# Contemporary Understated Salons This Stunning Japanese Salon is Located in the City of Okayama By Rebecca Byers | Published 2015-06-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/okayama References: [retaildesignblog.net](http://retaildesignblog.net/2014/07/03/barl-hair-salon-by-pebble-okayama-japan/) BARL hair salon is a stylish space located in Japan's Okayama city that is designed to mirror the salons of fashionable urban centers all over the world. The unique space was designed around the concept of serving as a gathering place for creatives in addition to being an aesthetically pleasing functional salon. Designed by Takashi Mitsuhashi and [Pebble Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-index-01), the space carries the feeling of a living room and is infused with life thanks to details like that of the owner's [art on display](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-steinberg-and-associates). The minimalist salon space follows in line with many other [contemporary salon in Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-bottle-coffee-shinsaibashi) that aim to create a unique space that differs from what is expected by focusing on the mood and experience of the customer. The stylish Okayama salon features brick walls painted white and a mix of wood, leather and steel that feels rustic and contemporary. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hair](https://www.trendhunter.com/hair) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Minimalist Salon Design:** Creating a unique space that focuses on mood and experience, minimalist salon design is a trend in contemporary salons in Japan. - **Function as a Gathering Place:** Salons that serve as gathering places for creatives aim to provide more than just hair services, offering an immersive experience and fostering community. - **Incorporating Owner's Art:** By displaying the owner's art in the salon, it adds a personal touch and creates a unique atmosphere. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Beauty and Personal Care:** Creating minimalist salon spaces can attract customers who prioritize an immersive and aesthetic experience. - **Art and Design:** Salons that incorporate art create opportunities for collaboration and showcasing local artists. - **Hospitality:** Designing salons as gathering places can attract customers looking for an immersive and social experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Terrazzo Hair Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koda-hair-salon.md) - [Organically designed Salon Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curly-lab.md) - [Local-Inspired Charming Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gxbar.md) - [Radial Modern Barbershops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-barbershops.md) - [Art-Inspired Hair Salon Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nova-arts-salon.md) - [Residential-Reflective Tranquil Clinics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloop-clinic.md) - [Japan-Inspired Hybrid Bakeries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milan-bakery.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Elevated Pied-à-Terres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piedterre.md) - [Toronto Hair Wellness Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pomme-salon.md)