When it comes to selecting the 20 finalists in the Salons of the Year salon design competition, it’s not just the gorgeous salons that come out on top. High marks also go to salon and spa designs that are clever, engaging, efficient, nostalgic, focused and embrace originality.
As a result, the top 20 spaces are remarkably different from one another in appearance, but they share a distinct commonality. Each one has a firm understanding of its target market, has honed in on its customers’ unique demands and has developed innovative approaches for delivering what their clients want through its design.
Although judges can appreciate a sleek front desk of Carrera marble, a striking art installation or an elegant styling chair covered in sumptuous leather as much as any interior designer, we also know that to be successful, today’s salons also have to create customized and personalized experiences for each guest, showcase and compete on their own style and expertise, and engage and connect with clients in a meaningful way. A salon’s design is the all-important backdrop that either supports or sabotages its best efforts.
The new flagship Gene Juarez Salon and Spa in Bellevue, Washington, captures the Grand Prize in this year's competition, including bragging rights as the 2018 Salon of the Year, as well as the cover of our May/June issue. Two barbershops tied for First Runner-Up the Year--Parker Barber in New Orleans and Royal Rhino Club Barbershop & Lounge in Columbus, Ohio. Coming in as Third Runner-Up is the unique and charming Broome Street Society in New York. Sixteen additional salons are recognized for their outstanding designs with the merit of Salon of Distinction.
In the next few weeks, we will begin posting each Salons of the Year profile separately. I encourage you to take the virtual tour of each through their slideshows, starting with our Grand Prize Winner Gene Juarez Salon and Spa in Bellevue, Washington.