Alchemy Bespoke Hair

From Empty Shell to Bespoke Salon Experience

In the growing commercial precinct of Park Green, an empty concrete shell has been transformed into a refined, design-led salon environment — Alchemy Bespoke Hair. Delivered by Director Marcin Kukialka and the team at Total Fitouts Auckland Central, this project reflects a complete relocation, rebrand, and commercial fitout delivered with precision and care.

Before the transformation, the tenancy was a bare, unfinished space with no services, no identity, and no spatial definition. At the same time, the business—previously operating as Drury Lane Hair Design—was ready for its next evolution. The move was not just about upgrading location; it was about redefining the brand experience from the ground up.

Total Fitouts Auckland Central was engaged to deliver the full end-to-end solution, including council consents, design coordination, construction, and the logistical complexity of relocating an operating salon into a new premises. The result is a fully operational, bespoke hair salon that now trades as Alchemy Bespoke Hair.

Full-Service Delivery from Concept to Completion

Marcin and the Total Fitouts team coordinated every stage of delivery, including compliance approvals, spatial planning, construction works, and coordination with trades and suppliers. Projects of this nature demand a high level of organisation, particularly when moving an active business while simultaneously delivering a full interior transformation.

Through clear communication, structured programming, and hands-on project management, the team ensured the build progressed efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on quality outcomes.

The finished result is a high-performing, visually striking salon that reflects both the client’s ambition and the technical capability of the fitout team.

A Refined, Elevated Salon Environment

The design brief centred on creating a space that felt calm, spacious, beautiful, and more upmarket than the previous salon. The intention was to move away from a traditional, cluttered salon environment and instead create something modern, refined, and immersive.

This was achieved through a carefully balanced design approach that prioritises openness, material contrast, and visual clarity.

From the moment clients enter, the space feels intentional and composed. The layout has been designed to improve flow, reduce visual noise, and create a more relaxed customer experience. Every element contributes to an overall sense of calm and sophistication.

A Strong Visual Identity Anchored by Feature Design

One of the most impactful elements of the fitout is the large-scale floral feature wall. Rich, detailed, and atmospheric, this botanical artwork sets the tone for the entire space. It introduces depth and personality while anchoring the brand’s identity in a bold yet refined way.

This statement feature is balanced by minimalist black styling stations that provide structure and restraint within the design. Their simplicity ensures the focus remains on both the client experience and the craft of the stylists themselves.

Modern oval mirrors soften the composition, introducing gentle curves that contrast with the more linear architectural elements. This subtle interplay of forms helps create a visually balanced and inviting interior.

Above, a timber slatted ceiling adds warmth and texture. Integrated linear lighting runs through the ceiling design, providing both functional illumination and a clean architectural rhythm that enhances the overall atmosphere.

Purpose-Built Functionality and Bespoke Stations

A key requirement from the client was the creation of a highly personalised salon experience. The business prides itself on delivering bespoke hair services rather than standardised outcomes, and the space needed to reflect this philosophy.

To support this, Total Fitouts Auckland Central designed and delivered custom styling stations tailored to the salon’s workflow. These stations are both functional and considered, allowing stylists to engage closely with clients while maintaining an efficient working environment.

The layout supports collaboration, conversation, and creativity—reinforcing the salon’s focus on tailored, individualised results. Storage, power integration, and equipment placement have all been carefully considered to ensure practicality matches design intent.

The “Alchemy” Concept in Practice

At the heart of the project is the concept of alchemy—the idea of transforming individual elements into something entirely new and elevated.

This concept has been woven throughout the space in both subtle and expressive ways. Material selection plays a key role, with a thoughtful mix of timber, matte black finishes, soft lighting, and botanical imagery creating contrast and depth.

Rather than relying on a single dominant aesthetic, the design brings together multiple influences to create a layered and dynamic environment. The result is a space that feels curated, intentional, and unique to the brand.

The salon itself becomes a reflection of its philosophy—taking ideas, expertise, and creativity, and combining them into personalised outcomes for every client.

Retail Integration and Premium Detailing

The retail area within the salon has been carefully integrated into the overall design rather than treated as a separate zone. Backlit shelving provides a clean, high-end presentation for retail products, reinforcing the salon’s premium positioning.

Lighting plays a key role here, drawing attention to displayed products while maintaining the calm, cohesive feel of the wider space. This area supports both the commercial performance of the business and the overall customer journey.

Every detail, from shelving alignment to material finishes, has been considered to ensure consistency and quality across the entire fitout.

Balancing Luxury with Inclusivity

One of the more nuanced aspects of the brief was balancing a high-end aesthetic with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

While the design elevates the salon into a more premium category aligned with the Park Green development, the underlying ethos of the business remains unchanged: to ensure every client feels comfortable, valued, and cared for.

This balance has been achieved through thoughtful spatial planning, warm material choices, and a layout that encourages openness rather than exclusivity. The result is a space that feels elevated without being intimidating.

Navigating Complexity Through Collaboration

As with many full commercial relocations, this project came with a range of challenges. These included coordinating build timelines within a live commercial environment, managing consent processes, and ensuring a smooth transition between premises.

Through proactive project management and close collaboration with the client, these challenges were successfully navigated. Regular communication ensured alignment at every stage, while detailed planning allowed potential risks to be managed early.

Marcin and the Total Fitouts Auckland Central team played a key role in maintaining momentum and ensuring all moving parts came together seamlessly.

A High-End Result with Lasting Impact

The completed Alchemy Bespoke Hair salon is a clear example of how a well-executed commercial fitout can redefine a business.

What was once a modest salon operating from a smaller space is now a fully realised, design-led environment that supports growth, enhances customer experience, and strengthens brand identity.

The new space positions the business confidently within its evolving market while maintaining the personal, client-focused service that defines it.

For Total Fitouts Auckland Central, this project represents a successful balance of design intent, technical execution, and client collaboration.

Looking to Transform Your Commercial Fitout?

Total Fitouts delivers tailored commercial fitouts across retail, hospitality, and office environments—combining strategic design, end-to-end project management, and high-quality construction.

If you’re looking for a partner to bring your next commercial space to life, get in touch with the Total Fitouts team today and discover how we can transform your vision into reality.