Refined indulgence: David Hicks on reimagining Bouzy Bar

When tasked with redesigning Bouzy Armadale, Interior Designer David Hicks approached the project with a philosophy of refinement rather than reinvention.

Originally designed by Brahman Perera, Hicks sought to introduce extra layers of opulence to parlay Perera’s aesthetics, as well bespoke detailing, and a rich material palette to create a venue that feels both luxurious and inviting.

The bar is owned by renowned property developer from Glenneagles Homes, Glenn Eagles, who played a considerable role in redesigning it alongside Hicks with inspiration from his travels overseas. 

“Having travelled to Europe twice a year for at least the last 20 years, I’ve visited countless European bars, restaurants, and beach clubs. I’ve always dreamed of creating a European-inspired restaurant in Melbourne, and when the original Bouzy became available, I acted quickly, purchasing it within two hours,” says Eagles.

“My inspiration comes from iconic venues such as Hôtel Costes, L'Avenue, and Matignon - some of the best spots in Paris - along with Nammos and the renowned beach clubs of Capri. Naturally, David, who designed my last four residential projects in Toorak, was my first call to reimagine the concept.”

In this exclusive interview, Devid Hicks discusses his inspirations, the delicate balance between heritage and modern sophistication, and how every element - from burnished brass to plush velvet - was meticulously curated to enhance Bouzy’s atmosphere, aligning seamlessly with its culinary and beverage experience.

Architecture & Design: What was your primary inspiration for the redesign of Bouzy Armadale, and how did you balance modern sophistication with its existing character?

David Hicks: The redesign of Bouzy was about refinement rather than reinvention - the space was previously design by Brahman Perera - elevating the experience while respecting its original character. 

Our approach focused on layering richness through materiality, texture, and bespoke detailing.

We balanced existing architectural elements by introducing opulent new finishes -cladding the bar in burnished brass for depth and integrating honed marble into the wine display as a refined focal point. 

Wall treatments added tactility, while custom antique shield mirrors and sculptural hanging lamps created a dialogue between old-world charm and modern elegance. As an interior designer, I find reimagining a space at a decorative level both exciting and rewarding - it’s where design meets curation, elevating luxury through detail.

How did you approach the challenge of creating a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming for guests?

Achieving a balance between luxury and warmth was central to the redesign. We began by reassessing the existing fixed design elements - refining the ergonomics of the bar and banquette seating to enhance both comfort and interaction.

Bar stools were custom designed with a slight height adjustment, ensuring better positioning and ease of dining, while plush new upholstery elevated the banquettes, making them inviting and indulgent.

Materiality played a key role in layering warmth and sophistication. A rich palette of chocolate velvet, bronzed metallic fabric, textured wall treatments, and deep burgundy-veined marble introduce depth and tactility, enveloping guests in an atmosphere of understated opulence. 

Anchoring the space, two striking vintage Italian Murano glass chandeliers in frosted white hover above the bar, creating a luminous focal point that enhances the venue’s sense of occasion and grandeur.

Were there any particular materials, textures, or colour palettes that played a crucial role in shaping the new aesthetic of Bouzy Armadale?

The design was anchored in a rich, moody palette that exudes warmth and allure. Inspired by the decadent glamour of ’70s cocktail bars, we layered chocolate velvet, polished brass, bronzed metallics, and European marble to create a tactile and immersive experience.

These decorative elements weren’t just accents—they became the defining personality of the space, drawing guests into an environment that feels both indulgent and intimately inviting. 

While design often focuses on the unseen, this project allowed us to fully embrace the power of materiality, ensuring that every detail contributes to the atmosphere and experience.

How did you ensure that the revamped design complements the restaurant's culinary and beverage offerings?

The design was conceived as an immersive extension of Bouzy culinary and beverage philosophy—elevating the French bistro essence with layers of contemporary sophistication and theatrical flair. 

We embraced the concept of an old-school supper club, where dining seamlessly transitions into late-night revelry, infusing the space with energy and intrigue.

Every detail plays into this narrative. The ruffled fabric above the bar, inspired by the flirtatious movement of a French Can-Can skirt, adds a sense of drama, drawing the eye and inviting curiosity. 

The selection of dinnerware and glassware was equally intentional, punctuating the moody palette with bold flashes of red, pink, and blue to heighten the sensory experience. The result is a venue that feels effortlessly glamorous—an indulgent escape where great food, fine champagne, and a touch of decadence collide.

What was the most rewarding aspect of this project for you, and how does it reflect your overall design philosophy?

The joy of this project was in its unapologetic personality—bringing to life a space that is as much about atmosphere as it is about aesthetics. 

Seeing a concept evolve from an idea to a fully realised experience is always rewarding, but hospitality design is particularly exciting because it allows for storytelling on a grand scale.

Unlike more restrained projects, Bouzy embraces theatricality, adding to Melbourne’s growing appetite for bold, expressive hospitality spaces. 

Our design philosophy has always been about creating timeless interiors with a distinctive twist—something unexpected yet enduring.

Images: Bouzy Bar in Armadale / supplied