Nine Yards Cafe & Restaurant in Melbourne by Golden

Designed by Golden, Melbourne café & restaurant Nine Yards features an interior inspired by the modern Australian menu, referencing iconic colours and textures of the land. The designers reimagined what was once a former stable into a destination eatery amongst the Victorian era streetscape of one of Melbourne’s most storied inner-city suburbs. Using warmth and sophistication to find an equilibrium between heritage bones and organic enlivenment, the café offers both atmospheric and nourishing refreshment.

A restrained interpretation of landscape marries raw and natural materiality with unexpected finishes. Custom printed ‘Australiana’ upholstery from Louise Jones paired with stained Tasmanian oak veneer sets the tone for relaxed but refined hospitality, with the bold print providing a touch of bright colour within the expansive space.

A colour palette drawn from native flora and terrain feels inherently Australian, subtly evoking images of the bush and the sea. For example, tactile walls provide layered depth, with recycled timber cabinets paired with panelling painted in a eucalyptus shade. Tabletops are laid with tiles from Tiento in an earthy rust tone reminiscent of red desert dust, further echoed by floor-to-ceiling terracotta columns.

Quintessential Thonet dining chairs complement the rattan inlay that crowns curved ebonized timber banquettes. Chevron timber veneer ceiling provides a visual connection for all elements. Large windows flood the 140-seat space with light, while native plants and flowers dot the interior.

The curb-side combination of original bluestone, parchment umbrellas, abundant greenery and rust-coloured tabletops encourage an elemental journey through Australia’s highlands, lowlands and coastal plains. Custom steel cut signage and metal lettering on the external screens add a further touch of nostalgia, echoing the blacksmithing of yesteryear.

See other projects from Golden on Yellowtrace here.