Stylist Julia Green lives in Barwon Heads, and used to spend her time travelling back and forth from Melbourne to conduct styling and interiors work – as well as running her online store, Greenhouse Interiors. The tough commute inspired her to find some work closer to home, and she spent two years searching for the perfect space to realise a vision she had for a mega interiors concept space.
She found it in this two-story heritage warehouse in Geelong, with a floor space spanned 600 square metres. Upon securing the space, Julia engaged Jessica Bettenay from Resident Avenue to design the fit-out – and this ambitious pipe dream was brought to life with every texture, colour and fitting imaginable!
Designed like a home (with help from Ben Hunter Architects), there is a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and lounge space.
‘Every single touch-point is considered and shoppable, from taps, tiles, paints and kitchen appliances to renders, wallpapers, stone and flooring,’ explains Julia. ‘Each room has a QR code so that the shopper can head straight to the source for each substrate, meaning easy access for people to find the best suppliers and products.’
Featured makers include locals like Dowel Jones, Molmic, Heatherly and bespoke lighting from Kaz Ceramics. International superstars such as Alessi and Bitossi are on board, as well as jewellery and accessories from Melbourne and LA. PLUS the Ken Done (!) will sell limited edition prints and even house some of his collection in the space.
The gallery upstairs will be used as an exhibition and event space, where Julia plans to host industry events, floristry classes, artists-in-residence, fashion shows and potentially even music gigs.
The space itself is incredible, filled with pieces on a grand and granular scale. The pink marble counter offset with brass details is a stand-out for Julia herself, as well as the use of on-trend Dulux colours throughout – including the dreamy New Penny shade on the kitchen ceiling that gives off a warm glow.
Not only are the spaces equipped with QR codes for in-person visitors, but the team have invested in technology to accommodate virtual visitors too. ‘They can literally walk up to the kitchen and see the cabinetry up close,’ she explains. ‘We know travelling is tricky and likely to be for a while, so this felt like a good option.’
When asked about investing in brick-and-mortar at such a challenging time, Julia credits trusting her gut. ‘Fortune favours the bold,’ she says.
And bold it is!
Greenhouse Interiors
174-176 Ryrie Street
Geelong, Victoria
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday
10am – 5pm
The Greenhouse Interiors space opens tomorrow, Friday November 26th!
