Jamie Furlan of LNDN Hair Opens a Gallery Like Salon in Australia
What was the concept behind your salon/spa vision?
Functionality is at the core of salon design. The space has been created with the idea that all elements are modular and interchangeable. Like a gallery, the space can change and evolve as we do. A rotation of artworks is to be displayed in the space. A restrained selection of elements, with a less is more approach has been adhered to with a focus on materiality and textures. A bold purple translucent LNDN can be seen on the salon’s windows, which glows in the night and creates coloured shadows in the vibrant daylit space.
The elongated front windows frame both the street-scape and the sky above. Brick walls have been covered by rough textured concrete. The long rectangular space is largely made up of sharp straight lines in both the architecture and furnishings. Curved walls and soft leather tub chairs have been introduced within, adding interest in the play between the hard and the curved lines. Large-scale abstract collages, in vibrant colours, hang in contrast to the spanning white concrete walls.
How does your space work with light where it’s required?
We are fortunate to have large floor-to-ceiling front windows, which allow an abundance of natural light to filter through the space. On those darker Melbourne days, we have a series of evenly lit track-lighting, which provides the perfect environment to work in.
What made you choose your colour scheme, furniture and finishing touches?
A muted colour pallet has been used, accented with natural wood tones, and worn leather textures. Steel-framed leaning mirrors, dramatic spot lighting, and polished concrete floors create a minimal uncluttered design. These choices were made, as we wanted the space to feel modern and minimal, however, it has a timeless sensibility. That way, we are able to add colour accents to the furnishings, artworks and books.
How did you set up your retail and product storage areas?
The display is very clean and minimal again, championing the product in an uncluttered way. The retail element is more personable, where clients are recommended products, therefore we don’t have the need to stock shelves full of products.
How does your space create a relaxing environment for your guests?
We wanted the space to have a nice flow and resemble a familiar home environment, where guests would normally congregate at the dining room table. The heart of the salon is our large colour table, where clients would traditionally sit to get their colour worked on. However, as this runs the span of the salon, it’s a place where clients can sit and read through our curation of art, design and hair books from our travels collected from far and wide, work on their laptops or relax and read a book and drink their coffee. Clients can often spend hours at a time in our space, so it was important for us to create a space that felt welcoming and relaxing.
Did your budget and timeframe go according to plan? What challenges did you come across building your space?
There are always unforeseen challenges and timing issues, so there are always delays to be expected. Especially post-COVID where many building supplies were in shortage. We had some minor setbacks, however were able to open within the timeframe allocated. The space is still a work in progress, which allows us the freedom to continually add more and evolve. We were able to work within our budget, and by doing so, we were able to invest in the areas that we felt would have the most impact on our salon.
What advice would you give to a salon or spa owner looking to create their own unique space?
Clarity in your vision is key. Your space is an extension of who you are, so it’s important to not rush and take your time with all the decisions. The small decisions are just as important as the big ones. Planning is also vital so you can ensure a timely build and not overspend where not necessary.
Location:
326 Smith St,
Collingwood
Melbourne Australia
Website: www.lndn-hair.com
