Anne Veck Bicester Relocates and Revamps
After 15 years in Bicester, Anne Veck has relocated the salon to the redeveloped shopping mall in the centre of town, just a five minute walk from Bicester Village outlet centre.
Inspired by a recent visit to a salon in Namibia, Anne has created an environmentally conscious salon which uses recycled and reconstituted materials and furniture to reduce the carbon footprint of the business. Designed by Anne and built by Anne, her two brothers Eric and Sylvain, partner Keith and nephew Phil - this really was a family affair!
Anne and Keith were in Namibia in August 2017 and stumbled across a stunning salon, Ilana’s Hair Gallery, in Swakopmund. The interior design used all recycled, reconstituted materials, furniture and iron work, rescued from demolition sites or bought at auction or second-hand shops. Combining this inspiration with their commitment to being as green as possible, the result is an industrial, stripped-back warehouse feel, while still airy, well-lit and welcoming.
The salon uses biodegradeable Easy Dry towels, which reduce hot water use and avoid landfill, LED energy efficient lighting throughout, recycled card and paper for all stationery with carbon positive printing from local eco printers Seacourt, plus 100% carbon neutral telephone calls and broadband. The salon also uses infrared heaters made from recycled materials which are designed to consume 60% less energy than standard convection heaters and produce no CO2.
Anne, Eric and Sylvain (who came over from France to help) made the reception desk, styling stations, the colour table, retail display, colour bar, cupboards... you name it, they designed and built it! The coffee table, magazine racks and selfie wall were all from recycled pallets and cable drums, with the focal feature being the round colour table in the centre of the salon made from a huge old cable drum. Anne sanded and varnished it, put plug sockets in so clients can charge their phones and created a space for them to sit and read, work and chat... much better than staring at yourself in a mirror! Clients love it and it’s become the communal hub of the salon and they can help themselves to limitless tea, coffee and cold drinks too.
Anne Veck Bicester: 17 Crown Walk, Bicester, OX26 6HY