expensive indoor trees and a large decorative pot.”

Style SuggestionLarge mirrors add space and light.

Style Suggestion

Add glitz with a crystal chandelier.

BelevaIndulgence Pedicure Chair

belava.com

DesignXPauline Bench

salonfurniture.com

DesignXPauline S Reception Chair

salonfurniture.com

DesignXNail Bar

salonfurniture.com

DesignXPauline Reception Chair

salonfurniture.com

Gulfstream48” Reception Desk

gulfstreamplastics.com

Style SuggestionLook for interesting

pieces; you want clients to comment

as soon as they walk in the door.

Style SuggestionWhen meeting with a decorator, bring

pictures of pieces that you’re attracted to.

Style SuggestionGolden accents are

making a resurgence in salon decor.

Style Suggestion

Antiques or refurbished art make terrific accent pieces.

Beauty DesignCovent Garden

W Reception Deskbeautydesign.com

WALL FLOWERSConsider adding one or more of the following accent pieces or extras—some of which cost next to nothing—to create added interest within the salon, suggests Oskin:• Frame pictures of your best nail designs, spa services and

any articles where you have been published in the local or national media for your own “Wall of Fame.”

• Large framed artwork helps establish your salon theme—consider paintings, tapestries and wall fountains.

• Large mirrors or a collage of smaller mirrors hung on the walls add space and light.

• Consider using slanted or diagonal walls, windows, glass blocks, creative lights and unusual design features to add creative shapes to the decor.

• Draw on wood, metal, plastic, glass, smooth building materi-als, marble, stone and Formica to add texture, but avoid anything that collects dust or can’t be easily cleaned.

COLORBefore you decide on a color scheme, analyze your image and personal preferences. Rip out pictures from design magazines that show color palettes you love. Don’t be concerned if your tear sheet is a photo of a bathroom or backyard design; it doesn’t necessarily have to be from another salon to be inspirational! You’re looking for colors and textures that appeal to you.

Jennifer Millspaugh, salon and spa interior designer with Design X Manufacturing based in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, believes that many of today’s design trends are classically inspired. “Black-and-white is making a sophisticated and stylish comeback,” she says. “The combination can be too strong if each color is used equally, so have one dominate the other. This creates a refreshing look for the classic pair. Accent this with bright hues—greens, blues,

reds—and your space will pop.” She adds that glitzy decor, such as golden accents, shimmering

wallpaper and crystal chandeliers, is also making a resurgence, and darker wood tones are still in vogue for furniture.

THINGS TO KNOW“Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, hiring a professional who specializes in salon and spa design is an important first step. Salon design-ers have an in-depth knowledge of materials, products, equipment and finishes and are expertly aware of current trends in the salon in-dustry, so they can create spaces that are not only beautiful but function smoothly and efficiently. Create a scrapbook of salons you like and dislike so the designer will know what you’re looking for based on visuals. It’s also imperative to discuss design fees and the scope of services that will be provided by the designer before you begin. Is the designer responsible for only the lay-out of the space but not the lighting? What about the project’s budget and time re-straints? These are key points that need to be brought up and discussed in the first meeting. Remember, you’re hiring a designer for a reason: to create your dream salon. Sometimes the designer may have an idea or concept that you don’t agree with right away. Before saying no, reflect upon it; it may be the idea that sets your space apart from the others.” —Jen-nifer Millspaugh, salon and spa interior designer, Design X Manufacturing, Old Saybrook, CT

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Beauty DesignMidnight Desk

beautydesign.com

Minerva BeautyConical Display

minervabeauty.com

Salon EquipmentBradford Nail Table

salonequipment.com

ValentinoBeauty Pure Air Filtration valentinobeautypure.com

Style Suggestion Metal materials add unusual

design features to decor.

Minerva BeautyLanier Manicure Table minervabeauty.com

European TouchEuro Palm Chair

europeantouch.com

Takara BelmontArgento Stool

takarabelmont.com

Style SuggestionAsk your pro designer to estimate a timeline

so there are no surprise costs.

Beauty DesignOnglet 1 Manicure Table

beautydesign.com

Beauty DesignBlack Tsu Styling Chair

beautydesign.com

Beauty DesignBean Two-Seater Sofa

beautydesign.com

Salon EquipmentCarusa Reception Chair

salonequipment.comDesignX

Madison Poltrona salonfurniture.com

Style SuggestionLook for professional salon designers, as they know the current salon trends best.

Daylight CompanySlimline Table Lamp

daylightcompany.com

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