Minimalist Salon Interior Design: Hair Salon 1975 by FATHOM in Hiroshima

Hair Salon 1975, designed by FATHOM, is a cutting-edge minimalist salon interior design project located in Hiroshima, Japan. Situated on the third floor of a tenant building in Naka Ward, the salon transforms an otherwise obscure space into an exclusive destination, creating an immersive experience through architecture, transparency, and lighting. Inspired by the act of discovering music in record shops, the design combines fashion, art, and lifestyle, making each visit feel unique and compelling.

By integrating transparent acrylic elements, suspended mirrors, and a flexible gallery space, the salon redefines the concept of a traditional grooming environment. This approach creates a visually immersive setting that blends function with artistry, offering clients an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

Concept and Spatial Transformation

The project embraces its hidden location by turning its poor accessibility into an advantage, crafting an environment reminiscent of a members-only club that visitors feel privileged to discover. The inspiration behind the space stems from record digging culture, where each visit reveals something new, evoking curiosity and encouraging repeat visits.

Designed to attract fashion-forward individuals with an interest in art and beauty, the salon’s interior concept goes beyond mere aesthetics. The L-shaped layout, formed by 34 large, transparent acrylic panels, provides a sense of openness while maintaining a strong visual identity. The transparency of these panels allows for layered reflections and light play, reinforcing the salon’s immersive ambiance.

Materiality and Design Elements

Hair Salon 1975 is a testament to minimalist salon interior design, with its restrained material palette focusing on acrylic, lighting, and mirrors. The L-shaped acrylic structure serves as both a partition and a display system, subtly dividing the cutting space from the flexible gallery area. The design highlights:

• Acrylic Panels and Spatial Fluidity The transparent acrylic walls create a sense of visual weightlessness, enhancing the feeling of openness despite the salon’s enclosed nature. These panels house embedded mirrors, which remain concealed until needed, at which point they can be pulled out like flipping through vinyl records.
• Lighting and Color Contrast The journey into the salon begins with a dark, narrow spiral staircase, where a deep blue illumination sets the tone. This contrasts sharply with the bright, open white interior, a deliberate choice that amplifies the sense of discovery and transformation.
• Floating Infrastructure and Concealed Functions Essential salon infrastructure elements, such as outlet boxes and lighting, are suspended from the ceiling, keeping the focus on the floating acrylic partitions. The interplay between light, reflection, and material transparency further enhances the space’s unique identity.

A Multi-Layered Experience: Hair Salon Meets Art Gallery

Unlike conventional salons, Hair Salon 1975 incorporates an element of flexibility, allowing the space to function as both a grooming destination and a cultural hub. The long side of the L-shaped acrylic installation houses a movable display system, where acrylic sheets can be adjusted to curate art exhibitions and pop-up events.

By integrating elements of a record store aesthetic, the design enables a dynamic interaction between visitors and space, turning each haircut into an artistic experience. The acrylic sheets function as display surfaces, reinforcing the gallery-like ambiance and allowing for the multilayered presentation of artwork.

Architectural Innovation in Salon Design

Hair Salon 1975 reimagines the traditional barbershop experience by merging minimalist design principles with interactive spatial storytelling. The use of transparency, floating infrastructure, and contrast between closed and open spaces creates an environment that is both visually striking and functionally sophisticated.

By emphasizing fluidity, light manipulation, and immersive storytelling, FATHOM has successfully transformed a hidden third-floor unit into a sought-after destination, proving that minimalist salon interior design can elevate both brand identity and user experience.

Hair Salon 1975 is a pioneering example of minimalist salon interior design, where architecture, materiality, and storytelling converge to create a unique and immersive grooming experience. By integrating transparency, light contrast, and gallery elements, the salon challenges conventional notions of hair salon design, turning each visit into a memorable, multi-sensory journey.

All photographs are works of Tatsuya Tabii