First Runner-Up

Dasi Salon
Livingston, New Jersey
Dasisalon.com
Owners: Jennifer & Leandro Da Silva
Salon style: luxurious, upscale, boutique
Square footage: 2,000
Stations: 6
Treatment rooms: 1
Equipment: Belvedere, S Service, Takara Belmont
Furniture: Dreamstone Granite & Marble, Saul’s Upholstery & Drapery
Total design investment: $150,000
Retail lines: Davines, IGK Hair
Color lines: Goldwell
Design by: Leandro Da Silva
Architects: Guzzo Architects
Photography: Leandro Da Silva

When guests arrive at Dasi Salon in Livingston, New Jersey, guests are welcomed with a standing greeting and a choice of infused water or cappuccino. Surrounding this high-class welcome is a sumptuous environment that owners Jennifer and Leandro Da Silva specifically created to make guests feel special.

The gorgeous white marble of the front desk gleams against the contrast of the distinctive black accent wall and ceilings, while gold pendant lighting accentuates the rich glass retail shelving which is not only artistic and functional but draws the eye with a geometric design.

“At the heart of our space is our open concept with a custom-designed color bar of white marble,” says Jennifer Da Silva. “The color bar is extremely unique as it’s made of bespoke gold-accented shelves for our Goldwell color bottles.”
Along the wall, styling stations are bright and functional with gold-framed, self-lit mirrors, creating a flattering glow for guests. Despite the open concept, the Da Silvas created personal spaces for customized services. A richly appointment treatment room caters to brow and lash clients, while the makeup area is feminine with gold-framed mirrors and touches of royal blue.
“During the shampoo service, we raise guests’ feet with our reclining chairs while they receive a hand massage,” says Leandro Da Silva. “Upon completion of the styling service, guests are invited to our beauty light where we photograph their beautiful finishes to be featured on social media outlets.”
“Our aim was to create a space that felt like a cozy boutique, but with the flair of an elite showroom,” says Jennifer. “To accomplish that we designed the framing for our mirrors and the gold handles for our cabinet pulls, while selecting black leather styling chairs that are soft yet sleek. We believe we achieved a comfortable, yet pristine environment that boasts an attention to detail and luxury.”