As barbering continues to evolve in India, the conversation is shifting beyond technical excellence and into the spaces where the craft is practised. Interiors today play an increasingly important role in shaping client experience, reflecting brand identity, and fostering the sense of community that has long been central to barbershop culture. With the launch of its new, and significantly larger Mumbai location, Nomad has embraced that challenge, creating a space that balances heritage, functionality, and contemporary comfort.
For co-founder Prathamesh Sawant, the move presented an opportunity to expand while preserving the atmosphere that clients had come to associate with the brand. The new premises offered considerably more space than the previous location, but with that came the challenge of maintaining the intimacy that defines a traditional barbershop experience.
“The new space is much longer compared to our previous shop, which was wider, so the planning naturally had to change,” he explains. “We now have a dedicated barbershop area along with an academy space as well. The barbershop itself has three workstations, a proper waiting area, and a new retail section, but we were careful to make sure it still feels intimate and welcoming.”
DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION
At the heart of the layout is a commitment to openness. Traditional barbershops have always functioned as social spaces, where conversations flow as freely as clients move through the day. Preserving that dynamic was a priority during the planning process. “We’ve kept the classic row of barber chairs, with the waiting area positioned directly behind the workstations, which naturally creates that open barbershop atmosphere,” says Sawant. “It allows conversations to flow across the shop between clients, barbers, and even people waiting, which is a big part of barbershop culture.”
The result is a floor plan that supports visibility of the craft, while ensuring clients remain comfortable throughout their visit. Rather than separating functions into isolated zones, the design encourages interaction and engagement without compromising efficiency.
A BRITISH INFLUENCE WITH LOCAL RELEVANCE
The aesthetic direction draws heavily from the recently opened Nomad Barber Liverpool store, creating a visual and cultural connection between the UK and Mumbai locations. However, the goal was never to replicate the original space exactly. “The new Nomad Barber Mumbai store takes a lot of inspiration from the newly opened Nomad Barber Liverpool store in the UK,” he says. “We wanted to bring in a more premium and refined aesthetic, but without losing the character of a traditional barbershop.”
That balance between authenticity and adaptation is visible throughout the interiors. Warm wood finishes replace colder contemporary surfaces, while carefully selected details introduce personality and nostalgia into the space. One standout feature is the waiting area seating. “We used old-school cinema-style chairs, which adds a unique character to the shop and ties into that vintage influence,” says Sawant.
THE POWER OF ATMOSPHERE
Material choices were supported by a complete rethink of the lighting strategy. Recognising the influence lighting has on both technical performance and client comfort, the team moved away from the cooler white lighting used previously. “We switched to warmer lighting temperatures compared to the cooler white tones we used before, which completely changed the feel of the space,” he explains.
Feature lighting around the workstations enhances visibility while contributing to a more inviting environment. The result is a setting that feels relaxed and welcoming without compromising the practical requirements of barbering.
Functionality was also central to the positioning of mirrors, chairs, and wash areas. Rather than requiring clients to move between different stations, the service experience has been streamlined into a single location. “The idea was to make the entire service happen in one spot,” says Sawant. “It creates a much smoother workflow for us as barbers, while also helping clients fully switch off and relax from start to finish.”
SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK
Finding a suitable commercial property in Mumbai, presented its own challenges, but the team remained committed to their vision. Looking ahead, Sawant believes the space represents more than just a new store. “From day one, we were very clear that we wanted to bring a global standard of barbering experience to India,” he says. Judging by the response so far, Nomad Barber’s latest home may well inspire a new generation of Indian barbershops to do exactly the same.