Precision and Care – La Fantaisie by Bergman & Co.

Revitalising a prominent Victorian building in Melbourne’s Abbotsford, La Fantaisie by Bergman & Co. skilfully entwines florist, café and function spaces into a welcoming proposition. Layered materials and finely crafted details reflect shared qualities between the venue’s site, floristry and patisserie.

Designed as a sister venue to the client’s Carlton café-florist, Flovie, La Fantaisie called for an evolution of the brand – an elevated space that felt warm, approachable, gentle and sophisticated. The building’s ornamentation and authentic materials inspired Bergman & Co. to pursue a detail-led and layered sensibility, supporting a sensory reading of space.

Each program is anchored by an elegant, scallop-fronted bench, custom carved from solid, blush-toned marble – a creative hallmark of the interior.

The shophouse building’s lower level is subtly divided into florist and café zones, establishing a clear path of circulation between the building’s two entries. Each program is anchored by an elegant, scallop-fronted bench, custom carved from solid, blush-toned marble – a creative hallmark of the interior.

The once-exposed red brick walls are desaturated with a putty-toned wash of hand-trowelled and raked render, while the timber truss ceiling is neatened in a deep complementary hue. Dining settings line the building’s perimeter, capitalising on natural light and leafy views across Charles Street. “The tone is relaxed and approachable,” explains Wendy Bergman, Director of Bergman & Co., “yet crafted details create moments of embellishment.”

The venue’s signature scalloped detailing is echoed in bespoke banquette seats and a generous communal table that accommodates large dining groups and floristry workshops, set amongst La Fantaisie’s captivating floral displays.

The venue’s signature scalloped detailing is echoed in bespoke banquette seats and a generous communal table that accommodates large dining groups and floristry workshops, set amongst La Fantaisie’s captivating floral displays. Classic bentwood chairs, sculpted wall lights, linen drapery and hand-glazed wall tiles create a layered and tonal setting that welcomes guests and invites them to linger.

Beyond, chequered flooring defines a central corridor that guides patrons to the private upper level. Here, a brass-lined cocktail bar is complemented by a delicate bottle carriageway combining brass and rose-tinted glass, addressing the venue’s open function space for special events. Velvet curtains divide the floor plate to accommodate concurrent events and gatherings of any size, framed by an original patinated wall with quaint arched niches; a treasured feature of the historic building.