The design and concept of beauty rooms in a salon

Origin: What started as a Hair cutting salon long back has turned into beauty salon. Beauty rooms or facial rooms as they are called popularly have gained lot of importance in the hair and beauty industry. People from both the genders are showing interest in beauty treatments due to awareness and available surplus money. People not only want to look and feel good but also want to pamper themselves. Thus the beauty room has gained a prominence in the design of the beauty salon.

Components: The starting point for designing a beauty room is the services that it has to offer and the target clientele. The services offered are facials, waxing, aroma therapy, massages, skin treatments etc. The minimum size of a facial room would be 5’0 x 8’0 just having a facial bed on one side. The size of the facial can go up to 8’0”x12’0” having a facial bed with space all around. In such a room it’s a must to have everything required within the room so that there’s no door movement while the service is going on. The room should have a basin with hot and cold water supply. A tiny shower cubicle can also be installed in a corner. There should be enough electrical points located at a suitable level. A running counter is very useful for keeping things and accessories. A mirror running with counter on wall can make the room look double its size. A storage cabinet can store towels, robe, and various other things. A full height mirror near the entrance door is a good idea as people want to see themselves after the treatment. A call bell switch must be at a convenient location so that the client can call in case of any need.  As everyone has different temperature comfort thus individual temperature control is must in every facial room.  The speakers for music must have individual volume control.

Themes: There can be hundreds of themes for a facial room. All beauty rooms in a salon can be based on one theme or alternatively they all can be different from each other. We have created rooms on various themes like Navratnas (the nine stones representing nine planets of the universe), Elements of Universe (Water, Air, Earth, Sun and Sky), Fragrances (Jasmine, Lavender, Sandalwood) etc. 

Lighting: The lighting should be flexible with various options available for different needs. There should be spot lights or cfl downlighters when high lux levels are required. There can be cove lights and LEDs when low lux levels are required. It’s a good idea to use dimmers for the spot lights. In addition lamps, wall brackets and suspension light fixtures can also be used.

Acoustics: The environment should be relaxing and soothing. It’s a good idea to do sound proofing as much as possible. If the partitions are made of wood then it’s a good idea to stuff the partitions with glass wool insulation. The finishes should have high sound absorption properties.  

Material Finishes: The selection of materials should be practical and suitable to the activity and in accordance with the theme. For example, the ceiling can be of Gypsum board, pop, wood, laminates or veneers,   glass, mirrors, stainless steel or Aluminum composite panels etc. The flooring can have stones, Tiles, wood, laminated wooden tiles etc. The walls can have paints, tiles, mirrors, laminates and veneers or wall papers.

To conclude I would say that beauty rooms have added an interesting dimension to the salon design. So much so forth that in many of our recent projects we have followed an approach where the theme and even the name of the salon has been derived by the theme of the beauty rooms. 

Note: All the content posted in this article are the intellectual property of Vivea-Viveck Vermaa Architects unless specified otherwise. Any unauthorized use of these shall be violation of copyright.   https://www.facebook.com/viveckvermaaarchitects

Wellness M.A.N.T.R.A.

Set in the heart of Noida at Sector 18, Spa Mantra is an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Mantra offers Health spa & Beauty salon facilities with state of the art technology. It is spread over an area of 3,000 sq ft. It consists of a Unisex salon and separate spa sections for men & women.

Spa situated at second floor has rustic décor with a special emphasis on natural elements like wood, stone, water and plants to soothe and relax a stressed mind. There is the sound of waterfalls all around. 

Treatment rooms have been designed on themes like wood-age, Metal-age, stone-age and modern age. Veneers, handmade tiles, cross sections of tree trunks and wall papers have been used on partitions and walls. 



The lighting is all diffused in the ceiling coves. Color changing LED’s have been used to create variety of effects. 

The focal points are the faces of Buddha which can be seen in abundance at strategic locations. The soothing sounds and vibrations of the mantras have a creative transforming effect on the mind, body and spirit. 

The Spa is resonating with calming vedic chants in the background helping the positive energy to actually flows into the user.

Combining age-old wisdoms with modern know-how, we have created a truly unique space that serves as a centre for relaxation, healing and well being. 

More pictures are available at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?et=a.413500453403.196000.26686933403&type=3

Note: All the content posted in this article are the intellectual property of Vivea-Viveck Vermaa Architects unless specified otherwise. Any unauthorized use of these shall be violation of copyright.   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?et=a.413500453403.196000.26686933403&type=3

Essentials of a beauty salon design

To start the designing of any salon or spa, it is utmost important to understand the business plan, the kind of services that will be provided, the target audience, the revenue generation potential and the brand positioning. All these points if clearly understood; interpreted help in creating an interiors which is appropriate, highly customized, sensitive to the needs of both clients and the business, in sync with the brand positioning.  Thus a holistic approach to the design is the basic necessity.

Once all these points are understood, we need to elaborate the various components of the salon. These components are as follows:




Entrance/reception area: It’s the first point of contact for the customer and the salon. It should be welcoming. A reception desk cum cash desk should be positioned in such a location that the receptionist can see all the movement happening in salon.  There should be a waiting area for clients.  There can be a retail space/cabinet in the reception area which is placed at such a location which is highly visible and controllable by the receptionist. The signage is an important part , the logo panel should be placed at a strategic location preferably behind the desk. A signature wall can also be created displaying the signature elements.

Styling Area: It’s the area where various styling services are provided. Styling stations can be placed in various permutation and combinations depending upon the space available. Each styling station has a styling chair and a mirror in front.  The Styling area can be unisex or gender based. Another important part of styling area is the back wash area where hair are washed.  

It is very important to create a place where shampoos, conditioners, fresh towels and used towels are placed for easy access.

Pampering services include pedicure, manicure , head spa etc. This area can be semi-enclosed for restricted visibility.

Beauty Rooms: These rooms are used for facials, waxing, massage etc. The room should have a facial bed with space all around, a basin, a storage cabinet, a full height mirror etc. The environment should be relaxing and soothing. It’s a good idea to do sound proofing as much as possible. The combination of various lights like cfl downlighters, spots, cove lights and LED’s can create various combinations.

Utilities include wash rooms, pantry, staff area and storage areas.

There are various steps involved in the process of design of a salon. The First step is to create a program of areas/requirements. The next step is to create a design concept along with a layout plan. It also includes creating 3d models and simulations. This whole process takes around 7-10 days. The next stage is to create drawings and specifications for execution and that takes around 7 days. So the total time taken to design a salon is around 15 days.

The programming for every salon is quite unique; complex with various independent as well as overlapping functions. Each and every space has its own sanctity & functioning. A relationship between these independent spaces and the site needs to be defined very clearly. In addition we need to evolve a visual / spatial language strong enough to create a brand identity. Once all these macro level issues are taken care of, there will be micro level detailing issues which require a very careful handling as they are crucial in creating a difference between an average or a high class interiors.

To create an appealing salon following things play an important role.

Lighting plays the most important role in creating an appealing salon. Down lighters placed in technically correct positions in working areas, indirect lighting thro’ coves or uplighters, spot lights highlighting the visual elements and products and LED’s creating dim light areas..all these light elements used properly create wonders for the salon appeal.

 The choice of finishing material plays an important role. The materials should be well coordinated with each other as per the concept design and should form a part of the larger picture. The materials should be maintenance free and easily cleanable and shouldn’t look shabby after few days.

Visual elements communicate with the customers and establishes a dialogue with them. Signages, logo, posters, signature wall if strategically placed adds to the visual appeal to a great extent.

Identity markers are very important as they provide a uniqueness to a salon.  Reception desk, styling stations, salon furniture, display areas, ceilings, handles, Light fixtures, all create a signature appeal.

 Detailing is of prime importance, which require a very careful handling as they are crucial in creating a difference between an average or a high class interiors.

Note: All the content posted in this article are the intellectual property of Vivea-Viveck Vermaa Architects unless specified otherwise. Any unauthorized use of these shall be violation of copyright.