Recognized as one of the best cities in the United States to live in, Sugar Land, Texas, has attracted so many people in recent years that it is now one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Though it's known primarily as a suburb of Houston, Sugar Land offers a taste of the big city at Emmanuel Salon.
 The salon's retail area has a large presence in the salon |
In April 2008, Emmanuel Salon owners Brian and Stevie Benoit moved their Houston salon to Sugar Land because they saw a need for their salon's level of expertise and quality of services in the small town. "Sugar Land's growth and potential attracted us to the area," Brian says. "It's far away enough from Houston to feel removed from the city, but close enough for locals to want the type of services available there."
 The styling stations |
Since bringing the big city element to Sugar Land was the Benoits' goal, they first decided to focus solely on what they were best at: hair and makeup. Also important was choosing the ideal decor. The husband and wife hairdressing team credits much of their salon's design to inspiration they drew from visiting Bumble and bumble's Uptown location in Manhattan. The result is a 1,900-square-foot space that is best described as modern and industrial, with a white and orange color scheme, and black and white leopard print seen throughout.
 The drying area |
The salon's decor was also inspired by ideas acquired from designer Peter Millard and his book Reinventing Space: The Clear Logic to Successful Salon Design and Retail Merchandising. Based on his suggestions, the Benoits set up the reception area halfway into the salon, giving the retail area a larger presence to attract clients when they enter the salon. "The location of our reception desk encourages people to walk in and browse our retail area instead of walking right up to the reception desk," Brian says. —NICOLE PALMIERI
 The color bar |
In Stock: Bumble and bumble, L'Oréal Professionnel
 The shampoo area. |