Converting an outbuilding or shed into a salon can be an ideal solution for beauty professionals looking to balance home life with a busy beauty business.
We spoke to two salon owners about their experiences and top tips for creating a functional, client-friendly garden salon.
Why choose a garden salon?
For beauty professionals Smita Ahluwalia (owner of Smita London in North London) and Louise Tilden (who runs Louise Tilden Beauty Therapy in Somerset), setting up a home salon in the garden offered the perfect balance between work and home life.
“When I first looked out at the garden, it was calling out for a cottage (salon) to be set up at the end of the garden. It just seemed ready-made for it,” says Ahluwalia, who is also a Professional Beauty Awards judge.
She explains how her garden salon provides the separation she needs to maintain boundaries between work and family life. “It’s wonderful to have a workspace that’s not directly connected to the house – it offers clients a level of privacy they appreciate, too.”
For Tilden, a finalist for Mobile/Home-based Beauty Business of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2025, her decision to build a garden salon was influenced by personal circumstances. “My husband has a heart condition, and the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything for us.
“Having previously had treatment rooms in our home, we decided the time had come to move the business out of the house.”
Planning your garden salon build
Securing planning permission:
Before breaking ground, it’s crucial to understand your local council’s planning requirements.
“We went for the largest size that planning would allow,” says Ahluwalia, highlighting the importance of staying within regulations to avoid future issues.
Tilden also underscores the value of understanding “permitted development rights”, which can save both time and costs.
She adds, “Even if you’re within permitted rights, it’s worth documenting everything to avoid disputes with neighbours or local authorities.”
Designing the space:
Creating a functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing salon space is essential.
For Ahluwalia, the practicalities of heating, plumbing, ventilation and a toilet were priorities.
“Good ventilation is crucial to avoid damp, especially in a garden structure. And don’t underestimate how much clients will appreciate having a toilet on-site.”
Tilden designed her salon to include two distinct spaces: one for treatments and another as a personal retreat.
“The internal layout was designed to offer two very separate spaces, giving total privacy for clients and allowing me to shut off from work on my days off.”
Overcoming challenges:
Building a garden salon comes with its fair share of obstacles.
Ahluwalia encountered issues with waste drainage due to her garden’s lower level compared to the house.
“We had to install a pump system to connect to the house drainage, which was 40 meters away. It added complexity and cost but was necessary for the setup to function properly.”
Tilden faced unreliable tradespeople and initial neighbour concerns.
She explains, “We received a letter from the council’s planning department, but once we provided evidence that our build fell within permitted development rights, the issue was resolved.”
Budgeting and hidden costs
Unexpected expenses can quickly add up, so careful budgeting is essential.
Ahluwalia advises beauty professionals to plan for costs beyond the structure itself. “Plumbing, electrics, drainage, insulation and building a foundation were all significant expenses. It’s important to account for these in your budget from the outset.”
Tilden highlights the importance of investing in climate-control units. “While they were a significant cost, they’re invaluable for keeping the salon comfortable for clients year-round.”
Creating a client-friendly environment
As with any beauty business, a successful garden salon should strike a balance between being welcoming and professional.
Ahluwalia suggests adding thoughtful amenities like a reception area, a bathroom and a utility space for laundry.
She says, “A separate utility room means you don’t need to drag laundry through the house – it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.”
Tilden focuses on ambiance. “Functional and ambient lighting, climate control and easy-to-clean floors are essential features.
“The space should feel luxurious and comfortable for clients while being practical for the therapist.”
Managing work-life balance
One of the biggest challenges of running a home-based salon is maintaining boundaries between work and personal life.
Ahluwalia admits that this can be tricky. “Clients sometimes assume I’m available all the time since I’m at home. Setting boundaries has been an ongoing challenge.”
Tilden takes a more structured approach. “I only reply to messages during working hours unless it’s essential. When I’m on holiday, I ensure my out-of-office is active and encourage clients to plan their appointments in advance.”
Expert advice for aspiring garden salon owners
For beauty professionals considering the transition, Ahluwalia and Tilden offer some final words of wisdom:
- Invest in safety: “Carry out regular risk assessments, and during winter, have grit salt on hand for icy pathways. Adequate lighting is also a must for client safety,” advises Tilden.
- Focus on client attraction: Ahluwalia suggests creative marketing strategies. “I started with a leaflet drop in the neighbourhood and even invited a journalist to experience a facial. Word of mouth and local exposure helped my clientele grow quickly.”
- Plan for future growth: Ahluwalia hopes to expand her space to accommodate training sessions, while Tilden sees her salon as a long-term asset. “It’s not just a workspace, it’s an investment that adds value to our home.”
Whether you’re looking to enhance your work-life balance or take your beauty business to the next level, a garden salon could be the perfect solution.
As Ahluwalia concludes, “The garden salon has been a game-changer for me. It’s a space where I can focus entirely on my clients, knowing my family life is just a few steps away.”
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