Flack Studio‘s ‘flackification’ of the Fitzroy institution fluently combines the elements of the surprising and the familiar.

“Gabriel is ingrained with a rich history. Within its fabric are many wonderful moments, meals, memories and macchiatos,” explains Flack Studio’s principal, David Flack. His design response honours Gabriel’s reputation of being a destination (once known as De Clieu) – a bright, vibrant space that is welcoming and homely.

Flack explored the notion of imagination in his initial concept – Gabriel De Clieu enjoying a coffee in a 1930s-mid-century café, inspired by Jean Royère‘s furniture and textiles from the same era.

“It was important to retain a sense of a local meeting place,” says Flack, who set out to reinvigorate a Fitzroy icon with a heightened sense of responsibility.

Throughout the vibrant space, materiality, pattern and colours collide – punches of red contrast with deep green, burgundy and pink stones play off raw steels, beaten brass, punchy coloured marbles, granites and travertines. With so many layers present in such a small space, each visit represents an opportunity for a new discovery with its many details, finishes and moments.

A nod to Neo-expressionism abstraction art is referenced by local Melbourne artist Patrick Dagg‘s ‘King for Phillip’ – a peace that burrs the lines of abstraction and figuration with its layers of collage, paint and neon.

Mint Green striped ceilings are an homage to Gio Ponti, while the handmade custom blackened steel handles and mounted mirrors add tactility and humour.

“Ultimately, we wanted to create a space that felt suspended in time,” explains Flack. “A place while being humble to that quintessential experience of that first sip of coffee.”

Despite a relatively modest budget (yes, really!), Gabriel is crafted as a place of discovery, both for the regulars and those seeking a new experience, never letting you on to the fact this project was a definition of the labour of love.

Read on for a little Q&A with David Flack for further insight into this fantastic project.

+ What’s your favourite thing about the project?

+ And what was the most challenging aspect?

+ What did you learn during the project?

+ Would you have done anything differently?

+ Any other interesting facts you could share with us?

[Images courtesy of Flack Studio. Photography by Sean Fennessy. Branding by Pop and Pac.]