“Choose things you genuinely love, don’t be afraid to be a little different, and let the space evolve with you.” – Janet Nguyen
HER STUDIO
Sydney, Australia
What was the concept behind your vision for your establishment?
When I created HER STUDIO, I wanted the space to feel like an extension of me.
I’ve never been afraid to be a little bold or do things differently, and I definitely didn’t want to create a salon that looked like every other salon. I wanted people to walk in and almost forget that they were in a home-based hair studio.
I’ve always loved fashion, interiors and anything a little unexpected, so a lot of that naturally came into the space. I wanted it to feel editorial and elevated, but still warm, comfortable and lived-in.
There wasn’t one particular style I was trying to follow. It was more about creating a space that felt like me and somewhere my clients would genuinely enjoy spending time.
How does your space work with light where it’s required?
I’m really lucky with the amount of natural light the studio gets. I have large windows throughout the space, and the sheer curtains soften the light without completely taking it away.
Obviously, as a hairdresser, good lighting is really important, so I also have dedicated lighting around my working areas and mirrors where I need to see the hair properly.
Then throughout the rest of the studio I’ve used overhead lighting, lamps and warmer lighting to create atmosphere. I love that the studio changes throughout the day, it can be really bright and airy during the day, and then much moodier and more intimate in the evening.
What made you choose your colour scheme, furniture, and finishing touches?
I honestly chose things because I loved them rather than trying to stick to one particular interior style. The foundation of the studio is quite neutral with white textured brick, soft walls and lighter furniture, but then I’ve layered in a lot more personality through chrome and stainless steel, animal prints, fur, marble, fashion books, artwork and sculptural pieces.
I love mixing things that aren’t necessarily supposed to go together. Something polished next to something raw, something really modern next to something a little vintage or unexpected.
I’m quite expressive with my own personal style and I’m not afraid of something being a little loud, so I think that naturally came through in the studio. If I loved something and it felt right, I found a way to make it work.
What challenges did you come across building your space?
Probably finding the balance between creating something that looked beautiful but still worked as an actual salon. There were definitely things I loved aesthetically that weren’t always the most practical choice for hairdressing, so I had to think about how I actually move around the space, where I work, where things need to be stored and what my clients need.
Because it is a home salon, I also wanted it to feel completely intentional and separate from the rest of the house. I never wanted someone to walk in and feel like I’d simply put a salon chair in a spare room. There were changes along the way, but I think that’s part of creating a space. Sometimes you need to see it come together before you know what it needs.
How did you set up your retail and product storage areas?
I like the studio to feel visually interesting without feeling cluttered, so most of my working products, tools and extension supplies have their own designated storage.
Anything I do have on display is quite considered. I like styling shelves and surfaces almost the same way I would style my own home, with books, objects, products and pieces that add something to the space rather than displaying something simply because it’s salon related.
How does your space create a relaxing environment for your guests?
Even though visually the studio has quite a strong personality, the actual experience is really relaxed. I work one-on-one with my clients, so there isn’t the noise and constant movement you would normally get in a busy salon. It’s much more private and personal.
I’ve used soft curtains, comfortable seating, warm lamps, candles and different textures throughout the space so it doesn’t feel clinical. I want clients to be able to sit down, get comfortable and genuinely switch off.
A lot of my clients have been coming to me for years, so appointments often feel like catching up with a friend. I think the space reflects that it’s still professional and elevated, but you’re allowed to put your feet up and feel at home.
Did your budget and timeframe go according to plan?
Not exactly! I think once you start creating a space, you realise how quickly things can change. There were things I decided to spend more on and other ideas that evolved as the studio came together. I’m also quite particular, so if something didn’t feel right, I’d rather wait until I found the right piece than buy something just to fill the space.
I don’t think the studio will ever feel completely “finished” either. I love interiors and I’m constantly finding new pieces or changing things. For me, that’s part of the fun of having a space that’s so personal.
What advice would you give to a salon or spa owner looking to create their own unique space?
Don’t create a space based purely on what you think a salon is supposed to look like.
Think about who you are, how you actually work and how you want your clients to feel when they’re in your space.
You also don’t have to choose one design style and follow every rule that comes with it. Some of my favourite things in HER STUDIO probably shouldn’t technically go together, but that’s what gives the space personality…
Choose things you genuinely love, don’t be afraid to be a little different, and let the space evolve with you. I think that’s when it starts to feel unique rather than something you’ve copied.
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