‘We Are Emma’: This Salon Roots for a Truly Immersive Experience!

Designed to redefine modern lifestyle, We Are Emma combines contemporary aesthet-ics with functionality to create a harmonious and inspiring environment…

Award-winning creative consultancy, Masquespacio once again endorses its reputation for blending different disciplines of marketing and interior design in unconventional ways with their latest project – We Are Emma, a visionary beauty salon specialised in hair treatments and styling located in the heart of Milan, Italy.

Using a strategic play of colour and organic forms as the mainstay of their design vocab-ulary, the designers create an environment that exudes joy and playfulness. Vibrant hues and whimsical forms adorn the space, adding a distinct charm and evoking an at-mosphere of lightheartedness. However, this playful ambiance isn’t at the expense of sophistication. A discerningly curated material palette comprising tainted natural wood, marble, and stainless steel for the design features, adds a refined touch to the space. The combination of these elements successfully achieves an elegant yet lively concept for the brand, striking a perfect balance that is visually appealing and representative of the brand’s unique identity.

The retail operations of the brand greet you at the entrance – the area designed to com-fort and cajole you into understanding the ethos of the brand via organic shapes com-plemented by an eye-catching pink colour palette. Dominating this space, an arch-shaped opening catches the eye almost instantaneously, enticing you to continue into the hairstyling area. This opening, a testament to the unique design elements inherent in Masquespacio’s approach, serves as a playful and inviting transition into the heart of We Are Emma’s salon experience.

Here, one encounters another signature design element of the designers – a surprise element. In this case, it is a bar corner – an unexpected yet delightful addition to the salon that invites you to indulge in a refreshing drink while you wait for your appoint-ment, imbuing a sense of relaxation and enjoyment to the overall salon experience. Moreover, the bar isn’t exclusive to salon patrons. It warmly welcomes anyone in the neighborhood to drop by for a drink, making We Are Emma not just a destination for haircare, but a social hub as well. This innovative inclusion further elevates the We Are Emma experience, flawlessly merging the worlds of beauty and leisure.

To the right of the bar area, a series of hairstyling pods reveal themselves, designed with the perfect balance of privacy and openness. These open capsules provide a haven for customers to disconnect and enter their own world during their hair treatment. Each pod features an ultra-comfortable seating arrangement, enhancing the client’s comfort during their beauty session. The elegant fusion of marble and gold materials in these pods accentuates the elegant feel of the salon. These materials, chosen for their time-less beauty and sophistication, underscore the importance of this area, making it one of the most striking features of We Are Emma.

Last but not least, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the salon is the washing station area. Designed to offer clients a moment of serene disconnection while their hair is being washed, this space is purposefully separated from the other areas. Its layout embodies the concept of tranquility and relaxation: the soft, ambient lighting and the gentle hum of running water create a soothing atmosphere, while the comfortable reclining seats ensure maximum relaxation.

At We Are Emma, Masquespacio meticulously crafts each space with a focus on comfort and elegance, guaranteeing that your visit is not just a hairstyling session, but a truly immersive experience.

Fact File:
Typology: Commercial Interior Design
Client: We Are Emma, Milan
Design Firm: Masquespacio, Spain 
Principal Architects/ Designers: Ana Milena Hernández Palacios and Christophe Penasse
Surface: 123 sq. m.
Location: Milan, Italy
Photography credits: Luis Beltran 
Text courtesy of Masquespacio
Compiled by Pari Syal