As an interior designer, each project to me is not just a building – it is a story. A journey to explore people, space and emotions. Recently, I had the opportunity to complete a nail salon in the US – a project that gave me a lot of reflection, especially when it came to finding the balance between sophisticated aesthetics and practicality in function.
If you are someone who is preparing to open a nail salon or an architect/designer who is learning about beauty spaces, I believe that the following sharing can be somewhat useful – as a memo from real-life experiences.
- Minimalist – but not cold
One of the biggest challenges when designing a minimalist nail space is how to keep it from becoming soulless or too “sterile”. For this project, I chose the main material as a light-colored faux cement wall combined with natural wood veneer, creating a moderate warmth. LED strip lights are designed to run along the decorative arches – both an artistic detail and a functional light.
The principle I learned:
Simple does not mean monotonous. Every curve, light or material must have a “reason for being” – either to be beautiful or to serve an experience.
- Spatial structure must come from user behavior
A common mistake when designing a nail salon is to focus too much on the visual aspect and forget about the flow and behavior of technicians and customers. In this space, I spent a lot of time just to… “rehearse” and simulate actions: from the moment the customer enters – is invited to sit – chooses nail polish color – does the service – washes hands – pays – waits for a companion…
Each area is arranged with a purpose:
- The reception desk is airy and has a separate waiting area.
- The nail table is compactly designed, hiding the power cord – avoiding tangles.
- The nail polish display shelf is at eye level, with focused light, helping customers choose colors easily.
- Green plants and curved chairs arranged in the corner help “soften” the overall look.
- Every little detail is a brand message
Nail salons are not simply a place for beauty. For American customers – especially urban women – this is a place for them to “pause”, to reward themselves with some private time. So, space must “speak” of that.
I chose the neon sign “Hello Beauty” not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is a gentle greeting every time customers enter – a small signal to say: “You are entering a place where beauty is cherished”.
In addition, the round tea table, small teacups, and offset flower vases… are all calculated as “hidden scripts” to bring the most gentle and feminine experience.
- The client is American – but the essence still needs to be gentle
Many people think that designing for the American market needs to be more modern, bold or “Westernized”. But for me, the essence of a beautiful space is not about nationality – but about understanding people. Gentleness, warmth, cleanliness, minimalism but with highlights – those elements do not belong to any country, but are things that people everywhere feel comfortable touching.
- Design is a journey of connection, not a blueprint
I will always remember the moment the client (a Vietnamese woman living in California) shared after seeing the finished space:
“I want guests to feel at ease when they come here… like they are in a quiet coffee shop, not a crowded, noisy place.”
That sentence made me realize: my job is not just to arrange objects – but to build emotions. And if a space can help someone feel more peaceful in just a few minutes, then to me, that is the true success of interior design.
Space is also a healing therapy
No need to be too extravagant. No need to be ostentatious. A nail salon that is delicately designed, has layers and is sympathetic to customers – that is the most lasting “luxury”.
With this project, I did not just design a space, but as if I wrote a letter with shapes, lights and materials – sent to women who are looking for gentle beauty in a hurried life.
If you are also preparing to start a nail salon, or need design companionship, I am ready to share more stories – not just about nail polish colors, chairs – but about how to make the space become part of the experience of caring for and loving yourself.
