What’s your top priority in a laser treatment room?

Ergonomics — adjustable beds and lamps, safe layouts without trip hazards, and easy-to-clean finishes to support staff health and workflow.

What lighting works best?

Bright ceiling lighting paired with an adjustable exam lamp, plus soft ambient lighting to support patient comfort and reduce eye strain.

What wall colour is preferred?

Pale natural whites, warm greys or soft pastels—they reflect light evenly and support true-to-tone skin assessment during beauty treatments.

Any space-related advice for clinics?

Keep treatment and reception separate, plan eyewash and product storage, specify secure product cabinets, and avoid retrofitting display furniture awkwardly.

What do clinic owners often overlook?

Power, data, cable management, wall-mounted sinks, acoustics, and clearly defined paths for clinical and patient supplies.

How should patients feel in a clinic?

Calm and comfortable—the design should convey trust, cleanliness and the quality of your services.

Can you optimise space for multiple services?

Yes. We design layouts that support multi-service flow—reception, treatments, circulation and storage—while maintaining comfort and efficiency.

What design services and drawings should we expect?

Our service includes concept layouts, materials selection, 3D visuals, tender documentation and construction support for fitouts.

Do you design for staff comfort and occupational health?

Absolutely. We incorporate ergonomic design, ventilation, soundproofing, and task-suitable lighting to support staff well-being.

Can you help plan supply flow—from deliveries to waste?

Yes. We map and integrate supply zones, laundry handling, sterilisation routes and waste areas into the floorplan for seamless operations.

How do I ensure my salon meets all required approvals?

We guide council, centre management and building permit approvals—covering accessibility, safety, fire compliance, and shopfront changes.

Do you understand health and hygiene requirements for salons?

Yes. We apply best practices from medical and pharmacy design—hygienic finishes, waterproofing, ventilation and compliant plumbing in your salon.

Do you provide shopfront design?

Yes. We craft shopfronts that complement interiors and branding while navigating planning requirements and aesthetic goals.

Can you help with signage design?

Yes. We offer cohesive signage solutions—from interiors to external graphics—that elevate your salon’s identity.

Can you help get fitout construction quotes?

Definitely. We liaise with trusted builders, coordinate quotes, and recommend prefabricated solutions for efficient construction.

Beauty Specialists Fitouts

Throughout her career, our principal designer Tanya has often been asked to create solutions that help businesses stand out from their competitors. With years of experience both as a designer and as a client of beauty salons, Tanya is confident that investing in the appearance of your entry and shopfront can be a game changer.

Designers have the ability to create a distinct atmosphere, which is why we advise our clients to start by choosing the kind of feeling they want their space to evoke - whether it's a minimalist, futuristic look, a luxurious sanctuary, or an energetic and chic environment.

Modern interior of a beauty clinic with a curved reception desk, metallic gold column, terrazzo flooring, and illuminated wall art featuring skincare photos.

Designing laser clinics requires special attention — not only to ensure patient comfort but also to protect therapists performing the procedures. At Design Yard 32, we understand the unique position laser clinics hold, often needing to look professional and clinical while still maintaining the warmth of a beauty space.

Our team considers every detail, from surfaces and lighting that support safe laser operation to thoughtful storage, clear circulation, and comfortable finishes that avoid the “cold hospital” feel. Accessibility, hygiene, and overall compliance with safety standards are at the core of our approach, while still keeping the environment welcoming and brand-focused.

Read our interview with established Laser Clinic owner Maria, where she shares insider design tips every new clinic owner should know.

Maria is a clinic owner with years of experience in Australia’s beauty and laser industry. Her mix of business know-how, hands-on clinic management, and master’s degree in Nursing and a PhD in medical research makes her an invaluable voice in our projects.

Q: What’s your top priority in a laser treatment room?
A: Ergonomics. Adjustable beds and lamps, safe layouts without tripping hazards, and easy-to-clean floors (avoid carpet) — these protect staff from chronic back pain and keep workflows smooth.
Q: What lighting works best?
A: Bright ceiling lighting combined with an examination lamp that is easily adjustable and removable. Eye strain is a real issue — treatments require a lot of visual concentration. Secondary ambient lighting should also be available: soft enough for patient comfort, but sufficient for less visually demanding procedures, as we do get tired from bright light too.
Q: What wall colour is preferred?
A: I prefer pale natural whites, light warm greys, and pastels, as they reflect light evenly and reduce harsh shadows, which helps to see the skin clearly — critical for laser treatments, injections, or detailed beauty procedures. Keep in mind that strong colours (deep greens, reds, bright blues) can distort how skin tones appear under lighting, making it harder to notice redness, pigmentation, or subtle skin changes — all essential for accurate treatment. On the other hand, very bright white walls under intense lighting can cause glare and eye fatigue for staff working long hours. It’s worth consulting with an expert.
Q: Any space-related advice?
A: Avoid combining treatment with reception or office use — one patient at a time creates a safer, more professional environment. Think in advance about product display and storage. Make the most of your work with a designer: ensure the best placement for display, built-in lighting (which will need power), and no visible cords. Specify glass doors and locks for products. Retrofitting purchased displays often looks clunky and like an afterthought.
Q: What do clinic owners often overlook?
A: Power and data. Cables running along the floor are a safety hazard — ceiling or wall solutions are much better. I work with designers on every plug, data point, electrical outlet, or USB port. Ask designers about wall rail power tracks for future flexibility. A sink with hot and cold water must be available in the room. Acoustic insulation between rooms is essential. Reflective glossy surfaces or mirrors are not recommended in the laser room.
Storage: I prefer towels used for treatment to be out of both the patient’s and my view. Ideally, they should be easily removed at the end of the day. Think in advance about your waste bins and containers. Some clinics end up with up to five types of waste, so it’s important to keep sharps and biohazard bins out of the patient’s way but still easily accessible to the operator.
Q: How do you want patients to feel?
A: Calm and comfortable. Most importantly, all spaces of the clinic should evoke a feeling of trust and safety in patients.
Q: What is the role of a designer in establishing a new laser service?
A: Engage a designer as soon as possible. It’s worthwhile to involve them for a quick feasibility study before you sign the lease. They can evaluate the tenancy, outline the pros and cons, and even provide an approximate fitout estimate. I cannot stress enough the level of confidence a designer can give you — ensuring your equipment fits, required spaces are included, the overall look of your salon is achieved, and communication with builders and budget planning are handled effectively.

Designer Insights

Our team shares proven strategies to enhance your salon space, including:

Efficient customer and staff workflow (from delivery to service areas)
Ergonomic working heights (aligned with industry regulations)
Colour psychology and long-lasting design choices
Strategic placement of product displays
Universal accessibility (wheelchair access, visual/hearing considerations)
Staff-friendly environments to support retention
Thoughtful lighting strategies (natural and artificial)
Sustainable, eco-conscious material selections

Modern interior of a medical clinic room with pastel green and white decor, a desk with a computer, and shelves with skincare products, labeled 'Young Street Laser Clinic.'

Modern interior space with a reception desk, a small round coffee table, gold accents, and decorative lighting fixtures.

At Design Yard 32, we partner with beauty salon owners to enhance both their environments and daily operations through thoughtful, strategic design. We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions from salon professionals - here’s how we tackle the issues that matter most to you.

Yes, the Design Yard 32 team specialises in spatial design and can develop a layout that supports the mix of services you offer, while ensuring smooth movement for clients, staff, and supplies. We start by gathering your design brief - including the treatments and facilities you plan to include—then review how things currently work, and assess the layout and limitations of your existing or new space.
Our full design service is delivered in stages:
- Stage 1: We begin with concept development - this includes gathering your brief, reviewing tenancy conditions and regulations, and preparing a proposed layout and notes on approvals needed
- Stage 2: We move into detailed design development with colours, materials, and presentation visuals including 3D walkthroughs
- Stage 3: We prepare the tender documentation needed to obtain accurate quotes and submit for approval
- Stage 4: Construction documentation and assistance throughout the build stage
Once we quote your project, we’ll share a clear breakdown of what’s included in each stage.
Yes, we bring in our knowledge of ergonomics, appropriate ventilation for various treatments, soundproofing strategies, and task-specific lighting to make your salon both comfortable and functional. We’re mindful of eye strain, which can be reduced with the right lighting and colour schemes. Each room’s lighting is designed to suit its purpose - soothing for clients, effective for tasks, and expressive for displays. We align our recommendations with relevant NCC and Australian Standards.
Definitely. Your storage and workflow will be designed to make day-to-day operations efficient. Supplies should be easy to locate on clearly organised shelving, and processes for laundering or sterilisation will be mapped separately. We’ll discuss these needs in our early consultations and work them into the floor plan to ensure seamless back-of-house function.
Depending on the type of renovation or fitout, you may need:
- Approval from centre management, which usually involves submitting 3D visuals, layout plans, and finishes for review
- A building permit or compliance documentation (depending on your state) showing accessibility, emergency systems, fire safety, waterproofing, and possibly energy compliance
- Council planning approval for external changes to your shopfront
We’ll guide you on what’s needed and prepare the documentation required.
Yes, our experience in highly regulated industries like medical, lab, and pharmacy design means we’re well-versed in hygiene standards. We bring that expertise to your salon - choosing appropriate finishes, fixtures, waterproofing systems, ventilation and plumbing layouts to help you meet cleanliness and safety expectations.
We do. Our lead designer has extensive experience with commercial facades and shop entries across Australia. We consider how your shopfront ties into the interior and brand, and how it can attract attention without overwhelming the street. Where required, we collaborate with your local council to address any planning rules related to façade changes.
Yes, we offer signage design as an add-on service, whether you're after internal directional signs, safety notices, or exterior business branding. For shopfronts, we treat signage as a core part of the visual identity, not just a label. We often collaborate with graphic designers and signage installers to create a cohesive, impactful look that integrates smoothly with the architecture.
Yes. We have strong relationships with experienced fitout builders who can provide pricing based on our drawings. We’ve worked across VIC, NSW, SA, and QLD, and for remote areas, we can explore prefabricated joinery and shelving options that can be delivered and assembled on site.

We often highlight the contrast between two iconic Melbourne destinations: Alba Thermal Springs and Peninsula Hot Springs - both designed with very different intentions and experiences in mind.

At Design Yard 32, we take the time to understand your brand and consult with you to define the atmosphere you want to create. This approach helps us uncover the unique strengths of your business, which are then reflected in your design.

Salon Style Samples:

Intriguing, Luxurious, and Private Sanctuary

This is your opportunity to make a powerful first impression. How often do we pass an artfully designed, intriguing space without knowing exactly what the business offers - yet the design alone sparks our curiosity. We find ourselves searching for signage just to learn more. This style creates a sense of privacy, especially in the waiting areas, where clients feel safe, not overexposed to the public, and even a bit exclusive. We recommend using strategically placed, ambient lighting to enhance the experience—avoiding harsh overhead downlights, which are more suited to showrooms or retail spaces.

Chic, Posh, and Opulent

This design style is bold, confident, and expressive—definitely not modest or minimalist. It’s meant to impress and make a statement. Spaces are more open, designed to showcase services and products at their best. The colour palette is bolder, often featuring ornamental or graphic elements. Furniture and lighting are carefully chosen for their decorative and elaborate qualities, creating a striking and memorable atmosphere.

Japandi Style Salon

This increasingly popular salon aesthetic blends the best of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian interior design. It relies on neutral colour schemes, natural materials, clean lines, and organic shapes to create a calming, balanced environment. The result is a space that feels both serene and intentional—perfect for modern wellness or beauty settings.