Backstory Bookshop: a social space

Initially opening as a pop-up during the refurbishment stage, helping to shape the design as Tom got to know the needs of the communities from a local bookshop. The design brief was to create an interior fit for purpose, visually inspiring and did not exceed the modest budget; coming in part from Tom’s life savings and online crowdfunding, all donors are credited on the blue bookcases. The retail unit had previously been an uninspiring tile shop, the project has transformed the space with a vibrant fitout. The design aspiration was to create a welcoming, neighborhood shop, with space for people to meet and socialise over a coffee or afternoon wine. The shop has been intentionally finished without wifi capabilities for customers, encouraging people to read, talk and meet. To keep the budget down the fitout design utalised low-budget materials, with a high-end finish. The full interior was designed around IKEA Billy bookcases, completed with bespoke alterations to give them a quality, unique appearance suitable for the shop. The bookcases were clad and painted a vivid cobalt blue, with contrasting yellow, white and chalkboard accents. To inject design detailing to the interior a few bespoke pieces, such as the children’s circle, were installed. The circle offers a natural break between different zones of the store, it also doubles up as a seat which adults often use as a reading chaise-lounge! The flexible interior allows the book store to be used by the local community for book clubs, book signing and other community events. The furniture is freestanding, allowing the space to be rearranged as needed, the bar area gives a focal point for people to come together, to socialise over books with neighbours and friends.