DESIGNER’S SALON, 1999
KENT, WASHINGTON
MARK R. BLUBAUGH, ARCHITECT

Designer’s Salon is an unusually large salon, with 26 hair styling stations, nine hair wash/dying stations, six tanning stations, three waxing/facial stations, two manicure stations, and two pedicure stations. The owner wanted a Mediterranean theme, and a place where clients would want to come to spend the whole day. The design responds with a barrel vaulted entry colonnade, leading to a series of separate styling areas with arched entry portals. The colors follow a warm Mediterranean theme.

Major Considerations: Given its very large scale, it was important that the salon not feel like a beauty school or styling factory. The division of the hair styling area into four separate ‘mini-salons’ of nine or fewer chairs each gives the salon a cozy feel despite its size. The experience walking through the salon is of a series of small rooms.