Colour pops and mood lighting make a splash at nicola smyth

Nicola Smyth has been in the hairdressing industry for more than 12 years and in that time has received accolades such as winner of Goldwell ColorZoom UK and KMS California UK art team member. Recently, she decided the next step in her career was to open her own salon along with co-owner and managing director Dan Humphriss. Together they designed the new-look space, with help from Ryandan Construction – a building business handily owned by Dan’s family.   How did you go about securing finances for your new salon? The first step was to go and see the bank manager with our business plan. To our astonishment, the bank said we could have the money as soon as we wanted it, so it was time to get planning. What was the premises formerly used for? The premises was previously a tile shop that had gone into liquidation. The space was left in a complete state and there were four and a half skips of tiles to clear. However, we were attracted to the site because it was on a busy road close to the town centre. We popped into the kitchen shop next door, which has been there for 17 years, and the staff there confirmed that it was a great location. How long did the work take?  Just under two months – Dan and his family business, Ryandan Construction, were working non-stop. Our aim was to create an ultra-modern space that was fresh and spacious but also warm, colourful and inviting to a wide range of clients. Did any major work have to be done? We discovered that there was no drainage in the salon floor or running water at the front of the shop, so we had to make provisions for a new water system and water pump. [gallery ids="21537,21536,21531"] Where did you get inspiration for the design of the salon? We did a lot of internet research, looking at various salon designs and themes and searching for all the furniture. We wanted to put our own stamp on the space, creating an urban, raw-look salon. Most of our inspiration came from New York salon designs, with natural wood and mood lighting. Pinterest was also a big influence on our design – we used it to create mood boards for lighting, furniture and decoration. What did you choose for the colour scheme? The colour scheme is a combination of red and white walls, with brick wallpaper behind the backwash and behind reception. We chose white because there are a lot of colourful features, such as our red fridge and the KMS California product range. The brick wallpaper was selected because it can be changed easily when required. We added red around the colour area so it can be clearly identified. How is the salon divided up? We have three separate areas in the salon. The main area features the reception and waiting area, six styling stations and the backwash. As you walk through the salon the colour station is on your right, which leads off to The Boutique – two separate styling stations with iPads, a Champagne area and a wall featuring photos of our work. The last area at the back of the salon has two more styling stations and an easy-wipe floor. We use this for training or big colour changes. [gallery ids="21534,21533,21535"] What is the most interesting feature of the salon? The backwash area is interesting as it’s set in the centre of the salon with mood lighting to make it relaxing. Nicola saw the Pietranera backwash at Salon International a couple of years ago and always said she would have it when she got her own salon. As well as this, there are interesting features all over the salon, from the custom-made reception desk to the Smeg fridge filled with juices and Champagne for our guests.   FACT FILE Name: Nicola Smyth Award Winning Hair Address: 42 Clarendon Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Owners: Nicola Smyth and Dan Humphriss Size: 926sq ft How long have you been on the premises? Nine months Staff: Six Styling stations: 10 Budget: £30,000 Financing: Business loan Design: Nicola Smyth, Dan Humphriss and Ryandan Construction Furniture: LSE Wembley, Framemaker UK   BUDGET BOX Features and Furniture: £16,600 Lighting: £900 Water system and plumbing: £3,500 Labour: £9,000 Electrics: £2,500 Decoration: £2,000 Shop front: £1,000   TOP TIPS

• An accurate business plan is crucial to securing funding.

• When putting together a budget, add 10% as you never know what problems may arise.

• Invest in a backwash that will last. Think quality over quantity – you don’t want something that needs replacing every 12 months.

• When adding styling stations, don’t add too many too quickly – you don’t want empty seats all over your salon.

• Use reliable tradesmen.