Client:
Jain Judith
Project Type:
Commercial Interior
Location:
Gulshan-01, Dhaka 1212
Duration:
25 days
Area:
728 sq.ft
Project Overview:
Judith Jain Salon is a compact commercial salon and spa located in Gulshan-01, with an objective to offer a luxurious grooming experience at a price of 728 square feet. The entire project was completed under a 25 day time frame which made it essential to synchronize design and construction timelines. It was important to create an ambiance that is luxurious yet functional where multiple service zones can be achieved without fragmenting visual experiences. What makes this project unique is how luxury can be condensed using materials, lighting and shape to transform a modest space into a unified high-end space.
Project Story:
This project started with a very basic however demanding requirement – to develop a full service salon and spa inside an extremely restricted space with no compromise on either comfort or aesthetic appeal. The customer imagined a place that will attract a clientele that has a taste for design and live in an urban setting. However the constraints on this project were not only spatial but also temporal. The time line to complete the project was only 25 days therefore each design choice needed to be both intentional and implementable on-site without further iterations.
To achieve clarity of movement throughout the design process the focus was on defining different zones through the use of materials, layering lighting and slight level changes. This created an open sense of space while still providing the necessary separation between operational areas of styling, treatment, and waiting.
Curves were used as a central element -not as decorative elements-but as a means to soften transitions and direct traffic. Both the reception desk, the feature walls, and the ceiling shapes all express a similar geometric theme to create a cohesive visual language. While curves help to define separate spaces they do not block views or create barriers, whereas the vertical elements such as wooden slats and mirrors help to create rhythmic patterns and increase the perception of height within the space.
In conclusion, what creates a richly textured yet non-overwhelming experience is not visual abundance, but instead carefully managed richness. Each surface, light fixture, and piece of furniture adds to a uniform ambiance-one that feels calm, sophisticated, and even indulgent but does so without overwhelming.
Project Insights:
- Service zones are separated based upon the lighting levels and ceiling configurations rather than through physical dividers.
- Using curved shapes reduces visual stiffness and increases ease of movement through a compact layout.
- Built-in storage incorporated into styling stations eliminates clutter and aids in maintaining consistency in appearance.
- Mirrors equipped with LED lighting support two roles: task lighting for stylists and ambient glows to illuminate the space.
- Warming up the color temperature of the lighting helps to enhance skin tones, which is critical when developing an interior design for a salon.
- Ribbed wood paneling introduces texture while hiding service activities and minor wall imperfections.
- Designing pedicure areas as semi-private niches allows them to maintain their privacy while not completely separating customers from their surroundings.
- Material selection places emphasis on durability (such as stone, laminates, metals) while promoting an upscale feel.
- Careful placement of reflective surfaces help to create a greater perceived area.
- Feature walls act as brand reinforcement as well as eliminate the need for additional signage.
Design Details:
Space Planning:
There is a clearly defined path of travel through the design that allows customers to navigate easily from reception to various service areas. Styling stations have been positioned along one side of the floor plan to allow maximum reflection off mirrors and create depth within the space, while the more private functions such as spa treatments have been placed further away from the front door. All transitional and waiting areas have been intentionally softened to prevent abrupt transitions from one zone to another.
Materials & Finishes:
Stone floors polished to a glossy finish create a durable and reflective surface that assists in enhancing both light and perceptions of space. Wooden slat paneling introduces a vertical pattern and warmth that balances out the coldness of stone and glass. Gold metallic accents have been strategically utilized to draw attention to select features without over-saturating the color palette.
Lighting & Atmosphere:
The lighting strategy utilizes layering to create a specific experience. General lighting comes from recessed ceiling fixtures while pendant lights and chandeliers add focal interest. Mirrors illuminated from behind as well as feature walls add depth to surfaces and accentuate textures ensuring that the space is engaging visually without being too harsh.
Color & Texture:
Colors operate within a warm range -beige, cream, peach, maroon- highlighted with gold accents. This creates a vibrant color scheme that is tightly controlled which suits a grooming environment. The variety of textures is critical: smooth reflective finishes contrast with matte upholstered furniture and ribbed wood eliminating monotonous conditions.
Furniture & Joinery:
Custom-designed chairs and stations emphasize ergonomics while maintaining visual continuity. The reception desk utilizes curved geometry to create a welcoming entrance into the salon. Built-in cabinets ensure that product and tool storage remain accessible but visually contain them supporting both functionality and aesthetics.
Visualization & Experience:
The project was conceived and presented through high resolution still images emphasizing major experiential areas including reception, styling station, and spa niche. These visuals allowed the client to analyze material pairings, lighting effects, and flow-through prior to commencement of construction. Thus decision-making was expedited and revisions were greatly reduced resulting in the constructed facility having strong fidelity to the originally intended design narrative.
How can I incorporate several different types of beauty services in an existing salon (smaller) area without having it appear too congested?
A:I am able to accomplish this by incorporating a number of visual barriers such as using color, materials and soft boundaries as opposed to solid walls. This will allow the overall appearance of the space to be visually expansive; yet provide a functional way to separate the various areas where beauty services occur.
Can a high-end look be achieved when working under a very short time line (approximately 25 days)?
A: Yes, however, you have to make your initial design decisions prior to commencing construction. Additionally, you should select materials and details that are highly effective and quickly implemented. The fewer custom components included, the better for achieving a high-end look within a shorter time frame.
Why is lighting a vital component of designing salons?
A: The lighting affects how people view themselves in the mirror. A warm light source or balanced lighting helps to accurately represent one’s skin tones. It creates a comfortable and calming environment.
Will the design methodology used in this project apply to much smaller locations?
A: While all three methodologies (open layout, reflective surfaces, layered lighting) can be applied to smaller spaces, furniture size and configuration along with the selection of which beauty services to include would need to be adjusted based upon the space available.
In what manner was 3-D Visualization beneficial to this project?
A: The 3-D Visualization allowed our Client to visualize the interaction of the Materials, Colors & Lighting in their new Salon Space in a very realistic manner prior to installation. This allowed our Client to reduce their uncertainty related to the final product and avoid many on-site adjustments that could have been costly.