Sally Adams - Cobham
Case Study: Sally Adams, Cobham
Designing a minimal, warm, and natural Aveda lifestyle salon
The client
With a reputation for excellence, Sally Adams is an established Aveda lifestyle salon and spa located in the heart of Cobham, Surrey. To accommodate its expanding client base and services, the business decided to relocate to a new, larger location nearby.
The challenge
The brief was to develop a design that built on Sally Adams's original aesthetic of minimal yet warm and natural elegance. The new space had to incorporate two distinct zones for its beauty and salon services—a high-energy styling area and a tranquil relaxation zone—while maintaining a cohesive, calming atmosphere throughout.
Our approach
Our design process began by focusing on the core principles of the Aveda lifestyle brand, which emphasise the harmonisation of beauty and nature. This ethos guided our material selection and colour palette, resulting in a cohesive design that enhanced the customer journey. Our key solutions included:
- Creating a 'sensual user experience': We designed the space to engage all the senses, from the earthy hues and natural textures to the soothing sounds and diffused lighting. This approach elevates a simple salon visit into a unique, holistic wellness experience that sets Sally Adams apart.
- Zoning the salon for flow: To solve the challenge of integrating two different energy levels, we separated the high-activity salon and the peaceful spa areas with a central glass atrium. This not only created a natural division but also introduced a stunning focal point.
- Integrating a central 'zen' garden: The glass atrium was designed to enclose a 'magical zen garden'. This unique feature allows natural light to permeate the space, creating a visual connection to nature from both sides of the salon and enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
- Selecting natural materials: A simple palette of natural materials, such as wood and stone, combined with earthy colour tones, was used throughout the space. This choice reinforces the Aveda and Sally Adams commitment to natural, sustainable, and ethically-driven products.
The result
The new Sally Adams salon in Cobham is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. The finished space is not just a building but a tranquil, luxurious environment that delivers on both the Sally Adams brand promise and Reis Design's reputation for creating premium, bespoke spaces. The project has resulted in:
- Enhanced client experience: A seamless transition between zones ensures clients feel relaxed whether they are receiving a quick trim or a full spa treatment.
- Strong brand reinforcement: The design perfectly captures the ethical, nature-focused principles of the Aveda lifestyle, strengthening brand loyalty and appeal.
- Improved operational flow: A clear, zoned layout improves efficiency for staff while ensuring a serene experience for clients in the relaxation area.
Reis provided the following services: Salon concept design / Detailed Design development / Design management services