Warmly Embracing – Felix by Flux Interior Design
Through a building of curiosity and intrigue, Felix sits tucked away at the end of its own laneway, inviting patrons to discover a nuanced offering. Flux Interior Design takes cues from the building’s history and laneway location, embracing warmth and layered texture through materiality and ambiance.
Felix is a welcomed addition in the growing culinary scene of Geelong. Recalling Melbourne’s iconic laneways lined with bars and eateries, the restaurant is tucked away as its own destination of sorts at the end of a paved lane, with subtle lighting to hint at the hive of activity occurring within. The combined use of texture and subtleties through muted lighting inspire a sense of discovery for onlookers and for guests on their arrival. The space becomes an homage to the many littered laneways of Melbourne and the accompanying eateries and bars that are tucked away in their various and unexpected places. Through a considered, restrained approach, Flux Interior Design carefully layers the interior to create a soft and calm series of spaces that add depth and ensure an enduring relevance.
A collaborative effort sees joinery by Coastal Grain, metal work by Ore Design and stonework by Stone Craft Paving come together to realise Felix. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an introduction of what is to come with an earth tone rendered wall, with custom brass naming lettering leaving a soft shadow. The colouring is inspired by the existing character and red brick vernacular of the area, which has then been reinterpreted into the limewash façade and timber colouring internally. The intention is for the space to be quaint and embedded with its own charm and character, with the size and attention to detail was kept to a similarly restrained to ensure this could occur.
Evoking a European offering, Felix also draws on a similar language of crafted interior details as an expression of the trades and makers involved in its process. The insertions occur inside an existing building, with exposed timber trusses, pitching ceiling and arched openings acting as a reminder of the building’s past while carefully layering in the new to add depth to the narrative. Natural stone features alongside warm timber and thin brass details, allowing the lush leather seating and banquette arrangements to act as a welcoming and familiar place to convene. Through soft lighting and the absence of distracting elements above a shared datum, the dining space feels composed and elevated.
Felix is a grownup and sophisticated offering, where Flux Interior Design has brought elements of the area’s past into the new identity to create an evocative hospitality destination.