The salon design process: From idea to opening with Wadsworth

Behind every polished salon is a smart, structured plan. Here’s how Wadsworth Design helps you get to a stunning & successful opening.

Opening or renovating a salon? You probably have a vision — what it’ll look like, how it’ll feel, the kind of experience you want to create for your clients. But transforming that vision into a fully built, code-compliant, client-ready space? That’s a much bigger lift than most people expect.

At Wadsworth Design, we’ve helped hundreds of salons move from concept to grand opening — without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a franchise owner scaling locations or an independent stylist starting fresh, we have a clear, proven process to guide the way.

Our process is engineered for your peace of mind

When you work with Wadsworth, you don’t just get a vendor — you get a strategic partner. One who knows what questions to ask, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to bring your space to life with confidence. Here’s how our process works:

1. Discovery

Every salon is different. So before we design anything, we listen. We get to know your goals, your timeline, your brand, your space, and your budget. Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or expanding, this step helps us tailor everything that follows to fit your unique needs.

2. Space planning

Every square foot of your salon holds value. We’ll maximize the function and profitability of your investment whether it be a 1000 square foot salon, 6000 square foot salon suites or 12,000 square foot beauty school. Proper space planning is the structure and template for great salon design. It is essential that your entire salon, salon suites or cosmetology school be planned, designed and dialed in for maximum efficiency and beauty.

We’ll work with you on:

  • Space plans
  • Floor plans
  • Furniture layouts
  • Lighting plans
  • Electrical plans
  • Plumbing plans
  • Reflected ceiling plans
3. Design

We design and detail all facets of a salon interior from reception and retail to cutting, color and shampoo areas. We plan and design salons, salon suites and cosmetology schools. We also specialize in lighting design and architectural elements which are key components in the most impactful designs. These, combined with our inspiring materials and finishes, allow us to create a unique space and distinctive brand custom-designed just for you.

We provide:

  • Salon design
  • Salon suite design
  • Furniture & fixture design
  • Lighting design
  • Interior branding
  • Materials & finish selection
  • Project management
4. Manufacturing services

We don’t outsource production. Everything is built in-house at our manufacturing facility, giving you better quality control, faster timelines, and the option to customize pieces when needed — without the back-and-forth.

With over 26 years of manufacturing experience, we have the facilities and tooling to transform your salon design from virtual to reality. We will custom design and build every component in your salon. Our highly skilled craftsmen will bring your vision to life with:

  • Salon furnishings
  • FF&E production
  • Architectural millwork
  • Architectural metals
  • Signage & lettering
  • Printed graphics
  • Retail & merchandising displays
  • Upholstered goods
5. Logistics & Installation

Sit back and watch us make it happen. We offer white-glove installation services for everything we manufacture. We’ll coordinate with shipping companies and contractors to ensure your space comes together without a hitch. This allows you to have the craftsmen who built your furniture and fixtures install it the way it was meant to be installed.

  • Packing & crating
  • Shipping coordination
  • Off loading
  • Assembly
  • Complete installation
  • Contractor coordination

What Wadsworth brings to the table

We’re so much more than designers. We’re your guide, your manufacturer, your problem-solver, and your partner in getting it done right. Our team includes experts in:

  • Salon interior design and brand alignment
  • Custom furniture and fixture fabrication
  • Permitting and build-out coordination
  • Vendor communication and project logistics


Whether you’re managing one location or scaling across states, we bring the experience and structure to move your project forward — without the chaos.

Some of our clients are national brands who rely on us to replicate their design at scale. Others are first-time salon owners building something personal and unique. Wherever you land on that spectrum, we flex to meet your needs — plugging in where you need support and guiding you through the rest.

Let’s build something successful.

We know there’s a lot riding on your salon space. It has to reflect your brand, support your team, attract your ideal clients, and stay within budget. That’s a tall order — and one you shouldn’t have to navigate alone.

We’ll simplify the process, reduce the guesswork, and bring your salon to life the right way — from day one.

Contact our team to start your project or ask questions. We’ve been around the block a time or two and we’re here to help.