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Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Interior

2023

Text provided by Vipul Lunia

As you stand and stare at the glass façade sentried by the green shoots, you have a feeling of reaching the promised salon. Nestled on a chalky street of a busy neighborhood in Ankleshwar, Meraki is the new a la mode salon that not only commands attention but compels you to bask in its oomph. “That is how it was intended. Client wanted a practical space that was drenched in urbanity from front to back and gushed young and jazzy vibrations at the same time. And considering the industrial backdrop of Ankleshwar, we wanted Meraki to be exhibited as an Oasis of poise and rejuvenation,” says Azaz, Principal Architect at Yellow Studios.

The salon, with an area of 840 sq. ft, looked suitable for a spartan linear layout but the tricky part was to achieve the functional dichotomy unescorted by the spatial congestion. This was reified through a subtle refining of the layout and use of the furniture buffer. Positioning of the styling station in itself made the space more seamless in the styling area while the display unit separates the public and semi-private spaces for coherence. On the other hand, light grey vitrified tiles and plain white walls spanning through the project inculcate a sense of continuity.

Architects	:	Yellow Studios
Area	:	922 sq. ft.
Year	:	2023
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/yellow_studios/?hl=en

Styling Station of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

If the name ‘Meraki’ gives you some confidence in the prowess of the establishment, a step inside would leave you completely surrendered to the charms of its design.

As soon as you enter, you are greeted with a ‘Hello’ of the grey reception desk cradled amongst the white walls. You can enjoy a plush waiting on a low heighted tan leather sofa, place your belongings on a funky bespoke orange side table and enjoy the Arched product display. Or you can choose to stand and admire the artwork on the white brick wall above the sofa, which has ought to make you feel at ease and vibe at same frequency.

Exposed brick wall lends the texture while the bright colors adds vibrancy to the space. Green of the plants and soothing yellow of the lights balance out and wraps the area in a snug milieu.

And when your turn is up next, you enter through those hallowed arches to the inner sanctum-the styling area. Arches has been used as a recurring theme in the project. As per the design studio, arches have a knack to vivify the mundane and make the onlooker feel special as if they have discovered a treasure. One can notice that even the mirrors are shaped liked arches. The arched display unit serving as buffer is exclusively designed with metal in black finish to underline the millennial feel.

Styling Station of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Styling and Colour Station of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

You want your hair trimmed? You are escorted to the shampoo area. A kaleidoscopic graphic artwork headlines the entire space with black leather shampoo chairs placed at its foot. To enrich the experience the color bar and the lit product display have been positioned on either side of the chairs. Under those arches and amidst the enigmatic artworks, you get a sense of belongingness.

And then you make your way to the green leather Styling chair. Colors from the artwork overwhelm every nook and corner yet the tranquil green of the chair seems rooted in its exuberant surroundings. And just above are the hanging light fixtures that bring out a semblance of a ‘Cloud.’ Although they are so designed so as to effuse uniform light in the entire styling area, yet you get a feel as if it is your own personal aura.

Shampoo station of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Reception area of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Reception of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Waiting area of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

Waiting area and Reception of Meraki - Salon by Yellow Studios

The passage besides the reception is one of the key elements in the design which cleverly camouflages the facial rooms and manicure-pedicure room at the same time separating them from the pantry and staff utilities and doubling up as a storage area. A peep inside the facial room and you know what you want on your next visit.

When you step back outside, the reality strikes and you realize you are still in Ankleshwar. As you are about to leave, you turn back and look once again in the façade mirror. You see your reflection, smiling back at you.