It's difficult to describe the exact feel of Melanie Auld Jewelry's Vancouver flagship. Tucked away on a quiet street in Fairview, the airy 805-square-foot space exudes a little L.A. glam, a little Oceanside cool and a little European charm. The reminders of international locales make sense considering that the Kelly Deck Design team found inspiration in local jewellery designer Melanie Auld's favourite places.

€œWe looked to her travels,€ explains lead designer Chelsea Brynildsen, €œand then to her label, which has this sexy, beachy, empowered-woman vibe.€ 

Credit: Janis Nicolay

Credit: Janis Nicolay

Taking advantage of the full-height windows at the entrance€”and the abundance of natural light that a south-facing building affords€”the crew sought to evoke the spirit of a cabana that welcomes visitors with sun-kissed arms. White linen drapes, which reach almost as high as the 14-foot ceiling, help achieve a breezy inside-outside feel, while strategically placed oversized arch mirrors maximize light and reflect the outdoors in.

Credit: Janis Nicolay

Credit: Janis Nicolay

The arch motif is repeated in a light-up display area that showcases a line of in-house, handcrafted-in-Italy ceramics and Murano-glass vessels, as well as in a doorway in the slightly angled back wall that leads to a chic all-coral bathroom. There are other nods to Italy, where Auld's family is from, too: the white plastered walls, which offer a hint of subtle texture; the custom terrazzo flooring, which was laid over stones like rose quartz and citrine. €œThey€™re in there for good energy,€ explains Brynildsen, €œso we thought that was really special.€

Credit: Janis Nicolay

Credit: Janis Nicolay

The flagship feels more like a home than a store€”the result of conscious design choices, like installing bespoke display cases and natural-oak shelving along the walls to make room for a comfy lounge where guests can kick back on blush pink Kelly Wearstler-designed Lee Jofa chairs. Adjacent to this area is Brynildsen's favourite part of the boutique: a jewellery bar topped with a polished slab of Esmeralda Quartzite, its dreamy soft green hue complemented by the jade-green bar-front and the paint that covers the ceiling.

The final aesthetic is hard to pin down, sure, but It's one that resonates with Auld. €œShe was really happy at the end when it all came together,€ notes Brynildsen. €œShe said, €˜This is me.€™€