Project Team

design: Perrett Ewert Leaf

Suppliers

feature tiles: Academy Tiles
feature pendant lights: KEZU

Formerly a tiny clothing retail store, the Yarraville space required a carefully planned layout to ensure the functionality of the commercial kitchen could cater for the business without dominating the feel of the space. Introducing services required for a commercial space was very tricky and required very careful planning down to the mm for equipment, circulation space, and seating opportunities without detracting rom the operational side of the business.

The Scandinavian influenced design for a new cafe and bakery for renowned pastry chef Matt Forbes is as much a flagship for the design as it is his product.

This was achieved through the colour palette including feature hand made tiles to the kitchen walls and inset into the counter. Warm and light Tasmanian Oak timbers throughout, coupled with the existing brick walls painted white to contrast the dark floors and ceiling, enabled the feature blue of the pendant lights and tiles to punch out. This is complemented by the bright colours of Matt’s food, along with punches of green planting, and display product to create a vibrant feel to a small space.

Squeezing equipment required to fulfill Matt’s preparation criteria, and also meeting regs for clearances presented tricky situations that were constantly examining to make sure it all fit in the space.

The designers had to work backwards from the operational requirements of the business and what size kitchen Matt needed to produce, and then making sure what was left was actually a comfortable, if not small, café space. They did this through careful detailing of joinery to ensure the space felt bigger than it actually is.

Light natural timber, feature light blue tiles and pendant lights coupled with painting the existing brick walls white increased the light and open feel. Black painted ceiling and dark timber flooring contrasted with splashes of colour in Matt’s produce and introduction of plants help aid in making the room inviting.

The feature blue tile creates a great synergy with the light timber on the corner custom made cake display of Matt’s product. Beautiful feature tiles are a favourite option for spaces which need both a visual kick, but also need to adhere to cleaning regulations. And solid natural timbers create a warmth and tactility that is hard to beat.

Samba Pendant Lamp

Designed by Brad Stebbing, hand-crafted in the Philippines by Kenneth Cobonpue’s HIVE.
Visually mimicking dancing hips, Samba’s curves bring life into any interior. The Samba hanging lamp works great in clusters, but feels just as comfortable dancing solo.

KEZU


Maximizing natural light was important, and then feature pendant lights over the display case lets the low level general lighting to be just that.

The custom designed cake display houses Matt’s main selling point, his produce. The warm space and tactile finishes are intended to make an inviting experience around his culinary flair.