Creating Beautiful Thoughtful Salons and Spas with Sandra Fiore of Fiore Design Group

Beauty Hub Magazine chats with founder Sandra Fiore.

How do you come up with the concept for a salon or spa that has hired you?

Fiore Design Group will have an initial consultation with the client to understand the requirements for the space they committed to.  Once we have a full understanding of the requirements, we work on the floor plan with only the use of the space in mind.

What factors help you choose your color scheme, furniture, and finishing touches?

The color scheme is usually taken from the concept or sometimes a mood the client wishes to have in their space. Color schemes can come from a variety of factors, for example if they want a clean look, a minimalist, maximalist, or if there are business brand colors. Furniture is designed to fit the concept and 95% of the time is custom. We manufacture everything we design. We source equipment from around the world to find the right pieces that work for the space.

What challenges come up in the construction phases of building out a salon or spa?

Most of the spaces are new builds when it come to construction. We try to trouble shoot as much as possible when we do the construction drawings and preparing for permits, but if we find something that needs adjustment we usually find that out quickly during demolition, when something hiding peeks out its ugly head we make adjustments that work.

What do you consider when it comes to lighting?

Lighting is on a level all its own.  It is a tool as important as any in the space. Ceiling heights, finishes, window, flooring colours, open ceiling plan they all have to be addressed to make the lighting work.

How do you approach the retail area?

Many businesses chose retail based on their business philosophy.  It can be a nice touch to have retail in a different areas. Retail is also part of your business practice. Lighting in retail is important but sometime hard to achieve without some real design advise.

How important is it to create a relaxing environment?

A relaxing environment would be part of a concept.  If someone is asking for bright colour young clean space and want their client to interact, relaxation is not part of their need.  Welcoming, clean, great experience is more of where you have continuity across the board of design for salons and spa.

Are there any tips to salon or spa owners when it comes to budgeting their new space?

Sometimes it is necessary to look at time as part of your budget.  Some clients feel managing a project on their own rather than hiring the professionals is a good saving of money.  I am yet to see a self-worked project open up at the same time as hiring the professionals .  A seven month delay in opening is no savings and will kill your budget. Hiring the wrong people can also create a budget problem.  It has taken many years achieve the great teams we work with.

What advice would you give to a salon or spa owner looking to create their own unique space?

Have as clear a picture as you can when speaking with your designer. Unique space can mean many things from the space itself or how unique you want the décor. Collect pictures, bring an inspiration of things that you love.  Try to create the story in your mind of the space you want to work and be part of when servicing your client.  

Instagram: @fioredesigngroup

Website: fioredesigngroup.com

Gallery Images: Mimada Beauty, Kroma Salon, Trichology Boutique, Bond Beauty