Stylecraft Home

Over 60-plus years in the commercial world, contemporary furniture retailer Stylecraft carved out a formidable reputation, supplying pieces to heavy-hitting commercial brands.

And then in mid-2018 the company opened a Melbourne showroom to the public. Around 90 per cent of the brands Stylecraft stocks – which span cult European names as well as homegrown heroes – aren’t available through any other Australian distributor.

Stylecraft is in a beautiful red-brick corner building designed by architecture practice Hassell. It’s an immersive, concept-driven space.

The design for the showroom is underpinned by two central ideas: overall, a reflection of the relaxed, open atmosphere of a European courtyard, and more specifically, a representation of the different areas in a home. The team has created zones – including a library, den and kitchen area – with matched pieces displayed in each.

You’ll find Australian labels such as contemporary furniture and lighting by Ross Gardam, planter screens and activity-based home-office pieces by Helen Kontouris, furniture by Keith Melbourne, and pieces by industrial designer Tom Skeehan. As well as imported items from Italian brands Arper, Verzelloni and Tacchini, Stua from Spain, and Japan’s Ritzwell and Karimoku New Standard. Coffee tables start at $675, and barstools at $345.

A central, terrazzo-clad stairway is surrounded by dramatic bronze-coloured arches. Timber paneling, perforated steel mesh screening, gold balustrading and pops of colour tie the separate zones together. Greenery creeps down internal walls softening the dark copper metallic finishes and highlighting teal tiling and feature walls. Even if you’re not in the market for a new lounge, it’s a striking and inspiring set of interiors.