1st Runner-Up: Shep Studio

Shep and Tracy Wolsey claim their salon studio was born in 2001 from equal parts passion and rebellion, when they found the courage to live through their art and create a space that fostered others to do the same. In 2013, they set about converting a former doctor’s office into a two-level space with floors dedicated to separate cutting and coloring departments.

“The biggest challenge in converting the space was the original setup with several exam rooms and the small windows,” says Shep Wolsey. “I wanted the salon to have a lot of natural light and better curb appeal. After proper engineering , we were able to take all of the interior walls out to open up the space and cut large windows in the front and sides of the building.”

With ultra comfortable reclining and massaging chairs, the Wolseys created a serene shampoo area that clients love. An attractive retail space is positioned for easy access for those dropping by to shop for products, as well as for the stylists who tour clients through the space and while making recommendations.

“Our studio is designed to be a clean modern space where our guests feel welcome to experience a positive shift of energy – it’s not just about hair, it’s about how you feel on the inside when you know you’re nailing it on the outside,” says Wolsey, who chose white walls, wood finishes and blue and green accent colors to attract both male and female guests of all ages.

One of the most innovative aspects of the Shep Studio remodel was the conversion of a two-car attached garage into a state-of-the-art education center, with 20 feet of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, audio/video setup and seating for up to 55 students. “The space can be quickly converted into a work station setup for hands-on classes,” says Wolsey. “The best part is that this space can be used for training while the rest of the salon functions without any distraction.”

Shep Studio

Provo, UT

shepstudio.com

Owners: Shep and Tracy Wolsey

Established: 2001

Remodeled and Reopened: September 2013

Salon style: Modern, Clean, Custom Design

Square footage: 3,200

Stations: 25

Equipment: Takara Belmont, Custom

Furniture: Craig Cloward Construction

Total design investment: $432,000

Top Retail lines: Aveda

Color line: Aveda

Design by: Shep Wolsey

Architects: Shep Wolsey

Photography: Joshua Caldwell Photographic

Owners’ Comments:

“Our studio is designed to be a clean modern space where our guests feel welcome to experience a positive shift of energy – it’s not just about hair, it’s about how you feel on the inside when you know you’re nailing it on the outside.”

Judges’ Comments:

“The cement walls with the portholes are amazing. Love the color scheme, and the overall design, layout, and planning for education put this in the top for me.”—Grissler

“The upstairs/downstairs departmentalization and the conversion of a garage into an education center are inspired re-working of a stand-along building.”—Hillenmeyer

“The aqua color accents burst with a refreshing burst of color.”—Martin