Salon and Barber Shop Interior Design and Remodeling Solutions

The style of a barber shop and salon interior design is as important as the services you offer. The experience starts the moment a client walks in and can even attract new customers. Yes, it’s an expression of your brand, but a smart salon renovation can maximize your floor plan and increase functionality—optimizing the full potential of your space. 

A well-planned salon renovation can help you with the following:

• Create an atmosphere that feels both professional and welcoming, elevating the clients’ journey
• Boost service capacity without feeling crowded, even if you have a compact layout
• Establish effective flow between waiting, service, and checkout zones
• Streamline cleaning and improve the sanitation process
• Distinguish your brand with signature design touches

The most impactful salon renovations are always grounded in clear goals, a realistic budget, and a partnership with the right professionals who understand your needs as a salon owner as well as the construction process. Here is what you should consider as you brainstorm your barber shop or beauty salon renovation ideas. 

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Purpose-driven remodeling ideas for your salon

Every salon and barber shop is unique, but certain design elements can further enhance the image of your brand and make the space feel more open and efficient. As you plan your  renovation take one of the following salon renovation ideas:

Make your salon feel larger with design tricks 

Small salons can feel more expensive and comfortable with a few thoughtful design moves. A compact footprint can still feel open with these design tricks.

• Install large mirrors to double the space visually
• Choose lighter wall colors and glossy finishes to help bounce natural light throughout
• Use glass partitions or doors to create separation without blocking sightlines
• Opt for furniture with open bases or clear acrylic for a “floating” effect
• Mount wall storage instead of using bulky cabinets on the floor
• Keep the reception area sleek and minimal, avoiding oversized desks or chairs

Determine whether it’s time to upgrade your equipment

 Outdated or worn-out tools  distract from the professional polish your brand is trying to create. Modern equipment and decor sends the message that the salon is au courant. By taking regular inventory of your stock and ensuring everything from chairs to hair dryers is maintained is going to streamline appointments and prevent unexpected headaches, and ultimately help your team deliver their best work. Before you start on a salon renovation, check the list below.

• Assess all styling and shampoo chairs for support, hydraulic stability, and finish—since clients spend significant time here, comfort directly shapes their experience
• Upgrade shampoo bowls and plumbing fixtures to models designed for ergonomic use, minimizing physical strain on stylists and making cleaning easier between back-to-back services
• Audit station equipment like dryers, steamers, and warming drawers. Do they evenly distribute heat, accommodate current demand, and remain reliable during busy shifts?
• Consider multi-purpose workstations with integrated outlets, USB charging, and discreet storage—these features minimize clutter and make setup, clean-up, and cord management dramatically faster for staff
• Prioritize equipment that lowers your water and energy use—eco-efficient shampoo units, dryers, and LED light-equipped mirrors support savings on utilities and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability for your clients

Focus on remodeling choices that make your salon easier to clean

Most remodeling choices you make will have an impact on how easy it is to clean your salon. For example, touches like intricate tile patterns or ornate molding may require extra dusting. Prioritizing easy-to-clean surfaces in your remodel not only reduces the time your team spends on upkeep, but also translates into a clean aesthetic overall. Ideas include the following: 

• Opt for large-format tiles on floors and walls to reduce grout lines where debris collects
• Select smooth, non-porous surfaces for counters and workstations for easy wipe-downs
• Install wall-hung vanities or stations to make sweeping and mopping underneath simple
• Use stain-resistant, easy-care fabrics for any upholstered seating in waiting areas
• Install backsplash panels behind sinks and color stations for quick cleanup of splashes
• Specify matte finishes on fixtures and hardware to conceal fingerprints and water spots between cleanings
• Select commercial-grade vinyl, sealed concrete, or tile for water-resistant flooring
• Use wall finishes designed for frequent wiping and chemical resistance

Perfect the lighting within your salon redesign

Great salon lighting is all about balance: It needs to flatter your clients, provide stylists with adequate lighting for cutting precision (and accurate tones for color appointments), and keep staff energized throughout the day. These small upgrades will enhance your client experiences.

• Prioritize lighting with flattering color temperature and quality, such as soft LED strips around mirrors, to both enhance styling and make clients feel at ease
• Use a mix of overhead (ambient) lighting and focused task lighting at workstations
• Install adjustable sconces or LED strips above each styling station
• Choose daylight-balanced bulbs to support accurate color matching
• Add dimmer switches for flexibility as natural light shifts through the day
• Illuminate mirrors from multiple angles to reduce shadows on clients’ faces

Achieve luxury without blowing your budget

A salon can deliver a memorable, upscale experience without pushing your project over budget. The goal is to prioritize choices that appeal to the senses—touch, sight, comfort—and communicate quality from the moment a client walks in. Achievable luxury is really about making smart, thoughtful upgrades that elevate both aesthetic and ambiance, without sacrificing function.

• Use statement mirrors or lighting fixtures as affordable focal points
• Select just one notable, splurge-worthy fixture, such as an oversized pendant or a linear chandelier above color bars, as a design centerpiece
• Install  quality wallpaper behind the reception desk to add personality
• Specify stylish, commercial-grade hardware on cabinets and doors
• Update soft goods (like towels or chair covers) to premium fabrics
• Scatter a few high-end accessories, such as minimalist planters or curated artwork

Invest in strategic storage solutions

Smart storage isn’t just about looks—it’s essential for efficiency and a calm, organized flow during every appointment. The right storage ensures tools, towels, and products are always within reach, helping stylists move confidently between services without breaking their rhythm or disrupting the client experience. Consider remodeling ideas like: 

• Install pull-out or flip-up tool holsters at each station to keep styling tools accessible but off the work surface
• Add discreet cabinets near shampoo bowls and color stations for quick access to products and supplies without leaving the client
• Integrate laundry drop points into the workflow to keep used towels from piling up
• Add floating shelves where walls are otherwise underutilized
• Designate hidden storage for bulk supplies in a back room or closet
• Use vertical wall-mounted racks for often-used tools and products
• Place labeled bins in drawers or shelving for at-a-glance organization
• Build benches or waiting-area furniture with hidden compartments for magazines, capes, or cleaning supplies, keeping public areas restful and clutter-free

Salon-friendly materials for your remodel

Choosing the right materials is about balancing daily wear, client comfort, and lasting style. Salon environments place high demands on surfaces, from spills at color stations to the constant movement of tools and clients. Prioritizing finishes that are both attractive and resilient will help your new space look fresh long after the remodel is complete.

• Luxury or commercial-grade vinyl tile flooring: These materials offer water resistance, easy cleaning, and durability against heavy foot traffic. Vinyl also cushions noise and is more forgiving on legs and backs during long shifts than harder surfaces.

• Quartz or solid-surface countertops: Non-porous and stain-resistant, quartz withstands dyes, heat, and chemical spills that are part of daily salon work. It also provides an upscale look and wipes clean in seconds. For more material ideas for your salon remodel, click here.

• High-quality, scrubbable enamel or washable wall paints: These finishes are designed for spaces that need frequent spot cleaning, so splashes and smudges come off easily without dulling the color. Light-reflecting finishes can also brighten the space and help create an inviting atmosphere.

• Tempered glass shelving: This choice resists chemicals and cleans easily after product spills or dust accumulation. Glass shelves also keep the retail and work areas looking organized without visual heaviness.

• Stainless steel or powder-coated hardware: Durable and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and constant contact, these finishes maintain their look despite regular cleaning and repeated use.

• Sealed concrete or epoxy flooring (for industrial chic salons): These modern options are nearly impervious to stains and are easy to sweep or mop. Their minimalist style also complements a wide range of salon aesthetics.

• Laminate or veneer cabinetry with edge banding: This approach resists moisture, avoids warping, and stands up to the repetitive motions of opening and closing with wet or product-covered hands. Cabinet finishes can be selected to match your brand or introduce sophisticated patterns and textures.

Questions to ask contractor candidates when planning your remodel

Choosing the right contractor is as much about fit and communication as it is about technical skill. The questions you ask up front set the tone for your partnership and give you clarity about what to expect—before, during, and after your salon renovation. The right conversation up front helps you avoid misunderstandings, makes the process more collaborative, and ensures your project runs as smoothly as possible.

• What experience do you have with salon or barber shop renovations, and can you speak to challenges unique to this type of project?
• How do you manage projects that need to remain partially open or operational during the remodel?
• What is your process for communicating project timelines, updates, and any changes that might arise?
• Are you connected with suppliers or manufacturers who specialize in salon equipment, furniture, and finishes?
• Will you oversee permitting, inspections, and code compliance, or is that my responsibility?
• How do you keep the job site clean and safe, especially with regard to dust, chemicals, and ventilation?
• What warranties, maintenance, or post-project support do you include once the renovation is complete?
• How soon after our initial conversation could my project reasonably begin?
• How long should I expect the renovation to take? 

Find the right remodeling partner with Block

Block Renovation believes a great remodel starts with a great match. We connect salon owners with contractors who not only understand the unique needs of beauty spaces but who also bring a proven track record in salon interior design and commercial projects. Every pro in our network is carefully vetted for craftsmanship and professionalism, so you can move forward with confidence. With Block, you get clear communication, trusted collaboration, and a smoother remodeling process—so your space reflects the standard you set for every client.

Email us at sales@blockrenovation.com.