Salon Design Trends for the New Year

By Kristin Jackson

As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to rethink and refresh your salon’s design. A well-designed space attracts customers and enhances their experience, encouraging repeat visits. Here are the top salon design trends to inspire your updates this year:

Embrace Wellness Aesthetics

The wellness trend is taking the salon industry by storm. Create a calming, spa-like environment with:

Earthy Tones: Incorporate shades of sage green, warm beige, and terracotta to evoke relaxation.
Natural Elements: Use materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or stone for furnishings and decor.
Lighting: Install dimmable or soft LED panels to mimic natural sunlight and create a soothing ambiance.

Optimize Space for Multifunctionality

With the rise of wellness services like red light therapy and saunas, ensure your layout supports multiple experiences:

Zoned Areas: Dedicate specific zones for UV tanning, sunless tanning, wellness treatments, and retail.
Privacy: Use dividers, curtains, or frosted glass for treatment areas to enhance client comfort.
Compact Equipment: Invest in sleek, space-saving beds or booths to maximize floor space.

Retail Displays That Sell

A well-designed retail area can significantly boost sales:

Minimalist Shelving: Use floating shelves or modular racks for a clean, organized look.
Lighting Focus: Highlight products with adjustable spotlights to draw attention.
Seasonal Rotations: Keep displays fresh with seasonal themes, like holiday gift sets or spring wellness kits.

Tech-Savvy Integration

Modernize your salon with smart technology that enhances customer experience:

Self-Check-In Kiosks: Speed up the process for regular clients.
Interactive Displays: Use touch screens to educate customers on services and products.
Energy Efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient beds and lighting to save on utilities and show environmental consciousness.

Instagram-Worthy Decor

Create photo opportunities to encourage social media sharing:

Accent Walls: Add a branded neon sign, a living plant wall, or bold wallpaper as a backdrop for selfies.
Unique Furniture: Statement chairs or quirky decor can make your space memorable and shareable.
Custom Branding: Incorporate your logo and colors into design elements like rugs, mirrors, or murals.

Focus on Cleanliness and Hygiene

Post-pandemic clients prioritize hygiene more than ever:

Contactless Amenities: Automatic doors, touchless hand sanitizers, and cashless payment options.
Streamlined Layouts: Avoid cluttered spaces to make cleaning easier and enhance visual appeal.
Visible Sanitization Stations: Reassure clients with prominent cleaning supplies and staff actively tidying up.

Incorporate Wellness Marketing

Use your design to communicate your wellness focus:

Educational Signage: Place informative plaques or digital screens explaining the benefits of red light therapy, saunas, or other services.
Wellness Corner: Create a cozy nook with wellness products like teas, aromatherapy kits, or skincare essentials.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Cater to all clients by ensuring your salon is welcoming:

Accessible Layout: Wide doorways, ramps, and spacious treatment rooms for mobility devices.
Inclusive Decor: Neutral tones and designs that appeal to diverse demographics.

Sustainable Choices

Go green to attract eco-conscious clients:

Recycled Materials: Use eco-friendly flooring, counters, or paint.
Energy Star Equipment: Upgrade to beds and lighting that use less energy.
Plant Decor: Add greenery for aesthetics and air purification.

Plan for Future Growth

Leave room for expansion:

Modular Layouts: Furniture and equipment that can be rearranged to accommodate new services.
Open Space: Keep some areas flexible for events, pop-ups, or new tech installations.

By incorporating these trends, you’ll set your salon apart as a modern, welcoming space that caters to both tanning and wellness clients. A fresh, intentional design will help you attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back.