FURNITURE HAS A VITAL ROLE IN CREATING SALON AMBIENCE

Annette Hanford reports

When buying salon furniture, it’s important to choose wisely, according to Stephen Ewings, Aston & Fincher salon designer.

“The furniture will be in your salon or spa for a long time and can be one of the biggest investments you make in your career.

“The best advice is to plan ahead. Begin the purchasing process at least 90 days before your expected opening (or relaunch day) to allow for unexpected delays. And it’s a good idea to schedule your grand opening at least 30 days after your expected opening date.

PIC: ASTON & FINCHER'S SUN DIAL SOFA

“Visiting a showroom is very important when deciding on what to purchase. Go and see it for yourself, since this will give you the chance to see, touch, and even sit on the furniture you’re going to buy. There’s only so much you can see in a picture.

“Planning your salon space is just as important as buying your furniture. We offer a series of two-dimensional flatplans, showcasing a variety of workable layouts. It is important to create a floorplan to bring to light issues of practicality that can often go unnoticed.

“Even if you have a clear idea of how you want your salon to look, it’s worth seeking professional advice from a salon designer to check the feasibility of your vision. We not only have in-depth knowledge of furniture dimensions, but also specific working spaces for each zone, so understand the specific needs of a salon environment while creating a free-flowing, contemporary space.

“Remember, quality drives return on investment. When deciding what to purchase, bear in mind that quality of salon equals quality of therapists, which means quality of clients, and therefore quality of income. Following this basic advice can make your new salon a less stressful and more productive experience for all concerned.”

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