MINK Lash Boutique
A Gilded Reception Desk
Sitting as the centrepiece of the space, the reception desk is truly an art piece and sets the tone for the sculptural nature of the project.
Being the first thing guest see and interact with as they enter the space, it required careful consideration to blend both function and form. It needed to functional as a reception desk (equipped with computers, cash drawers, printers, phones, and all the typical administrative tools) while also being inviting, imaginative and cohesive with the rest of the overall space.
Keeping with the flowing organic shapes used throughout this project, we curved the desk both vertically and horizontally to create a truly interesting piece. Sloping the bottom of the desk allowed the illusion of the coating material (made of real 14 karat gold) to appear as if it was poured from above and pooled naturally on the floor blow.
Above it sits a custom created lighting installation that defines the space and invites an etherial quality that offsets the strength of the desk beautifully.
While the technical build of this reception desk was astronomically complex, we embraced the challenge and managed to execute it flawlessly by utilizing both cutting edge equipment and skillful hand techniques.
To see more images of this incredible reception desk, scroll to the gallery below.
An Innovative Retail Space
As with most businesses in the beauty industry, the business model at Mink is not only about selling a service, but also about selling product. But today’s consumers expect more from a retail experience than what has traditionally been acceptable (simple shelves with rows of stock). Today’s buyers are savy and if they’re purchasing in store, and returning to a physical location to buy product, it’s because of the shopping experience.
Consumer behaviour and purchasing phycology is something that fascinates us at Schédio and Jenalee has spent countless hours formally studying the subject.
Utilizing her expertise, she designed the retail space for flow around the waiting area and to invite guest to touch and interact with the inventory displayed (shown in these images as vases).
The newly designed bulkhead created the blueprint for a series of concave and convex panels that sit beneath. Echoing the mesh ceiling detail these panels were each individually curved from a custom created perforated metal that allowed light to subtly pass through.
The vertical panels were intersected by organically shaped brass shelving on which product is displayed. This elevates the product positioning it as coveted rather than ordinary. It also leaves the guest with a memorable experience making them more likely to return (and purchase more).
This space has also proven to be an effective marketing tool with a large organic reach of people posting images an videos of it on social media platforms.
An Organic Seating Area
Similarly to most busy salons, Mink needed a waiting area to comfortably accommodate guests before and after there services.
Keeping aligned with the same creative thinking applied to the rest of the project, we wanted this space to be much more than a bench on which to sit.
So we reimagined the idea of a seating space to second as an opportunity to introduce sculpture and texture in addition to providing the necessary seating.
The organically shaped base was designed to allow seating for up to 9 people without feelings like they were sitting too close to one another. In the centre we commissioned a custom floral sculpture made from preserved florals. The shape and colours of the florals added a layer of texture that brought the space to life in an incredibly beautiful way. A major bonus was that this installation also required nearly zero maintenance as the preserved plants hold there shape and colour without the need for watering.
Of course leaning on our knowledge of consumer purchasing phycology, we strategically placed the seating area within the retail space so guests are invited to interact with the product and shop while they wait.
An Extraordinary Bathroom
An arched entrance with corresponding oversized arched door welcomes you into this stunning bathroom.
Inside is like a wonderland with a large pedestal sink that seamlessly melts into the floor with a curved bottom and finished in the same custom concrete as the flooring. On top of the sink are two spheres which are the controls for the custom made faucet that descends from the ceiling.
Creating a backdrop for this is a large oval slab of viola onyx that’s mounted to the wall and lit with an LED surround. On the back wall of the bathroom is inset brass lettering that spells out the studios slogan “get your mink on” and across from the stone is a large oval mirror, also lit with Led’s making it the perfect spot for a selfie.
A Stylish Hand-washing Station
A new health requirement since the pandemic and a welcomed addition to the space is this super stylish hand-washing station.
This allows client and staff to ensure their hands are clean before application without having to pass through any doorways on the way out.
The counter, surround and large apron front are all clad in the same beautiful viola marble as the bathroom creating a through-line with strong visual interest. The spherical hardware sits atop the counter with a jewelry-esque feel and the faucets come from the stone behind.
There are two full height mirrors that are framed in pill shaped sconces. The shape of the sconces is echoed in a cut out inset with cross reeded glass that allows light to filter through defusing slightly with a beautiful textural patter.
Check the gallery below for more pictures.
An Etherial Ceiling
The pièce de résistance of this project is undoubtedly the custom mesh ceiling. Inspired by a mash-up between the fluid movement of rippling water with layers of a blooming flower, delicate sheets of metal mesh expand outward from a central point.
While the design is striking from a vertical perspective the true beauty of the installation unfolds when experienced from the horizontal vantage point—lying on the beds and looking upwards. It is from this perspective that you can fully appreciate the layered intricacies of the mesh that are gently illuminated from pendants suspended from above.
To see more close-ups of this incredible installation flip through the gallery at the bottom of the page.
