gilt brasserie
Auckland
Gilt is an all-day brasserie by Josh and Helen Emett, located within the historic Chancery Chambers building in central Auckland. Set within a Gothic Revival structure overlooking Freyberg Place, the restaurant occupies a richly layered interior that balances heritage character with refined contemporary design. Custom Carpets worked alongside Knight Associates and the wider design team to deliver bespoke carpet installations that support the restaurant’s atmosphere — elegant yet relaxed, expressive yet grounded.
design intent
The interior design of Gilt draws heavily on European brasserie traditions, combining heritage detailing with crafted modern finishes. Flooring was a key element in achieving this balance. Rather than acting as a neutral background, the carpet was designed to add depth, warmth, and visual richness, reinforcing the sense of layered luxury throughout the space. Artist Simon Ogden developed a custom carpet design that responds to the architecture and material palette of the restaurant. The carpet complements textured wall finishes, handcrafted furniture, green joinery, and aged materials, helping to create an environment that feels both timeless and welcoming.-
Knight Associates
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The restaurant is arranged into a series of distinct dining zones, each with its own character. The bespoke carpet plays a unifying role across these spaces while allowing moments of intimacy and focus.In particular, The Vault, a discreet private dining room tucked behind the main restaurant, uses carpet to heighten a sense of quiet luxury. Here, the carpet grounds the space, softens acoustics, and enhances the room’s intimate, after-dark atmosphere — encouraging guests to linger and settle into the experience.Across the main dining areas, the carpet works in harmony with natural light during the day and candlelit ambience at night, supporting the restaurant’s transition from relaxed daytime dining to a more atmospheric evening setting.
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Construction: Dye injected Cut Pile
Fibre blend: 100% Nylon
outcome
"From the start, we wanted Gilt to feel layered—elegant, but warm and expressive. The carpet Simon designed brought that vision to life. It grounds the room, especially in The Vault, with a richness and quiet intimacy that makes people want to linger.
Luxurious carpet brings an old-world charm you don’t often see in restaurants anymore—classic and timeless.” - Josh Emmett, Owner
