A Shophouse Turned Hair Salon in Singapore

Housed in a heritage shophouse on Singapore’s Amoy Street, hair salon Room was designed by local studio Tsukurto to combine Japanese hospitality and Scandinavian style

Housed in a shophouse on Singapore’s hip Amoy Street, Japanese hairstylist Sone Ryuichi’s salon Room carries a personality of its own — it’s a physical representation of what Ryuichi has achieved over 15 years as a stylist and the connections he has fostered with his clients over that time. Singapore-based design studio Tsukurto drew inspiration from Ryuichi’s warmth and hospitality, envisioning the salon as ‘a space where people from all walks of life can rejuvenate, reconnect and take a step back from their busy lives,’ as Tsukurto design director Kato Yusuke explains. ‘Our design is not just about the aesthetics. It’s about how the interior design and materials intertwine and encourage a calm state of mind.’

In order to maximise the unit’s narrow layout, Yusuke and his team began by examining the shophouse’s architecture and facade so that they could get a grasp of how the 80-square metre space could be transformed into sectioned areas that serve different purposes: a desk for rest or consultations, a spacious styling area and a functional pantry. A spiral staircase leads guests to the mezzanine area, a tranquil, private and deceptively spacious cocoon.

Large windows on all floors allow natural light to filter through the salon, emphasising a palette of neutral colours and warm textures. Looking to imbue the space with a raw beauty, the designers settled on original Scandinavian furniture — sourced from a local vintage furniture store — to bring warmth and tactility, qualities that extend to the rest of the salon to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages calm and relaxation.

Text / Nicole Chim
Images / Studio Periphery