Intentional interiors: design with purpose

Elevate the client experience with a focus on nail space design & comfort-friendly furniture options. Scratch Stars Awards salon finalists share their interior inspo with LILLY DELMAGE

Susan Nguyen

T he design of your salon is more than aesthetic – it shapes ambience, professionalism and character. It also plays a considerable role in the clients you attract, their purchasing behaviours and the likelihood of their return.

“The style and design of a nail space are reflections of a brand’s identity and values,” says Susan Nguyen of The Nail Group, London, Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2025. “A well-designed environment builds trust, evokes emotion and sets the tone for the entire client experience. It’s their first impression and lasting memory, so needs to feel cohesive, welcoming and true to your brand story.”

Make intentional interior choices that align with your business goals, whether focused on retailing, retaining clients or creating a specific atmosphere, with Scratch’s handy guide…

Chantal Welvaert

READY, SET, PLAN

Chantal Welvaert, owner of Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon, Stourbridge, a Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2025, says: “It can be easy to rush into making interior decisions. To prevent this when designing my salon, I created a mood board. Place your ideas onto large sheets of plain paper, include fabric samples and images, and create your vision!”

Jessica Price

Jessica Price, nail pro at Nailspa, Huddersfield, shares a key lesson learned when designing the salon, which is a Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year finalist 2025: “Don’t follow trends too closely. This can be a costly mistake, as when trends change, your interior can look outdated – and updating it can be expensive.”

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

“Glitterbels launched its custom salon furniture service in 2021 with one goal: to empower nail technicians to transform their salon spaces,” shares Ebony Shepherd, creative brand manager at Glitterbels. “From compact nail desks to full-sized stations, reception desks and more, the furniture collection is stylish and functional. The team offers a wide selection, from pre-designed models to bespoke creations, giving professionals the opportunity to create, customise and build the ultimate nail experience for their clients.”

Ebony Shepherd

Glitterbels Deluxe Single Nail Desk from £640 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

CONCEPT CORNER

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of creating balance between individuals and their environment through spatial design. It involves arranging objects and spaces to enhance wellbeing and optimise energy flow – a practice often employed by salons to enhance relaxation.

“Design isn’t just visual – it’s emotional,” shares Susan Nguyen. “Comfortable seating, soothing colour palettes, uncluttered workspaces and soft lighting help clients feel relaxed and cared for. At The Nail Group, we also focus on flow, ensuring each part of the visit feels seamless and considered, from arrival to farewell.”

The Nail Group, London.

CONSCIOUS COLOUR CHOICES

Interior decorator & colour consultant, Ashley Aspin, shares the importance of colour when making interior decisions: “Colour shapes how your clients feel from the moment they walk through the door. That emotional impact can be the difference between a one-off visit and regular appointments. When I work with salon owners, I consider how they want their spaces to feel – both for clients and the team.”

However, Ashley reveals the dangers of implementing colour without consideration, commenting: “All colours have both positive and adverse effects. This is why choosing and combining them with care is so important.”

Ashley Aspin

Pinks, oranges & reds

“Pink – particularly soft tones of the shade – can be gentle and nurturing. However, if used too heavily, the hue can become cloying or overly sweet,” says Ashley. “The key is not just the colour itself, but its quantity, placement and what it’s paired with. In a studio I worked on, we used a vivid pink hue and trailed it through the space. By carefully placing it, we were able to keep it interesting for clients and not tiring for staff.”

The renovated Glitterbels HQ weaves white among the brand’s signature pastel pink hue.

A ribbon of pink, used by Ashley in a studio to evoke feeings of joy.

Glitterbels Elegance Nail Desk from £640 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

HomeSense Pink Vase £24.99 inc VAT www.tkmaxx.com

The interior of Bristol-based salon, The House of Gossip, uses pops of orange in its colour palette. “Orange evokes warmth, creativity and sociability, though in large doses it can be overstimulating,” shares Ashley. “Red is powerful and energising, often linked with confidence, but it’s easy to tip into agitation if the shade or placement are not harmonious.”

Oliver Bonas Geo Throw £29.50 inc VAT www.oliverbonas.com

The pedicure station at Kate Lifestyle, Maldon, features deep blue, teal and pastel pink shades.

Greens & blues

“Green and blue are associated with calm, balance and trust – qualities that can really support a salon experience,” shares Ashley. “Blue brings clarity of thought, while green feels grounding and restorative – like being in nature.”

However, the colour expert warns that the level of intensity is key, explaining: “The tone, placement and contrast shape the mood. For example, a vivid lime or bright turquoise will enliven the space and demand attention, and I would advise to use sparingly, if at all, in a space seeking a calm atmosphere.”

Narelle Wharton of Narelle Beauty, Castleford, uses a foliage wall to incorporate green into her predominately white salon.

Four-time Scratch Stars Awards finalist, Dominique Sharpe, combines forest green and pink hues in her Cambridgeshire salon, The Nail Editor.

Furniture Village Country Collection Accent Footstool £295 inc VAT www.furniturevillage.co.uk

The Nail Group mixes pastel pink with blue and green in its luxury pedicure room.

Habitat Studio Side Table in Dark Green £50 inc VAT www.habitat.co.uk

Susan Nguyen says: “The Nail Group’s colour scheme is a soft, modern palette of neutral tones, elevated by accents of pastel pink and green. We chose this combination to create a space that feels fresh and uplifting, yet also serene and grounding. The pastels inject a playful, creative energy, while the neutrals provide a calming balance. The overall mood is one of quiet luxury: elegant, welcoming and thoughtfully designed to make clients feel both inspired and at ease.”

Workstations at Dream Nails, Hackney Wick.

FURNITURE FORMATIONS

Susan Nguyen of The Nail Group, London, shares that elevating client experiences via interior design requires focuses on the functionality and flow of the space. She advises:

• “Avoid blocking natural light. Instead, use it to create an uplifting feel.

• Allow enough space between workstations. Clients seek privacy and comfort.

• Consider the setting of your waiting area. Clients should be able to relax, yet enjoy a view of the salon.

• Ensure techs can move around comfortably. Ergonomics support both client comfort and staff wellbeing.

• Keep storage smart and hidden. This will help reduce visual noise.”

Thanh Vu, owner & founder of Dream Nails in Hackney Wick, a Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2025, says: “Sometimes, less is more. Don’t try to fit too man workstations into one area. We prefer to have a maximum of two tables side by side, in rows. We find that this fosters easier communication between clients and nail techs, and improves the overall flow of the salon.”

Thanh Vu

Takumi Takuto Manicure Station £328 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

L-R: Jess, Niamh & Georgie, directors of KHAOS Nail Bar.

KHAOS Nail Bar’s pedicure station.

The team at KHAOS Nail Bar, Ross-on-Wye, a Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2025, adds: “We make sure our seating faces towards the salon window, because who doesn’t love people watching? Though, to ensure privacy, the pedicure station is positioned at the back of the salon.”

RETAIL REVIEW

“Ensure your retail area is in the eyeline of where your clients are sitting – for example, the waiting area or on the reception desk are perfect,” says Chantal Welvaert. “At Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon, there is shelving in front of the nail desks so that clients can see the retail products we offer. We have found that this works well and leads to many purchases.”

Susan Nguyen adds: “Create small, curated displays that change seasonally or reflect trending treatments. Also, try to incorporate retail products into services, as if a client sees how to use a product and feels the benefits, they will be more likely to make a purchase.”

Nailchemy 18-hole Cuticle Oil Pen Stand £13.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

Halo Citrus Crush Cuticle Oil (18pk) £33.99 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

OPI Nail Envy® Nail Strengthener in Original £14.90 + VAT/RRP £21.90 uk.wella.professionalstore.com

The GelBottle Inc H2O Cream™ Mini Retail Pack (12pk) £69 + VAT/RRP £11.95 each www.thegelbottle.com

The team at Nailspa, Huddersfield, positions retail products at eye level.

Holly Rodgers

STYLE MATCH

“I recommend styling your salon to suit your brand’s personality and the nature of your offerings,” says Halo VIP, Holly Rodgers. “So, if you specialise in extravagant nail designs, consider decorating the salon in a similar style.”

Renowned for vibrant and quirky décor, the team at KHAOS Nail Bar comments: “Interior design helps express individuality. Our salon’s unique style encourages clients to choose vibrant nail art. We always wanted a sequin sign and for our interior to be bold. This has created a positive environment, where clients can be bold with their nail choices.”

The abstract wallpaper at Quiet Rebel Nails, London, aligns with owner, Eve Roche’s creative nail art specialty.

They continue: “People want to visit somewhere that is different from the norm, and take an aesthetically pleasing photo. We have so many people walking through the door just to tell us they love the décor!”

Kate Driscoll

The wall art inspiring client nail art requests at Kate Lifestyle.

Kate Driscoll of Kate Lifestyle, Maldon-based Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year finalist 2025, shares how her interior has inspired clients: “I discussed specific wall art with a designer, and we decided on two murals of elegant hands and soft nail art designs to inspire. Our clients love the artwork and many ask for the exact nail looks that are displayed.”

WHERE TO START?

Ashley Aspin suggests starting your salon revamp with furniture placement. “Position seating so that clients can relax without having to face mirrors for a long time,” she shares. “Lighting should offer clarity for technicians but softness for clients.” While plants bring freshness to a space, Ashley advises choosing greenery wisely, and opting for plants that you can easily look after. She suggests: “Dried flower arrangements are a great alternative, last longer than fresh flowers and do not require regular care.”

The pedi station at Dream Nails’ Hackney Wick location.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Nailspa’s Jessica Price advises: “Plan your salon in zones, and tailor areas for different experiences to create a sense of order and calm. For example, split the space up into the waiting area, treatment area, retail area and consultation area.”

“After fitting out seven salons, I have learned that practicality is key,” says Thanh Vu of Dream Nails. “For example, I soon realised that painted walls are prone to scuffs, marks and nail product splatters. Since then, I have tended to tile walls so that they’re easy to maintain.”

“Plan your salon in zones, and tailor areas for different experiences to create a sense of order and calm.”

Oliver Bonas Mirrored Tile Wall Mirror £160 inc VAT www.oliverbonas.com

B&M Daisy Bloom Dried Flowers Wreath in Pink £12 inc VAT www.bmstores.co.uk

Paintbrush Nails’ exterior.

Kirsty Brown of Paintbrush Nails uses picture ledges to display her nail products.

Kirsty Brown

Paintbrush Nails interior.

HOME SALON CONSIDERATIONS

Kirsty Brown of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling, Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 & finalist for 2025, reveals that maximising space should be of great importance to home salon owners. She shares her tips: “Use every inch of space wisely and think creatively about how your furniture and storage can serve multiple purposes. Wall-mounted storage is a game-changer. I have a magnetic board for my metal tools, and shelves for my retail products and nail supplies. One of my favourite hacks is using picture ledges to display my gel polish bottles – they’re the perfect size and look tidy.”

Kirsty continues: “Slimline trolleys are great for nail art supplies and keep everything organised without taking up much floor space. Good lighting is essential, especially if you don’t have a lot of natural light. I use a lamp that clamps onto my desk, saving surface space.”

Ellie Toms

Ellie Toms, owner of Kent-based home salon, The Nail Hive, explains how windows can be utilised to encourage relaxing experiences: “My salon is within the beautiful setting of my garden, rather than on a high street. Therefore, I made sure to position my nail station next to the large window, so clients can look out and feel relaxed.”

The Nail Hive, Kent.

Nailspa’s feature wall showcases OPI products.

REFRESH & REFURBISH

“Clients have the time to properly look around your space while they’re having a treatment, so make sure it’s well kept,” advises the team at KHAOS Nail Bar. “Regularly deep clean, repaint areas, make repairs and replace anything when needed, to keep the salon looking fresh. No one wants to visit an unkempt space.”

If you’re keen to update your salon, Nailspa’s Jessica Price suggests visiting trade shows. She explains: “It’s great to browse furniture options, look at colours and textures and find new brand offerings that fit with your salon design ideas.”

“Consider customising or renovating pieces you already have or can find second hand. The antique coat stand in Nailspa’s waiting room was a donation from an employee’s father, who is a retired antique dealer.”

The Huddersfield pro shares how feature items or areas can be an easy way to revamp a salon space, commenting: “Consider branded signage, a textured wall, a display or a statement piece. Our central focus is a nail colour wall. It creates a visual point for our clients while they’re in the salon, assists in colour choices and doubles as storage for our large array of nail shades.”

The antique coat stand in Nailspa’s waiting area.