HJ INTERIORS

It’s All ABOUT U

Take a peek inside Studio U, the Winchester-based co-working salon designed to help artists thrive independently – without ever feeling alone

“It feels cocooning, like being hugged by the space, encouraging clients to slow down and relax.”

FACT FILE

Name: Studio U

Address: 88A Oliver’s Battery Road South, Winchester, SO22 4EZ

Owner: Harry Andreou

Size: 92sqm

When did the salon open: November 2025

How many staff: 4 Budget: £60k

Following a 20-year career and a brief hiatus as a police officer during the pandemic, Harry Andreou paused to look at the wider state of the industry – and felt something needed to change. “I wanted to create a space where artists could have the freedom of self-employment, but with genuine structure, support, and community around them,” he explains. Enter: Studio U.

Harry was initially drawn to the space for its potential. A large window running the length of the building, flooded the interior with natural light while the white walls offered a blank canvas. He chose a bold palette of luxe raw sienna and forest green – a combination he describes as both grounding and vibrant. “The green adds depth and calm, anchoring the space, while the orange brings warmth, energy and personality.” Colour was used intentionally to shape the client experience, particularly in the basin room. “It’s completely colour-drenched in burnt orange,” he explains. “It feels cocooning, like being hugged by the space, encouraging clients to slow down and relax, amplifying that sense of comfort and escape.”

In a salon, lighting is everything, which is why for Harry it was one of the most considered elements in the design. “It affects how the colour looks and how the client feels – even how confident they are when they leave.” In the main area of the salon, LED wall lights were installed between each mirror, positioned to illuminate the face evenly. These were paired with LED downlights in the ceiling, carefully offset from the chairs so they don’t cast shadows over the head. However, while lighting needs to be functional, it can also be atmospheric; an orange, stained glass pendant acts as a feature in the centre of the salon, adding warmth and softness giving that golden hour glow.

The salon features eight styling chairs, sourced from Ayala and upholstered in orange to complement the wider palette. Rather than each chair having its own section, two long work benches run the length of the walls, creating an uninterrupted sense of openness. Explaining this decision, Harry notes: “Many of our clients work remotely, so the continuous bench gives them room for laptops, coffee and personal items without feeling cramped.”

As with most renovation projects, there were challenges along the way, which resulted in running a week behind schedule. However, Harry believes that his time as a police officer helped him navigate this period. “In policing, you learn quickly that panic is never productive,” he explains. “Staying calm, assessing the situation objectively and focusing on solutions rather than emotion becomes second nature.”

HARRY’S TOP TIPS

1 Start with how you want it to feel, not how you want it to look Once that’s clear, the materials and colours fall into place more naturally.

2 Think about flow before aesthetics A beautiful salon that doesn’t function well becomes frustrating very quickly.

3 Stay calm when things go wrong Keep the bigger picture in mind – the stress is temporary, but the space will last.