Salon in the Spotlight: The Apothecary Room, Halifax, West Yorkshire

Transforming a plain grey office space into a moody maximalist nail studio carefully curated with curiosities, oddities and antiques, April Kitson wanted to reflect a dark academia aesthetic through her salon décor.

“My personal style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks and Morticia Addams, so I’ve used vintage and thrifted elements to create a bohemian gothic vibe,” April says.

Qualifying in 2018, April pursued formal training in pursuit of an artistic release for herself as a stay-at-home mum.”I needed a creative outlet, and I found myself watching endless YouTube videos on nails and nail art,” she remembers.

Opening the doors to The Apothecary Room in December 2023 to offer gel nail services to clients, April sought to create a warm and inviting space for clients to relax, with glistening gold touches for added luxury.

Working alone at The Apothecary Room, the salon is a private studio space for April to tend to clients. “I welcome clients by appointment only, so the salon is quiet with a chilled vibe for myself and them to enjoy,” she details. “This setup also allows me to have flexible opening hours, which means I can work around the school run.

“I wanted to attract like-minded clients who appreciate and resonate with my style, because my décor is a reflection of who I am. I love having the ability to create a unique atmosphere that reflects my style and interests, and it’s so fulfilling to see clients enjoy the space,” April smiles.

“The biggest display piece in the salon is an antique Moroccan tapestry handed down to my mum from her grandparents, which we estimate to be around 150 years old.”

Check out The Apothecary Room on Instagram, here.