Tait opens new showroom in Melbourne's Fitzroy

Melbourne, 4 February, 2010 − TAIT today announced the official opening of its new showroom in Melbourne, located at 176 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. With interiors by award-winning interior designer Ryan Russell, known for his innovative interiors for Aesop, the new showroom has a minimalist symmetry that perfectly displays the furniture on show.

“As consumer demand has grown for our product, the timing was deemed right to open a store, making Tait products accessible to all,” says Susan Tait, co-owner with Gordon Tait. “Tait’s new showroom by Ryan Russell makes a strong design impact while retaining flexibility and beauty.”

Housed in a corner block with a corrugated iron roof, the building’s long and narrow shape is almost barn-like – a quintessentially Australian shape. Large windows expose the interior to the street, while at night, light streams out. Inside, the vaulted ceiling is in white, while light grey walls and floor create a minimal, yet soft space. The new branding of the Tait store – also by Ryan Russell– can be seen on the shop counter, while the rest of the space is open-plan, allowing multiple combinations of furniture layout.

So much more than just a showroom for furniture, the new Tait store has given Gordon and Susan Tait the opportunity to experiment creatively with products, a luxury normally constrained by the demands of production. A home for furniture, art and lifestyle accessories designed and made in Australia, the showroom will be open to architects, interior designers and end users alike, with seasonal changes to the accessories on offer and regular exhibitions.

“We will be presenting an opportunity for a variety of designers, artists and crafts people to display a body of work,” says Susan Tait. “We will also be holding openings periodically, to promote awareness and interest in local talent within a retail environment. The Tait store will be a place to be inspired, sometimes challenged and ultimately be assured that the local design scene is very much alive and kicking.”