When visualising our flagship salon we knew that we would want to start from a blank canvas - allowing us to tailor every inch of the space and create a special environment where people want to be. To do this we’ve worked with teams of talented designers and craftspeople - and integral to the build has been Vialle & Co - who are leading the joinery and furniture build. We managed to grab a couple of minutes with Rob Vialle and Chris Gill who are at the helm of this remarkable bespoke cabinet maker to tell us a bit more about their processes.

We know Vialle & Co create beautifully refined furniture but how would you personally describe your unique style?

We like to consider ourselves as a modern response to an age-old industry. By taking great design and traditional craftsmanship and, combining modern processing we try to create beautiful clean furniture that goes beyond what our clients would expect.

How does your product fit with CULt. Hairdressing’s brand? 

Working with CULt has been a great fit. We share a similar ethos - we’re both meticulous when it comes to the detail and of course, there’s a big crossover in terms of style and design. Neither of us are afraid of pushing the boundaries within our industries. 

What was the most interesting aspect of working with CULt.? 

Having the chance to work back in the commercial sector with a client who is really invested in the design and allows us to push the boundaries has been refreshing. We’ve loved bringing ideas and influences from our high-end residential projects and reinterpreting them for the commercial requirements of a salon - i.e. plenty of functionality and smart details. 

What kind of materials did you love using on this project and why?

The furniture we created for CULt. will sit alone in a large gallery space so needed to have boldness and strength. The colour pallet is very refined so its been a careful balance.

We’ve loved experimenting with steel, stone and composite materials such as Richlite to help us with this.

Did you play with any unexpected materials or textures to surprise and delight clients?

We inherited a partial colour pallet from the previous designer that was strong, but with the confidence of CULt we have been allowed to expand and experiment with other stone and steel finishes that we think will spark lots of interest. Cut-out voids, bold shapes and tactility were are gently threaded into the salon's story. 

What sets great design and production apart when looking at salon furniture?

What will set this furniture apart is the focus that has gone into striking the delicate balance between strong features to fill the salon and also being mindful of the clients and their experience and comfort - that has been a great challenge.

Did you draw inspiration from any unconventional sources when creating the salon's ambience?

Having an existing scheme to work with set the foundations but working closely with Brett and Francesco has provided lots of inspiration and great ideas. 

If the salon was a personality what would it be, and how did it influence the design?

Strong and chic - owing to the foundations and detailed finish.

Can you share a visual detail that you believe will spark the imagination of clients?

We particularly love the heavy gauge stainless steel coupled with the delicate edge of stone on the reception fitting, The whole salon really is very special like that. 

Finally, if you could reimagine a salon from scratch (something Brett might ask for next) how would it look?

Our starting point is really amazing so we would look to refine and further draw out key features that make CULt.’s DNA so strong and go from there.