Blackhearts & Sparrows - Thornbury

A Warm Welcome in Every Detail

Blackhearts & Sparrows has long been known for creating neighbourhood wine stores that feel more communal and less like retail spaces. For the Thornbury store, the brief centred on authenticity, craftsmanship and warmth. An environment where materials feel homely, textures invite touch, and a layout that encourages customers to wander, explore and stay a little longer.

Hospitality, Elevated Through Simplicity

The Thornbury space needed to embody the brand’s artisanal character while offering a calm, refined retail experience. The design approach was grounded in creating:

A tactile environment that feels warm and welcoming
Material simplicity expressed with quality and intention
A sense of rhythm and flow that invites exploration
A subtle hospitality sensibility woven into the retail format

The goal was never to overwhelm. It was to curate, elevate and let beautiful materials speak for themselves.

A Material Palette Built on Warmth and Honesty

The interior unfolds through a layered composition of natural finishes. Engineered timber flooring sets a grounded base, bringing warmth and continuity from the entrance through to the store’s core retail zone. Custom timber pendant lighting further softens the atmosphere, casting a gentle, ambient glow while reinforcing the handcrafted touch that defines the Blackhearts & Sparrows brand.

This palette—timber, terracotta, terrazzo—creates a restrained yet expressive design language. Every moment throughout the fitout feels intentional.

Our Award-Winning Fitout for Blackhearts & Sparrows - Elwood

The Counter as the Heart of the Experience

At the centre of the store sits the terracotta-tiled counter: a warm, earthy anchor and the project’s most defining gesture. Its placement subtly guides how customers move through the space, shaping a natural flow while encouraging moments of interaction with staff.

The counter’s texture stands in rich contrast to the surrounding timber surfaces, creating a focal point that feels both crafted and contemporary, a nod to the brand’s appreciation for artisanal production.

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Lighting That Balances Sculpture and Softness

Custom pendant lighting plays both a functional and sculptural role. These handcrafted pieces introduce rhythm across the ceiling plane, breaking up the linear geometry of the space and drawing the eye through the store. Their warm, ambient illumination enhances the intimacy of the retail experience, supporting slower browsing and deeper engagement with the product range.

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