Salon Content

WorkShop

February 1, 2008 By: American Salon Staff American Salon

---

So what are the latest trends in salon design? Contemporary style with simple, clean lines remains the standard, and all-white interiors have been popular, according to Egan. But she and other salon manufacturers are also finding that many salons are embracing a softer style than the industrial look that has been dominant during the last few years. "We're seeing a lot of clients choosing darker, more earthy colors now," says Armando Petruccelli of Pibbs, a family-run salon furniture manufacturer that employs nearly 30 family members. "We're also finding that wood is coming back, so we're focusing on using more natural materials." This trend may be indicative of the growing demand for ecologically friendly design. "Sustainability is becoming important to more of our clients," Egan says. "They're starting to be interested in exploring new earth-friendly materials, like bamboo and cork flooring."

Clockwise, from Top: Graphix Hair Studio's traditional furnishings from Pibbs; an ultramodern MG Bross interior; eco-friendly furnishings from Etopa at an Aveda Master's Studio; the cocktail lounge at Takara Belmont salon Primp Salonbar; warm yet contemporary decor from Belvedere.

Etopa is addressing the demand for ecologically friendly design in a big way, by manufacturing furniture from sustainably farmed rubber wood in a zero-impact factory in China. Much of Etopa's pieces, such as the company's new haircolor dispensery, are portable, so they're easily moved as salons' needs change. "It gives salon owners a lot more flexibility to change up their space to allow customers to walk through it in a different way," says Etopa's Vice President Kristin Chou.

Cozy cafés and even hip cocktail lounges are still ragingly popular in salon design, but while they may seem like the most fun to design, it's important not to neglect other spaces, such as the backwash area, according to Petruccelli. "Don't forget that stylists and clients actually do spend a lot of time at the shampoo bowl—the more chemical treatments they get done the more time they're going to spend there."

At Salon Cabochon, with its rich brown leather chairs from Takara Belmont, curtains around each styling station can be closed to afford privacy.

Regardless of how salon owners decide to design their space, Ciarlone says planning ahead is imperative. "Make sure to allow extra time for unforeseen situations, such as materials and construction delays," she says. "It's best to plan your opening party a few months after you're open, when the salon operation is running smoothly and everything is in place." —LOTUS ABRAMS

THE HEAT IS ON

Give your clients the best blow-outs and the shiniest hair ever with these top-of-the-line blow-dryers.

Session stylists like this one working backstage at Donna Karan invest in top-of-the-line blow-dryers because they take such a beating.

1 2 3 4 

Bookmark it: digg del.icio.us technorati yahoo facebook twitter

• Home
• Advertising Information
• Check Out / Buy Classifieds
• Contact Us
  • Sales
  • Editorial
• Marketing Services
  • Careers
  • Products + Services
  • Lists
• Subscribe/Renew