A SIMPLE SHEET OF clean, white paper inspired the overall look of the Vasken Demirjian Salon, located in the Trump Condominium in White Plains, New York. For designer Katerina Soukhopalova and architect Maren Sostmann, the challenge was to not “over-design” the space.Owner Vasken Demirjian’s vision was to make the design of the salon an extension and compilation of all the design elements that transcend beauty: fashion, art, architecture and design, hair artistry, and individuality in style. “I love architecture, so the salon is very sleek and clean, with the feeling of a fresh palette. It’s the perfect backdrop to showcase our work,” he says.Upon entering the salon, a noticeable feature to clients is the suspended ceiling grid, which is composed of an elaborate three-dimensional installation of thousands of tubular lampshades. The uneven surface of these lampshades disburses sound through the openings and acts as a sound buffer, which minimizes the usual salon noise. In contrast to the overall white palette, oversized “Valentino” red cylinders made from imported linen are suspended above each styling station. The red accent throughout the salon serves as a unifying element that extends through the salon’s stationary and promotional materials as part of the Vasken Demirjian brand.Most of the salon’s surfaces, including all of its custom-built stations, the reception desk and the stylists’ cubes were crafted from white Corian with red Corian accents. The flooring is made from imported, commercial-grade porcelain tiles from Spain, which creates an appearance of a metallic grid. “The salon’s location, design and ambiance are exclusively fine-tuned in order to amplify the salon experience while creating an ultimate workshop for the artistry of hair,” says Demirjian.
AS THE SAYING GOES, “Good things come to those who wait,” and for our 2010 SALONS OF THE YEAR grandprize winner, that waiting period was more than 30 months. With tremendous vision and more than $3 million, Dominick Sansevero and Richard Cronk transformed a 19th century Masonic temple in Montclair, New Jersey, into Bangz Salon and Wellness Spa— preserving the historical authenticity of the space while creating a contemporary sanctuary for clientele.Since the owners were restricted from altering the footprint of the building, or changing its stained glass, intricate masonry or slate roof, the only option for gaining more space was to build down, literally excavating 22 tons of dirt from the basement and underpinning the entire foundation. Through this yearlong process, the owners increased the head clearance from 3 feet to 10 feet, making way for their grotto-inspired wellness spa.“Building it right was more important than saving money and cutting corners,” says Cronk. “Even though we took the tougher road by opting to tell our contractors to ‘build it to last,’ our decisions will echo to every client that we spared no cost in making their Bangz experience something special.” As a result, the salon already has been recognized by the Victorian Society of America and the Montclair Historical Society.The building’s 40-foot high, stainedglass windows were meticulously restored to their original brilliance. Today, these three pieces tower over the main floor, drawing visitors’ eyes up to the impressive wooden vaulted ceiling. “Midday, the salon becomes a spiritual experience with the sunlight beaming through the stained glass into our bustling salon,” says Sansevero.While the owners spared no expense in preserving the historic space, they also paid homage to the future by incorporating eco-friendly materials and technology. The salon’s main cutting floor boasts a floating bamboo floor, a renewable resource that is glued to ¾" of recycled rubber to provide comfort to styli
