The 2005 Aston and Fincher Design Challenge,

Design competition featured in "Real Salons" magazine, November 2005

As nationally renowned hair and beauty salon designers who work with Aston & Fincher on a regular basis, we were invited to submit a hypothetical design for a salon, along with 2 other salon designers.

Our approach was to show what we could give if we were given a free rein

'Evolution' is a fictional salon for the purposes of this competition. We have created a brand/ identity for the salon, which these days is almost as important as the interior, and is something which we are doing for more and more of our clients.

Our competition salon has a definite public/private split. After all, who wants to be seen from the street with 20 foils in your hair! It also creates a sense of anticipation and intrigue as well as a 'journey' to your destination filled with light, reflection and, of course, retail display (which we know is paramount to any successful salon).

...based on the folding and bending of each foil used in the colouring of hair...

Our concept for the interior design language is based on the folding and bending of each foil used in the colouring of hair. These folded forms wrap across the public / private split and act as cutting stations, retail display, and even the reception desk.

The colour scheme reflects the brand identity of the salon, which evokes a sense of innovation, yet trustworthiness and professionalism.

What the magazine said about our design:

'The space* studio's solution is both dramatic and futuristic, providing the salon's clients with a total salon experience from the moment they enter the reception area. The green colourway is very bold but because the detailing is so strong it's easily carried off. We also really liked the split salon concept.'