- Interior
In the heart of Melbourne in Australia, enveloped in a two-story Victorian building, a true treasure unfolds: La Fantaisie. Harmoniously combining floristry, café and event space, this enchanting venue embodies an artful approach that stimulates senses and elevates hearts.
Step inside and be enveloped by the layered splendour of materials that reflect the beauty and fragility of this historic setting. Polished concrete floors take you past ceilings with exposed rafters and walls of cast brick, while plaster embraces the soul of this Victorian gem. But it is not just the structures that please the eye; it is the subtle choreography of flowers and café benches that brings the space to life. Notice how the custom-made benches, crafted of solid marble in a soft blush hue, bridge past and present. Here, linen draperies and flowers meet in layers, while warm tones of wood and cognac leather invite relaxation and enjoyment. 
Upstairs, on the second floor, a brass-clad cocktail bar enchants with its allure, while an open meeting space invites inspiration and creative exchange. It is an environment steeped in possibilities, where every corner promises a new adventure. La Fantaisie is not just another venue; it is a symphony of elegance and imagination, where the lines between reality and dreams blur. Here, every moment becomes a work of art and every encounter a memory to cherish. Welcome to La Fantaisie - where the magic of the Victorian era lives on in a timeless experience. 
La Fantaisie is not just another venue; it is a symphony of elegance and imagination
The mastermind behind La Fantaisie? Wendy Bergman with her design studio Bergman & Co. It was at an early age that she discovered a love for interior design. Growing up in rural Gippsland, where interior was not a common career choice, Bergman continued to follow her passion, although it was not until her thirties that she decided to pursue formal studies and dedicate herself to interior design as her calling. The days in the studio are anything but predictable. Each day brings a mix of activities as she reflects on her hectic schedule. From visits to construction sites and meetings with new clients to brainstorming sessions with her team. 
Her work spans a variety of projects; designing cozy hospitality venues, transforming office spaces, creating dream homes for private clients are all part of it. Nevertheless, interior design is not merely a job to her; it is a lifestyle. Working in the hospitality industry, she is constantly working to understand how and why spaces function. She sees it as her mission to create environments that are not only beautiful to look at, but also provide a positive experience for the people who live and work in them. 
At Bergman & Co. the agency where the eponymous founder expresses her creativity, realising the vision of their clients is at the heart of her work. For her, every project is an opportunity to create a unique and meaningful space that exceeds expectations.
Photography by Lilly Thompson