Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre has long held its place as Australia's premier retail destination. Now, the mall's international fashion precinct has set a new benchmark for luxury public space, one where bespoke rugs, custom marble consoles and fashion forward design transform the act of simply sitting down into an experience.
The project was conceived and executed by CoLAB Design Studio, a Melbourne based interior design practice with a deeply considered approach to designing spaces that tell stories. Operating from their Fitzroy studio, CoLAB works across retail, hospitality, residential and lifestyle projects.
Central to CoLAB's vision were six bespoke rugs, custom made for the mall to anchor each lounge setting. Tufted from 100% New Zealand wool, the rugs use a stippling technique that blends colours into a fluid, soft movement across the surface, while a carved pattern echoes the layered drape of a luxurious beaded necklace. The palette was chosen with intention, striking a sophisticated tone while standing up to the demands of one of the busiest retail environments in the country. Every detail was considered in relation to the broader spatial concept.
Paired with custom marble consoles, the rugs serve as the literal and figurative foundation of each setting. They ground the furniture arrangements, define the boundaries of each intimate lounge pocket and introduce a layer of tactile richness that elevates the entire precinct. The combination of stone and textile, hard and soft, cool and warm, creates a sensory dialogue that rewards close attention.
What makes the International Fashion Mall project particularly notable is the challenge it set out to solve. Public lounges in large retail environments are often treated as afterthoughts. CoLAB's approach inverts this entirely.
Every element in the lounge settings was designed to communicate the same level of care and design you'd expect from the boutiques nearby. The spaces feel curated rather than furnished. For shoppers navigating one of Australia's most celebrated retail destinations, these lounges offer respite without sacrificing refinement.
If your project demands a custom rug, contact our dedicated sales team or call one of our showrooms and chat with our expert staff about the next steps.
Photography: Hannah Caldwell
About Designer Rugs
For over 40 years, Designer Rugs has defined luxury underfoot in Australia. Renowned for custom and bespoke designs, as well as exclusive collaborations with acclaimed designers and artists, Designer Rugs creates extraordinary pieces that redefine interiors. With an unwavering commitment to artistry and innovation, each collection is thoughtfully designed to inspire interior designers, architects, and design lovers alike.
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