In Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria Building, celebrated Australian designer Greg Natale has created a sophisticated new boutique for Hunter’s Cashmere Collection – a brand known for its luxurious cashmere pieces. The store’s refined palette is inspired by the heritage-listed building’s stained-glass windows, with subtle tones of butter yellow and fern green interwoven with layers of marble, quartzite, and timber.
Central to the scheme is the use of Tongue & Groove solid European Oak boards in Ada – a signature design from Natale’s Co.Lab, the Bosco Collection – with the versatile Freado finish. “We wanted something that felt elegant yet modern,” says Natale. “Ada is our contemporary take on traditional parquetry, but with a soft, wavy edge that brings movement and a bit of a twist. That detail really echoes the feel of the space – refined, tactile, and layered, just like the cashmere pieces themselves.”
The evocative material palette – including American White Oak, Verde Alpi marble, Emerald Haze quartzite, and curved walls in a soft clay wash – is elevated by the gentle rhythm of the Ada pattern. Used throughout the boutique, the Tongue & Groove parquetry is carefully laid to enhance the flow and movement within the space. “We set it out in a way that subtly draws you through, guiding the eye and creating this calm, cohesive energy,” explains Natale. “Retail spaces should feel immersive, and the design should complement the product and elevate the whole experience – which is exactly what this flooring helps us achieve.”
With softly curved joinery, integrated lighting, and sculptural display units, the boutique reflects the craftsmanship and quality of both the fashion brand and the collaborators behind its design. “It’s always a pleasure working with the team at Tongue & Groove,” says Natale.
“They’re incredibly reliable, and their craftsmanship is second to none. With Co.Lab, it felt like a true creative collaboration – we were able to push ideas and refine things together. When every finish matters, having that kind of trust in your supplier makes all the difference.”
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