At Lisa Elliott Interior Design, I’m excited to take you on a journey behind the scenes ot one our our most iconic projects – the transformation of a century-old warehouse into a cutting edge furniture showroom for Krost Business Furniture, in West Melbourne. This project, done in collaboration with Concept CI, has recently won two design industry awards. Join me as I explore the creative process, challenges, and innovative solutions that brought this project to life.

Discovering the Potential

The project began with the discovery of a century-old warehouse, brimming with character and potential, hidden behind layers of old showroom fitouts. With its lofty ceilings, expansive floor space, and industrial charm, we saw and opportunity to create something truly exceptional. Inspired by the raw beauty of the space, we envisioned a modern showroom that would pay homage to its industrial past while showcasing the latest trends in furniture design.

The original sawtooth roof in The Greenhouse space, and the final conversion (Photos by Concept CI)
Dilapidated ceilings have been stripped back to reveal original details

Collaboration in Action

My collaboration with Concept CI was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. From the initial concept development to the final excecution, we worked seamlessly together, combining our expertise and creativity to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of design. Together we navigated logistical hurdles, structural considerations, and creative decisions, ensuring that every aspect of the project was executed to perfection.

Reviewing stains for planned repairs to the original timber, and the finished space (after photo by Concept CI)
Approving large-scale feature paint brushouts for the Lux display suit area (after photo by Concept CI)
Site visit to review and approve the new staircase balustrade construction details, and the finished staircase (after photo by Concept CI).

Innovative Solutions

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the opportunity to innovate and explore new possibilities in design. From creating custom furniture displays to integrating new accessible wheelchair facilities into the building, we pushed the boundaries of traditional showroom design to create an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors. Every detail, from the lighting to the layout, was carefully considered to enhance the overall atmosphere and showcase the furniture in the best possible light.

Celebrating Success

The culmination of months of hard work and dedication was the unveiling of the completed showroom – a true testament to our collective vision, creativity and collaboration. Not only has the showroom received widespread acclaim, but it has also won awards, further cementing its status as a symbol of design excellence. But more importantly, it has become a destination for designers, architects and business owners alike, inspiring them to reimagine their own spaces in new and exciting ways.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the journey of this project, i’m filled with grattitude for the opportunity to bring my creative vision to life. But the work is far from over. I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of design excellence, exploring new possibilities, and creating spaces that inspire, uplift and delight.

Join Me on the Journey

Thank you for joining me behind the scenes of this award-winning warehouse conversion interior design project. We invite you to stay tuned for more insights, inspiration and innovations from Lisa Elliott Interior Design as we continue to shape the future of design.

Warm Regards,

Lisa Elliott

Get started planning your dream Salon with our 8-page Salon & Spa Questionnaire

A questionnaire can be a helpful tool when planning the interior design of your Salon or Day Spa; it allows you to consider all the important information about your preferences, needs, and vision for the space before you start talking to your interior designer. This information can then be used to guide the design process, ensuring that the final design meets your needs and expectations.

Additionally, a questionnaire can help the your interior designer to identify any constraints or limitations that may impact the design. For example, if you have a specific budget or timeline for the project, we can use this information to make informed decisions about materials, furnishings, and construction methods that will work within those parameters.

Booking a Discovery Call with us can be a valuable step in the process of designing the interior of your Salon or Day Spa. Here are some reasons why you might consider booking a call:

  1. Discuss your vision and goals: A discovery call allows you to discuss your vision and goals for your salon or day spa with your interior designer. This can help the designer to understand your vision and offer insights into how to achieve your goals.
  2. Identify potential challenges: The interior designer can help you identify potential challenges that may impact the design process, such as budget constraints, timeframes, or regulatory requirements. This can help you to plan and prepare for these challenges in advance.
  3. Learn about the design process: The discovery call can provide an opportunity to learn more about the design process and what to expect when working with an interior designer. This can help you to feel more comfortable and confident throughout the project.
  4. Determine if the interior designer is a good fit: The discovery call can also help you to determine if the designer is a good fit for your project. You can get a sense of their communication style, design approach, and experience, which can help you to decide if you want to work with them.

Overall, booking a discovery call with an interior designer can be a valuable step in the design process. It can help you to clarify your vision, get feedback and recommendations, identify potential challenges, learn about the design process, and determine if the designer is a good fit for your project.

If you are planning a refurbishment, please explore our flexible Design Package Options designed to serve you for more information.

You’ve go no idea how grateful I am to have had you alongside my family. And the Salon’s everything I’ve dreamed of. You made it come alive! The opening was so amazing – very overwhelmed”

Absolu Hair Salon – Kara Mac Issac

(please pin the below graphic to your pinterest board for reference)

So, why Hire an Interior Designer?

Unfortunately many people get confused or intimidated by the idea of hiring a professional Interior Designer for their project, and might be concerned about the process of working with a designer & the costs of doing so.

A lot of people I meet feel that they can hire a builder and do the design themselves, selecting materials and fixtures in dribs and drabs, often at the last minute (leading to less choice) with poor planning & lack of an overall vision. This will lead increased costs due to changes, additions and variations that the builder will not have allowed for.

You will save money & time. Your designer will plan functional and appealing spaces, provide drawings, visualisations & material / furnishing selections in a strategic manner so you can get competitive quotes, and you know what the design will look like & cost right from the start.

You require a Qualified Interior Designer & Registered Building Practitioner for any commercial project or residential project that requires a building permit; a proper interior designer is a highly trained & experienced registered professional, not just someone with ‘a good eye for colour’ and a knack for picking furniture.

Let’s make something beautiful together, book an appointment to explore your dream project.

Image: Omar Rodriguez @ormphotography