How to avoid costly missteps and bring your vision to life.
Designing a salon might sound like the fun part of launching (or refreshing) your business — picking out chairs, choosing finishes, dreaming up the perfect vibe. And yes, that’s part of it. But there’s a whole other side to salon design that’s far less glamorous… and far more important to get right.
At Wadsworth Design, we’ve helped hundreds of salon owners create spaces that work hard for the business. From national franchises to one-of-a-kind studios, we’ve seen the difference great design can make. So before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and paint swatches, here are a few things worth knowing.
1. Salon design isn’t just about style — it’s strategic
That gorgeous waiting area? It needs to be code-compliant, space-efficient, and on-brand. The shampoo station? It should feel relaxing for clients and ergonomically sound for stylists. Every detail — from floor plan flow to lighting placement — plays a role in client satisfaction and employee retention.
A beautiful space is just the beginning. A smart space is what keeps people coming back.
2. You’ll juggle a lot more than aesthetic decisions in the process
Designing a salon means managing vendors, city permits, build-out timelines, product specs, contractor schedules, shipping logistics — all while staying within budget. And it all has to work together seamlessly. One misstep or missed detail can lead to delays, compliance issues, or major rework.
It’s a lot to carry, especially if you’re also trying to run the business. That’s where a full-service partner can make the critical (and cost-saving) difference.
3. Franchise or independent? Every salon has unique needs
We work with a wide range of clients: fast-growing national chains who need to scale quickly and consistently, and independent salon owners building their dream from the ground up. Some want us to handle everything; others already have architects or contractors and just need the right manufacturing partner.
Whatever your setup, we’re here to slot in and make your process smoother — whether that’s designing from scratch or executing someone else’s plans with precision and care.
4. Fixtures and furniture matter more than you think
Salon furniture isn’t just decor — it’s a long-term investment in your brand, your customer experience, and your team’s workflow. Every inch needs to be considered: Will this last? Can it be cleaned easily? Is it comfortable? On brand? Within budget?
We build all of our furniture in-house — which means better pricing, faster turnaround times, and easier customizations when you need them. No middlemen. No shipping delays. Just beautiful, functional pieces made to work (and wow).
5. You don’t have to navigate this alone
Our clients are ambitious, creative, entrepreneurial — and often juggling a hundred things at once. They don’t have time to babysit contractors or translate design intent across vendors. They want a partner they can trust to anticipate problems, offer smart solutions, and deliver spaces that feel as good as they look.
That’s where we come in. At Wadsworth, we combine design savvy, manufacturing expertise, and boots-on-the-ground experience to guide you from concept to grand opening — and beyond.
Thinking about a new salon buildout or refresh?
Let’s talk about how to make the process easier, faster, and better — so you can stay focused on what matters most: building your business.
Reach out to our team and let’s get started.