The Perfect Space
According to Jeff Laub, co-owner of The Blind Barber with locations in California and New York, keeping it simple is best when designing a salon space for male clientele, as well as positioning of furniture. “In our shop we normally do not have more than four chairs,” he explains. “And we position them in a way that everyone can get their voice heard when the questions about who the greatest NBA players to ever play the game arises.”
Laub also advocates sourcing decorative items and accent pieces from local spots so that clients will feel like they’re relaxing at home. By creating a comfortable type of environment for your clients to enjoy, you’re guaranteeing them a memorable experience that will keep them returning to your salon.—K.K.
Jeff’s Tips for creating the perfect salon space for male clients
1. Keep it simple.
A men’s barbershop doesn’t need to have much in it to feel like home. We opt for a few pieces of artwork, clean stations and a small check-in desk. No frills.
2. Position things properly.
Try to position the chairs/mirrors in a way that allow everyone to be a part of the conversation – it is a barbershop, after all. The best part about going to the shop is not necessarily the haircut, but all those great debates that happen in the chairs, right?
3. Source some things locally.
No matter if you have one shop or 30, our feeling is that each should have its own uniqueness about it, and more importantly, should reflect the neighborhood you are in. Guys want to go somewhere that feels like it is a part of the place where they live, so finding little things like artwork from a local artist or other decorative elements from the surrounding areas will really make it feel as though your barbershop understands what that neighborhood is about. So many times people think that the design of the space needs to be the same every time they open, when really it is the “feeling” you put forth that defines your brand (not the look, ya know?).
4. Be conscious of your guests’ things.
When designing, make sure you have a spot to keep all of these things, as they can disrupt the design very quickly. In our newest shop, all of our coat hangers are in a hidden closet so we can keep the space super clean. The salon and barbershop is supposed to be a place where the guest feels relaxed and is able to exhale for 30 minutes. If it is filled with clutter, that can’t happen.
5. Whiskey.
Have a bottle hidden somewhere.