IIDA Perspective - Spring/Summer 2012 - 41

3. HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS

Challenge: to devise a lighting scheme that sets the mood, supports the task at hand, and flatters patrons. “there’s not a lot of daylight in the space; it was more about creating drama,” Menchions explains. Solution: A carefully calibrated mix of downlighting, ambient light, and front lighting (via the mirrors). “proper illumination is essential when cutting, so stylists can see the layering,” says the designer. “And color technicians need colorcorrected lighting; they have to see how the hair will look in varying conditions.”

Canadian hairstylist John Donato had been in business for 25 years when he tapped II By Iv to conceptualize his new Toronto flagship. The project’s overarching goal, explains firm principal Dan Menchions, was to put a fresh face on the brand— and to usher the salon/spa typology into the future. for ideas, Menchions looked to boutique hotel lobbies, an inspiration evident in the ebony-and-ivory palette and the 22-foot-long check-in desk lit by glittering crystal chandeliers. The luxe vibe belies the project’s tight budget and dense program.

4. SuRROuND SOuND

Challenge: Given the abundance of hard surfaces and close proximity of styling stations, acoustics was an issue.

Solution: the space is drywalled and insulated. plus: “salons pump in a lot of music!” says Menchions. “And you’ve got your cast of characters. people appreciate the noise and activity because hair salons are all about the gossip.”
5. LOW MaINTENaNCE

1. LESS IS MORE

Challenge: Maximizing the modest 5,600square foot layout. “the client wanted twice the amount of styling stations and spatreatment rooms that we knew could be accommodated,” Menchions explains. “i said, ‘We can give you more—but your space won’t allow it!’” Solution: in the salon, an enfilade of side byside styling stations spans the length of the space. in lieu of bulky cabinetry, which would eat up a large footprint, the stylists work at slim, shared countertops—a sort of hospitalitydesign version of an office benching system. the oversize mirrors double as commodious storage cabinets.
2. SCaLING DOWN

Challenge: choosing costconscious finishes that telegraph luxury and withstand myriad anta gonists, including bleaches, colorants, and other chemicals—not to mention slush, sand, and salt during colder months: Donato is located on the ground level of an outdoor shopping mall down town, meaning foot traffic is directly off the street. Solution: Work surfaces and transaction counters are either durable natural stone or non porous quartzite composite, which is impervious to staining. Flooring is super durable throughbody porcelain in a chic fauxwood print that stands up well to wear and tear. “At the front of the space, we installed it in a herringbone pattern to elevate the look,” says Menchions.
6. THE SOfT SELL

Challenge: to keep that long run of stations from looking too repetitive. Solution: using niches to bracket clusters of four or five stations creates a sense of scale, which in turn makes the space appear larger. “the portals pause your gaze, stopping it from going straight to the back of the space,” Menchions notes. niches are painted black for that same reason: “the black pulls your eye to the more intimate nooks.”

Challenge: to boost sales of the client’s makeup, haircare, and skincare lines. in Donato’s other locations, product was squashed into a small footprint. “they weren’t selling much because the display was so congested.” Solution: this scheme devotes a lavish 1,000 square feet to retail, locating it prominently near the entry in a dramatic nook that also functions as a beauty bar for getting makeup applied. “the color of the packaging pops against the otherwise black andwhite backdrop,” says Menchions. “the idea— which has proven successful—was less product, displayed on shelves, curated in categories, and replenished constantly,” says Menchions. the base of the beauty bar houses additional inventory.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IIDA Perspective - Spring/Summer 2012