IT'S IN THE DETAILS

Aaron Firmstone shares how the small, personal touches can make the biggest difference in a salon environment

Aaron Firmstone has worked in hairdressing for 18 years, ten of which have been spent in education roles. It was this passion for sharing his craft with others that led to the decision to open his own salon – a space for stylists to flourish and grow. Before the premises was transformed into a Manhattan-loft-meets-atelier, it was a coffee shop, meaning everything needed to be completely ripped out before the renovation process could begin. Explaining what appealed to him about the property, Aaron says: “It’s part of an old silk mill that was constructed almost 200 years ago and has both metal and wooden beams and some very quirky design features.” Taking on the task of designing the space himself, Aaron turned to Pinterest and interior magazines for inspiration, while also taking cues from luxury brands such as Le Labo.

“The best thing we did was to work with businesses whose values aligned with ours – we aspire to be a brand centred on community, conscious behaviour and elevating the craft.”

Aaron and his team also opted to carry out most of the building work themselves, which he notes was both rewarding and a great way to invest the bulk of the start-up money in the fixtures and equipment. However, upon reflection, he admits: “It may have put me off doing anything similar without external support again.”

The salon is predominantly painted in a neutral shade of chalk paint – selected for its ability to help purify the air. Smoked black and deep green tones play off against the not-quitewhite walls, adding interest and depth to the space. When it came to lighting, Aaron opted for two different approaches; natural daylight is utilised in the working areas, so that it is easier to see colour in its truest form, while warm, soft lighting can be found in spaces designed for relaxing. “We decided on a bar as opposed to a traditional reception area, which helps to encourage interaction and also serves as a space for guests to work or unwind while they wait,” Aaron shares.

A large proportion of the furniture within the space is either secondhand or purchased from local businesses, and the eight styling chairs are from Takara Belmont. Each has been carefully positioned around a large artists table, with plants and crystals strategically placed to create a soft divide. Three Takara Belmont Elite backwashes can be found at the rear of the salon, and a Japanese head spa has been installed to give guests the “ultimate zen experience.” Aaron also wanted to make sure his staff were comfortable, choosing to install flooring made from sustainably sourced cork, which bounces to support stylists’ joints.

When it came to décor, art was at the top of Aaron’s wish-list. Some pieces were sourced from an ethical brand in Sri Lanka; however his favourite is a commission from a local artist that depicts the Hudson River – the view from the Bumble and bumble office in New York, whom Aaron is proud to be a Pro Artist for. But what was Aaron’s favourite part of the entire project? “The best thing we did was to work with businesses whose values aligned with ours – we aspire to be a brand centred on community, conscious behaviour and elevating the craft,” he shares.