The iconic Northern Goldsmiths, originally established in 1882, has reopened following a huge transformation for the brand’s oldest showroom. When establishing the renewed design concept for Goldsmiths Newcastle, we drew inspiration from the evolution of the arts & crafts movement into the ‘Art Nouveau’ style in the late 1800s, an era that coincides with the origins of The Northern Goldsmiths showroom.
We wanted to honour the building’s listed features by retaining a wealth of original details and character, essential to the overall look and feel of the space. A refined, gallery-esque neutral shell was created to allow these original characteristics to be fully appreciated, enhanced by thoughtful lighting and a restrained material palette. We drew directly from the rich colour palette found in the original porcelain tiles lining the stairwells and the iconic mosaic floor at the entrance. Greens, golds, and deep mahogany tones, also present in the existing listed timber unitary, were carefully incorporated and celebrated within the new scheme.
Design features associated with this period informed the new fixture designs, back bar detailing, lighting, and furniture styling. Soft curves, bold shapes, and elegant materials pay homage to the era while offering a contemporary interpretation. Mosaic tiling appears throughout the sales floor and at the new bar on the first floor, while silk wallpaper, walnut timber, gold mesh accents, and a custom carpet featuring a leaf motif establish a cohesive and luxurious palette.
The original shopfront was restored with the glazing opened back up to its original proportions, with any missing elements, such as the cast iron low level grates carefully replicated, to ensure the facade reverted back to its original grandeur.