Lisa Elliott Interior Design

In the dynamic world of interior design, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as witnessing the transformation of a space. From tired and outdated to fresh and revitalized, salon and spa makeovers offer a glimpse into the power of design to breathe new life into environments. In this blog post, we’ll explore a remarkable before and after transformations of a salon in Melbourne, showcasing the magic of interior design in action.

Before: A Dated Salon in Need of Revitalisation

The original salon space was nestled within an old building in the heart of Mount Waverley. Upon entering, clients were greeted by a tiny area that felt cramped and confined, lacking the spaciousness and flow desired in a modern salon environment. The layout was disjointed, with awkwardly placed furnishings and limited space for movement.

Throughout the space, outdated features and worn finishes told a story of neglect and stagnation. The walls bore the marks of years gone by, with faded paint and scuff marks marring their surfaces. Worn flooring showed signs of heavy foot traffic, and outdated lighting fixtures cast a dull and uninspiring glow over the space.

Design elements lacked cohesion and personality, with mismatched furnishings and lackluster decor failing to create a cohesive aesthetic. The overall ambiance felt tired and uninspired, failing to capture the attention and imagination of clients seeking a rejuvenating salon experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the Salon’s brand & style held promise and potential, awaiting the transformative touch of a skilled designer to breathe new life into the Salon at a new location.

After: A Classic Oasis of Beauty and Style

Absolu Hair Salon, once a modest space nestled in the heart of Melbourne, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a sanctuary of timeless elegance. The salon’s new look exudes sophistication and luxury, captivating clients with its refined ambiance and impeccable style.

To achieve the desired aesthetic of timeless elegance, I opted for luxurious design choices that evoke a sense of grandeur and opulence. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a soft and ethereal glow that illuminates the space with a touch of glamour. Plush upholstery adorns the salon’s seating areas, inviting clients to sink into sumptuous comfort while they await their appointments. Ornate detailing, from intricate moldings to delicate trimmings, adds a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication to every corner of the salon.

The materials selected for Absolu’s transformation were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of luxury and refinement. Marble-look finishes grace the countertops and surfaces, lending a sense of timeless elegance to the space. A black and white color palette dominates the salon’s aesthetic, creating a striking contrast that is both classic and chic. Timber-look flooring adds warmth and texture to the space, grounding the design in natural elements while providing durability and practicality.

The salon’s layout underwent a significant transformation to optimize space and functionality. In this new retail space, Absolu has traded their once-cramped quarters for a spacious sanctuary, with separate areas designated for beauty treatments and staff amenities. A separate beauty room provides privacy for clients seeking specialised services, while a dedicated staff room offers a retreat for employees to recharge and relax between appointments.

Classic furnishings and decor elements were carefully selected to complement Absolu’s new aesthetic of timeless elegance. Plush armchairs and ottomans upholstered in rich fabrics invite clients to unwind and indulge in the salon’s luxurious atmosphere. Delicate accent pieces, such as mirrors and vases, add a touch of glamour and refinement to the space, while botanical arrangements bring a sense of freshness and vitality to every corner.

Lessons Learned: Design Strategies for Success

1. Space Planning:
   • Lesson Learned: Effective space planning is essential for optimising functionality and flow within the salon.
   • Key Takeaway: By reimagining the layout and creating separate areas for beauty treatments and staff amenities, we were able to maximize space and enhance the overall client experience. Thoughtful space planning ensures that every square metre of the salon is utilised efficiently, providing both clients and staff with a comfortable and functional environment.
2. Color Selection:
   • Lesson Learned: The right color palette can set the tone for the entire space and evoke the desired atmosphere.
   • Key Takeaway: The black and white color palette chosen for Absolu Hair Salon creates a timeless and sophisticated ambiance. Contrasting hues add visual interest and depth to the space, while also serving as a backdrop for luxurious design elements such as crystal chandeliers and plush upholstery. When selecting colors, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic and brand identity of the salon, as well as the desired emotional response from clients.
3. Lighting Design:
   • Lesson Learned: Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and functionality of the salon.
   • Key Takeaway: The use of crystal chandeliers in Absolu Hair Salon adds a touch of glamour and sophistication, while also providing ambient lighting that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, strategic placement of task lighting ensures that work areas are properly illuminated for precision and efficiency. When designing lighting schemes, it’s important to consider the salon’s layout, functionality, and desired ambiance, as well as the practical needs of clients and staff.
4. Material Selection:
   • Lesson Learned: High-quality materials can elevate the salon’s aesthetic and convey a sense of luxury.
   • Key Takeaway: The use of marble-look finishes, plush upholstery, and timber-look flooring in Absolu Hair Salon adds texture, depth, and visual interest to the space. These materials not only enhance the salon’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. When selecting materials, it’s important to choose options that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for the salon environment, considering factors such as durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to wear and tear.

In Conclusion

The transformation of Absolu Hair Salon into a space of timeless elegance is a testament to the power of design to elevate and inspire. From the luxurious design choices and materials to the thoughtful layout and classic furnishings, every element of the salon’s new look has been carefully curated to reflect Absolu’s brand and style. With its inviting atmosphere and refined ambiance, Absolu Hair Salon welcomes clients into a world of luxury and indulgence, promising an unforgettable salon experience for years to come.

Warm Regards,

Lisa Elliott

Get started planning your dream Salon with our 8-page Salon & Spa Questionnaire

A questionnaire can be a helpful tool when planning the interior design of your Salon or Day Spa; it allows you to consider all the important information about your preferences, needs, and vision for the space before you start talking to your interior designer. This information can then be used to guide the design process, ensuring that the final design meets your needs and expectations.

Additionally, a questionnaire can help the your interior designer to identify any constraints or limitations that may impact the design. For example, if you have a specific budget or timeline for the project, we can use this information to make informed decisions about materials, furnishings, and construction methods that will work within those parameters.

Booking a Discovery Call with us can be a valuable step in the process of designing the interior of your Salon or Day Spa. Here are some reasons why you might consider booking a call:

1. Discuss your vision and goals: A discovery call allows you to discuss your vision and goals for your salon or day spa with your interior designer. This can help the designer to understand your vision and offer insights into how to achieve your goals.
2. Identify potential challenges: The interior designer can help you identify potential challenges that may impact the design process, such as budget constraints, timeframes, or regulatory requirements. This can help you to plan and prepare for these challenges in advance.
3. Learn about the design process: The discovery call can provide an opportunity to learn more about the design process and what to expect when working with an interior designer. This can help you to feel more comfortable and confident throughout the project.
4. Determine if the interior designer is a good fit: The discovery call can also help you to determine if the designer is a good fit for your project. You can get a sense of their communication style, design approach, and experience, which can help you to decide if you want to work with them.

Overall, booking a discovery call with an interior designer can be a valuable step in the design process. It can help you to clarify your vision, get feedback and recommendations, identify potential challenges, learn about the design process, and determine if the designer is a good fit for your project.

If you are planning a refurbishment, please explore our flexible Design Package Options designed to serve you for more information.

You’ve go no idea how grateful I am to have had you alongside my family. And the Salon’s everything I’ve dreamed of. You made it come alive! The opening was so amazing – very overwhelmed”

Absolu Hair Salon – Kara Mac Issac

So, why Hire an Interior Designer?

Unfortunately many people get confused or intimidated by the idea of hiring a professional Interior Designer for their project, and might be concerned about the process of working with a designer & the costs of doing so.

A lot of people I meet feel that they can hire a builder and do the design themselves, selecting materials and fixtures in dribs and drabs, often at the last minute (leading to less choice) with poor planning & lack of an overall vision. This will lead increased costs due to changes, additions and variations that the builder will not have allowed for.

You will save money & time. Your designer will plan functional and appealing spaces, provide drawings, visualisations & material / furnishing selections in a strategic manner so you can get competitive quotes, and you know what the design will look like & cost right from the start.

You require a Qualified Interior Designer & Registered Building Practitioner for any commercial project or residential project that requires a building permit; a proper interior designer is a highly trained & experienced registered professional, not just someone with ‘a good eye for colour’ and a knack for picking furniture.

Image: Omar Rodriguez @ormphotography