THE PERFECT SALON EXPERIENCE

RADIO London Hair Salon & Gallery in Kings Cross is set in a warehouse space, so creating a warm but cool environment was the order of the day

Polished concrete floor, white walls, moveable bespoke oak furniture and a long reception coffee bar area made of terrazzo tiles, the key elements of the interior at RADIO London Hair Salon & Gallery in Kings Cross are impeccably designed. Created by Universal design studio, the raw, industrialised history of London’s King’s Cross area and its loft warehouse spaces served as inspiration for the decor. But creating a good flow for both clients and stylists was absolutely paramount too.

“We sought out local craftsmen skilled in joinery and metalwork to fabricate key detail pieces that bring a ‘lifestyle’ element to the space. We wanted an eclectic mix that celebrates the RADIO brand, but also feels knitted into the area,” says Operations Manager Adam Jones. With a simple white colour scheme that enhances, rather than fights against the contemporary warehouse space, RADIO London could have easily looked too much like a stark modern gallery. However, the exposed ductwork combined with grey from the exposed concrete walls and floor, plus the light brown from the bespoke oak furniture, all brings an element of warmth to the Davines flagship salon.

“WE LOVE OUR TAKARA BELMONT DAINTY BARBER CHAIRS, BECAUSE A LOT OF CHAIRS CAN BE BULKY BUT THESE ARE SO STREAMLINED”

“Our salon also doubles up as a gallery so the minimal design reflects this and allows the art work to take centre stage and influence the mood of the space,” adds Adam. “The biggest thing for us is quality. Cost is obviously a factor, but low quality equals fast turnover.” And that’s why the salon turned to Takara Belmont for their furniture. “We love our Takara Belmont Dainty barber chairs, because a lot of chairs can be bulky but these are so streamlined,” explains Adam. “We love how much light goes through them, which means they don’t dominate the space, they work with it.” And with 17 chairs (and six backwashes) creating some breathing space in the salon was a priority. Adam adds: “It goes without saying that the Takara Belmont aftercare service has been great. We had some amends to our basins, but they were replaced within a week.”

Alongside the artwork, plants are at the heart of RADIO. They are after all a Davines salon. However, with the huge windows it initially proved tricky to find plants that would thrive in the environment. “We also stayed away from anything with flowers as there are so many allergies to consider. We actually went for ficus and trailing plants which proved popular,” Adam adds. Putting into context how important good design is, Adam told HJ that many of the salon’s reviews comment on the interior, which only goes to show that impeccable design and positive reviews go hand in hand.

Recreate the Look

Alvis Dio two-seater styling station

Featuring a landscape backlit mirror with LED light surround, a centre storage cabinet, two hairdryer holders and four integrated power outlets, Alvis Dio can be customised from Dark Brown Oak, Natural Oak or Natural Walnut wood veneers to complement your salon interior, and ensure a pleasurable experience at the styling station. £2,500

Dainty grooming chair

Customise the Dainty from a wide range of colours. With contrasting piping and base and fabric options, it adapts to any salon setting. Versatile and functional, 360º (lockable) base rotation and a reclining backrest ease your client into the most comfortable position.With an adjustable and removable headrest, upholstered armrests and footrest, Dainty is distinctive and robust. £1,360-£1,770

All Takara Belmont products are available with 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease.
Visit www.takarahairdressing.co.uk