Readings Carlton

Readings Carlton is an institution. People go in to buy a book, pick up a record, before catching a film at Nova, after eating Pasta at Tiamo, or mid Pidapipo gelato binge! It’s the beating heart of this iconic little strip in Carlton and we want the feeling of the street to continue inside.

We’ve given the store new bookshelves, a dedicated music section, a flexible space to hold events, and the old bank vault has been removed.

The grey tones of the tall shelving and walls let the books take precedence and give the feeling of being enveloped by books, while the walnut throughout the centre of the store adds warmth. These materials are bookended by the green tones, terrazzo on the floor and paint on the ceiling.

The exterior has also received a much-needed touchup with black paint and tiles, the original Edmond & Corrigan designed R’s have been kept as a nod to the store’s previous incarnation.

Client
Readings Bookstores
Year
2018
Team
James Flaherty, Emilio Fuscaldo, Jacqueline O'Brien
Builder
Emac Constructions
Photos
Sharyn Cairns
'A lot of little design features speak to the history of Lygon Street.'
Mark Rubbo