When it comes to designing a salon that feels as good as it looks, the colors you choose are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Lately, salons around the globe are zeroing in on one color palette, in particular, to create a tranquil yet stylish vibe—earth tones. This color pallet isn’t trending by accident; there’s a good reason for it.
If you’re interested in the idea of revamping your salon, this could be the change that transforms your space into a sanctuary for your clients. This guide will walk you through why earth tones are the “it” palette in salon design, highlight some key colors, and give you practical tips on how to seamlessly incorporate earth tones into your salon design.
Why Choose Earth Tones for Your Salon?
Picking the right color palette isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about curating an environment where clients feel at ease and pampered. Earth tones are known for their ability to evoke a sense of calm and balance, the same way nature does for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
So many people these days rave about the impact of earth tones. Since these hues mimic the soothing presence of nature, they can work wonders to relax people’s nerves. And what’s the one thing every salon client wants when they walk through your door? To feel at peace. Earth tones subtly set that tone, helping you craft the stress-free experience clients are craving.
From a branding perspective, these shades can give your salon an upscale, timeless look. Unlike bolder colors that can feel trendy today but outdated tomorrow, earth tones boast natural sophistication that ages beautifully, keeping your salon looking stylish season after season.
Key Earth Tone Colors to Consider
When someone mentions “earth tones,” you might automatically think of boring browns or muted greens. But this palette has so much more range and personality to offer. Here are a few standout hues to work with and how they can shape your salon space.
Sandy Beige
There’s something effortlessly comforting about sandy beige. It’s neutral enough to provide a blank canvas while offering subtle warmth. A beige backdrop enhances natural light, making smaller salons feel more spacious and airy. Your clients will soak up the cozy, welcoming tone, whether waiting for their stylist or mid-mani-pedi.
Olive Green
Olive green is like nature’s hug—it’s restorative and grounding without overpowering. Pair an olive accent wall with light-colored furniture for that eye-catching pop of color that still feels soft and organic. Bonus points if you complement it with some lush plants for an indoor-outdoor vibe.
Terracotta
Terracotta, with its rich, earthy red undertones, exudes warmth and sophistication. This is an amazing choice for styling areas or treatment rooms because it feels grounded yet glamorous. Incorporate terracotta through textured items like floor tiles or plush cushions for an even cozier effect.
Cool Taupe
If you’re going for a chic and modern salon aesthetic, taupe might be your best friend. Its gray-brown mix is elegant and contemporary, working beautifully across walls, furniture, or even stylishly understated cabinetry.
Soft White
Keep the balance in your color palette with a soft white. It acts as the ultimate neutral to complement earthy tones without looking too stark or cold. Use this shade on ceilings, trims, or larger furniture pieces to make your bolder earth tones stand out effortlessly.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Earth Tones
Now that you’ve got your color inspiration, the next step is figuring out how to bring these shades into your salon design. Don’t worry—using earthy tones for your salon’s design doesn’t mean ditching everything you already own or starting from scratch. Here’s how to incorporate it like a pro.
Add an Accent Wall
Painting a full salon in earth tones might feel daunting, but an accent wall is the perfect compromise. Pick a focal point in your salon, like behind a front desk or styling station, and coat it in a dramatic olive or terracotta. This splash of color sets the tone for the entire room while leaving the rest of your design open for neutrals.
Use Decor to Introduce Color
Not ready to commit to painting walls? No problem. Soft furnishings and decor like throw pillows, curtains, or pottery are an easy (and reversible) way to play with earth tones in your space. For instance, terracotta plant pots, taupe stools, and olive-green vases are simple additions that pack a lot of style punch.
Layer Textures With Earthy Materials
Earth tones shine even brighter when paired with natural materials. Think rattan chairs, wooden shelves, or jute rugs. These materials bring dimension and comfort to your salon, amplifying that earthy aesthetic. Leather (or faux leather) furniture and soft textiles in beige or taupe can also bring depth to your design.
Bring the Outdoors Indoors
Nature inspires earth tones, so why not bring some greenery into the mix? Options like snake plants, fiddle leaf figs, or pothos not only complement earthy hues but also purify the air and make your salon feel alive. Pair these with earthy-colored planters for a holistic, cohesive look.
Change Up Your Equipment
If you are already planning to update your salon in terms of what it offers or the quality of your equipment, be sure to utilize earthy tones when possible. Buying a set of beige styling chairs or a light brown reception desk could be just the thing to set your establishment apart. Just make sure you purchase quality salon equipment when upgrading your business.
Lighting Matters
Earth tones thrive in environments with soft, warm lighting. Harsh white fluorescent bulbs can kill the cozy vibe these colors create, so swap them out for dimmable, warm-toned LED lights. Natural lighting is also your best friend, so make the most of windows to showcase your earthy salon aesthetic uniquely throughout the day.
Stay Minimal
While you might try to add a bunch of new stuff to achieve that earthy feeling in your salon, one of the best ways to make these tones work is by keeping your overall design minimal. Too many colors or patterns in a natural-looking space can feel cluttered rather than chic. Stick to a balanced combination of light and dark tones, and keep your decor understated but intentional. If you want to add new things to achieve this look, be sure to remove objects that don’t fit the design well enough to help keep things minimal.