Image by Jamieson Moore

I love a venue that offers something different and this week on Behind the Door I’m so thrilled to visit an awesome converted warehouse space, Small Talk Events Space. Owners Tess and Lucy are also the team behind Curated Events, a gorgeous event styling company, and tell me they have always dreamed of opening an events space.

Image by Jamieson Moore

Located in Abbotsford in Melbourne, Small Talk is probably one of the most edgy and versatile event spaces I’ve ever been to. The space was originally home to a hip inner city bar, but just last August was completely transformed into an on trend space perfect for all kinds of different events. Abbotsford is known for it’s proximity to the city and friendly local atmosphere, it’s a fantastic spot.

Image by Jamieson Moore

I ask the girls what they love about the area and they tell me “We both reside here and our husbands own businesses here too. We love the community feel, that you can walk down the street and stop and say hello to all the locals.”  They are also so lucky to have so many creative industry people right around the corner including Flos Botanical Studio, The Small Things Co, State of Reverie & Gold and Grit Photographers just to name a few.

Image by Jamieson Moore

“Aside from all the lovely locals, we also have beautiful surroundings,” says Tess “Just minutes from the Yarra River banks, it can almost feel like you are in the countryside – but we also have the inner city charm of cool street art and amazing industrial buildings just like ours.” The outside of the building certainly has that factory feel with big warehouse windows, brown bricks and a custom neon sign.

Image by Gold and Grit Photography

“Being event stylists, we wanted to offer a venue where you can add your own personality” says Lucy, “we were inspired by the space itself and tried to keep the bones of the space as is and add colour to soften and modernise, keeping the industrial feeling that gives it character”.

Image by Gold and Grit Photography

I love the lush green plants, pastel tones and the cool grey panelled bars. Tess tells me the girls have a soft spot for Palm Springs and the desert so they drew inspiration through colour and plants, to give some personality to the warehouse. The furniture is neutral with an emphasis on wood and drop pendant lights add a little bit of sparkle. The pink bathrooms are quite the feature and I’m sure would make for a great selfie spot for guests!

Image 7 & 8 by Jamieson Moore

The space can seat 120 for a wedding, 150 cocktail style and even has an outdoor space perfect for a ceremony. It’s also been a popular choice for hen’s days, product launches and photo shoots. I think it would be an absolutely perfect venue for an engagement party, and with food options like grazing tables, food trucks and even pizza, your guests would really feel the party vibes!

Image by Jamieson Moore
I ask Tess what her favourite part about running the space and she says that it’s all about being part of people’s big moments, getting to play and be creative. What an exciting new space!

Ms Zebra Says: What an amazing space?! There are always so many new places in Melbourne that make it such a creative hub! Well done to Amelia for finding this incredible – and multi-use space!

About Amelia Waddell of Moonstruck Bride: I’m a proud bridal store owner with a love of exploring creative spaces. Whether it’s an office, event space, workshop or retail store I love seeing how other wedding businesses create their own special magic! When I’m not fitting brides I love immersing myself in everything wedding, in the name of “research” of course.