As day turns to dusk, the changing lights of Melbourne’s city skyline are celebrated in style and sophistication from within Luminare’s luxurious new surrounds.
The iconic South Melbourne event space has been given a timeless and contemporary new look, reminiscent of moody New York City hotels and bars.
The Big Group returned to the award-winning Melbourne practice Mim Design, who updated Luminare’s look and feel after completing the original concept several years ago.
According to Mim Design Director Miriam Fanning the glamorous result was achieved with a refined palette of finishes that were deliberately restrained and simple.
“The brief was to create a space that was sophisticated, glamorous, elegant yet simple, with only about five different materials used,” Ms Fanning said. “It’s a large open space so it was important to maximise the city views and make the most of the natural light without losing the sophistication and mood. It needed to remain fairly minimal not unlike a blank canvas so The Big Group’s clients could add their personal touch.”
From exiting the lift, guests are guided into the space via a dramatic hallway filled with reflective mirrors that create a sense of awe and wonder, hinting at the opulence that lies ahead.
An oversized granite bar greets guests as they enter, highlighted by overhead custom lighting and a magnificent commissioned installation piece by Chris Watterson from Apache Australia.
The install evokes a sense of calm with its pearlescent metallic sheen. The blended shades of blue and burnished gold are echoed throughout the interior on moveable screens and plush furnishings.
into night.
Design Associate Emma Mahlook, who worked alongside Ms Fanning and Designer Kate Fisher on the project said the bar and commissioned artwork anchored the room, creating a
strong backdrop while providing “a feeling of decadence, elegance and sophistication.”
New movable screens allow the room to be divided and custom-joinery including credenzas, bar trolleys and movable bars on wheels provides movement and flexibility.
Custom light fittings are oversized and sculptural, with the perforated bottoms casting lingering shadows and a subtle glow.
The custom dining chairs have been designed specifically for Luminare, PGR Furniture sourced the bar tables and smaller café tables while Grazia and Co made the lounge furniture, sofas and lounge chairs.
“The finish is high-end glamour. It’s a welcoming and comfortable space where everything comes together to create a real sense of occasion for guests,” Ms Mahlook said. “A sense of comfort comes from the plush velvet drapery and rib-textured wall coverings, while features such as the grey smoky mirrors add another level of sophistication.
“You can see bold lines and details of New York reflected throughout.’