Kolmio+LIM Beauty Salon by Yusuke Seki // Osaka, Japan.

The zigzag triangular wall of the Kolmio+LIM beauty salon is made from white-painted timber that looks as though its been crimped. Seki points out that the design refracts sun streaming in through the back windows in much the same way that glitter nail polish catches light.

A pale pink minimalist corner is designed as a place to sit while polished nails dry.

Curtains of metallic gold fabric separate treatment chairs in the back of the shop.

A lineup of nail stations beneath an industrial vent is where most of the work is done. The custom-built tables are kitted out with plenty of storage for manicure tools; a cutout beneath the surface is for resting the hand that’s not being worked on. The puzzle-like wood floor was hand laid.

Painting stations are furnished with chairs by Hee Welling for Hay in dove grey on a veneered oak frame.

Next to a trio of stools in the reception area, floating timber shelves intersect the crimped wall.

Detail of the zigzag triangular wall of the Kolmio+LIM beauty salon made from white-painted timber.

Subtle pastels and neons can be seen on ventilation screens and single walls, referencing not only nail lacquer but the colourful buildings of the surrounding neighbourhood.

What is it about Japan, design and retail. They just get it, don’t they? They really do. Let’s have a closer look at today’s beauty. Kolmio+LIM in Osaka, Japan is an extension of the popular Less Is More (LIM) hair salon in the same area, offering basic nail and beauty services. “Kolmio” (triangle in Finnish) is interpreted by the designers as a zigzag textured screen with triangular openings, which simultaneously connects and separates the two sections of the salon.

The finishes palette of basic timber and white has been designed to reflect the essential colour of natural skin tones. In fact, the space itself is intended to symbolise the process of nail colouring. The zigzag screen and natural light refraction reference the twinkling glitter reflection of a nail polish, and the entire colour palette represents the various layers of nail colour applied one on top of another.

Beyond the neutral tones, subtle pastels and neons can be seen painted on ventilation screens and single walls—these colour blocks reference not only nail lacquer but the colourful buildings of the surrounding neighbourhood. Super sweet indeed.

[Images courtesy of Yusuke Seki. Photography by Akumi Ota.]