Timothy Kaye

Photographer

The 1890s Victorian Italianate building once served as The State Savings Bank of Victoria, a landmark structure with opulent detailing that had lost its lustre over the years.
The facade hadn’t changed, but inside there were layers of walls, lowered ceilings and darkness. We stripped it all back and now, instead of tapping on false walls, you feel the integrity and bones of the existing building. Part of a brand overhaul, the renovation went beyond the revamping of the interiors to include the enhancement of the client experience. A hair salon, after all, is more than just a place where you get your hair done; it’s also a place where one can unwind from a hectic week, have some “me time”, socialize and regain a sense of community.

Drawing from the opulence of the salon’s historic premises, Kennon’s interior design marries classical elegance with contemporary minimalism. Meticulously restored ceiling cornices and ornate archways that evoke the building’s architectural heritage are complemented by a custom marmarino plaster finish, while the bold use of dark grey terrazzo for both floors and furniture seamlessly tie everything together. A re-evaluation of an existing business, the functional plan, operations and audit of brand-identity. Identity in retail design is experiential, the small moments of delight that surprise a customer. Things are felt, not just visual. The design restores the existing romance of the building and embeds a contemporary experience-based interior

The 1890s Victorian Italianate building, once home to The State Savings Bank of Victoria, stood as a landmark with opulent detailing, though time had dulled its former glory. While the façade remained intact, the interior had become encumbered by layers of walls, lowered ceilings, and a sense of darkness. We stripped back these alterations, revealing the building’s true structure and essence.

As part of a larger brand overhaul, the renovation aimed not just to update the space, but to enhance the client experience. A hair salon is more than just a place for a haircut—it’s a space to unwind, recharge, socialize, and reconnect with a sense of community.

Drawing inspiration from the building’s historical richness, the design blends classical elegance with a modern, minimalist approach. Restored cornices and ornate archways reflect the building’s heritage, while a custom marmarino plaster finish adds contemporary texture. Bold dark grey terrazzo on both the floors and furniture brings cohesion, grounding the space in a timeless yet fresh way.

Beyond the physical transformation, the renovation also focused on rethinking the salon’s functionality and customer experience. Retail design, after all, is about the experience—the small, often unnoticed moments that delight and surprise. In this project, the design honours the building’s original romance while integrating a contemporary, experience-driven atmosphere.

Joey Scandizzo Salon — Melbourne, Australia — 2021

Flagship for Australia’s pre-eminent hair salon.

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