LBD STUDIOS by Nickolas Gurtler Office

A shopfront in Melbourne’s Malvern that was once a private residence possessed the kind of warmth, intimacy and scalability that Nickolas Gurtler Office sensed would create the perfect shared working space with LBD STUDIOS.

The latest incarnation sees the fusing of branding and interior design within the one building, where a shared aesthetic and values set the tone for cross-collaboration. “The brief from LBD STUDIOS was that it should feel like the Savoir office from the series Emily in Paris, embodying the je ne sais quoi of French chic,” says Nickolas Gurtler, director of Nickolas Gurtler Office. “Both studios share a reverence for the simplicity, creative sophistication and effortless cool of the French sensibility,” and bringing these elements into the space from the outset was key.

“We referenced residences and artist ateliers in the Paris district of Montparnasse, which we felt reflected the creative spirit of the two brands,” says Nickolas. The result might seem effortless, but it’s been an exacting process. “The seemingly simple is excruciatingly arranged. We wanted to respect the history of the building and introduce new elements that sat harmoniously with the existing details.”

Nickolas sought to create an atmosphere that felt both stimulating and original. “We wanted a space that felt timeless and would allow creativity to flow,” he says. The outcome is neutral yet enticing – a canvas for ideas connecting both studios, and the singularity of the shared space is more than skin deep. “We think the fact that LBD STUDIOS invited us to share the space is what makes it unique.”

Natural textures combine with smooth and reflective finishes, creating a harmonious weaving of contrast while maintaining a sense of subtlety.

In essence, it’s a neutral canvas – a place where ideas evolve organically, allowing for a palette born from experimentation and culminating in what Nickolas refers to as “expensive beige”. Natural textures combine with smooth and reflective finishes, creating a harmonious weaving of contrast while maintaining a sense of subtlety. White painted brick and blond oak herringbone flooring form the background to highly sculptural furniture and lighting from international names like Pierre Jeanneret and OKHA and Australian makers including Jay Jermyn, Volker Haug and Liam Raphael Mugavin.

“Aesthetically, we think creative studios tend to express their wildest ideas in their own space, yet we consciously opted for a more blank canvas – encouraging our ideas to evolve over time.”

Interior design by Nickolas Gurtler Office. Brand Design by LBD STUDIOS. Artwork by Karl Lagerfeld.