Loco Love Showroom by Jesse Lawrence and Emica Penklis

Words by Sarah Webb
Photography by Tom Ferguson

Founded in 2013, Loco Love has redefined the traditional chocolate experience, offering handcrafted, organic treats infused with tonic herbs, healing spices, gut-friendly probiotics and superfoods that not only delight the tastebuds but nurture the body and soul.

The Loco Love showroom in the coastal town of Byron Bay embodies founder Emica Penklis’s design ethos, with an interior that resonates with nature-inspired elements. The showroom entrance beckons visitors into what can only be described as a chocolate lover’s paradise, where the aroma of rich cacao awaits. Inside, Penklis’s vision is evident in every detail. The interior, awash in light pink, embodies love and the divine feminine, creating an inviting ambience for customers to experience the array of thoughtfully arranged chocolate displays.

The showroom entrance beckons visitors into what can only be described as a chocolate lover’s paradise, where the aroma of rich cacao awaits.

Central to the showroom’s design are features like curated art pieces, representing for Penklis “nature’s magic and beauty”; wave patterns that adorn the walls, symbolising natural flow and echoing the rhythm of the Byron Bay coastline; and a cloud-painted ceiling that brings the outdoors in. The latter also features a ceiling rose with an antique light fixture that casts a golden glow over the space, complemented by gentle sunlight cast through from the front windows. “When people enter the showroom, I want them to experience a sense of awe and beauty, something uniquely Loco Love,” says Penklis.

A priority for Penklis was using natural materials in the design, including Calacatta Viola and Rosso Lepanto marble for the tiling, as “both of these are used in older European buildings, and I love the sense of luxury they express,” she says. “I’m drawn to objects with history.” The walls are also finished with Spanish plaster, which adds a soft tactility.

“When people enter the showroom, I want them to experience a sense of awe and beauty, something uniquely Loco Love,” says Penklis.

Every curated detail, from the smooth textures of the chocolates to the enchanting design and whimsical atmosphere, celebrates Loco Love’s dedication to quality craftsmanship where indulgence meets artistry.

Building design by Jesse Lawrence and Emica Penklis. Interior design and styling by Emica Penklis. Build by Tallow Projects. Stone by Solid Stone Constructions. Artwork by Set For Art.