Using subtle cues from antique elements and rich patinas, interior designer Carole Whiting has collaborated with friend Victoria to create a beautifully navy-saturated space inside Manteau Noir.
Victoria Varrasso’s beautifully curated Manteau Noir store lies in the centre of the leafy and historic town of Daylesford. The core ethos of Manteau Noir is ‘raison d’etre’ – which means to gather products that soothe the mind, body and soul. For the store’s latest extension of their skincare range, Carole Whiting’s intervention is an exact extension of these values.
It was a naturally creative collaboration between Carole and Victoria, who go way back. A chance meeting at a Parisian brocante market years before has solidified a life-long friendship between the two. Bonding over similar design philosophies meant it was only a matter of time before they joined forces on a project together and when the opportunity of Victoria’s store came up, Carole was ready to lend her design expertise.
A Wabi-Sabi philosophy and repurposing of ‘found objects’ formed the design ethos behind the space located at the very back of the store. From the restored baby bath sourced on a Belgium trip to a vintage stool, Brodware Yokato wall tap and patinated palace mirrors, together this zone emanates a warmth, texture and personality that marries it to the rest of the store.
A pared back palette and refined list of materials include a thorough saturation of navy in the form of custom storage and display units, Porters Paint’s in Inkwell and handmade, Moroccan Zelliage tiles from Tiento Tiles which continue the navy across the walls. Subtle elements of aged steel – including the custom shelving, are a nod to the heritage of the building itself and add a layer of rich patina throughout.
“There is a generous amount of space devoted to product however negative space is important and has been considered as part of the overall intent.”
– Carole Whiting
Although compact, Carole Whiting has beautifully captured the very essence of Manteau Noir via an array of immersive subtleties. We can’t wait to see Victoria and Carole’s next collaboration together (watch this space).
