GREG NATALE FLAGSHIP

Greg Natale Design

FOR HIS OWN STORE interior designer Greg Natale sensitively restored an art-deco shopfront to its glamorous heyday with the graceful curves of the era heralding the wares within. What appealed to you about the site of your flagship? Firstly, it was in wonderful Macleay Street in Potts Point, home to incredible art deco buildings. Secondly, it was in Gowrie Gate, one of those very buildings, completed in 1938. Lastly, it was located on the ground-floor corner – a dream position. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? The corner location meant there were essentially two shopfronts to address, and a significant amount of product to display. I worked with heritage expert Jonathan Bryant from Urbis to ensure the design and display met council requirements. We created shelving that is not too prominent and works seamlessly with the lines of the space, using it in a considerate way to array a carefully curated selection of beautiful pieces. Within the shop itself, there were five structural columns, including a huge one in the middle that needed to be integrated into the design. We used a polished plaster finish on the columns and walls to create a consistent canvas and establish them as ‘background’, then introduced a series of round tables that nest into each other, echoing the shape of the columns but commanding attention with their own displays. What were some of the influences that shaped your design concept? I wanted to bring back the look of the original exterior that had been ripped out in the 80s. Next door with its original shopfront is Antiques-Art-Design and we used it as our benchmark. We sympathetically recreated the original shopfront, from elements such as the doorhandle and green terrazzo threshold to materials such as the polished stainless-steel frame. How would you describe the completed interior? Strong and striking, but still serving as a neutral backdrop to the products. The floor is a graphic pattern, in keeping with the Greg Natale brand, but beyond that there isn’t a great amount of materials featured. Finishes of polished plaster, stainless steel and mirrored shelves create an elegant backdrop that heroes the products. What are some of your favourite elements? The Viabizzuno lighting, the effect of the polished plaster and the Jurassic marble that appears in the Rubato floor tiles, nesting tables and plinths. How have people responded to the space? Everyone has responded so positively, not just customers but neighbours and long-time residents. gregnatale.com

ANSON SMART