Choose the Right Colours to Pep-up your Salon Interiors

Interiors are an essential part of how a salon or spa presents itself. Usually characterised by a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, it’s colour palette plays a vital role in setting the tone.

The names, nature and science of colours play an integral part in making any interior space appealing. However, the other thing that needs to be considered is that colour does much more than making a room look pretty. It affects moods and the state of mind, and invokes emotion in the viewers, which is why brands focus a lot more on the colour of their logo and product designs.

While choosing the right colour palette for the salon interiors, keep in mind the lighting, the size of the room, and the mood you want to induce in it.

Points to Remember

Colours can help create an illusion of a bigger or smaller room
If the space is small and there may be limited natural light, light colours are the way to go
In case of a larger space, dark colours too can create a comfortable environment

StyleSpeak takes a look at what the industry experts Viki Thakkar, Shobhit Kumar and Pranali Shah have to share about choosing colour schemes for salon interiors, how the classic 60, 30, 10 rule makes a difference and how colours impact a brand’s value.

What is the 60, 30, 10 rule?

The 60, 30, 10 rule in interior designing is a classic interior designing rule that helps put a colour scheme together easily. It involves sticking to colour proportions that give the interiors a balanced and harmonious appeal.

According to Viki Thakkar, Founder, Viki Thakkar Design Studio, “When it comes to salon interiors, the 60, 30, 10 rule recommends having 60% of the room coloured with a pastel shade of the pantone. 30% should be those areas of the salon that you choose to highlight such as a portion of the ceiling, backdrop of the pedicure section etc. The last 10% is the accent that is a reflective colour, could be metallic in nature such as gold, copper or rose gold that can be used around the mirror or a shimmer, or you could also introduce other materials like fabric or metal. However, the size of the salon must be taken into consideration. If it’s a small sized salon which is not more than 1000-1200 Sq. ft, the 10% of the bold accent colour should be used minimalistically. If you use big patches of the accent colours it could look jarring and can spoil the look of the salon’s interiors”.

Pranali Shah, Founder, Studio Shweta & Pranali mentions, “Painting is a quick and transformative way to change the ambience of a space. Introducing a bold statement piece such as a reception desk or a lamp can lend personality to a salon – particularly when linking to the salon brand identity. While choosing colours for a hairdressing salon, the size of the room plays a major role. Cool and clear shades have the ability to reflect more light and have the function of visually expanding the environment”.

How does the colour of the salon’s interiors impact the brand?

Viki Thakkar adds that every brand has its own colour pantones for various branding collaterals. But, when you use those colours in the interiors it may not necessarily look good. So, there isn’t any direct significance of a brand colour to signify the same thing in interiors. Nevertheless, if lighter shades of the same colour family are taken, there’s a long term association and clients start relating to the brand.

Shobhit Kumar, Partner, RAKHEE SHOBHIT DESIGN ASSOCIATES (R.S.D.A.) on the other hand gives a whole new perspective to look at how colours make a difference to salon interiors. He says, “Colours play a crucial role in creating a visually appealing and inviting ambiance in salon interiors. The right colour palette can enhance the overall aesthetic, mood, and atmosphere of a salon, which can significantly impact the experience of both the clients and the staff.”

Ambiance: Different colours evoke different emotions and moods. For instance, warm colours like oranges, yellows, and reds can create an energetic and lively ambiance. Cool colours like blues, purples, and greens can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, usually ideal for a spa.

Client Comfort: Salon industry is customer driven. Comfort being a prime concern, colours can influence the comfort levels making it important to choose colours that make clients feel relaxed.

What to avoid while choosing the colour palette for your salon?

Ignoring brand ethics & values: Not considering the branding and identity of the salon can result in a mismatch between the colours used in the salon and the brand image. It’s crucial to choose colours that align with the salon’s branding and overall style to create a cohesive and consistent look and feel.
Colour Chaos: Using too many colours in the colour palette can create a chaotic and overwhelming environment.
Client Comfort: Avoid using colours that are too harsh, bright, or jarring, as they can create discomfort or anxiety in clients.
Disregarding Functionality: Failing to consider the functional requirements of different areas in the salon can lead to inappropriate colour choices. For example, using overly dark colours in a poorly lit area can make the space feel cramped and unwelcoming. It’s essential to choose colours that are functional and appropriate for each area in the salon based on its purpose and use.

Popular and Trendy Colour Schemes to Try

Dark Gray, White, Navy – This colour scheme is calming
Black and White with Pops of Green – For a modern or edgy looking salon
Cream, White, Tan and Green – Boho-chic vibe
Gray and White – This one gives a feminine and glamorous look
White and Rainbow Colors – For salons that aren’t afraid of bold colours, neon lights look great and give a vibrant and modern look

So, pick your choice of colours and match them with some unique ideas and themes. Your clients are sure to come back every time just to have an amazing experience that you create for them. Happy Salon Designing!