Client Experience & First Impressions

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.

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.

Got a unique business identity idea? Let us develop it into a new look for your brand.

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.

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

Not sure where to begin?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and see how we can help you enhance your beauty salon business.