The Design of a Beauty Salon & SPA together in a smaller area

In recent times there has been an increase in demand for spa activities. Many beauty salons whose prime focus was on Hair or skin now want to include spa activities within the salon.  As real estate is a constraint, one has to accommodate the salon and spa together in a smaller area.

The first step towards design such a salon / spa is to have the optimum program of areas and a right balance between salon and spa activities. This balance depends upon various factors like the demand of various services, brand USP and the floor plate available.

Once the program of areas is finalized, a compact and efficient layout plan is the key. The correct relationship between various components of program should be achieved without wasting the space. The critical dimensions of various components should be strictly followed. In addition we need to evolve a visual / spatial language strong enough to create a brand identity.

There can be numerous options for the visual language. It can be minimalistic, straight lines, organic, contemporary, vernacular, modern, post modern or period based etc.

We have created spa rooms which were named on as per their interiors. e.g. ocean, forest, sand dunes, Woods, Jasmine, Lavender, Sandalwood, Moghul, Arctic, European, Thai etc.   

These various components of a salon / spa in a small space are as follows:

1.      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.

2.      Salon Area

a.       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.

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

c.       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.    

3.      SPA

Spa in a salon includes following areas:

·         Massage Bed Area

·         Shower Area

·         Steam room

·         Jaccuzy

·         Sauna

All the above areas have their specific objectives and specific requirements in terms of material application. 

 The overall ambience of a spa should have a calming and soothing effect on a user. 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.

 The selection of materials should be practical and suitable to the activity. 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.

4.      Utilities

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

 To conclude I would say that combining spa with a salon can be very interesting and has added an interesting dimension to the salon design. The salons with spas are thus not only a place to get a haircut only but have transformed into a place where a person can treat and pamper himself. It has become a space where a person can unwind, relax and rejuvenate in the times of hectic metro lifestyles. 

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