Lalique Reinvents its Paris Flagship at 11 Rue Royale

Behind the heritage façade, visitors discover an intimate, inspiring home, imagined as the apartment of a cosmopolitan artist couple. The light-filled spaces reveal a subtle dialogue between authenticity and modernity, between heritage and creation.

'Our Lalique setting on rue Royale symbolises a return to our roots, but also a projection into the future. We wanted the poetry of René Lalique to resonate here in a contemporary language: one of light, material and emotion.' - Marc Larminaux, Artistic and Creative Director at Lalique

The new 115 m² space expresses the Maison's artisanal virtuosity and contemporary creativity. From the entrance, a flight of sixty crystal swallows, emblematic of the Maison, welcomes visitors in an airy movement symbolising freedom and renewal.

Luminous arches adorned with the Laurel motif evoke victory and eternity, while the floral dahlia flooring pays tribute to nature, René Lalique's eternal muse.

The materials Burgundy walnut, Jadore quartzite, brass, terrazzo celebrate tactile nobility and the richness of natural elements. The Vosges blue that dresses the library echoes the forests surrounding the Wingen-sur-Moder manufacture in Alsace, the beating heart of the Maison.

A journey into the world of Lalique

The boutique invites guests on a sensory journey through the seven pillars of the Maison: decorative objects, interior design, tableware, jewellery, art, fragrances and hospitality.

Each space offers a distinctive thematic experience:
- The Boudoir, dedicated to jewellery, highlights the Cabochon ring, a timeless icon.
- The Winter Garden, bathed in natural light, showcases the Orgue and Perles creations alongside the mythical Cactus Table.
- The Vanity, reinterpreted in a luminous setting, celebrates perfumes and their exceptional flacons.
- The Library, crowned with graceful arches, presents iconic, heritage and contemporary collections.
- The Cabinet of Curiosities, with its backlit brass display cases, reveals a selection of unique objects, from exceptional pieces to the perfect gift.
- The Lalique Interior Design Studio Atelier unveils the secrets of crystal through sketches, samples and bespoke projects.
- The Bar, at the crossroads of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, embodies the Lalique art of living and pays tribute to the Maison's gastronomic universe, now counting three restaurants awarded two Michelin stars.

A place of emotion and light

More than a reopening, 11 rue Royale is a declaration of intent. A tribute to the genius of René Lalique and the audacity of his successors, who continue to sculpt emotion and shape dreams. A space where crystal becomes language, material and light, and where every reflection tells a story.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant showroom design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Grandiosa Design.

At Grandiosa, everything begins and ends with inspiration. It is a place that invites you to experience our passion and vision firsthand. Here, you imagine, dream, and get inspired. In our showroom, we want you to feel the warmth of meeting, the creativity, and the touch of grandeur we bring to every space with our signature. Our promise is simple: to turn your ideas into the magic of reality. We listen, understand, and create with exceptional care and dedication; all you need to do is allow us to earn your trust. “The beauty of existence waiting to be discovered.”

What was the client's brief?

The client envisioned a space that transcends function—an elegant fusion of showroom and studio, where creativity breathes through every detail. At its heart lies a dedicated stage for design: a showroom that not only displays concepts, materials, and brand identity, but also narrates a story of beauty, accessibility, and vision.

Alongside this, the client required a haven for its team—a place where ideas take shape, where meeting rooms foster dialogue, and working spaces nurture imagination and daily flow. Natural light was to be the guiding thread, a silent architectural element weaving through the interiors, illuminating pathways and creating effortless movement between the showroom and the studio. It becomes both atmosphere and structure, transforming the space into an experience. Flexibility, too, was vital: the design should adapt gracefully, shifting from cultural gatherings to intimate client conversations, from collaborative sessions to moments of reflection. This narrative forms the foundation of the accompanying diagram, a visual symphony of the client’s aspirations, harmoniously interwoven into the spatial composition.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of this interior seeks to weave a symphony of elegance, French chic, and warmth—an elevated expression of style that whispers of timelessness. In the historic heart of Zagreb, along the storied Gundulićeva Street, nearly 200 square meters are transformed into a living canvas, a celebration where design and art entwine. Every detail is composed with devotion, shaping a space where sophistication and beauty meet in perfect harmony, leaving an impression that lingers beyond time. Elegance here is not loud, but whispered—achieved through the careful choreography of materials and finishes, each chosen with intention. The aesthetic unfolds as a seamless composition, carrying the quiet allure of understated luxury.

At its core lies French chic, the heartbeat of the design, infusing every corner with the effortless charm of Paris. Warmth embraces the space like a gentle thread, ensuring it feels not only refined, but also deeply inviting—an interior where comfort and grace coexist, where utility meets the intimacy of home. Each room becomes a chapter, a narrative inspired by the timeless poetry of Parisian interiors. Together, they form a collection of stories—spaces that are both inspirational and aspirational, reflecting an unwavering devotion to beauty, craft, and design of the highest order.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the greatest challenges that our interior design studio faced during this project, was related to the execution part of the project: Finding the perfect contractors that would deliver meticulously the designed project.

When a contractor fails to execute with the same level of precision and excellence that the project was conceived with, the integrity of the entire vision is compromised. The struggle then becomes twofold: preserving the purity of the design intent while navigating the practical shortcomings of its delivery. Finding the right team—one that possesses not only technical expertise but also a shared respect for craftsmanship and detail—is often a long and demanding journey. Yet it is precisely this alignment between vision and execution that transforms a design from concept to timeless reality.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The interior design team’s highlight of the project was strongly related to these two subjects:

Seamless Concept-to-Reality Execution
The ability to translate an abstract vision into a tangible space where every detail—from materials to lighting—aligns with the client’s aspirations.

Timeless Elegance & Identity
Crafting a design that not only embodies sophistication and beauty but also reflects the brand’s or client’s unique personality, creating a signature identity.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We specifically decided to be part of SBID Awards, because first and foremost we strongly believe in your transparency, fairness, and exemplary operations.

Following this, we were assured that this step would give us international recognition, strengthen our brand, inspire our team, attract new clients, and open doors to greater opportunities within the global design industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

As one of the most prestigious interior design awards globally, we are aware that SBID recognition would serve us as a hallmark of design excellence and professional accomplishment, specifically on:
- Credibility & Prestige
- Global Visibility
- Marketing Tools
- Networking
- Inclusive Participation

In essence, for us SBID recognition isn’t just an accolade—it’s a strategic asset. It elevates our creative reputation, amplifies outreach, unlocks professional networks, and solidifies our position as a leader of design excellence.

Questions answered by Marina Srdjak, Creative Director of Grandiosa Design.

Marmo were delighted to be commissioned once again by their long-standing shopfitting partner to deliver the decorative finishes for one of Aesop’s newest retail stores, located at Westfield Stratford City, London. This follows their previous collaboration on Aesop’s Islington store, reinforcing a strong, ongoing relationship with the globally respected skincare brand and their design team.

The design specification for the Westfield Stratford store called for application of coarse-finish Microcement, selected for both aesthetic quality and high-performance properties. The finish was applied across nearly every surface—walls, ceilings, flooring, a central structural column, and complex bespoke joinery, including custom sink units and precision-cut display fixtures.

Following a thorough sampling and approval process with the architect and main contractor, two contrasting yet complementary tones were selected: a warm custom terracotta red and a soft earth-toned beige. Both shades align with Aesop’s signature organic colour palette, ensuring harmony with the brand’s global retail identity.

True to Aesop’s design philosophy—“to work with what already exists... to weave ourselves into the fabric of place and add something of merit rather than impose a discordant presence”—the most visually striking element is the structural column. This architectural feature, wrapped in the custom terracotta Microcement, anchors the space both vertically and aesthetically, providing a strong visual connection between floor and ceiling.

Microcement was the ideal material for this project, offering not only a refined, natural aesthetic but also exceptional durability, full waterproofing, and resistance to oils and fragrances—crucial in a high-traffic retail environment. Its versatility and seamless application across multiple substrates ensured a clean and coherent finish across even the most intricate surfaces, including units with delicate integrated cut-outs.

This latest commission builds upon our previous work with Aesop, including the coarse Microcement wall finishes in Islington, matched to Farrow & Ball’s “Dimity No. 2008,” and the 2024 Salone del Mobile installation in Milan, for which we completed 16 large-format wall panels in Microcement. We are proud to contribute to the evolution of Aesop’s unique retail spaces through innovative use of decorative Microcement finishes.

As specialist Microcement contractors based in London and Surrey, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-end decorative surface finishes across both residential and commercial sectors. This latest collaboration with Aesop adds to our growing portfolio of Microcement and polished plaster installations, delivered both nationwide and internationally. Our expertise extends far beyond retail environments—Microcement is a highly versatile, seamless, and waterproof finish that is ideally suited for a wide range of applications including bathrooms, wet rooms, showers, spa areas, and swimming pools, as well as bespoke elements such as furniture and joinery. Whether working on a luxury private residence in Surrey, a hospitality space in central London, or a flagship retail concept abroad, we bring the same level of craftsmanship, precision, and design sensitivity to every project.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an immersive retail design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, External Reference.

The Presentedby store in Riyadh, designed by the Barcelona-based architecture firm External Reference, blends physical and digital elements to create a uniquely immersive retail environment inspired by the desert oasis and the role of water. The store features a programmable water curtain, animated water holograms, morphological product displays interpreted as cascading water, and interactive digital projections. The space also includes a VIP lounge with screens and mirrored ceilings for an intimate customer experience. Eco-friendly 3D-printed materials balance innovation with sustainability, embodying a comprehensive design approach for this premium sneaker and streetwear consignment store.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for the project was to design the new Presentedby premium sneaker and streetwear consignment store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to create a destination that would captivate Saudi aficionados of premium sneakers and streetwear. The aim was to design an immersive and unique store that would stand out while maintaining a connection to the established family of previous Presented By stores. The challenge was to harmonize innovation with nature, technology with water, an exhibition space with a retail necessity, ensuring that the new store in Riyadh would offer a fresh experience while resonating with the brand's existing identity.

What inspired the design of the project?

The unique identity of each Presentedby store is intricately woven into its specific urban context, resulting in a series of distinctive, innovative projects. This approach ensures that every store stands out as a singular creation, intimately linked to both the brand's identity and the geographical location it inhabits. This emphasis on contextual integration is a hallmark of PB stores, where the design for each establishment is meticulously tailored to its surroundings, be it in terms of physical attributes, cultural influences, or environmental factors. The project's design inspiration stemmed from the desert oasis and especially the role water plays in shaping such landscapes. The primary objective was to underscore water's profound importance in the region. This concept was then skilfully translated into an immersive retail space that is both distinctive and unparalleled. Under the leadership of Carmelo Zappulla, the architects at External Reference embarked on a mission to mirror both the physical and symbolic impact of water. This creative journey materialized in the conception of an array of design components, ranging from a programmable water curtain to animated refreshing water holograms, 3D-printed display walls mimicking the flow of cascading water, and even digital simulations of various water formations. These elements collectively manifest the aquatic theme and enrich the store's ambiance, fostering an engaging and sensory experience for visitors.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The design team faced its most formidable challenge in navigating the technical and engineering obstacles tied to the incorporation of water-based design elements. This encompassed devising solutions for a programmable water curtain, a water printer responsible for animating sculptures, and crafting 3D-printed display walls. Each facet necessitated pioneering approaches and meticulous contemplation to uphold both functionality and safety, all the while preserving the desired aesthetic. The initial step involved a comprehensive 3D scan of the space, leading to the subsequent development of a detailed 3D model encompassing all fabrication files. Subsequent production activities took place in Spain before being transported to Saudi Arabia. Impressively, the entire assembly of the store transpired within a remarkably swift 15-day period. The ultimate objective was to craft an iconic destination that not only served as a paramount marketing tool for the brand but also possessed a distinct allure compared to its counterparts. Additionally, the project aimed to generate digital content amenable to remote monitoring and management. This approach facilitated the seamless updating and rectification of all digital content from a remote location.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The task involved seamlessly blending innovation and nature, integrating technology with water, and merging the functional requirements of a retail space with the immersive ambiance of an exhibition area. The goal was to create a novel experience within the new Riyadh store, all while maintaining a strong alignment with the brand's established identity. The team's highlight of the project was likely the successful realization of the immersive water-themed design. The ability to bring the concept of water to life through various architectural and technological innovations, including the water curtain, holograms, and 3D-printed displays, would have been a significant achievement that showcased their creativity and expertise.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The decision to enter the SBID Awards was driven by our desire to gain recognition and acknowledgment for the exceptional design of the Presentedby store in Riyadh. As a team that has previously won an SBID Award with the Restaurant Alkimia in 2017 and has been named finalists with several retail projects, we understand how exhilarating it is to receive such prestigious recognition. The experience of winning an SBID Award and being recognized as a finalist in the past has shown us the transformative power of these accolades in increasing our reputation and standing within the design community.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards would hold immense significance for both Carmelo Zappulla's architecture firm, External Reference, and the Presentedby brand. Having previously secured an SBID Award with the Restaurant Alkimia in 2017 and having been finalists with multiple retail projects, we are aware of how thrilling it is to receive these honours. The positive impact on our reputation, the heightened visibility, and the new opportunities that arise are invaluable. Recognition as an SBID Award Finalist would not only reaffirm our commitment to innovative and exceptional design but also continue to elevate our standing in the design industry.

Questions answered by Carmelo Zappulla, CEO of External Reference.

Supremati was commissioned to reimagine HD Cutz, led by premiere hairstylist Sheldon Edwards, to reflect the brand's aspirations and cater to their VIP clientele. The space was designed with a luxurious, bold, elegant, and futuristic scheme, quickly becoming London's hidden gem. It offers a truly exclusive experience to some of the most well-known sportspeople and celebrities.

The project met the brief with a thoroughly developed layout that provides ample working stations for the barber shop, academy, and VIP room. We maximised the space by using a light colour scheme with Bauwerk-painted walls and ceiling, large format porcelain tiles, and tall mirrors to reflect the space. The visually striking ceiling, created with LED lighting, enhances the ambiance, complemented by concealed skirting LED lights and vertical and horizontal LED lighting on the walls for a bolder look.

Adding black MDF frames for mirrors, drawers, barber chairs, and the reception wall and ceiling created a striking contrast that brings masculinity to the design. American walnut slat wood panelling on the back wall adds warmth to the monochromatic scheme and reflects the enduring trend of using timber slat panelling in interiors. Large TV screens and an LED ceiling add an edgy, futuristic feel that was very important to our client.

A key aspect of the layout was positioning the reception desk in the centre to divide the busy part of the shop from the more relaxed academy and VIP area. Black steel on the reception wall and ceiling separates these two spaces, while a mirror-clad coat storage in front of the reception desk enlarges the space and adds practicality for clients. The VIP room, placed directly in front of the entrance and covered in American walnut panels, offers a truly luxurious experience for the well-known sportspeople who regard HD Cutz as their most reliable barber shop in the world.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an uplifting biophilic retail design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, The Secret Stylists.

The Secret Stylists were commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture, fixtures, fittings, soft furnishing, lighting and finishes for Moss and Moor Garden Centre Ilkley.

What was the client's brief? 

The clients provided me with this new brand’s guidelines and the architectural drawings of the building before they broke ground and asked me how I would imagine their garden centre to feel and look. The words that I took from that brief were: Lively natural. Social, Friendly. Down to earth. Uplifting. Camouflage. Plants & People Honest, ethical, intriguing. Natural Vibrancy. So, I set about how I would imagine I could communicate these ideas within essentially an industrial shell.

What inspired the design of the project?

The View. Moss and Moor looks out onto an iconic landmark in Yorkshire, “The Cow and Calf”. I looked at the geology of the rocks, the heather moorland, the rivers, the stone walls, and sky and tried to figure out how I could relate this to Moss and Moor. I feel I achieved this with the plywood edging, the polished concrete floors that add a depth to the space when the sky is reflects on it at different times of the day, the layering of fabrics, colours and textures in the restaurant. My upholsterer thought I was crazy when I plotted out a random shape to be repeated as the bench backrests to allude to a Yorkshire stone wall. The handmade porcelain lampshades were pressed into hessian to create an organic finish. The cork wrapping the bar is akin to a topographic map and contributes a sound proofing function to this area. The rubber and cork flooring used to wrap the tills (as they needed to be very durable) is akin to soil.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were building it during the pandemic, which did bring challenges, but generally we had a great flow of communication throughout to trouble shoot any issues that arose.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The welcome desk… I had wanted to introduce one obvious natural element into an otherwise modern environment and that was in the form of a large tree as our reception desk. The fact that my sculptor friend happened to have a seasoned tree which was the perfect size, that he (luckily) hadn’t started cutting into, filled me with joy. We took the bark off, cut it down, made a perfectly flat top with an arctic mill saw, carved a space as the desk, and mounted it on large metal supports. Everyone tends to run their hand over it when they arrive, and the natural undulations of the trunk are very welcoming to lean against.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I have always followed the awards and just by chance thought I would submit Moss and Moor as I am very proud of this design, as I know it achieves everything I had set out to create for the owners and the customers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It has given me more confidence to put my work out in the public eye and I feel very privileged to be included in the awards.

Questions answered by Cliona Harkin, Brand and Design Director at The Secret Stylists.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and earthy salon design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Layrd Design.

Layrd Design completed this bespoke salon scheme for Douce. Douce is a 5 seat Salon, Cafe and Bar, this is a truly unique offering for Cambridge. The space is very welcoming with warm earthy tones throughout, from the walnut surfaces, concrete floor, dusty pink, deep greens and coffee colours. They designed a curved bar that was compact and functional to allow for both coffee service and alcoholic drinks. The front of this is clad in stainless steel as a nod to the former Air-Stream that was converted as a mobile salon and was located near to the new space.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to take the clients vision for the space and turn this into a feasible and achievable scheme withing their budget. We were tasked with creating a unique salon space that also encompassed a small café/bar space which didn’t overlook or make the salon customers feel uncomfortable. Douce were looking to create a warm and welcoming setting so natural tones and earthy red and green tones were incorporated into the space.

The existing salon space was a mobile airstream located close to the new salon, they wanted the airstream to be included in the design in subtle ways as a hint to the heritage to the company.

What inspired the design of the project?

The existing airstreams and the values of Douce were big inspirations for the design. The need to create a calming, welcoming and timeless interior space.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The client had an incredible vision for their concept store. Creating this clear vision into a functioning design that met all of the necessary regulations, within budget, was a hurdle. Also creating a space that worked as a salon and a cafe at the same time and felt cohesive.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the bespoke Joinery elements all come together and work as they had been designed to work. There is a lot of bespoke elements to the space and you only see it all come together when they are installed.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have been finalists on two other occasions and the recognition and awareness from this is really great for our company growth and exposure. Company and team recognition for the completed project, as well as awareness of the concept store itself, Douce.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are immensely proud to be nominated for the third successive year, it has elevated our profile and brand exposure massively and contributed to our growth as a company.

Questions answered by Will Mayes, Director of Layrd Design.

In 2023, Marmo were invited to supply and install the Venetian Plaster finishes for the Louis Vuitton store in Heathrow’s Terminal 3. This was an exciting opportunity for us, and one of our most bespoke projects to date.

For this project, the client was specifying Venetian Plaster as an alternative to wallpaper, due to the strict fire regulations in place at Heathrow Airport. We were therefore tasked with creating Venetian Plaster finishes to replicate several wallpaper samples provided by the client, utilising innovative tools and application techniques in order to meet the project’s unique design requirements.

One of the finishes specified for the store ceiling was an adaptation of Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram canvas. This was a complex effect to replicate, requiring a custom stencil, a bespoke colour match, and application of two contrasting Venetian Plaster finishes, our Marmorino Spatula and Pitted Venetian Plaster.

Alongside this stencilled design, we created a several other bespoke samples including a glossy wave finish, a raked finish, a brushed metallic finish, and a finish replicating the effect of embossed metal, each specified for various wall areas and accent panels throughout the store.

Our works were phased over three months, from June to September 2023. The accent panels were delivered to our workshop in Epsom to be coated, whilst the remainder of the works were completed on site during night shifts. The ceiling design was particularly labour-intensive, involving the application of 175 sheets of vinyl stencil and the manual removal of 72,000 vinyl petals! The team worked tirelessly to meet tight deadlines, and the final phase of the installation was completed whilst the store was open and trading. Despite facing significant challenges, this was a hugely rewarding project to be involved with, and the results were remarkable.

As we reflect on this extraordinary project, we are reminded of what a privilege it is to collaborate with iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, and we look forward to many more successful partnerships in the future.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist laundry service design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

Whites sets the benchmark as a next-generation premium dry-cleaning and laundry service, known for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of garment care. The design of the shop is pivotal in attracting customers and providing a comfortable and functional space. It plays a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects Whites’ commitment to excellence while ensuring customers feel at ease during their visits. The design embodies a refined and thoughtful approach creating Whites a modern and functional space that is both inviting and inspiring.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for Whites was to create a distinctive dry-cleaning and laundry service located within Dubai Hills Mall that defies conventional expectations. The aim was to design an environment that encourages visitors to embark on a conceptual exploration while utilizing garment care services.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Whites was inspired by a fusion of modernity, tranquility, and sustainability. The carefully curated color palette of pristine white and serene sky blue imparts a harmonious and open ambiance. The mesmerising epoxy flooring, with its gradient of blue, mirrors the transformative nature of Whites' services. Sustainability was a driving inspiration, evident in the selection of state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to minimising environmental impact.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle our team overcame during the project was achieving the delicate balance between minimalism and functionality. Ensuring that every chosen element held significance and purpose while maintaining a clean and uncluttered space required meticulous design and planning.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of our team's journey with Whites was the creation of the main counter, a sophisticated blend of Corian and acrylic accents. This elegant centerpiece, illuminated by gentle, indirect lighting, symbolises the intimate connection between our knowledgeable staff and valued patrons.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards driven by the exceptional standout of Whites' design. The project's unique combination of conceptual exploration, sustainability, and its transformative impact on the garment care experience we believe in the project’s unique standout.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being chosen as an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards is a testament to the remarkable standout of Whites' design. It reaffirms our commitment to innovative and purposeful design that leaves a lasting impression. This recognition elevates our reputation in the design community and underscores our dedication to sustainability and excellence, enhancing our appeal to potential clients and partners.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a neutral and biophilic salon design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Cocoon & Bauer.

Additional Lengths, a leading hair extension and hair care products brand based in Teesside, sought to relocate their salon and store from their original site on the outskirts of Stockton to a more central location in the town centre. They approached Cocoon & Bauer with a straightforward yet powerful brief: to create a unique and awe-inspiring ‘Super Salon’ that had never been seen before in the region. The client wanted their new building in Wellington Square to be stripped back to its bare bones, creating a breath taking and unforgettable environment which would leave customers in awe the moment they walked through the door.

What was the client's brief? 

Our client approached us with a brief of bringing their vision to life and designing a space that was functional for Additional Lengths. Previously, Additional Lengths had a retail store and a salon, but these spaces were separated. Our task was to combine the two spaces, allowing them to expand their retail and salon space.

Photo backdrops were an important factor to the space, which will be changed every season and will allow clients to get their photographs taken in front of different backdrops for social media with their new hair. Lighting was an important feature that the client requested, as it was important for the space to be appropriately lit for purpose, but also to allow each bespoke element to become a feature. The overall aesthetics needed to hit the brief of being modern, clean, and neutral but reflect pops of colour from the branding.

What inspired the design of the project?

The beginning of any project is so exciting – it’s the stage where we can lay all our initial ideas on the table and start sketching on a blank plan. We got the layout to work and then we started to add some meat to the bones. To keep the space neutral, we used a lot of oak in the space, which compliments the neutral tones and allows the pinks and purples throughout the interior to pop. With the space having high ceilings, we knew the display and salon area had to make a real impact. To contrast the neutrals, the design also features greenery and introduces biophilic design. Quirky features such as the ‘Fuel Bar’ and the ‘Additional Lengths’ phone box added a fun element - (unfortunately, if you call AL the phone box doesn’t ring).

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Due to the concrete flooring of the space, we couldn’t move the services or amend the fall of the pipe work. We added a step up to the backwash area, so this coincided with the plumbing. The backwash area sits on a step up, which zones off this area and makes it a real feature.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I have a few highlights, there were a lot of bespoke elements (pretty much everything) to this project and seeing this project stage by stage, was so exciting! Our team going in at the end and cleaning, staging, and making final touches just made the whole project complete. Seeing the Additional Lengths team’s reaction was also a highlight, as this had been kept a secret from most! Having happy clients is one of the best feelings.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We wanted to showcase this project and enter the SBID awards to show off our hard work that we are very proud of.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being a finalist is a huge deal for all of us – we were all so excited when we got the news. We’re very thrilled to attend the awards and be part of this opportunity.

Questions answered by Casey Hall, Interior Designer at Cocoon & Bauer.