A Resonant Retail Experience – Comunete Store by INN. STUDIO
The restful atmosphere of Comunete’s Milton store, on the New South Wales South Coast, is matched only by the thoughtfully curated fashion and homewares lining its shelves. Designed in collaboration with INN. STUDIO, and located within one of the town’s oldest buildings, the space is a fitting reflection of the brand’s philosophy. Brimming with the work of local manufacturers, it is testament to the South Coast’s creative community.
Founded in 2020 by Greer Lawrence, Comunete was conceived as a platform for Australian creativity. The offering spans clothing, footwear, jewellery, objects, glassware, textiles and more, which are gleaned from like-minded labels including bassike, Deiji Studios, Matteau, Dinosaur Designs and Baina, among others. What’s more, the new Milton store isa family affair; all the freestanding interior pieces were made by Greer’s husband, Aaron, at his furniture workshop nearby.
Grounded in the coming-together of both ideas and people, the foundational philosophy of Comunete is neatly reflected in the unfussy design. Beyond large windows connecting the interior to the streetscape, the space is mostly white with a polished concrete floor and two feature pendant lights. Various freestanding and built-in elements define and guide the experience of the space; a handful of white plinths displaying ceramics create a gallery-like feel; a plump sofa in lush creamy upholstery encourages shoppers to stay a while; and on the perimeter, clothes hang on fine steel rods. The main event, however, is the large, opaque glass dividing wall with steel shelving, which separates the front from the back and gives this little store some bravado.
The impression is of a functional and, in many ways, rudimentary space, yet it’s undeniably inviting thanks to its quiet beauty and heightened detail. Fittingly, the design doesn’t compete with the wares within, nor does it fade away entirely either. Rather, all the elements feel harmonious, resulting in a space with an even and settled energy. Guided by INN. STUDIO’s light yet resonant touch, Comunete is a fitting addition to the South Coast region and a pleasing bricks-and-mortar offering.
