Vasken Demirjian Salon

Master coiffeur Vasken Demirjian, a L’Oréal Color Specialist, mans a fleet of European-trained stylists so adept at pampering tresses and faces that Westchester magazine anointed their work the Best of the Decade. After valets whisk away coaches free of charge, stylists froth a fresh cappuccino and lead guests to custom-made, ergonomically correct styling chairs from Germany for a personalized shampoo. Using Kérastase and L'Oréal products, the stylists paint on face-framing highlights, administer custom makeovers, and sculpt bold and classic cuts for men and women that have landed them a list of media praise longer than the index in Webster's Dictionary.

Aside from the superior work of Vasken and his stylists, the salon's decor dominates the news buzz, as it nabbed Salon Design of the Year in the 2010 North American Hairstyling Awards. "A simple sheet of clean, white paper inspired the overall look," writes Salon Today—and it's easy to see how Vasken's work in the art industry inspired the great white canvas, which he has accented with touches of crimson. A stark red countertop pops amid a sea of white furnishings, and a row of rouge lampshades frames the hundreds of white parts that make up the salon's "floating ceiling." Just as a piece of paper recedes to let words or sketches spring forth, the minimalist decor only serves to highlight the final glamorous styles that emerge within.