Bijou experience

The design of a retail outlet can often be read in two ways. The immediate appearance communicates the type of products available, while the setting conveys a more subtle message.

Brent Sutcliffe, the owner of Sutcliffe, a manufacturing jewellery store, wanted his new premises to have a look of quality, beauty and permanence, to convey the theme of his jewellery designs.

"I love traditional, rich detailing and beautiful, well-made things. I visualised my store as old-school in appearance, dripping in ornate detailing, and looking as if it was built to last," he says.

To achieve this, interior designer Adriana Tuscia has transformed a small clothing store into a space reminiscent of the French Rococo period and the richly decorated salons of 18th and 19th century Paris.

The interior design of Sutcliffe has an abundance of plaster mouldings that incorporate the timeless tradition of ornamentation. Egg-and-dart plaster mouldings around the ceiling, Acanthus leaves and decorative plaster panels on the walls and display cabinetry, all have their roots in classical architecture.

The period detailing Tuscia has created purposefully reflects the locality of the store, set among homes and buildings that date from the city's colonial beginnings.

A classic colour scheme of black, white and gold continues the theme. The walls are painted in two tones of white to emphasize Tuscia's intended play of light across the luxe of plaster surfaces. In contrast, a dark stained border has been applied around the floor edge. The classic black-painted door to the street is another element in the design that draws its inspiration from the architecture of old Auckland. Gold on mirror frames, chairs and brass knobs and fittings is the only colour in the space, adding to the feeling of opulence.

Light refracts through glass display cabinets either side of the front door. These were two halves of a found object removed from a 1930s bungalow, and rebuilt to sit in the front window as the main jewellery feature display. They allow the natural light to play on the jewellery and interior surfaces of the shop, which is designed to look like a little jewellery box, says Tuscia. Lighting inside the display cabinets also helps to highlight the jewellery.

"Without light, colour and design, the beauty of this store could not be appreciated. The play of light throughout the space echoes the cut of the gemstones," says the designer.

Story by: Trendsideas