1859 Wellness Spa and Salon

1859 Wellness Spa and Salon

Commercial design holds a special place in our hearts, and coming on board as part of the design team behind Manayunk’s 1859 Wellness Spa and Salon was exciting!  The spa was different from other commercial projects; we knew that the key would be marrying an elevated aesthetic with a wellness-focused business.  It really allowed us to take our approach of enhancing our clients’ lives through design to the next level.

Designing a spa

We came into the project at the invitation of a local architect.  Our team focused on selecting finishes, furnishings, and lighting to showcase the spa and salon’s dedication to a holistic wellness approach in all of its services.  We also developed the color palette throughout the space along with art consultation and placement.  Overall, we designed a space that enriches the spa experience for guests and staff alike.

One of our favorite features is the two story wall that greets visitors upon entry, made up of moss framed by Wissahickon schist.  The moss wall is alive and self-watering!  This integrates green space while providing a grounded feeling that sets the interior apart from the hustle and bustle of Main Street outside.

Our clients came to us with a feminine vision, which we enhanced through our furniture and textile selections.  Gentle curves, a neutral palette, and textured fabrics create a feeling of softness and tranquility.  Greens and blues call back to nature, threading that grounded feeling throughout the entire space.  Seating areas throughout the first and second floors serve as both waiting areas and decor.  We took this opportunity to marry function and style in these eye-catching spaces, such as a curved sofas, chairs, and tables.

One really enjoyable aspect of the project was playing with fun accents and silhouettes, such as this flirty chair in the salon!

Relaxation room

The relaxation room provides a quiet, serene space for guests to wait between treatments, or take a few extra moments to themselves before or after.   Here, we opted for layers of texture to create a luxurious mood.  We wanted guests to experience a sense of calm surrounded by softness, from the plush carpet underfoot to the muted lighting overhead.  After sinking back into one of the wide, comfortable chairs with slippered feet on the ottoman and a beverage in hand, who could feel anything but completely zen?  To complete the unique feeling of the relaxation room, we added artwork and accents for visual texture, ensuring that the space is a treat for all five senses.

Artwork

Speaking of artwork, the selection process was very much a collaboration.  Working together with the spa owners, local artist Renea Rieser, and a Chestnut Hill gallery, we deliberately and thoughtfully looked at the different colors and feelings needed for each space.  For example, a large scale painting of ocean swells anchors the soothing ambiance of the relaxation room – you can almost hear the waves.  Placement also played a large role; peaceful scenes depicting shorebirds in the treatment rooms add a touch of playfulness.  The subject matter of all of the art is intentional, and strengthens the connection to nature that runs throughout the rest of the space.

 

We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about this project as much as we enjoyed working on it.  It was a fantastic experience, and we recommend you stop by 1859 Wellness Spa and Salon and treat yourself to some pampering!

All photos by Joseph M. Kitchen Photography

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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!