COMFORT IS KING

Discover how this Nottingham-based salon has blended aesthetics and comfort to create an elegant, yet welcoming space

With over 55 years of combined hairdressing experience, owners Sarah Shakespeare and Romano Zullo certainly know a thing or two about what works, and what doesn’t, in a salon environment. Initially meeting in the early 2000s, both Sarah and Romano have embarked on individual journeys to perfect their craft, before uniting in 2024 to create Haus of Hair by Sarah Shakespeare. Discussing her aspirations for the salon, Sarah explains: “We wanted to create an environment where elegance meets exceptional services in a beautiful space.”

Before it was transformed into Haus of Hair by Sarah Shakespeare, the premises (a former clothing shop) had been vacant for four years, so was in need of a complete refit. This included replastering all the walls and finding a way to channel sufficient water into the property. This, along with dealing with the local council, meant the project took over a year to complete. However, the location of the salon was well worth these challenges; situated in Nottingham’s premier retail arcade, it benefits from a high footfall of shoppers who are already in the mindset of indulging in luxury.

“We wanted to create an environment where elegance meets exceptional services in a beautiful space.”

To provide clients with a luxury experience, the salon has been meticulously designed by both Sarah and Romano to ensure the unique needs of every client are met. A gold and beige colour palette has been adhered to, invoking themes of glamour and prestige. Flowing throughout the salon, Italian ceramic flooring reflects the soft, ambient lighting that illuminates the space, while bespoke wooden panelling has been positioned throughout to add a textural element, contrasting with the gold wallpaper. Other bespoke features of the salon include the chandelier hung in the waiting area – a statement piece which makes a great talking point – and the colour bar’s gloss units, housed under a beautiful marble countertop.

Each piece of furniture has been chosen not just for its comfort, but for its aesthetic contribution to the overall space – sleek lines and plush materials offer both style and relaxation.

Sarah explains that when it came to sourcing furniture, they visited a salon equipment centre in Leicester, adding: “We wanted to touch and sit on what we had in mind before making any purchases.”

Each of the eight styling stations are nestled under a bespoke workstation, all of which have been thoughtfully arranged to provide privacy and comfort, allowing each client to enjoy a personalised experience. The space also features two tables, each with four seats for colour services, allowing clients to relax, work or mingle while their colour develops. Plus, four backwash chairs can be found perched atop the mezzanine, which serves to separate the space, again reinforcing the notion of a luxury, personalised experience.