This Month.
October is always a pivotal month in salon design.
It’s when owners shift from day-to-day operations to looking ahead at how their salon will feel, look, and function in the new year.
With 35 years in salon design, I’ve seen time and again that those who prepare now, especially for a January refit, step into the new year with confidence and an edge over the competition.
This issue is packed with ideas: from real salons we’ve recently completed, to the practicalities of finance, planning, and furniture lead times.
My hope is that these pages not only inspire you but also give you a clear roadmap for your own project.
Mike Cooper, Founder Owner Inspiring Salons Ltd
Why October Matters
January has always been the most popular month for salon refits. It’s the perfect time to launch a fresh look, impress clients with a new atmosphere, and motivate your team with a rejuvenated workspace. But here’s the catch: most salon furniture carries a six-week lead time. That means if you’re hoping to open your doors in January with a brand-new interior, the time to act is now.
Waiting until December often results in limited choice, express delivery fees, and rushed installation. October gives you breathing space the chance to order the right furniture, secure finance, and plan your refit without the stress.
Plan Now, Open Strong in 2026: Finance & Furniture Planning.
The January Refit Rush
Every year, salons across the UK aim for January makeovers. It’s not hard to see why:
A Fresh Start: Clients notice when you begin the year with something new.
Team Morale: A refurbished salon boosts staff pride and energy. Business Growth: January is often quieter with clients, making it the least disruptive time to remodel.
But with so many owners targeting the same timeline, suppliers, installers, and finance providers quickly become fully booked. Acting in October gives you first choice and guarantees that everything falls into place smoothly.
Step-by-Step Planning for Your January Refit
Book a Design Consultation (October)
– Talk through your layout, furniture needs, and overall vision.
Choose Your Priority Furniture (October–Early November)
– Lock in lead times by placing orders early.
Secure Finance (October–November)
– Spread costs comfortably with predictable payments.
Schedule Deliveries (December)
– Time arrivals to align with your salon’s holiday closure or quieter period. Installation & Refit (Late December–Early January)
– Ready to welcome clients into a fresh, inspiring space in 2026.
Lead Times You Can’t Ignore
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical delivery times for salon furniture:
Bespoke styling chairs: 6–8 weeks
Backwash units: 4–6 weeks
Reception desks & custom cabinetry: 8+ weeks
Retail display units & smaller accessories: 3–4 weeks
�� Ordering in October means you’ll receive deliveries in December, perfectly timed for a January installation.
Bespoke Nail Salon by Inspiring Salons LTD
Plan
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Last-Minute Planning
Limited stock or colour choices.
Delayed installations running into your busiest season.
Higher costs due to urgent shipping.
Compromised design because of rushed decision-making.
�� Book your free Zoom consultation today to discuss your project, explore furniture options, and secure your salon’s place at the front of the 2026 queue.
October planning eliminates these risks, giving you time to make choices you’ll be proud of for years.
Finance: Spreading the Cost, Maximising the Return
Refitting a salon is an investment — not just in furniture, but in your business growth. Using finance spreads the cost, making it easier to manage cash flow while freeing up capital for marketing, staffing, and retail stock.
Benefits of arranging finance now:
Fixed monthly payments make budgeting predictable.
Possible tax advantages before the new year.
Flexibility to invest in higher-quality furniture without straining cash flow.
Peace of mind knowing finance is secured before the seasonal rush.
“Many salon owners who delay discover that finance providers slow down around December, making approvals harder to secure. October is the ideal month to get applications processed while providers are fully operational.” Mike Cooper: MD
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Inspiration From
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