A Jewel in Armadale’s Crown: Sarah & Sebastian’s Boutique Designed by Richards Stanisich.

Art meets retail in Sarah & Sebastian‘s Armadale store, designed by Richards Stanisich—a captivating collaboration between two Australian powerhouses. The new Armadale store blends Victorian heritage and modern sophistication, creating a unique shopping experience that transcends traditional jewellery boutiques.

Industry stalwarts Richards Stanisich were the perfect choice for the project. Known for their thoughtful approach to design and ability to evoke emotion, the firm’s co-director, Kirsten Stanisich, brought her expertise to the table, creating a store that reflects Sarah & Sebastian’s brand DNA while respecting the building’s history.

“We were incredibly excited to be engaged by Sarah & Sebastian to develop a design for their Armadale store. The core of their business is underpinned by art, design and creative thinking,” Kirsten shares. “Because of this, they were open to thinking a little differently about this new store and were lovely clients to work with.”

Under The Sea: Sarah & Sebastian Armadale by Russell & George.

A complex palette of all-black materials in varying sheens and intensity captures the spirit of the mostly unexplored world beneath the waves in Russell and George’s latest offering for Sarah & Sebastian's first Melbourne boutique.

The design concept draws inspiration from nature and the sea, drawing on a residential feel to create an inviting atmosphere where customers can lounge, explore, and discover Sarah & Sebastian’s jewellery. “Our overarching concept was to bring form and sculpture throughout the space and introduce a materials palette of shimmering metallic leaf, deep sepia dyed linen and an almost photosynthetic deep gloss epoxy,” Kirsten elaborates.

On approach, two monolithic display plinths in the shopfront windows set the tone for the experience within. The arrival features curvy ruched banquettes upholstered in sepia linen, creating a gentle, welcoming enclosure. A custom host table in Bolivia quartz adds a personal touch, anchoring the room and providing a point of contact for every visitor.

The transition into the main display area is marked by tall, arched entry doors made of rippled, soft, translucent olive glass set in polished steel frames. Overhead, a long vaulted, silver-leafed ceiling acts as a guiding spine through the store, its metallic shimmer complementing the jewellery pieces below. Mirrored fixtures add depth and reflection, their angular layout contrasting with the heritage space’s square geometry.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the floor, finished in a mirrored gloss epoxy inspired by ocean kelp. “We inserted these elements into the space so they read as a distinct contrast to the charming Victorian Heritage interior and shopfront,” Kirsten notes.

Ripple Effect: Charlotte Chesnais’ Saint-Germain Store by Anne Holtrop.

Charlotte Chesnais is as much a sculptor as she is a jeweller, so it was only right her Parisian boutique, designed by Dutch architect Anne Holtrop, reflected this quality in the interior.

The journey culminates in a private consulting suite designed to evoke serenity and deliver a sense of focus. This room feels more like an elegant private residence than a retail space, featuring deep seaweed green plush pile carpet, gloss fig paint on the walls and ceilings, and a hand-leafed silver mirror above the fireplace.

Sarah Munro, co-founder and creative director of Sarah & Sebastian, says: “We always design our stores sympathetically to our chosen location and we wanted to tune into the warmth and familiarity of the Armadale neighbourhood. We wanted to create a space with an elevated yet welcoming feel, inviting clients to linger among the collections and indulge in the brand’s considered service offering.” Robert Sebastian Grynkofki, co-founder and production director, added, “In a previous life, the store was once home to a 19th-century jeweller. Paying homage to its former tenant, the space blends heritage features with contemporary refinement.”

This collaboration between Sarah & Sebastian and Richards Stanisich exemplifies the power of two Australian brands coming together to create something unique. Every detail invites exploration, and the entire space celebrates craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. It’s an inspiring case study on how good design can enhance brand storytelling and deliver memorable customer journeys.

Jewellery Stores 💍

Explore more jewellery store interiors from around the globe, previously featured on Yellowtrace.

[Images courtesy of Richards Stanisich. Photography by Lillie Thompson.]