Located in Potomac Maryland, this popular salon owner had found that he had outgrown his current space and looked to occupy more space in a neighboring building. Not only was he increasing the size of his current pursuit but he was intending to add a men’s salon as well. With eclectic taste and a desire to make an impact, the design developed into a swank retail space, which on the women’s side evoked an airy classical look, while on the men’s side a tailored masculine space. It’s as if the two spaces residing side by side were shaped to create the aesthetic of men’s and women’s parlors of the past. The 3200 square foot space allocates about one third to the men’s side which is furnished with 6 leather studded, Italian barber chairs and millwork with the shaving and washing sinks built-in for one stop grooming. The women’s side features 12 hair cutting stations which were modularly designed for the millworker to piece together the seamless storage, full length mirror and floor to ceiling light fixture. Both sides present a tremendous opportunity for retail as the modular hair cutting stations, double as retail display on the back side. The furniture is a diverse combination of styles and fabrics that further develop this whimsical spot. A custom translucent fabric chandelier with cascading crystals sits in the center of the women’s side to dress the structural column that commands the center of the room and an undulating layered film pattern graces the storefront to not only mask the afternoon sun, but also to create intrigue and allure. The back-of-house areas were kept simple and quiet as they serve as the color lounge and hair washing area. This helped to achieve the budget of $480,000, and an on time move-in date in late August of 2010. The space has received many compliments from this affluent greater Washington DC community and has also helped to inspired additional high end prospects in this retail center where many of the tenants find that their captive audience prevents pushing them towards upgrading their own spaces and images.
