01 July 2009

Dinapoli's Decadent Designs

North Sydney Wine Cellars is the ultimate multi-purpose venue, fusing a wine cellar, wine bar, cafÃ© and gourmet deli into one.

Dinapoli Group, designers and developers, have incorporated a cellar, bar, café and gourmet deli into one space which simmers with the refined sophistication associated with enjoying fine wine.

North Sydney Cellars was designed by Anna di Napoli who was inspired by the origins and customs linked to wine, such as the textures of a European cellar, the decadence of sipping exclusive labels and the emotions conjured up by this very experience.

However, in planning the space, di Napoli had to be very cautious to ensure that one aspect did not dominate another, and have designed an area which unites, often separate, retail and hospitality elements.

In doing so, di Napoli focused on her aim to “design a venue that was not to look like a typical cellar, bar, café or deli. It was to present a new form, unique and independent of any preconceived notions.”

North Sydney Cellars exhibits a dark colour theme, combining greys, blacks and burgundies to reflect the warmth of wine.

Recycled timber (the type used to close off construction sites) has been incorporated into the bar to achieve the lived in, relaxed and comfortable feel for the area requested by the owners.

Anna di Napoli claims, “I discovered it [recycled timber] when travelling and fell in love with the texture and surface of the material, and wanted to use it in a setting that would elevate it from being a cheap disposable material to a material of value.”

Industrial metal and timber tables are also positioned throughout the store to ensure the venue versatility well into the future.

Di Napoli maintains that these materials were selected to “embody the contemporary yet classical origins associated with cellars and gourmet food.”

dinapoli.com.au

Words by Lisa Kappel