Meditative Retail: Poho Double Bay by Akin Atelier.

Come find yourself refreshed in a meadow oasis hidden within Akin Atelier-designed Poho Double Bay. Located in Sydney’s harbourside suburb, this florist rises to the occasion of shaping an alternative experience (and dare I say a luxurious style) of flower shopping. Stepping away from a more traditional retail interior comprising of a counter blooming with flowers, Poho’s second establishment presents a one-of-a-kind flower retail experience that might become your next favourite local florist.

Akin Atelier’s vision of the interior is a culmination of art and atmosphere derived from Poho’s retail principle of ‘Greet, Consult, Select, Make/ Observe’. Taking inspiration from ephemeral and large nature installation artists Andy Goldsworthy and Robert Smithson, the interior’s circulation and layout mimic a nautilus shell with a corridor that unfurls into a circular space.

Retail: R Society Store for Floral Art in Yixing by 0321 Studio.

Passing the entrance fronted with clean lines made of black frame and glass, patrons are welcomed by a concierge who will guide them into an intimate consultation lounge tucked at the store’s concave wall. This space—furnished with Antonio Citterio armchairs, a Domo Bol Sofa, a grand Terra Pesca marble coffee table and Tanika Jellis crumpled ceramic side table—creates a comfortable, homely vibe for clients to conjure up their dream blooms.

Once the consultation is finalised, the curving wall leads customers to a circular tiered blue stand in which the flowers are placed for selection. While waiting among the meadow-like arrangement, clients’ gazes are directed to a gridded shelf ornamented with globally sourced floral instruments used to display arranged bouquets. The shelf wraps around the corner into the back of house stainless steel studio—a meditative space for the staff as they demonstrate the art of flower arrangement.

Related: Guapa Flower Store in Rostov-on-Don, Russia by Eduard Eremchuk.

In true Akin Atelier fashion, Poho’s Double Bay interior is swatched in natural tones that make one dream of a seaside getaway. Sand-like colours are beached by waving icy blues—a gentle nod to Poho Potts Point’s baby blue façade, serving as the perfect pastel backdrop to the vibrant pinks, reds and oranges from the foliage. Gentle bristling of different textures unapologetically, patterns fill out the floor area for a heightened sensory experience. These include the polished and unpolished stones found in the custom joinery and benchtops. Smooth and rough are found contrasting between the combed rendered walls, textiles and the central marble column. Such tactility found within nature is reverberated around the space.

Almost like walking into a grown-up interpretation of Shirley Barber’s beautifully illustrated world of flowers and fairies, Poho Double Bay mystically awaits flower lovers. With a lovely visual narrative created by Akin Atelier, it might just be the store to kickstart your love for blooms.

Related: Fenn Beauty & Treatment Space in Paddington by Akin Atelier.

[Images courtesy of Akin Atelier. Photography by Dave Wheeler.]