Papillon Hair by Knot Studio

When Deborah Raymond, owner of Papillon Hair in the laid-back beachside village of Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, wanted to create a new-look salon, she realised the potential of the project to not only symbolise the growth of her business but also of the beachside neighbourhood in which it is located. To create a more refined, sophisticated space, she called on Alex Johnson of Knot Studio.

Deborah specialises in creating beautiful and maintainable natural hair, and it was this ethos that Alex sought to reflect in the new salon: a timeless and natural space, characterised by minimalist design, a subtle Japanese influence and the inspiring use of timber. Moving a few doors down from the original salon into a much bigger footprint, the inspired rejuvenation saw two dark and closed-off commercial zones transformed into a single space. Deborah’s husband, Ben Raymond from Vanwood (who does highly considered fit-outs of mobile living spaces) oversaw and handcrafted the entire fit-out.

Deborah specialises in creating beautiful and maintainable natural hair, and it was this ethos that Alex sought to reflect in the new salon: a timeless and natural space, characterised by minimalist design, a subtle Japanese influence and the inspiring use of timber.

While there were significant changes to the space, including removing a structural wall and lifting the very low ceilings, more interesting features were embraced. Original large windows that were previously boarded up were opened to introduce natural light into the salon, allowing clients to glimpse the colourful laneway outside and feel the warmth of the sun. Similarly, the original concrete floors were ground and polished to create a raw, rustic finish that beautifully ties the salon together.

The materiality and palette juxtapose beautifully with the raw character of the floor and windows. Timber dominates throughout, born from Deborah and Alex’s aligned love of the material, with solid American oak complemented by marble finishes, fluted glass and linen curtains. A custom American oak bench fills the entire length, with moss green tile inlay ‘mats’ signifying each client zone and adding texture and colour. Reflective of a distinctively Japanese style, these tiles are repeated as the splashback for the colour-mixing bench by the wash basins.

The combined effect of the joinery and interior detailing is a minimal, timeless design with Japanese stylistic subtleties softened by natural light, curves and moments of colour to evoke relaxation.

The combined effect of the joinery and interior detailing is a minimal, timeless design with Japanese stylistic subtleties softened by natural light, curves and moments of colour to evoke relaxation. Each quality contributes to a unique experience as one moves through the salon, from the custom marble desk to the colouring booth to the individual client zones.

Alex had sustainability in mind throughout all aspects of the design process. Materials are durable and handcrafted, and recycling systems are integral – the salon uses chemical-free products and recycles 97 per cent of its waste. Moreover, the entire project, down to the trades, was a local effort – designed by the Northern Beaches community to experience and enjoy.

Knot Studio’s reconception of Papillon Hair is refined yet welcoming, sophisticated yet approachable – offering a high-quality experience that matches the calibre of the burgeoning salon.

Interior design by Knot Studio. Build and joinery by Vanwood Customs. Furniture design by Haig + Smith. Switch plates by ZETR. Brand design by Salt Creative Studio.