About the project
For Mrs B Salon, located at Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Pallavi Dean‘s brief was to create a salon with a USP as the market in the UAE is saturated with ladies salons. They needed a design concept that stands out and aids with the branding of the overall space. The design team was asked to maximize the floor plate and create segregated areas for different functions like hair washing, styling, nail care, makeup, a reception and waiting area, a staff pantry and storage – a very tall order for a tiny space. Al Araka Group Contracting was selected as fit out partner for this project.
The design team worked closely with the client to understand the return on investment she was looking to make and proposed to build a mezzanine level. Space planning is the real design genius in this project. Creating separate areas per function without making the space feel claustrophobic – step in reflective surfaces and smoked mirrors that give the user the illusion of space. Upstairs on the make up counter we have pivotable mirrors so the station doubles up as a manicure table too. Safe to say, every square inch of the space has been utilized.
The main feature was creating the mezzanine level and a u-shaped staircase without compromising on the sense of space and volume. You will notice the double volume space is where the main styling stations are located. The access door to the styling area extends up all the way to mezzanine level creating privacy from the reception and making an architectural statement.
The custom designed styling stations are complete with integrated power sockets for equipment, entertainment drawers with ipads and dekton worktops. The Belmont Takara chairs traditionally used in Barber shops add a masculine touch and are perfect for feminine face treatments!
The concept narrative revolves around androgyny. A design that is not about being ‘pretty’ but embraces both masculine and feminine characteristics of beauty. It’s designed for a woman that is confident, someone who is on a same level playing field with a man. The furniture within the space was carefully selected to reflect this. The architectural elements like double height screen door, the smoked glass balustrade and the design of the styling stations (complete with a leather belt strap) all reinforce this concept.
This was an incredibly challenging project due to the space constraints and fitting a very large program into a small floor plate. We spend weeks negotiating alongside the client with the hotel operator and government authorities to get approvals to build the mezzanine level. A whole new dimension to Interior Design!
The interior concept informed the branding, social media, the uniform design and all the OSE items in the project – we feel we influenced the overall business plan by allowing the client to build in additional revenue streams through the design.
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