Description:

Akmē is a Melbourne beauty salon transcending emblematic expectations in both atmosphere and aesthetics. Elegant and minimalist form unifies interiors, styling and branding to shape a place that eschews clinical design to cultivate an inviting sense of sanctuary in the heart of South Yarra’s urban milieu.

Across two levels, a curation of neutral tones defines a considered approach to materiality which draws attention to natural patinas and textures, accentuating the tangible warmth and enduring beauty of each and imbuing harmony and balance throughout.

Clients are welcomed across a threshold of double-height glazing into a light-filled waiting area beneath soaring ceilings. Soft linen sheers become a literal and figurative veil between the frenetic pace of Toorak Road and the intimate air of tranquility inside, allowing for a gentle detachment, a mental loosening in sync with functionality. Filtered sunlight is cast upon an abstract composition of travertine floors, undulating over boucle, sand-textured walls and natural timber. Paper pendants float above the embracing folds of a generous sofa which sweeps in a series of curves to anchor the waiting area, a welcoming vignette which beckons from the street and references the clean curves and graceful arches throughout. Beyond, a reception area continues the visual language created for the brand while upstairs, space has been carved into four private treatment rooms which foster and deepen the ambience of indulgent wellness and self-care.

Akmē falls effortlessly into rhythm with discerning lifestyle patterns, advocating for luxurious self-care through design gestures which place emphasis on wellness and ritual and allow clients to rediscover their inner and outer allure as the epitome of natural beauty.