In a bold departure from traditional salon design, PUO- helmed by renowned hairdresser Danny Puopolo- has opened its doors inside Melbourne’s iconic Century Building. Conceptualised by design duo Thank You, Baby, the high-gloss space is a riot of cherry red and bubblegum pink, blurring the line between salon and art installation.

“I’ve been doing hair for over 20 years, and I created PUO to bring all of it- the craft, the glamour, the cheek- into one beautiful space,” says Puopolo. “It’s personal here. It’s polished. It’s a little bit Nonna, a little bit runway.”

The salon unfolds across three distinct zones: the Kitchen, a fiery red space inspired by Puopolo’s Italian heritage that doubles as a colour bar; the Lounge, where clients relax at marbled plinths and glossy communal tables; and the Wet Room, a moody, burgundy-toned retreat.

Continues Danny, “I had always dreamed of having a red and pink salon. The designers –  Tyler Hawkins and Ross Jenkins – helped me create a space that not only is creative and fabulous, it’s also instantly comfortable like coming over to my house. 

“We tapped into my family’s Italian heritage and drew inspiration from Italian classic design- terrazzo, marble, tiles, furniture and bold use of colour. 

“Instead of hiding the kitchen, the designers put it in the heart of the salon. It also acts as my colour mixing bar and front desk. It’s this that makes the salon really feel more like an apartment. In my wet room, we looked to the heritage burgundy colour of the Century Building to create a more relaxed and sexier mood.”

“We wanted PUO to feel like you’re at Danny’s apartment,” explain designers Tyler Hawkins and Ross Jenkins. “A private, comfortable space that invites clients to feel completely at home.”

With a focus on hospitality and community, PUO is where bold design meets everyday glamour- served with a spritz and a smile.

Congratulations Danny on the stunning space! Click here for more info.