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The James Said flagship store, which opened last year in Melbourne, Australia, spans 15,069 sq ft and has two levels. It occupies all of the 107-year-old Armadale building, which started out as the 1,200-seat Armadale Picture Theatre in 1912 and then went through several transitions – from a vaudevillian playhouse to a toy factory, and then an auction house and an indoor ski school with a ski slope.
Photo: Anson Smart
Elegant and spacious, James Said Melbourne features original architectural elements and contemporary settings, thanks to the vision of interior designer Greg Natale, who created a delicate interplay between different periods. The remaining grand columns and arches dialogue with lustrous chandeliers and mirrored decor in an airy, light-filled atmosphere.
Greg Natale is a master of the art of creating glamorous and chic spaces. Photo: Anson Smart
Divided into 20 rooms, each with a different variety of furniture styles, black stained timber floors throughout tie the areas together. A grand staircase leads from the accessories and wine bar up to the main showroom, an open plan interactive design studio with sample and fabric libraries, as well as meeting rooms.
The space includes 20 rooms, each with a different furniture style, and a wine bar that serves food. Photo: Anson Smart
Thanks to this full-scale experience, shoppers can visualise how each piece can be used in their interiors before they purchase the items at touch-screen sales bars in the store.
Within the main showroom is Le Plonc, a boutique wine bar that originated in California. Comprising a mix of lounge areas, bar seating, banquettes, chairs and tables, it also serves lunch, high tea and dinner, and has an arched private dining room for special events.
The luxurious lounge seating at Le Plonc. Photo: Anson Smart
Its walls, furniture upholstery, including the velvet chairs, and fluted wall treatments are all a deep blue ombre. A patterned sofa, metallic elements and opulent chandeliers as well as mirrors add boldness to the space.
Known for his audacious use of pattern and colour, and his love of geometric and organic designs, Natale is a master of the art of creating glamorous and chic spaces, whether for the commercial or residential world.
To learn more about the James Said Melbourne store, visit www.jamessaid.com.au/stores-melbourne.html.