There is probably only one person I have been as loyal to as I my family and that would be my hair god, Robert Wilson at Live Hair Group. This loyalty started 15 years ago with a bad purple hair color job that he transformed into a sensational blonde. This loyalty has since traveled to 7 salons and included endless hours of chatting about life. So, imagine my complete excitement when his beautiful wife Kali, who is also his salon business partner, texted me last summer and asked if we would be interested in designing their new micro salon. To say Scott and I were thrilled would be an understatement. Kali said that they wanted it designed mid-century modern, that the space was small, and they needed to move in 30 days! Because these two are truly hair artists, we knew this project was going to be fun!
In the spirit of honesty, we have never designed a salon. And I am certainly not a stylist myself. And designing and constructing a space in 30 days is a nearly impossible task. But the most rewarding and challenging part of this project was that the space was about 75 square feet! That is the equivalent of a very, very small bedroom. This project wasn’t about tile and towel bars. The amenities in this salon had to include 2 stylist stations, a shampoo station, a color mixing station, color storage, product display/storage, a refrigerator, a coffee station, and coat and smock storage. It had to have an inspiring design, be fully functional for 2 stylists simultaineously, and be inviting and warm for clients. No problem, lol!
We started with a large custom painted mid-century wall mural to bring a focal point to the small room. It was important that it didn’t feel like a storage room but a designed space with an identity. The shampoo station fit nicely in the corner but finding the right shelves for both towels and shampoo was critical so that they complimented the movement of the stylists shampooing hair. The ceilings were quite tall with rather uninviting ceiling tiles, but air flow and sprinkler systems needed to remain completely operable. A solution to drape ropes was devised to drop the ceiling and bring an organic design element to the space. Kali’s station is a vintage mid-century modern Haywood Wakefield credenza purchased from local dealer in Dallas. Very shallow product shelves were hung to create ample product storage and display. Anything wider or larger would have impeded on the space needed for the stylists to move around their clients. A fabulous Mid-Century modern chandelier was purchased from a dealer in Europe to added that perfect unique mid mod touch. Track lighting was installed to provide lower more targeted lighting on hair vs. the horrible fluorescent lights in the tall ceilings. The lighting was also a challenge because both stylists needed targeted lighting without the light reflecting in the eyes of the opposite station. The final and most exquisite design element was large custom mirrors crafted by Degarrio Metal Studio in Dallas, Texas. The mirrors are absolutely stunning and give the salon an enlarged feel.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Robert and Kali are the absolute best in Dallas. We sincerely hope they enjoy their new artistic space for months and years to come. Scott and I are very grateful and honored that they trusted us with their studio space. If you would like to visit The Live Hair Group, call them at 214-742-4363. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
