25 October 2011

Inlite Melbourne Design Studio

Inlite's new Richmond showroom is a stripped-back warehouse space where integrated light fittings take centre stage.

Strong colours, clean lines, an industrial feel and imaginatively integrated lighting are the most immediately striking aspects of lighting company Inlite's new Melbourne showroom.

"The idea was to expand existing showroom space, make it more versatile and functional, and to express the primary elements of the building as a means of making the space more architecturally significant," says Andrew Begley, Inlite's Marketing Manager, who co-designed the new fit-out with interior designer Jeevan Nangla.

The first step was paring back the existing cosmetic details of the space, capitalising on its raw form and warehouse appeal, with its steel columns, exposed timber beams, concrete floors and brick façades.

Clean, minimal surfaces complement the raw finishes, providing a backdrop for Inlite's various ranges of light fittings.

"The fitout is designed to provide a representation of the overall range through the use of key products from each area," says Begley.

"The use of different types of surfaces allowed for the demonstration of a wide range of fixtures, indoor and outdoor, and retro-fitted or those which need to be integrated into the fabric of the architecture."

As well as displaying Inlite's offerings, the new showroom needed to be adaptable and cater to staff and visitors.

"The showroom floor and part of the upper floor had to be flexible; it had to work hard and to offer an experience that facilitated work, rest and play, for all who entered," explains Nangla.

Interaction spaces, like the kitchenette, are kept relaxed and informal.

Elements of the interior can be stacked or folded away, revealing a large open space for holding events. Mobile display screens and electronically dimmable lights further enhance the versatility of the space. A life-sized model of a cow – a remnant of a previous showroom that the team couldn't bear to part with – brings a sense of playfulness and surprise.

Inlite's new showroom, says Begley, creates "a snapshot of [the company] which represents our design-led approach to lighting and appreciation of its place within architecture."

Inlite
inlite.com.au