Barber Shop Design & Refurbishment: Denbigh, Denbighshire.
A contemporary shop design and refurbishment transforming a vacant High Street unit into Brîg Barbers through thoughtful architecture, branding and interior detailing.
A contemporary barber shop refurbishment transforming a High Street unit into Brîg Barbers through architecture, branding and sensitive listed building detailing. Located in Denbigh, the aim was to create a barber shop balancing modern identity with sensitivity to the existing building. Rather than approaching the scheme as an interior fit-out, the design looked at frontage, layout and customer experience together, ensuring the space feels cohesive from first impression to details.
Working within a structure required careful balance between contemporary expression and contextual awareness. Architectural interventions, materials and a restrained palette create an environment that feels confident, welcoming and built to last while supporting day-to-day rhythm of the business.
Visit: Brîg Barbers
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"From the early stages through to completion, Rob helped me make clear and confident decisions about the design. The visualisations were invaluable — they allowed me to properly understand how the space would look and feel, especially given the constraints of a listed building. Rob was thoughtful, thorough, and always clear in his communication, which made the process feel considered and straightforward."
— Matty Evans, Owner, Brîg Barbers
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Location: High Street, Denbigh, Denbighshire
Client: Private
Sector: Commercial
Category: Restoration & Refurbishment
RIBA Work Stages: RIBA Stages 0–7
Construction Value: Private
Project Duration: January 2026 - April 2026 (Approx.)
Gross Internal Area (GIA): 77m² / 830ft²
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The transformation of Brîg Barbers centred on redefining how a modest High Street unit could function as a contemporary retail destination while retaining a strong connection to its surroundings. The project went beyond a simple cosmetic upgrade, bringing together architectural thinking, branding and customer experience to shape a cohesive commercial environment. From the outset, the aim was to create a confident and modern barber shop that respected the authenticity of an independent business rooted within a historic town centre.
Externally, the shopfront and signage were carefully developed to enhance street presence without overwhelming the building’s original proportions. Working within a sensitive historic context required a balanced approach, where new interventions sat comfortably alongside existing fabric. Materials, colours and detailing were selected to reinforce the character of the business while contributing positively to the wider High Street. Subtle architectural moves, including refined signage placement and considered visual hierarchy, allow the frontage to stand out while maintaining a sense of restraint.
Internally, the layout was reconfigured to improve flow and usability, enabling customers to move comfortably through waiting, consultation and cutting areas. Rather than relying on bold gestures, the design focused on incremental improvements that collectively elevate the experience of the interior. Bespoke joinery elements provide integrated storage and display opportunities, helping the space remain organised and purposeful while supporting day-to-day operations. Layered lighting introduces depth and warmth, allowing the atmosphere to shift naturally throughout the day while supporting both practical use and customer comfort.
A key aspect of the project was aligning the physical environment with the wider brand identity. Visual language, product presentation and architectural detailing were developed together to create consistency across every touchpoint. Retail displays were positioned to encourage engagement without cluttering the space, while carefully selected finishes ensure durability and longevity. The result demonstrates how thoughtful commercial design can elevate a small unit into a recognisable destination, reinforcing identity through spatial experience rather than relying solely on graphics or decoration.
The project also highlights the value of measured intervention within existing buildings. By working with the constraints of the structure rather than against them, the refurbishment achieves a sense of authenticity that feels grounded and long-lasting. Every decision — from material selection to layout refinement — was guided by a desire to create a space that supports the client’s business both operationally and visually, ensuring the environment remains adaptable as it evolves.
Ultimately, the completed scheme reflects Winter Jones’ approach to commercial architecture: design-led, practical and responsive to context. The revitalised barber shop not only provides a distinctive environment for Brîg Barbers but also contributes to the ongoing evolution of Denbigh’s High Street, demonstrating how independent retail spaces can be transformed through thoughtful, carefully considered design.
