A Haven of Calm - IN BED Showroom by Flack Studio

Words by Brett Stafford
Photography by Sean Fennessy
Interior Design by Flack Studio

Under the guidance of Flack Studio, IN BED has created a haven of calm in the buzzing high-end shopping precinct of High Street Armadale. The linen, homewares, and bedding retailer worked closely with Flack to bring an atmosphere of tranquillity into the store – the second location for IN BED, and its first in Melbourne – creating a sense of repose befitting the brand’s ethos.

Seeking to represent the warmth and comfort of IN BED products while also capturing something of an essence of place in the new Melbourne store, Pip Vassett, Founder and Director of IN BED, knew that it was important to work with a quintessentially Melbourne designer – one who could incorporate their love of the city into the core of the design. Flack’s residential approach to commercial design ideally captures both the emotional resonance and functionality of bedding and homewares.

With respect to the store’s heritage context, the materiality celebrates history through a contemporary lens, as a tactile material palette engages visitors’ connection with this tangible heritage. Upon entering the store through the curved, brass-handled doors, visitors find themselves enamoured by the mixed terrazzo threshold that heralds the interplay of texture and colour within. The interior walls are brought to life with a textural paint finish, while timber, natural stone and linen all imbue a sense of timelessness and permanence.

Moving through the store, beautifully crafted joinery with brass and leather detailing draws one further in and not only displays the products for sale but also conveys a sense for how they would feel within the home. Further linking each space together is the ambient lighting throughout, with Akari lamps and perforated brass wall sconces creating a warm, moody and gentle atmosphere.

With Armadale being the second IN BED bricks and mortar location, the flagship Sydney store has been honoured here. While the timber joinery and warm Akari lamps link the Armadale store to the sister store in Paddington, Flack Studio has made sure that this space also stands as a destination all of its own.