“1920s Berlin, meets Tim Burton, meets Alice in Wonderland and Beetlejuice, meets the Melbourne Supper Club and Art Nouveau.” This was the brief to create a bespoke wallcovering for Brisbane’s wild and decadent Laruche Bar & Supperclub.

I chose the Art Nouveau reference as the strongest visual element for a motif and researched the arts and craft movement, in particular the wallpaper and textiles of William Morris.

In developing the repeat pattern, I pulled in a little of the macabre by adding thorns on the vines, purple tulips and a black background, along with cross-stitch to represent ripped fish-net stockings.

This animation shows a quick overview of the evolution of the repeat design. During this highly detailed and involved process, I constantly document the changes I make in the digital file and build up a reference library of images to refer back to.

I take a holistic approach to developing bespoke solutions for clients and it was important to connect the upstairs and downstairs spaces within the bar and supperclub not only through theme, but also in the colour palette.

With a truly unique and eclectic aesthetic, Laruche has become an iconic venue in Brisbane’s entertainment precinct.