Salon Today 2020 Salons of The Year
From Salon Today:
“The moment you enter Karen Joseph Salon, you are embraced by the inviting feel of the main salon area, inspired by modern hotel lobby lounges. The centerpiece of the salon is a custom designed, two-sided fireplace wrapped in hand crafted Venetian plaster. It is surrounded by cozy, yet very chic and feminine, furnishings in shades of cool blush, taupe and soft grey, adding warmth. The fireplace design was customized to incorporate stylist product nooks which are built in on each side. Stunning, custom, hand forged lighting, in soft gold, with drops of Swarovski crystal, are gracefully hanging over both seating groupings. Beautifully illustrated wellness and fashion books are placed on the river stone table for browsing, while enjoying a cappuccino, herbal teas, fine chocolates, or a small cheese plate with sparkling water or wine. Guests are enveloped by relaxing, soft jazz music and aromatherapy scents, carefully positioned inconspicuously throughout the salon. The podium-style reception desk, crafted with reclaimed wood and a natural granite stone top, is set off center to maintain the open feel of the space. Retail areas blend subtly into the décor, with displays that are thoughtfully adorned with beautiful items to accentuate and highlight product features.
The main salon area has seven chairs and a backbar area with two sinks and custom fabric massage chairs made in Italy. The shampoo area overlooks a beautiful color bar which showcases a niche area with three individually lighted cubes, holding a piece of art, live greenery, and a protective Buddha. A second larger niche frames the opposite side of the color bar, with a spectacular vase surrounded by imported Spanish stone tiles. When guests are seated by the sinks, their eyes are drawn to this dramatic and serene artistic display. The stylist stations and back bar were meticulously custom designed and assembled in Chicago, with detailed features including basalt pulls made from volcanic rock and stone tops to add an earthy touch to the beautiful taupe colored cabinetry.
Karen Joseph Studio is set just behind the main salon and partitioned by gorgeous, floor-to-ceiling glass barn doors on two sides. This area is used for special services, such as Karen Joseph Signature Treatments, wedding events, and services for guests who require more privacy. The studio has three stylist stations and another back bar that share the same aesthetics as the main salon, with a few special spa-like design elements. The pendant lighting was assembled from glass and metals in the form of cairn stones, which are a symbol of grounding. They were chosen for their meditative quality, which enhances the calm and Zen-like experience. The shampoo and treatment area are screened by a carved laser cut “lightwave” privacy panel. Guests can drift into sleep during a treatment session that includes the use of crystal eye masks made of amethyst, quartz or jade, while enjoying the gentle shiatsu air massage system. The aromatherapy scents, diffused throughout the studio, calm the senses and induce relaxation.
Adjacent to the studio is a beautiful coffee and wine bar with refreshments in a spacious hallway that leads to an alcove featuring a comfortable client dressing room and restroom area. In the rear is a large break room with a full kitchen, used by staff for meals and to prepare daily tapas for guests.
Karen Joseph Salon is located in a building that is more than 100 years old in the beautiful historic east side section of Red Bank, New Jersey. The building was completely renovated and upgraded, while maintaining key aspects of the original architecture, such as the exposed brick on the walls. With over 2,800 square feet to work with, it was essential to keep an intimate and boutique-like feel. The entire space was completely redesigned with elements of stone, mixed metals, and wood. The 12-foot-high ceilings have been fitted with exposed circular HVAC tubing and piping, and painted in a soft wrought iron black color, so that it vanishes to create a seamless backdrop. Industrial character meets tranquil elegance comes to mind in this space. The unique salon style and feel can only be described as … Luxury, Urban, Zen.
Serenity, a sense of well-being and beautiful, healthy hair — all coalesce at Karen Joseph Salon.”
