In a small brick building in a back street of South Yarra, one of Melbourne’s oldest and most affluent inner-city suburbs, our Interior Designer, Angela successfully redesigned a tired salon to create a fresh luxurious space, worthy of the prestigious neighbourhood.
Having previously completed the interior design and outfit of Frankie Salon in Richmond, owner Peter Dunn, once again approached Angela to redesign his newest space and bring to life Frankie Salon South Yarra. The brief was to create a luxurious and comfortable salon; a space which would instil relaxation and a sense of modern self-care.
Paying tribute to the original Frankie Salon, similar aesthetics were reflected in the new design but with additional detailing and updated materials. “I wanted the salon to have a subtle connection to the original, so I carried across materials such as leather, brass and timber to the South Yarra design to establish a sense of consistency,” said Angela.
“I also looked to incorporate something a little more opulent, so at South Yarra we included items such as the Articolo Fizi pendants and handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles to really create that luxe feel.”
Taking centre-stage in the design is a custom-built island, which is wrapped in the glossy Zellige tiles. A Caesarstone 'Fresh Concrete’ bench top acts as a subtle background for the brass ‘Frankie’ logo. During salon hours, the island doubles as a colour station and reception counter, creating a purposeful zone which encourages clients to interact. At night the island shines, lit with the Articolo Fizi pendants as well as backlit arch mirrors – smart features purposefully designed to capture attention into the evening.
“I wanted the give the basin room a separate aesthetic to really distinguish that moment of leaving the busy salon and walking into a space of serenity; layers of dark green textures were used to create a moody and relaxing interior.”
Curves were also a big part of the design, repeated throughout the space to soften the interior which, for practical reasons, included a myriad of hard surfaces. Furthermore, curves were used as a tool to highlight important elements throughout the salon; the product display, station mirrors and the doorway through to the basin room, curating how you experience the salon.
The front façade of the building was anything but left behind and received a complete renovation. “The salon desperately needed street appeal,” commented Angela. “It’s located in an unassuming street in South Yarra, so it was important that passers-by immediately understood what the space was.” The existing shopfront was updated with black aluminium framed windows and centred double doors, to allow light to flood into the space. A new canvas awning in navy was installed to frame the entrance and create a modern look and boutique feel to the salon.
Through measured design, blending lush, contemporary finishes with purpose, we created a haven that clients of Frankie Salon will be able to take pleasure in with each visit.
For more information on our interior design services and to find out how you can get your project started, please click here.
Photography by @Jack.lovel
Suppliers:
Partner: Installex Australia
Planning Consultant: O'Neill Consulting
Paint: Dulux
Joinery: Laminex
Countertops: Caesarstone Australia
Lighting: Articolo
Furniture: Comfortel
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