Dark Luxury Redefined

Dark Luxury Redefined: Inside Luke Reynolds' Stunning New Farm Salon

When renowned Australian hairdresser Luke Reynolds decided to relocate his boutique salon, he didn't just want bigger; he wanted better. The result is a 152-square-metre masterpiece that challenges everything we think we know about contemporary salon design.

In an era where minimalist white boxes dominate commercial interiors, Luke Reynolds Hairdressing stands as a bold counterpoint. The New Farm salon, which opened in August 2024, embraces what Reynolds calls “dark luxury”, a sophisticated aesthetic that draws inspiration from high-end Japanese restaurants and five-star hotel lobbies.

“I set out to create a luxury high-end space that felt like a natural progression from what we already had,”

explains Reynolds, whose previous 55-square-metre salon had built a devoted following over 17 years. “Too many new salons, while modern, are stark and uninviting. They miss the mark when it comes to creating that luxury hotel vibe.”

The brief was clear: triple the space while preserving the intimate, luxurious atmosphere that had made the original salon legendary among Brisbane's style-conscious clientele.

The design language speaks in rich textures and considered contrasts. Herringbone flooring in deep tones flow throughout the space, while black wood finishes create dramatic moments of depth. These dark elements are punctuated by sophisticated touches of brass and carefully chosen neutral accents.

Custom ceiling lights were extended to fit the exact dimensions of the space, creating a dramatic focal point upon entrance. A central colour table serves as both functional workspace and design focal point, with integrated power outlets and USB ports meeting clients' needs.

The basin area deserves particular attention, conceived as a “sanctuary-style cave,” it features state-of-the-art lie-flat Maletti basins complete with steam pod attachments. LED strip lighting lines fully brass-encased retail displays, creating the sophisticated merchandising aesthetic of luxury retailers.

The new corner location features sliding doors that create a sophisticated retail frontage, while dark panelling and an inset logo establish the premium positioning before clients even step inside. “The atmosphere is set for a premium experience even before entering,” Reynolds observes.

The design's success is measured in business metrics. The thoughtful expansion from 10 to 20 styling stations, 3 to 6 basins, and accommodation for a team that's grown from 8 to 15 staff members has enabled significant growth. The salon has experienced a remarkable 127% increase in new clients since the relocation.

What Luke Reynolds has created transcends the typical commercial salon fitout. This is interior architecture that understands luxury through thoughtful curation, exceptional materials, and flawless execution, a space that feels both timeless and utterly current.

The result is more than a hair salon; it's a blueprint for how luxury service businesses can create environments that genuinely enhance the client experience while providing inspiring workspaces for teams.

Luke Reynolds Hairdressing is located in New Farm, Brisbane, Australia

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Tune into Episode 314 to hear Luke share the story behind this stunning transformation, from timing and investment decisions to mindset and team culture, he reveals the honest insights and practical wisdom that turned his expansion dreams into reality.