INTERIOR: ORÈA AESTHETICS

INDUSTRIAL WITH A TOUCH OF GREECE

When two nurses transform a factory to build their state-of-the-art clinic, magic happens. Meet Orèa Aesthetics.

When two forces combine, incredible things happen. Orèa Aesthetics is the pride and joy of Registered Nurses Chiara Dhu and Kirby Petterson. Located in the ultra-popular suburb of Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, this brand-new aesthetic clinic offers all the latest treatments in cosmetic injectables complemented with medical grade skin treatments.

Chiara and Kirby began their careers in the world of cosmetic medicine six years ago where they met during their time working for a large Australian cosmetic clinic franchise. From here, Chiara has built a reputation as The Lip Fairy having worked in both Melbourne and on the Gold Coast over many years. Kirby established her following on the Gold Coast and now also travels to Gladstone once a month to see her loyal clients. Last year the girls both knew the time was right to bring a new experience to the Gold Coast that reflects their passion for aesthetics.

The space at Orèa Aesthetics was created to be one of a kind. Located in an industrial area, it’s the first of its kind being a factory transformed into a European haven of white arches and olive trees. Once inside the doors, you could easily confuse it with being in the dreamy surrounds of Mykonos.

“It was such a fun and exciting process planning the design of the clinic,” says Chiara. “Firstly, we needed to find the perfect location which was limited because we specifically wanted to transform a warehouse. The reception area is such a beautiful open space and by adding the glass facade we created so much more natural light, which adds to that Greek summer feel. We designed and selected every single little detail ourselves because we were both so confident in our vision and took inspiration from our own travels.

The little touches and finer details like the mosaic stone bench seat and matching reception desk really set the tone for the space and create that wow factor that everyone comments on when visiting Orèa. Our builder was also incredible to work with which made the entire process a breeze considering this was our first time renovating!”

‘Orèa’ is a Greek word for ‘beautiful/nice’, which perfectly reflects the emotions their patients feel when leaving this oasis. Chiara and Kirby pride themselves on their personal approach to the clients experience and treating the skin and person as a whole. This isn’t about simply looking youthful or feeling great, it’s about transforming your lifestyle from the inside-out.

“Aesthetics is our business, so the look of our business is everything,” says Kirby. “Creating a space that exudes warmth was so important, we want our clients to feel at ease before having a treatment and I think this starts the moment they arrive.”

When it comes to lessons they’ve learned and advice for anyone wanting to open their own business, the duo say this: “Don’t settle for less, you’ll end up redoing it in the future, costing yourself more time and money.”

Facts & Figures

Name: ORÈA AESTHETICS

Owners: KIRBY PETTERSON & CHIARA DHU

Location: BURLEIGH HEADS, QLD

Size: 180 m 2

Number of treatment rooms: 4

Number of staff: 3

Interior Inspiration: MODERN, SIMPLISTIC, TRANQUIL