Orsini Fine Jewellery selected Kanat Studio to create a luxurious addition to their boutique; capturing the essence of a gallery where custom designs could be showcased whilst offering an intimate setting for engagement consultations in Auckland, New Zealand.
The design narrative stems from the atelier’s name Orsini, not only an homage to the eponymous Italian family but also an expression of the client’s admiration for the coastline and yachting prowess of Capri. The architectural details of Capri’s famed Villa San Michele influenced the aesthetic by emphasising the key principles of Orsini: tradition, history, quality, and lasting beauty.
“In a nod to Capri’s coastal location and Italian boats on the water we selected a palette of chalky limestone hues and watery green glass,” says Natalia Glucina of Kanat Studio. A pop of rich colour within the space comes from a singular ottoman upholstered in Velluti by James Dunlop, which was “selected for its sense of luxury, the richness of colour that velvet tends to impart, and its durability. The deep, orange-tinted red of the velvet references the highly glossed red timber used in boat building and gives punch to the otherwise serene and paired back interior.”
“With tradition, history, quality, and lasting beauty being key principles of Orsini, we were able to echo this throughout.”
Natalia Glucina, Kanat Studio
Although both spaces reflect classic Italian design, each is defined by subtle differences between the old and new. “The existing space is clean, squared with a modern minimalism. The new is softer, rounder with a nod to tradition and history.”
Inspired by Rafaelle Monti’s marble sculpture The Veiled Vestal (1847), a bust of a veiled female wearing a crown of roses, Sencha colour Chino by James Dunlop softly filters light and enhances privacy both between the spaces and from the street. “We chose a lightly textured sheer curtain to act as a veil over the generous dado,” says Natalia, “it was a beautiful reference to bridal-wear and reflected a sense of intimacy in ceremony.”
Twin arches separate the client’s studio from the boutique, one glazed, the other draped casually in a sheer curtain. “It was a considered decision to keep this space visible and allow clients to see the artist at work. Showing this store is dedicated to quality and invested in their product enhances the sense of approachability and bespoke design.”
Featured in MiNDFOOD Style
Products used:
Curtains in Sencha colour Chino by James Dunlop
Ottoman in Velluti colour 188 by James Dunlop
Interior design: Kanat Studio
Photographer: JD Coulter
