Shabby chic shines at the lounge hair and beauty

When Michelle Gowlett chose a prime location in Brentwood, Essex, for her first salon The Lounge, she used the pages of HJ to inpire her to achieve the shabby-chic style she visualised.

"I wanted to get away from the clinical black and white lines and go for a more homely feel," says Michelle.

"I chose pink and brown because they're my favourite colours, and the combination is different from colour schemes used in many modern salons."

Michelle worked with a lighting specialist to ensure the salon had a natural feel and selected striking Harlequin wallpaper as the focal point of the salon.

"I wanted some pattern on the walls to create warmth and comfort," she adds. "It is such an interesting feature it actually attracts clients into the salon."

The Lounge takes a modern twist on classic style with statement pieces, such as a pink candelabra and a chaise longue in the reception area. Michelle describes her style as very chic, but not over the top.

"The overall design aims to create a classic and relaxed ambience appealing to the over-thirties; however, the salon retains a trendy side with its patterned wallpaper and shabby chic look, attracting younger clients too."

Fact File Name: The Lounge Hair Design & Beauty Address: 3 41 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex Owner: Michelle Gowlett Size: 1,320sq ft over three floors Staff: 10 Styling stations: 10 Budget: £65,000 Financing: Loan and savings Design: Michelle Gowlett Furniture: REM Features: Classic pink chaise longue in the waiting area; pink candelabra; brown and pink wallpapered feature wall. Budget Box Flooring: £6,750 Plumbing: £4,000 Electrics and lighting: £10,000 Decorating: £3,000 Building work: £13,000 Stairs: £2,000 Signage: £4,000 Computer and sound system: £8,000 Reception desk: £1,250 Chairs: £3,200 Styling units: £1,000 Wash basins: £1,475 Alarm: £282 Miscellaneous: £7,325 How to Achieve the Look Furniture: Salon Equipment Centre - 01455 286285 Mirrors: Pretty Practicals - 01597 811321 Top Tips Get a good project manager and shop fitting team Maximise natural daylight and enhance that with good, clear lighting. You can warm the salon with the decor Get the best hot water system your budget allows Shop around for unusual items and don't assume you have to buy from salon wholesalers Choose flooring that is practical and durable, and fits in with the overall design. It's no good having a floor you can't run a trolley across.