Can Modernism and Art Nouveau harmoniously co-exist in one space?  They sure can in Vancouver.  The clients wanted to create a beautiful organic spa experience with curves and textures, rich colors and sparkling chandeliers – a space with “European flare”. We responded by blending a vintage Art Nouveau-inspired palette with a clean Modern aesthetic by combining saturated colour with crisp white light, organic graphics and gold accents with polished metal furnishings, whiplash curves with bold straight lines.

The corporate colour palette selected was minimalist white accented by the rich chocolate, gold and yellow used widely in Art Nouveau. The broad brown line which travels around the salon, wrapping the front entrance wall and ceiling, emphasizes the flow and openness in the salon.  In contrast the repetition of parallel yellow lines clearly define the retail area, which has been considerably expanded for more product exposure. No-VOC high gloss epoxy flooring, custom furniture and European pendant lights add the desired “luxe” to the space while golden shimmer beads reflected in full height mirrors define the waiting area and make it appear more spacious.

Local artist and graphic designer, Masha Tikhonova, was commissioned to help rebrand Life Luxe. The logo’s double “L” may seem obvious, but its design and colour in fact represent the spa owners’ faces and their family connection with gold as the blond mother and brown as the brunette daughter. The organic nature of Art Nouveau was applied throughout the space with each treatment room adopting a flower name instead of just being numbered. Lilies, orchids, jasmine, hibiscus and peonies, all in concept-inspired colours, now emerge and give life to these revitalized private spaces.

The new storefront glazing not only became a canvas for custom graphics and allowed for unobstructed views, but most importantly it dramatically reduced outside noise which was essential for creating a tranquil spa setting within the space. Life Luxe Day Spa + Laser combines the best of contemporary and classic, modern and organic into a beautiful, flexible and fully accessible spa experience.  It is simply different.

Design: Red Box ID / Maria Drugoveiko / Graphic design: Masha Tikhonova
Photography: Ema Peter