If you walk along Macleay Street in Potts Point, the glowing ‘light box’ interior of boutique optometrists Optique, is likely to catch your attention. The distinctive interior was a direct response to the brief which called for a warm, appealing and eye-catching retail environment.
Whilst the accommodation brief matched that of the Double Bay location, the challenge lay in overcoming the store’s elevated, recessed position at the foot of a dark building. “We required a solution that would turn this challenge into an opportunity,” says Smart. “Our solution was to focus on creating contrasting levels of light so we created a brilliant ‘jewellery box’ using light, reflection and colour to create an inspiring and exciting shop front and internal space.”
The resulting interior is a predominantly white three-sided box, defined by LED lighting and glass and offset by four different coloured mirrors. “The mirrors, coupled with coloured glass, have been used to create a captivating lantern of complex colours,” says Smart. “Each colour reflects the next one, to create secondary and tertiary colours and the impression of infinite space. These elements have also been used to light the frames on the display panels.”
Additional materials include white Corian, white gloss ceramic floor tiles and white leather-clad display panels and cupboards that conceal storage in the walls. “This means that the retail area is also the stock room, resulting in an incredibly practical and efficient footprint and a scenario where the customer is not left unattended,” explains Smart. “Excellent customer service is vital to ensuring this business’ success, especially in today’s competitive retail environment.”