I have been to a couple of hair salons that were converted houses. I'm not a builder but I know what I like when I go to have my hair done. Since this house is being used for a salon and not a home, I would paint it in a fun color that would appeal to women! Aqua and pink comes to mind for the main color and you could trim the house in black, which would look great against either color. I would make the outside look fun and inviting, along with the interior. A salon I used to go to had the best loungers where you stretched out and laid down, with your head over the sink, to have your hair washed. Very relaxing!

Fresh paint, of course. A cheery color on the trim, door, and awnings. Maybe black trim with a dainty color on the door? Maybe replace the door with a glass one (behind the storm door) if you don't need privacy.

You'll want a railing of some sort and some landscaping--if your climate allows it can be something simple like blobs of agapanthus on either side of the entry. (Storm door suggests no agapanthus, but visit the landscaping forum here for ideas.) A nice sign, of course.

It's a very cute house. It's a little sad because it's white and off white and dirty white, but it will dress up really nice I think.

Here are a couple of ideas I found online, after googling cute hair salon buildings:

You need to know ADA requirements. Wide doorways, handicap accessible bath, and a ramp out front.

In other words, hire a Pro. It’s cheaper than the fines.

Agree with Sophie. I do think it is a terrific idea to convert that cute home into a salon.

Make sure your pro is versed in the psychology of color for businesses too....or hire a color consultant that works with business. It is a different approach for businesses than what we think about color for residential homes.

You will need an experienced team to put together a salon as Sophie points out. The ADA requirements are only a part of the requirements.

I wish you the best of luck. It is exciting! Please post pics when you finish.

Sophie and Denita, I will definitely look into seeking profession help to fulfill the requirements during the conversion process. As far as the paint colors and interior design, I'm not sure professionals are needed. This salon is in a small town where a lot of stylist just work out of their homes.

A Pro advising on colors etc after already designing the conversion is just part of the whole package. You’re buying DESIGN. That is different than decorating, but includes decorating.

Doesn't have to do with curb appeal but make sure you have enough natural lighting. Be great if you could put larger windows in. Also the inside light should be natural daylight bulbs.

As a retired Colorist that is the most important thing. You can have the cutest looking Salon on the outside but if your lighting sucks you will not keep clients.

People like to look great when they look in the mirror and if they are seeing shadows due to improper lighting they won't . Also if you are doing any hair coloring it is vital. You do not want to be running them outside to check their color I'm sure. Cute house by the way.

Beverly I love that idea! Thanks so much for your help! Love the planter idea too.

If the awnings were black, what color would you paint the concrete step risers and what color for the front door?

Since you are in a residential location, I would be respectful to the neighbors and keep it subtle and tasteful. Nothing too bold. Sophie is right, a Pro would be your best bet.

And all of that is AFTER the property is rezoned commercial. If it’s residential, forget it.

Excellent point! Is the property zoned for business?

Sophie and Larkspurproject, I am in the process of working with the city to get it rezoned.

A few of you have mentioned hiring a pro, do any of you know someone you would like to refer me to?

Fyi, the house is next to a car wash and has a residential house on the other side. So, there is a mix of residential and commercial. I would definitely take both properties into consideration.

Look under the Find a Pro tab for your area and start interviewing. You want someone who is a real Designer, not a decorator. Look for ASID membership or NCIDQ certification, as well as someone familiar with commercial design.

This is going to be really cute! As someone who is from a small town I will just add that you might want to be really careful not to make it too polished, at least not at first. People in my little town would be slightly (OK very) suspicious of a business that is too perfect looking; it would be considered for those "fancy" people, not for the regular folks!! Right or wrong, that culture does exist. Of course you know your community, I just wanted to bring it up. It might be necessary to ease the locals into good design lol.

Lindsey, I appreciate your feedback. I definitely do not want to single people out. I was thinking along the lines of Johanna Gaines style since it is in a rural town.

Lindacottonwood, thank you for advice on the lighting.

Beverly, I like those ideas. Thank you.

This is going to be cute! I would paint it pink, but you seem to like the more neutral palette, which is very sophisticated. Bev's images are great for that look. A pale gray with white trim and candy striped awnings would be cute, but professional.

Do you have a logo or any colors you plan to use in the salon? It would be nice to incorporate them into the exterior design in small accents, perhaps on the door or through flowers/landscaping.

Emily, I do seem to favor the neutral palette. I am going to put in hardwood floor, maybe some shiplap. I found this photo that appealed to me. I am thinking a slightly lighter hardwood.

This is the inside. As you all can see, there is a lot of work and decision making to be done. I love the challenge and am excited to, hopefully, rehab this house into a little gem.

dana, are you going to be doing any hair coloring? If so I would advise against anything medium to dark on the walls. You will want the lightest tones. Also make sure your ceiling is white. Color tends to reflect and bounce off of it. Lots of potential.

JFYI I was a colorist for 45 years.

You've got lots of work ahead! Can't wait to see how this project turns out :)

Forget awnings. They block the natural light. Awnings are a lousy idea for a space that should be bright and open.

Plus, who wants to look out the windows at the underside of buggy, spidery, black awnings? Depressing.

Shiplap, hardwood, and hair. Not the best combo if you want a clean shop.

Ksc36, I am actually going to do the ever so popular vinyl hardwood flooring. I agree real hardwood would not be a good choice.

lindacottonwood, I will definitely do white ceilings and light walls. I want it as bright as possible.

No pink as I assume this will be a unisex salon.

Awnings can be open on the sides, mounted above the windows and shallow enough to not impede light into the rooms.

You'll require better lighting in the salon.

If your budget is tight and you're near an IKEA, it can be a good source for mirrors and station shelves or mobile carts.

Do not get white chairs. While they look nice it is next to impossible to keep them clean in that environment. Now white sinks are a must for doing hair coloring. While rinsing the hair you will be able to tell if the hair color is all rinsed out and you will be able to see the tonal value. It is much easier to correct without even saying anything while the client is at the bowl. Please plan for a private storage and lunch area.

I am doing this same with this house and wanting to turn it into a salon when I finish getting it paid off. I will have the land Zoned for commercial use. It is on a 1/2 acre with plenty of Room for parking. I am curious as to did you ever get your salon finished and how's it going? What ideas did you go with and is there any advice you would/could give me?

This is our break Room/lunch area

I will make this Room into my waiting Room with maybe one stylist and two dryers in there

I will make this Room have two shampoo bowls in it also two stylists