Australia doesn’t have anything left to prove when it comes to wine growing, but there’s still a certain je ne sais quoi about the old world wineries of Europe. Sydney restaurateurs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt wanted the best of both worlds at their new wine bar Monopole, and designer Pascale Gomes-Mcnabb obliged in fine fashion.
Although Monopole is a contemporary venue, many of the contributing design elements are refurbished or re-purposed features inherited with the premises. Wine boxes can be seen on display for decorative effect, while more were used for the shelving itself. Black and grey play a key role in the long, narrow layout, notably at the burned, moodily-lit bar which is enlivened by brass panels. Among the new elements, the unusual three-dimensional ceiling is functional as well as decorative; made of echo panels, the custom installation is a soundproofing measure. Also catching the eye above and around Monopole are the light fittings – the work of designers Mark Douglass and Christopher Boots.
