Salon Volta is a new barbershop in Laval, Quebec, that rethinks the familiar codes of grooming through a concept centred on craft and community. Moving away from the traditional model, the project positions itself as a space where barbering unfolds in an open, shared environment. It is a space designed not only for cutting and shaving, but for conversation and connection; reflecting a contemporary view of the profession grounded in skill and social presence.
Designed by Montreal interior design studio By Lemoignan, Salon Volta is set within a deliberately stark architectural envelope. Dark, mineral surfaces create an atmosphere that feels enclosed and introspective, allowing the activity within to take centre stage. This controlled backdrop sharpens the contrast between the stillness of the architecture and the movement of the barbers at work, reinforcing the identity of the salon as something precise and steeped in a subtle drama.
At the centre of the room, custom butter-yellow workstations replace the conventional arrangement of chairs along the walls. Crafted by a cabinetmaker, these sculptural blocks establish a new feel within the space, drawing clients and barbers into a shared zone rather than separating them along the perimeter. Their positioning allows circulation to flow naturally, while encouraging interaction and visibility from every angle. The stations become both functional elements and defining features of the interior, introducing colour and presence against the darker architectural shell.
Material choices further strengthen the clarity of the design. Lime washed walls soften the otherwise rigorous setting, while a matte epoxy floor introduces a seamless surface underfoot. Brushed aluminium furnishings add a sharp, industrial counterpoint, reinforcing the sense of precision associated with the barber’s craft. Inspired by the raw qualities of stone, the palette favours permanence and simplicity, allowing the space to feel grounded and self-assured.
Salon Volta is conceived with openness, clear spatial planning, and a straightforward use of materials. Both working barbershop and social space, the interior is shaped as much by everyday activity as by the design itself.
Salon Volta Laval Photography, Alex Lesage.
