Artedomus Melbourne Showroom by Studio You Me & Thomas Coward.

Photography by Peter Clarke.

Launched in August 2014, Artedomus‘ Melbourne showroom was transformed into a super-sexy gallery space centred around Italian bath-ware company Agape. Designed by Studio You Me in collaboration with product designer Thomas Coward, the 250sqm space features meticulous detailing and elegant display for Artedomus‘ impressive collection of architectural finishes such as Japanese ceramics, European porcelain and exclusive stones.

The starting point for the project was to undergo an enormous edit from hundreds of existing typologies of showroom and warehouse stock, and showcase it in a minimal and sculptural way. It was a monumental undertaking which required a ruthless process of elimination and selection. The existing space itself needed to be transformed from a cavernous and dark basement showroom into a light filled gallery.

There is a lot to love about this interior. The framed display of large format & mosaic tiles, leaning against the walls like oversized artworks, are a sheer stroke of genius. Careful attention to craft and highly considered detailing, such as the timber rod towel-rail suspended via leather straps, add a touch of warmth to the otherwise clean and architectural space. The circular marble plinth on which the Agape free-standing bath takes pride of place is edged in brass (tick), creating a sense of theatre. Each ‘display pods’ within the space is carefully curated to showcase the relationship between bathroom ware, stone and tiles (massive tick).

The custom designed Dolmen table by Thomas Coward, sitting at the heart of the work-area, was inspired by megalithic tombs made from upright stones supporting a flat horizontal capstone. The table was created using the White Fantasy marble from Artedomus and CNC’d timber. Above the table sit the Vae porcelain pendent lights, also by Coward.

World class, super sharp and too-cool-for-school, with just enough of the unexpected to make my heart sing. Well done Studio You Me – I’m positively in LOVE.

[Images courtesy of Peter Clarke Photography.]