It’s a New Dawn

One salon owner shares the process of levelling up his salon interior to better align with his brand’s high standards

“When redesigning the salon, the goal was to strike the perfect balance between functionality and feeling.”

KEY FACTS

Name: Danilo Giangreco London

Address: 353 Fulham Road SW10 9TW Chelsea, London

Owner: Danilo Giangreco

Size: 60 sq m

When did the salon open? Opened in 2012, refurbished in 2024

How many staff: 7 Budget: £15k

Danilo Hair Boutique first opened in 2012, however after more than a decade of growth and changing trends, owner Danilo Giangreco felt it was time for the salon to evolve and take on a new moniker, Danilo Giangreco London. “The goal was always to combine technical excellence with a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” he explains. “But now the new look represents not only where we are as a brand, but also where we’re headed – contemporary, confident, and always focused on excellence.”

Carrying out a refurbishment in an already operational salon presented challenges regarding closure periods, however Danilo explains that he decided to shut the salon between 1-5 January to use the holiday to their advantage. “Since the renovation was a DIY project, we were able to work 16-hour shifts during this timeframe to get as much done as possible, while communicating with our team and clients to make sure everyone was informed and shared in the excitement.” One of the more notable hiccups was with the new lighting fixtures, which arrived a week later than scheduled. Since Danilo had already committed to reopening the salon on time, his electrician kindly worked during the night after the salon had closed to get everything installed without disrupting the clients' experience.

Danilo describes the salon as effortless and elevated, designed collaboratively by himself and his girlfriend, fellow hairdresser Emy Roccabella. “Our inspiration came from boutique hotel lobbies – those beautifully curated spaces that instantly make you feel at ease yet leave a lasting impression.” When re-designing the salon, the goal was to strike the perfect balance between functionality and feeling. A rich dark green serves as a grounding base throughout the interior, evoking a sense of calm, with beige elements introducing warmth and softness, balancing the space. Meanwhile, the flooring in the salon is made from high-quality engineered wood in a warm, mid-tone finish, which provides the luxurious look of natural timber while offering greater resistance to everyday wear.

Unsurprisingly, lighting also played a key role in achieving this balance; ambient lighting flows throughout to create warmth, while each styling station features focused lighting designed to provide stylists with clarity, and the backwash area features low level lighting to encourage client relaxation. “It’s about supporting both the artistry of our team and the comfort of our clients,” Danilo notes. And it’s not just the lighting, but also the layout that supports the salon experience. For example, the main salon floor is bright and open, encouraging interaction and creativity, while the backwash area is more enveloping, setting an intimate mood better suited to relaxation. Then, when it comes to the reception area, a bespoke desk takes centre stage, reflecting the salon’s refined identity. “I think one of the most noticeable changes is the layout, and how it supports the salon’s aesthetic,” explains Danilo. “From a client perspective, the space now feels more inviting, luxurious and serene.” We couldn’t agree more.