Sensory Experiences – Libertine Parfumerie Paddington by Tamsin Johnson
Nestled on a leafy street in Paddington, Sydney, is Libertine Parfumerie’s newest boutique store filled with fragrances, diffusers and homewares. Designed by Tamsin Johnson, the new flagship store offers a sensory experience from the moment customers step inside, and honours both the brand’s history and its new location.
After opening six consecutive concession stores in Myer departments across Australia, Libertine Parfumerie unveils its newest retail store, which showcases its development since its Brisbane-based store opened in 2008. Sourcing the help of Sydney interior designer Tamsin Johnson to craft an interior space that represents the brand’s growth as well as its bright future, the new retail base exudes European inspiration that transports clientele to another world. “The Sydney flagship stands as a timestamp of our journey so far and Tamsin was the perfect design partner to ensure Libertine Parfumerie makes its mark among likeminded, luxurious labels in Paddington,” says Nick Smart, owner of Libertine Parfumerie.
Imbuing a part of her own creative aesthetic into the Paddington store, Tamsin integrated both new and vintage flourishes throughout. From the first step inside, two vintage French chiffoniers have been hand-painted in jewel tones and positioned accordingly to showcase the brand’s many wares. Moreover, the bespoke, stained European oak joinery throughout is inspired by apothecaries from the 14th century and are used to display candles, room diffusers, homewares and fragrances. “I set about researching a lot of classical European druggists and other stores and reflecting upon them as inspiration for this project,” says Tamsin. Throughout the store, Tamsin’s attention to detail shines through from the brushed metal railings and white marble plinths to the glass-backed dispensary doors in the cabinetry.
Featuring front and rear retail spaces separated only by an open courtyard with baroque timber embellished garden doors, the store allows for clientele to wonder in and peruse or retreat to the back for one-on-one services. Additionally, the retail space is backdropped by a wall painting that mimics the appearance of marble-clad walls, whilst the ground is made of Versailles-like parquetry flooring. Throughout the space, Tamsin has carefully selected furniture to allow for consults with a team of experts who have been trained in pairing fragrances and body products to the individual needs of their clients. Able to accommodate intimate client dinners and small events hosted in-store and in its open-sky courtyard, Libertine Parfumerie has been designed to offer an unparalleled experience.
Following Nick’s vision of a rich and elegant space, Tamsin has transformed Libertine Parfumerie’s Paddington store into a retail experience that stimulates the senses. With a full portfolio of products for the body and home, the brand will host a special one-day event to mark the occasion of its new flagship store on October 28.