INSIDE: DILIGENTS

TOM HOFFMAN SHARES THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ULTRA-CLEAN, ULTRA-MODERN BARBERSHOP, DILIGENTS

19A SWAN LANE, GUILDFORD GU1 4EQ

WHEN DID THE BARBERSHOP OPEN?

November 2023.

WHEN YOU ACQUIRED THE PROPERTY, WHAT WAS IT BEING USED FOR?

It was an art gallery – so in many ways, it was a total blank canvas.

TELL US ABOUT THE RENOVATION PROCESS – WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES?

To be honest with you, it all ran very smoothly. We managed to turn it all around in about seven weeks. I’d been planning it all with mood boards and on Pinterest, so the ideas and concepts were all ready to go. It was just about buying all those little things, getting everything in and piecing it all together. Structurally we didn’t have to do too much; we had to bring a few walls out, but we were able to finish by our deadline.

WHAT WAS YOUR RENOVATION BUDGET?

We aimed for around £50-£60k but it went a little over – doesn’t it always! I was lucky because I was given free reign, so nothing was ever too much. I was able to live my dream.

IS THE BARBERSHOP MEANT TO APPEAL TO ANYONE IN PARTICULAR?

We’ve tried to make it look luxury but keep it affordable. We wanted to bring that high-end feel but also be accessible so anyone would feel able to come in, and that’s what we’ve managed to do. Age-wise, it’s a modern look but we cater for everyone from kids to the older gentlemen.

DOES THE BARBERSHOP LOOK DIFFERENT IN SEPARATE AREAS, AND IF SO, WHY?

I wanted the backwash area to be a little bit more relaxing, so we did clouds on the ceiling. But to be honest with you, what I didn’t want is any distractions; the colour palette at Diligents is tones of grey so for the team, our mind is always focused on the haircut. Your creativity, what you’re doing with your hands and the hair on the head in front of you becomes the focus rather than colours or clutter or anything like that.

WHAT MAKES THE SPACE UNIQUE?

I wanted to create something that was clean and modern – futuristic – rather than traditional. In addition to the monotone colour palette, I also tried to keep everything very square, with lots of lines and sharp edges. People often overlook a restroom facility in their barbershop, but this was something that was important to me. I put a lot of design and effort into getting this space right – it’s a nice, tranquil room.

WHAT INFLUENCED THE DESIGN?

I like quite a structural aesthetic mixed with the rawness of rocks and concrete. I took influences from a few Japanese and Chinese salons where they have a mirror on a beat down, broken wall; almost like a stripped back canvas, but made to feel quite luxurious.

WHERE DID YOU BUY THE FURNITURE?

We went with Takara Belmont chairs – we started with four but got so busy that we now have six. I loved the squareness of them, they speak for themselves. I wanted to have focal points in the shop, and the desk is a great example of this. I bought a design online, and then we used a CNC machine to make it. It was expensive but it makes a statement. We also have a few smoked mirrors on the walls, with our logo etched on and some steel shelving to display our full Depot range. But otherwise, it’s all very simple.

DESCRIBE THE LIGHTING IN EACH AREA, WHY WAS IT CHOSEN, AND WHAT EFFECT DOES IT HAVE?

What I wanted to do is create a stage for each person. The chairs are very evenly spaced out, enough to be very personal. Above each chair I wanted a square lighting configuration which means the lighting is all around you. You get the best of light, and it doesn’t create shadow.

WHAT ARE THE WALLS COVERED IN AND WHY?

They’re painted in a matte grey – not too dark and not too light, just very monotone.

WHAT IS THE FLOOR MADE FROM?

It’s a polished concrete which has a nice warmth to it but gives it that clean, raw look. It’s easy to keep clean and goes with our modern aesthetic.

DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS OR THINGS YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?

I don’t have any regrets; I’ve created my dream shop. The only thing would be to obviously have more space but overall, I’m more than happy with what I’ve got.