The Neo-retro Styling Place
A degree Salon, Vadodara
The speedily growing salon chain A one lets each of its branches sport a uniquely designed concept and when Usine Studio was asked to brew up something interesting for their 1000 sq ft Vasna Road branch in Vadodara, the duo knew just what to do.
They decided to fashion the place in a smart, Neo-retro mood, considering it is all the rage recently. The design is ruled by shades of grey with well-decided bursts of ochre yellow and brick reds. This scheme is then bathed in a soft yellow light giving the ambience a crisp yet bouncy quality. The space is topped by a ceiling where the exposed services in a calm cobalt blue dictate a sincere industrial charm.
The pinewood reception desk is a stately welcome which is elegantly contrasted by the glass divider screen; the wood and glass together instil the rustic modern vibe that was intended. The stepped up waiting area has a lower ceiling than the rest of the space, which invites you in towards a large cloudy grey sofa. Retro graphics that went along with themes of salon and grooming were employed to amplify the undertone.
An angular juxtaposition of chequered grey and white flooring imparts a movement to the otherwise still elements that face each other covertly. The set up almost reminds one of a chess board where the mirrors and armchairs seem to be the bishops and pawns.
The rawness of the built space is utilised by leaving the brick work exposed. The flatness of the wall is skilfully articulated by projecting 5” wooden bands between which the mirror consoles appear to be nestled.
The mirror consoles that are not set against the wall are suspended from the ceiling, and hence help eliminate the visual weight from the central circulation spaces.
The main feature of the make-up zone is a circular mirror where the traditional series of bulbs are done away with and instead the mirror’s periphery is etched with bulb silhouettes that are lit up from the back. It is mounted on a finished grey plaster wall whose smoothness funnels all the focus onto the mirror’s reflection.
The massage room is adorned with wooden veneered mirror and shelves with bronze articles lined upon it. This combination hints at an earthy oriental feel under warm lighting.
The neutrality of the ceiling is broken only in the hair-wash zone where people are required to stare right into it. A series of rusted metal cog wheels are installed to induce a hypnosis that also continues the machine-like language of the rest of the ceiling.
The overall space is enhanced on the concept of rephrasing the retro and the result is an unswerving and weightless setting for the modern glamour regimens.
project Name : A degree salon
Project location: vadodara, gujarat
Led architect:Yatin Kavaiya & jiten tosar
architect’s firm :usine studio
Design team: divyesh padhariya
Contact email : info@usinestudio.in
Gross carpet area: 1000 sq.ft.
Duration of execution: 2.5 months
Photo credit: Tejas Shah
PMC : Siddharth sariya
Graphics / branding : Trizon
Text -Vaishnavi Sharma
“Minimal, Elegant, and Personal” — this guiding motto shaped the vision and execution of a smart space. This turns it into a calm and inviting retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle. The family’s primary wish was to have a space that felt soft, cosy, and nurturing while being highly functional for their everyday needs. “The […]
In the bustling cityscape of Noida, nestled within the gated community of Jaypee Wishtown, ‘Thalayalam’ stands in quiet distinction—not by its scale or flamboyance, but by the stories etched into its walls, floors, and the spaces in-between them. Crafted by Ant Studio for a multigenerational family with Tamil and Malayali roots, the ancestral house forms […]
This Zen Home Reflects The Perfect Balance of Memory And Functionality. The residence was designed keeping in mind the unique personality of our client who believes in simple living and high thinking, and wanted an understated and uncluttered space. The overall design language was based in ‘mindful elegance’ with minimal yet functional elements that strive […]
A Monochrome Theme And Minimalist Interiors Blend Perfectly In This Functional Home. “Tranquil Oak” is more than a home—it’s a reflection of our belief that a residence should be a serene, personal sanctuary. Thoughtfully designed with natural oak and fluid, sculptural forms, the space balances modern sophistication with the grounding calm of nature. A Monochrome […]
The client’s desire for a cosy and warm living space led us to explore the boho house theme, which is known for its relaxed, lived-in vibe, rich textures, and an earthy colour palette. To achieve this, we introduced several design elements that promote a soothing, harmonious atmosphere while infusing the space with character and personality. […]
What was once a conventional four-BHK has been gracefully reimagined into a generous three-BHK residence — one that prioritises spatial poetry over excess, character over conformity. This is not merely a redesign; it is a narrative of transformation, where timeless neo-classical elements and neutral colors quietly converse with the ease and openness of contemporary sensibilities. […]
“Home is where the Heart is.” Designed with not just creative ideas, but also keeping in mind the personality and the well-being of the home-owners, this 4BHK apartment in Vadodara, Gujarat, shares the same sentiment. “We have inculcated quite a few creative elements in the design. But we have ensured that those elements don’t overwhelm […]
This 3BHK Residential Interior project, with a carpet area of 1400 sq. ft., features a meticulously reimagined layout. It enhances both aesthetics and practicality. A harmonious blend of functionality and design is seen in this residential interior project by PiNiK Design Studio. It exemplifies a seamless blend of modern elegance and practical design, creating a […]
The 36th Horizon offers a sweeping view of Mumbai’s ever-evolving skyline from its position as a mindful high-rise retreat perched on the 36th floor. Framing the chaos of the city in soft silence, this home covered in pastel colors strikes a delicate balance where urban energy stays outside, and a warm, grounded calmness thrives within. […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]