Byron hairdressing creates cosmopolitan appeal

Kirkcaldy on the east coast of Scotland, home to Byron Hairdressing for the past 21 years, is a bustling town with a blend of historic and modern buildings. Centrally located in a corner building, a cobbler's shop in a former life, the salon has recently undergone a radical transformation for the first time in a decade. The main motivation for owner Ronnie Marshall was expansion. With a team that was growing it seemed like a backwards step to have no space to increase our client list. 

One of the main reasons for the redesign was to keep the team happy and motivated. "I didn't want to lose the newly trained and talented hairdressers I've nurtured, because I didn't have room for them. I did look around for new premises, but couldn't find anything suitable. Therefore I went for plan b - a refit to increase the number of styling positions to 14," Ronnie explains.  

I wanted it to have mass appeal. To be luxurious enough for our high-end clientele, but not too intimidating for working mums, men or young people. I went for a classic feel with contemporary elements, that wasn't too feminine so it wouldn't alienate our male clients. We've used natural walnut to contrast with high shine gloss, lime green accents and splashes of cream. I spent a long time flicking through magazines and ended up with huge folders full of tear sheets. Overall the feel is very luxe, calm and spacious.

The design planning stage was protracted, because of a need to explore all the options. The scheme chosen totally changed the existing interior layout. The brief was for 14 work stations, an increase on the existing capability. The client waiting area was expanded, closely linked to reception with easy access to the merchandising displays and sales area. The reception desk was reduced in size, but remains functional. We use client management software, which frees up a lot of space. We were able to grab some space from the backroom area, as a switch to Easydry a couple of years ago means storage room for towels and washer dryers is no longer a factor. 

Only two weeks and we were incredibly lucky as we actually only lost one week of business as Adam Smith College let us have the college salon for a week. Davidson Baxtor had done my previous refit so they knew the drill and we knew what to expect. They specialise in high end hotels and bars, and so look at salon design with completely fresh eyes.

The refurbishment ushered in eco-friendly LED lighting. The salon's on a corner and so has banks of windows on two sides. Previously, to utilise as much space as possible they were covered with our hair collections and shelving for retail. This meant artificial lighting - resource wasteful and expensive - was necessary at all times. The windows have been opened up to let in natural light and we chose a chrome structure with crystal glass shelves for retail display. It looks amazing with the beautiful packaging and colours. It's ironic that even with the windows open we've more retail space than previously.  

Name: Byron Hairdressing

Address: 88 Alexandra Street, Kirkcaldy 

Owner: Ronnie Marshall

How long have you been in the premises: 21 years

Clientele: Mixed (16-70 years of age)

Staff: 15

Styling stations: 14

Financing: Self and bank

Design: Davidson Baxter Partnership, Kirkcaldy

Furniture: Bespoke furniture and Albert Ewan Design for chairs and basins

Features: Glazed reception desk, leather sofa, pendant lights, walnut and gloss finish.

Design - Davidson Baxter Partnership: 01592 205761  

Furniture - G&G Contracts: 01333 353395,

Albert Ewan Design: 01670 738979