Selfridges Members' Club: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary Design

London's Nice Projects studio has masterfully designed the interior of Selfridges' exclusive members' retreat, located adjacent to its flagship store. This expansive 25,000-square-foot space, known as 40 Duke Street, caters to Selfridges Unlocked members, offering a harmonious blend of private retail environments, social gathering spots, and cultural event venues. The design ethos prioritizes a unique personality for each area, utilizing a rich tapestry of tactile materials and a curated selection of both vintage and contemporary furnishings to create an inviting and distinctive ambiance.

The vision for this members' club was to transcend the conventional, dark, and serious atmosphere often associated with such establishments. Instead, Nice Projects aimed to evoke the charm of a meticulously assembled collector's residence—a vibrant, engaging environment that encourages discovery and personal connection. By integrating diverse materials and a thoughtful color scheme, the studio has succeeded in creating a space that is both visually striking and inherently welcoming, reflecting the Selfridges brand's commitment to luxury and innovation.

Designing an Exclusive Experience

Nice Projects embarked on a mission to redefine the members' club experience, moving away from the austere and formal to create a more intimate and engaging environment. Their design strategy for 40 Duke Street focused on crafting a multi-dimensional space that seamlessly accommodates a variety of activities, from tranquil private moments to vibrant social interactions, all while maintaining a coherent aesthetic. The deliberate choice of diverse textures and a dynamic color palette was central to this vision, ensuring that each of the 24 unique personal shopping suites and studios offered its own distinct character, promising an element of surprise and personalization for every visitor.

The studio's co-founders, Sacha Leong and Simone McEwan, envisioned the club as an inviting "collector's home," a place that not only inspires but also celebrates beauty in its many forms. They meticulously selected materials such as burl veneers, yellow onyx, lacquered finishes, terrazzo, and travertine, reinterpreting traditional luxury codes through their innovative combinations with cork and brushed stainless steel, vibrant wool carpets, and artistic rugs. This eclectic mix of classic and contemporary design elements, featuring pieces from renowned Italian, Swedish, and global designers, contributes to an atmosphere that feels both curated and approachable, distinctly setting it apart from more conventional members' clubs.

A Symphony of Materials and Styles

The interior design of 40 Duke Street is a testament to Nice Projects' ability to blend diverse materials and styles into a cohesive and captivating whole. The meticulous selection of tactile materials, including rich burl wood, elegant travertine, luminous yellow onyx, and modern stainless steel, forms the backbone of the club's aesthetic. These materials are not merely decorative but are integral to creating the various moods and atmospheres found throughout the expansive 25,000-square-foot space. The interplay of these textures, combined with a carefully considered color scheme, aims to produce an environment that is both luxurious and surprisingly approachable, challenging the traditional perceptions of an exclusive members' club.

Furthermore, the design philosophy extended to the furniture, where a thoughtful juxtaposition of classic and contemporary pieces was employed. Leong and McEwan curated a collection that includes iconic designs from Italian and Swedish brands like Tacchini and Arflex, alongside works by modern global designers such as Philippe Malouin and Piet Hein Eek. This deliberate eclecticism ensures that each area within the club—from private shopping suites to social lounges and beauty studios—possesses its own unique identity, inviting members to explore and discover. The result is a vibrant, artful setting that echoes the Selfridges brand's spirit of innovation and luxury, offering a dynamic and personalized experience for every visitor.