Tunnel VISION

Embracing a distinctive setting and high-profile location to create a bespoke space for their clients, the duo behind Price Driscoll Hair Collab believe comfort is key

KEY FACTS

Name: Price Driscoll Hair Collab
Address: The General, Bristol, BS1 6FU
Owners: Adam & Ben Driscoll-Price
Size: 1,400 sq ft
How long have you been in the premises: Four months
How many staff: Two (currently, but will grow to six)
Budget: £100,000

“We wanted to appeal to those who value spending time in a salon, therefore the client experience was at the forefront of many decisions.”

Following the success of their first salon in Clevedon, Somerset, Adam and Ben Driscoll-Price decided to open a second space, this time in Bristol. The duo were fortunate to come across an empty space within a former hospital that was being redeveloped; and for them it was the kind of space where they could easily envision their plans coming to life.

Recalling the state of the building during this stage, Adam shared: “It was just a shell with a very small power supply for some emergency lighting, but the curved vaulted arches and original brickwork were so striking.”

While considering themselves to be inclusive, Adam noted: “We wanted to appeal to those who value spending time in a salon, therefore the client experience was at the forefront of many decisions.” The reception is enveloped with soft lighting, designed to feel inviting, while cushioned chairs enable them to sit and have a chat with clients in a relaxed manner. Comfort is also key at each of the six styling stations, specifically selected for their ergonomic design, and at the three backwashes, which utilise four different massage functions.

Elsewhere, lighting was carefully selected, either to provide a warm glow, a white light or to act as a focal piece – such is the case with the abstract fixtures hanging above the basin area. Walls were left bare, where possible, to preserve the original charm of the building, and the colour theme of dark blue and green was selected to complement this. The floor however was upgraded to a commercial vinyl, designed to withstand the footfall that comes with a salon space.

While Adam and Ben both agree that the most interesting feature of the salon is the shape of the space – thanks to the two vaulted arches – the rest of the salon’s design was down to their own hard work. After being quoted £250,000, they decided to carry out the refur bishment themselves.

A significant portion of the budget (£28,000) was spent on the styling stations, backwashes and chairs – all from Olymp. This was a conscious choice to ensure that the elements the clients directly used most had the heaviest investment. However, this meant they had to be creative in other areas to help claw back expenses. In fact, they shopped around at places like B&Q, while other purchases came from online retailers such as made.com.

By carefully considering their budget and weighing up what mattered most, Adam and Ben have managed to hone in on an understated and unpretentious design which remains sympathetic to the building’s heritage, while also addressing the needs and wants of their clients.

PHOTO CREDITS: MELANIE RODRIGUEZ-GONZALEZ

ADAM & BEN'S TOP TIPS

1Believe in yourself Don’t necessarily think a designer will do it better.

2 Carefully consider storage Think about all the areas you could utilise to build storage, so the salon environment remains as decluttered as possible.

3 Shop around You can get some great deals in well-known retailers for things like soft furnishings and decorative furniture.