Got a Gorgeous New Business? SALONS OF THE YEAR Application Now Open!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
by Stacey Soble
SOTY 2013: Blu Water Day Spa & Salon
Take a visual tour of the 2013 SALONS OF THE YEAR honoree Blu Water Day Spa & Salon of Kensington, Maryland
May 3, 2013
1/11
1 min to read
Blu Water Day Spa & Salon
Kensington, Maryland
Bluwaterdayspa.com
OWNERS: Julie Nguyen
SALON STYLE: Elegant
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,500
STYLING STATIONS: 6
TREATMENT ROOMS: 6
EQUIPMENT:Belvedere
FURNITURE: Todd Fletcher from Belvedere
TOTAL DESIGN INVESTMENT: $110,000
RETAIL LINE:Davines
COLOR LINE:Davines
DESIGN:Linowes Design Associates
ARCHITECT: Tom Donavan, Custom Commercial Interiors; Scott Davis, Scott Davis Construction
PHOTOGRAPHY: Ron Soloman&Anfon Ha
“The calming orchid-filled retail and reception area opens to a luxurious custom waterfall displaying Blu Water’s logo. Seated behind a one-of-a-kind bamboo and textured natural concrete reception desk, the concierge awaits the arrival of the guests.”
JUDGES’ COMMENTS:
“The backdrop for the desk is a waterfall wall that embellishes the entire front of the space and is very effective branding.”—Ortmann
“One of the best retail/front desk areas. The mani/pedi area also gets an A+.”—Labos
“Great use of space to provide privacy.”—Valenzuela
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Awards & Contests
Got a Gorgeous New Business? SALONS OF THE YEAR Applications now Open!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
by Stacey Soble
Energized and Exceptionally Thoughtful
At night, Dominic Michael Salon keeps the interior lights on, as the illuminated, eye-catching contemporary design serves as a billboard that consistently attracts new guests.
by Stacey Soble
Timeless Sophistication
Built from the ground up, Mane 18’s design strikes a balance between an elevated experience for guests and the functionality and flow necessary for team members to perform at their best.
by Stacey Soble
One Delightful Design Discovery
Andreas Hogue Salon’s recent renovation surprises visitors with the interior’s expansion of space, elevated retail area, and changing views of the restored Chicago prairie.
by Stacey Soble
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Growth Part 2
It's Day 10 of our SALON TODAY 200 reveals, and we've reached the end! Today, we toast the honorees in the second half of growth--the salons, spas, and barbershops that constantly strive to build stronger bottom lines, including Brandy Smith Stephens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
by Stacey Soble
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Growth, Part 1
On Day 9 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 reveals, a big 'Huzzah' to our first look at the salons, spas and barbershops that fueled their growth by mastering a number of best practices, including the fun team from Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (P.S. The second half of Growth comes tomorrow.)
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Salon Culture
A big "Bravo!" to the salons and spas that develop strong cultures that fuel growth while retaining team members, such as Soleil Salon & Spa team in Windham, New Hampshire, who catch up reading last year's 200 issue.
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Customer Service
We tip our hats to the salons and spas that genuinely connect with guests and strive to elevate their service, including Chenica Racine and Ricka O'Bannon, owners of C&R Beauty Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Employee Education
Hats off to the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who make education a priority for employees at every level, including Eric Fisher Salon, which hosted Educator Oscar Bond for a cutting class in Wichita, Kansas.
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Technology and Client Retention and Referral
Today, we have two 2026 SALON TODAY 200 categories as we hail the salons that find creative ways to build client loyalty and the ones that constantly explore and embrace new technology to further their businesses, including the social-savvy team from Verde Salon Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Environmental Sustainability and Retail & Merchandising
For today's SALON TODAY 200 announcements, we toast the honorees who prioritize the environment in their business decisions and those who take retail to the next level, including the excited team from Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky.
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Philanthropy
Cheers to the SALON TODAY 200 honorees who give their time, talent and fundraising efforts to their communities, including Eli Mancha and the team from Bang! Salon, whose cut-a-thon has collected more than 1,200 coats that have been donated to Chicago's unhoused.
by Stacey Soble
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Business Builders
It's Day 1 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 announcements, and today, we raise our glasses for the honorees in the Business Builders category. These salons, including Elan Hair Studio in Spring Lake, New Jersey, took strategic risks that paid off in revenue-generating success.
by Stacey Soble
2026 SALON TODAY 200: Compensation and Benefits
It's time to celebrate the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who design rewarding career paths and seek out enriching benefits to keep their team members healthy, happy and growing, including the team from Pinup Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, who always enjoy a good pajama party.
A Space to Ground Down and Level Up
With a training salon, treatment rooms, education and collaboration spaces, a podcast studio and a yoga studio, BASE ONE is the foundation for the future growth of PENZONE Salons+Spas, as well as the company's gift to their community and the industry. Peruse the image gallery or take the personalized video tour led by Debra Penzone to see this exceptional space.
by Stacey Soble
SALON TODAY 200 Announcements Coming Soon!
As our judges read those last essays and create their list of honorees in each category, we're planning to start announce the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 starting February 25.
by Stacey Soble