1 mins
Luxury REDEFINED
Hooker & Young took control of lockdown and used the time to renovate their Jesmond salon
Name: HOOKER & YOUNG/ Jesmond
Address: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Owners: Gary Hooker & Michael Young
Size: 1600 sq ft
How long have you been in the premises: 20 years
How many staff members: 12
Budget: £3k
With accents of teal and orange, the Hooker & Young Jesmond salon really doesn’t look like a traditional salon. It’s more like a decadent luxury hotel. There’s no white walls, metallic finishes or strip lighting, but instead there’s luxurious fabrics such as velvet, vibrant wallpaper and dark wooden floor.
“We wanted to change things up in the Jesmond salon,” explains Hooker & Young owners Gary and Michael. “We have a super talented client called Susi Bellamy, who has her own luxury interiors brand. She makes wallpaper designs and the most beautiful velvet cushions.” It’s no surprise then that one of her stockists is Harvey Nichols. “We’re a huge fan of hers and have many cushions at home, so wanted to incorporate her designs into the new salon,” they add.
Interestingly the whole décor stems from one of Susi’s wallpaper designs, which is a screen print of a painting. “Everything came from that one point of inspiration – we picked out some of the key colours, teal and orange, which then became the accent colours of the lamp shades and soft furnishings too,” the duo said.
The cushions are the same print as the wallpaper which sit beautifully on the newly reupholstered teal velvet sofa, which was also a collaboration with another of Hooker and Young’s talented clients Jayne Dodds, founder of Funky Little Chair Shop.
The first floor in the Jesmond salon features many original features –a fireplace, architrave and sash windows, which all add to the boutique style. The salon feels incredibly spacious with styling stations 1.5 metres in width and all 2 metres apart.
“I’m glad we had the foresight to evolve the space,” Gary and Michael state. “After what’s been a tough year, the new look has certainly lifted everyone’s spirits and created a wonderful space to enjoy.”
GARY AND MICHAEL’S TOP TIPS
1. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
What kind of space do your clients want to enjoy?
2. BE BRAVE WITH YOUR CHOICES
But always make sure your design decisions fit your brand.
3. DESIGN TO LAST
Use finishes that are durable and that will stand the test of time.