Simple sophistication for friends hairdressing in stanmore

After starting up in Edgware more than 25 years ago, Friends Hairdressing, run by husband and wife team Larry and Roberta Sands, now has two salons, located on the London high streets of Stanmore and Mill Hill. It was the Stanmore salon that was subject to a recent revamp, with Roberta taking the helm on the design front to create a fresh and unique space, designed to appeal to a wide range of clients. How long did the work take? The work took two months. We had been at the location for 16 years, so there were no major restructuring works to undertake and no issues with obtaining planning permission. What were you aiming to create? We wanted to go for an unusual, shabby chic look that would be individual to this salon. We wanted to avoid the clinical feel prevalent in many other salons. [gallery columns="2" ids="21339,21338,21340,21337"] What is the colour scheme? We chose a white and silver colour scheme, with all the walls painted white. The bannister, door frame and external window frames feature a specialist painting technique designed to give them a distressed, antique finish. The floor is heavy-duty vinyl, to cope with the demands of the salon, and the lighting is bright and practical downlighters. How is the salon divided? A separate mezzanine floor houses our beauty services, our new men’s hairdressers and spa. We noticed that men want more than the standard £5 haircut, so we decided to use the extra space to offer grooming services such as hot shaves. Although the areas are separate, the décor is constant throughout. The reception features four waiting chairs and an enormous mirror to reflect light around the salon. [gallery columns="2" ids="21336,21334,21335,21333"] Which was the best bargain buy of the salon? Definitely the chandelier, which we bought from a shop in Archway. We bought lots of crystals and added them to the chandelier ourselves, making it look a lot more impressive and expensive looking. What was most important to you in designing the salon – client comfort, trendiness or style? All of it! We wanted to do the best job possible. We’re happy with everything and my only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. TOP TIPS

• Keep it simple
• Don’t overspend
• Make sure you get the lighting right
• Find great people to work with

FACT FILE Name: Friends Hairdressing Address: 10 Buckingham Parade, Stanmore, Middlesex Owners: Larry and Roberta Sands Clientele: Mixed Styling stations: 18 Budget: £50,000 Financing: Wella and self-funding Design: Roberta Sands HOW TO GET THE LOOK

Lighting: Collect & Connect – 020 8452 0142 Furniture: DIR Group – 020 8591 9310