Tabla de contenidos para No. 118 en (inside) interior design review

As we get ready to welcome 2024, all the signs are suggesting that the interior design industry’s fortunes are on the uptick. I am thrilled to share some remarkable findings that have helped shape this issue, offering you a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of interior design in Australia. The Australian interior fitout market is on the cusp of an exciting transformation. Projections indicate that it’s set to grow at an astonishing CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 14 percent, surging past the $6.4 billion mark by 2024*. Interior fitout guidelines and green building laws are reshaping the industry. It’s more important than ever for builders and owners to outsource fitout tasks to licensed practitioners and qualified interior designers. There is a hunger for local design and products,…

For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in the ways in which the design of space contributes to our sense of well-being and, as a writer, I continue to be surprised by how rarely this is dealt with in fiction. After all, novels are about individual characters and our domestic space is a portrait of the self, albeit a work-in-progress. There are traditional cultures that model spatial well-being in precise detail – Feng Shui and Hinduism’s Vastu Shastra come to mind – but for some years it seemed to me that Western cultures lacked a comparable model, that is until a friend introduced me to the work of the British architect, the late Christopher Alexander. In his early writings A Pattern Language ( ) and The Timeless…

Possessing a name synonymous with emotional interiors excellency, Sarah-Jane Pyke and Juliette Arent are titans in Australian interior design, delivering an aesthetic that bleeds an undeniably joyful feeling and demonstrates a tight grasp on how psychology influences design. Recently celebrating their sweet 16th as a practice and indulging in a generous amount of reflection and navel-gazing, director, design principal and co-founder at Arent&Pyke, Sarah-Jane Pyke, has never been more ready to outline the ethos that underpins the practice’s work. “Juliette and I have spent the last two years unpacking our ethos from when we wrote our book – Arent&Pyke: Interiors Beyond the Primary Palette – which came out a year ago. We started to determine our aesthetic and ask what is the Arent&Pykeness?” says Pyke. The pair landed on the…

Interior designers and architects understand intimately how a space can impact human psychology. That desire to learn why entering a room or building has the capacity to move them is perhaps why many are drawn to design in the first place. Colour, texture or lighting in our surroundings can be manipulated to relax us, enhance our creativity, envelop us in pleasure or put us on edge. They also have profound potential to ease or compound the effects of trauma. Trauma-informed design is a practice that recognises this potential and seeks to weaponise it for good. It’s a new but rapidly growing field that has developed from the broader practice of trauma-informed care. Published in , a foundational guide from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlined six…

It is clear to see the influence of the late and great Anthony Bourdain on Ben Bertei and David Wickwar, co-owners of newly opened Asian-Australian fusion restaurant Kiin. Patrons are greeted by an audio recording of Bourdian singing out to them through the speakers in the restaurant bathroom. When the eponymous founder and director of Georgie Shepherd Interior Design (GSiD) first met Bertai and Wickwar, she was sent a Bourdian quote by the pair to not only help guide the design process, but also communicate their mission, and love of food and people. “The idea was to create a modern Asian-Australian restaurant with a really strong sense of memory. In the design we were guided by questions of what does it mean to sit down to a meal, and how…

Conceived as a collaboration between Akin Atelier, a Sydney-based architecture and multidisciplinary design firm, and pioneering surfboard and product designer, Hayden Cox, best known as the founder of Haydenshapes – The Gallery Shop is a jaw-dropping retail space, worthy of ‘exiting through the gift shop’. Akin Atelier principal, Kelvin Ho’s understanding of spatial dynamics and aesthetics comes to life in this stunning retail space, which serves as a bridge between art and the urban environment. When it came to looking for a collaborator to assist him meet his vision, he didn’t need to look further than Sydney’s Northern Beaches. After meeting through a mutual connection at Saturdays NYC (Ho was behind the design of the retail fitout in Bondi, and Cox had his boards and surf wear stocked by the…

ORIGIN STORY I have always been creative, I love problem solving and learning how things work. While studying science at uni, I picked up a side gig as an upholsterer to get my head out of the books and work with my hands. The furniture world really pulled me in, I loved the intersection of functionality and beauty. AESTHETIC I am drawn to clean, simple forms that carry a sense of playfulness. I love traditional silhouettes and the heritage they can bring to an interior space, but I like balancing that austerity with joy. Ultimately design, like life, should be weird and fun. SECRET TO STAYING CREATIVE “If you want to become a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff” ‒ Jim Richardson I think this can be…

PROJECT SOMERS HOUSE PRACTICE KENNEDY NOLAN Somers House replaced a building that was the repository of good memories, but was also damp, poorly organised and at the end of its useful life. The new, unmistakably Australian coastal house in the Victorian seaside town of Somers, integrates these existing and future memories into a well-organised, functional, accessible and zoned abode. "A unanimous standout project and much loved by all the judges – both beautiful and masterful in solving complex problems of multifamily requirements with wheelchair access. The project draws together a palette and textures from the landscape, the owner’s artefacts and precious memories, and creates a deep warm interior experience that seemingly glows from within. Although rich in a layered immersive approach to the palette, there are small references to the…

PROJECT VOLANT CHANDELIER PRACTICE ROSS GARDAM Designed in Australia and hand-assembled at Ross Gardam’s Melbourne studio, Volant is a modern chandelier possessing the spatial quality of a kinetic sculpture – a static lamp with a mystifying ability to appear in motion. The chandelier’s solid brass bars are home to textured and tubular formed glass elements angled to produce the effect of floating objects revolving around each other. Sustainability and product durability is met through innovative LED technology. Initially designed as a sculptural lighting element and then redeveloped into a production product for Ross Gardam’s studio, the Volant chandelier’s modularity and architectural roots mean the fixture is compatible with a diverse range of architectural spaces. “The Volant chandelier is a spectacular object piece reflective of Ross Gardam's usual high calibre of…

PROJECT BRIDGE 17 PRACTICE SMART DESIGN STUDIO Bridge is a sculptural, bespoke and structurally innovative workplace designed by Smart Design Studio that is nestled within a refurbished existing addition atop a Heritage-listed sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD. Serene and monumental volumes are paired with a refined palette and sharp detailing to establish a dynamic spatial interplay where the hero is natural light. The new vaulted workplaces and meeting rooms reflect a tight grasp on creative sculptural forms and structural innovations. External volumes are echoed internally in double-height and light-filled lofty spaces. A shining star of the workplace is the light, sound and air quality achieved through the large perimeter sliding balcony doors and reflective ceilings. Warm timber floors and panelling coupled with bespoke joinery and black loose furniture complement the…

PROJECT DOLLYPRACTICE GENESIN STUDIO A unique and immersive modern wine bar, Dolly by Genesin Studio was designed to stand out from the ‘standard’ hospitality venue and act as the ultimate food and wine lovers’ playground, featuring details that disrupt expectations. Based in Unley, Adelaide, the space features a textural contrast of materials, subtle colour play, a warm palette and restraint of material and detailing. The space used natural and artificial light, playing into both shadow and theatre as the day turns into night. The existing glazed frontage, along with a mirror chrome, acoustic ceiling, provides a futuristic feel, which is contrasted by the warmth and texture of tapestry art and ceramics. Adding to this unique style, special features of the venue include a brick-tiled floor, banquette seating and skirting using…

PROJECT BLACK DIAMOND PRACTICE YSG STUDIO This home embraces colour to create the feel of a boutique hotel while still maintaining lavish yet tranquil tones that are rich in substance. Faced with a three-storey home, blanketed within oppressive grey walls and enclosing partitions, YSG took a deep dive and transformed it into a tactile haven with nooks for respite among spaces that ebb and flow. Bouncing light about, YSG highlighted the ceilings with creamy polished plaster across the entry level. A feature glass brick wall abuts the redesigned staircase, its offset amber seam adding a ray of sunlight. Descending the stairs, pale timber treads switch to stained ebony, acknowledging the transition to the living area where a rich subaquatic world of teal, smoky topaz and amethyst accents float, grounded by…

JANE ROCCA Based in Melbourne, Jane Rocca is a journalist, published author and podcaster with more than 28 years of experience. She writes for The Ageand SMH Sunday Lifemagazine, is a columnist for The Dish at Good Foodmagazine and Harper’s Bazaar Australiaand is co-founder of The Write Drop. She has published three cocktail books and a fashion title. Her most recent is Groundbreaking Fashion: 100 Iconic Momentsby Smith Street Books. She is also host of Mushroom Studios’ podcast Some of My Best Work. MYKE BARTLETT Myke Bartlett is a journalist and author based in Perth. He writes on the arts, design, pop culture, politics and rock music. When not writing he is a reluctant runner and enthusiastic dog walker. He has spoken at events at Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre, writes for…

While Makoto has contributed artworks to the NGV in 3 and 2019, he’s finally able to tick Australia off his bucket list in person and thrilled to share the artist bill with iconic Japanese-born artist Yoko Ono. Makoto’s studio is located in the upmarket gallery district in Tokyo, a three-storey industrial space that’s unassuming and residential looking from the exterior, and hush quiet upon entry. You’re instantly overcome by the scent of flowers sprawled on stainless steel work benches – from floral native Australian varietals to Japanese orchards strewn all around. Some are in vases, others in the midst of artistic clipping, some shaped into bouquets with bonsai precision and others are snap frozen in time. The -year-old’s botanical pursuit is scientifically motivated – it’s not easy to submerge flowers…

Australian Design Review’s 3OUNDER3O Architects and Innovators of the Built World is a dynamic showcase of the most inspiring and promising architects and innovators of the built world under the age of 30. From sustainable urban solutions to cutting edge technological integrations, we explore the ideas that are pushing boundaries and reshaping design norms. The program constitutes a community that encourages networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange. We provide opportunities for young architects and innovators to connect with their peers, established professionals and industry mentors. Through events, workshops and online discussions, we create an environment where ideas can be shared, challenges can be discussed and collaborations can flourish. A highlight of the program is the mentorship opportunities provided by the architecture and design world’s leading visionaries. This year, we’re excited to…

‘‘We orchestrated varying levels of ambience across three floors through distinctive floor and ceiling treatments, particularly immersing the main living area on the central floor in a dusky, dreamlike state,” explains Ghoniem. The design brilliance of Black Diamond is exemplified by the meticulous selection of colours, finishes and materials, such as glass bricks, Rosso travertine, black mosaics and Moroccan Zellige tiles. Velvety Marmorino finishes in soothing hues grace the ceilings, immersing visitors in an environment of pure luxury. The upper-level master suite boasts a calming caramel hue, while the main living area below is enveloped in a deeper toffee shade, elegantly extending to the balcony and visually expanding the room’s spatial dimensions. Strategically placed jewel-hued glass bricks add a touch of shimmering opulence. Ghoniem says: “We selected a verdant green…

As Editorial Director for Australian Design Review’s inside magazine, I can’t tell you how exciting it was to observe the jury room in action deciding on the winners for IDEA 2023. Healthy debates were had, with lots of laughter thrown in for good measure as they judged every jaw-dropping shortlisted IDEA entry. From coastal elegance to inner city jewels, we saw a joyous celebration of the antipodean design sensibility in all its forms. Perhaps all that time being forced to find inspiration in our own backyard has turned the tables on any last remaining modicum of cultural cringe. The Australian design community is standing out and proud on the world stage – and rightly so. Colour, joy, sexy curves and thoroughly modern nods to classical design themes all made an…

PRACTICE ADAM GOODRUM The IDEA Gold Medal is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of design and in the world of product design, and few names resonate as strongly as Adam Goodrum's. With a career spanning over two decades, Goodrum has emerged as a true luminary in the field, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. His ability to marry form and function, his commitment to sustainability, and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of design make him a standout recipient of the IDEA 3 Gold Medal. Adam Goodrum's journey in the design world began in NSW, where he honed his skills at the University of Technology Sydney studying industrial design. After completing his studies, he soon garnered attention for his distinctive style, characterised…

PROJECT SOMERS HOUSE PRACTICE KENNEDY NOLAN Somers House was transformed from a disorganised and damp building that contained rich memories into a peaceful home for the constantly evolving family. This unequivocally Australian coastal house in the Victorian seaside town of Somers integrates these existing and future memories and delivers the client’s wish for a multi-use, functional and zoned abode. Somers House caters to a diverse range of possible inhabitants via wheelchair accessibility, in addition to concrete flooring and an 18.5-kilowatt solar PV system reflecting a tight grasp on passive thermal design principles and the impacts of operational energy. There is a clear consideration for how the interior and exterior materials will respond to the weather, as external shou sugi ban cladding and ochre-toned render on the exterior are patinated with…

PROJECT 835 HIGH STREETPRACTICE CARR “This project exemplifies Carr's tight grasp on design rigour and discipline. Even the simplest details are effortlessly executed with elegance and restraint to create enduring interior architecture that rejects trends and masters the manipulation of light.”SUE FENTON Located on the thoroughfare of High Street, Armadale in inner Melbourne, 835 High Street features 26 residences and one penthouse. With a grid pattern that signifies movement, the design situates the building within its streetscape through the highly refined and detailed façades to the east and south, coupled alongside the north and west façades that wrap around and dissolve the form via framing. The palette of the interior materials and finishes follows a similar pattern of order and equilibrium noted on the exterior. Common spaces boast the texture…

PROJECT VOOM COLLECTION PRACTICE TAIT WITH ADAM GOODRUM The Voom Collection by Tait is grounded in soft curves, opposing textures and a hint of Australian nostalgia. The lounges and ottomans can be grouped together in a variety of configurations to create different and dynamic sofa and sunlounge forms. Unique in both design and materials, the suite of lounges has been created to withstand harsh Australian conditions encountered indoors and outdoors.…

PROJECT SPEARGRASS HOUSEPRACTICE ARENT&PYKE WITH SUMICH CHAPLIN ARCHITECTS Settled upon a raised plateau outside Queenstown, New Zealand, Speargrass House blends robust elegance with refined practicality. The project was a collaboration between Arent&Pyke and local New Zealand practice Sumich Chaplin. Arent&Pyke’s challenge was to create a forever home within the new steel, local Schist stone and timber weatherboard structure that wrapped around a sheltered courtyard, avoiding the clichéd trappings of a country escape. Stone, including native limestone Oamaru, became the expressive canvas and further anchored the home to its setting. Avoiding the customary prized artwork or television above the main fireplace, Arent&Pyke’s custom layered fixture – crafted from hand-slumped glass, an amoebic bronze plate and a river pebble sourced from the site – became an ambient meditation on embracing the slow…

PROJECT THE GALLERY SHOP PRACTICE AKIN ATELIER It was the shared appetite for experimentation between Art Gallery, architect and collaborators that resulted in the Gallery Shop by Akin Atelier in the Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern building. The retail space is a resin installation developed with surfboard designer Hayden Cox, a luminous space of shifting perspectives and light refractions. Fluid contours of bio-resin wrap around the shop’s perimeter to form a transparent margin, serving as both boundary and display. Located in the entrance pavilion of the new Sydney Modern building, the site presented a unique opportunity to break past the ‘exit through the gift shop’ conventions and extend the artistic experience of the Art Gallery and SANAA’s architecture into the design of a commercial and functional retail space. Not…

PROJECT BARBARA HEPWORTH: IN EQUILIBRIUMPRACTICE STUDIO BRIGHT A far cry from a standard white-walled exhibition space, Barbara Hepworth: In Equilibrium evokes rich textures and colours intended to evoke sensory qualities and complement artwork materials. An interactive string installation inspired by Hepworth’s sculptures accompanies the exhibition. Designed by Studio Bright, the space is an artist survey exhibition curated by Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne. As the visitor moves through the exhibition, the layout varies in visual intensity from a grid field upon entry, where each piece can be viewed and studied singularly, to clustered groups that respond to the themes present in the work and a further shift to immersive curtained spaces where individual sculptures can be experienced against a garden backdrop. Acknowledging that many of Hepworth’s sculptures were…

01 THE POETRY OF SPACES – A GUIDE TO CREATING MEANINGFUL INTERIORS AUTHOR SARAH ANDREWSPUBLISHER HARDIE GRANT BOOKSRRP $65 Tasmania-based stylist, author, teacher and amateur sailor, Sarah Andrews is back with her second book – The Poetry of Spaces. Beginning with the five foundational themes of light, life, instrument, material and sense, Andrews explores the inspiration behind these lessons before sharing some impeccable examples of their use in homes across the world. 02 OLD BRAND NEW: COLOURFUL HOMES FOR MAXIMAL LIVING AUTHOR DABITOPUBLISHER HARDIE GRANT BOOKSRRP $60 In this deeply personal book, designer, artist, photographer and passionate vintage hunter, Dabito draws on his family’s immigrant experiences to discuss the challenges he’s faced in finding a sense of security by designing his surroundings. Through the author’s love of design, colour and…

In the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Surry Hills, nestled within a petite -square metre footprint, and a total internal area of square metres, stands 19 Waterloo. The house exudes whimsical Wes Anderson-esque vibes, boasting a façade adorned with recycled and weathered bricks, and featuring winks of colour through open windows and curvy doorways. But you won’t spot Bill Murray waving out of the porthole on the third floor. Designed and lived in by Adam Haddow, director of SJB Architects Sydney, his husband, Michael Combs, and their small Yorkshire terrier, Eric, this beautiful space is a testament to smart city living. How long have you lived here and what drew you to the property? My husband and I moved in October 2022, so we’ve lived here for a full year now!…

LINDSEY WHERRETT CERAMICS Lindsey Wherrett Ceramics is built on a foundation of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design training. Lindsey aims to create enduring pieces that quietly enrich architectural space, bringing a sense of tactile beauty to daily rituals. All pieces are created by hand using traditional pottery techniques. Glazes are mixed in-house employing a palette of colours and textures which reflect the Tasmanian landscape where she lives and works. lindseywherrett.com THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCALLY MADE Last October, Halliday + Baillie hosted an informative and lively discussion about ‘The Importance of Locally Made’ in its studio in Melbourne. On a wet and cold Melbourne evening, an enthusiastic audience enjoyed wines from Patch Wines of the Yarra Valley and canapés while they listened to 2022 IDEA winner Clare Cousins and Halliday +…

ELVIN TAN Elvin Tan always pursues a hands-on approach to all projects. He believes in the power of design and in the inherent value it can create regardless of the size, type and budget of a project. After obtaining a Master of Architecture at RMIT, he gained valuable experience at established practices, designing hotels and restaurants internationally and locally while his passion for interior design blossomed. JADE NOTTAGE Jade Nottage takes an artistic approach to design, influenced by her interest in art, her love of painting and her understanding of historical design periods. She draws inspiration from colour, and proportions and places high value on the narrative of each design brief. Jade values human connection, ensuring that Tom Mark Henry’s work makes a lasting impression and positive cultural impact, while…

PRACTICE ARENT&PYKE Arent&Pyke is a Sydney-based interior architecture and design practice with a distinct focus on the decorative arts. Founders Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke are masters of emotional interiors, imbuing spaces with character through colour, texture and a touch of the unusual since the formation of their practice in 2007. Arent&Pyke combine decades of technical expertise to pull off comfortable and luxurious interiors. While they have created an internationally recognised practice, the value they bring remains in the emotional connections they create and how those, in turn, drive aesthetic and practical decisions. IDEA regulars, the studio was recognised across several categories in both the shortlist and final winners’ list this year. From the unpretentious Speargrass house, which is a canvas for its breathtaking Queenstown surroundings, to KODA’s new hair…

PROJECT WEEROONA HOUSEPRACTICE SIMONE HAAG Simone Haag brought furniture, artwork and objects to Weeroona House in Hawthorn, Melbourne, to ascertain a balance between Federation-era detailing and dynamic and contemporary features. The interiors embraced the characteristics of the original detailing via a celebration of the eclecticism and indulgence synonymous with the Queen Anne style, in addition to imbuing the house with a sophisticated modernity. Simone Haag achieved the fusion of history with the contemporary through pairing the house’s rusty brown expression – cohesive with the terracotta roofscape of the neighbourhood – and Queen Anne detailing with colours and finishes reflective of a more dark and moody modern tone. The house’s history was also saluted through the restoration of original doors and ceiling sconces. Additionally, the client’s personal pieces, such as ibis…

PROJECT BUTTON STOOLPRACTICE LOCKI HUMPHREY Locki Humphrey’s Button stool – created for HARD: MDW 3 – uses recycled materials to create an inspiring and meaningful piece of designer furniture. Made from recognisable Australian public transport fabrics, woven ethernet cabling and rubbish discarded on the street, Button infuses quotidian items with an aesthetic flair and subverts traditional perceptions of their function in common spaces. Grounded in sturdy, clean and fun design, the Button stool highlights the flexibility and adaptability of recycled materials. All the materials, aside from the blue paint, are hard rubbish. The stool consists of a timber internal structure manufactured from a former wardrobe fixed to PVC pipe offcut legs. The exterior body is made from 200 metres of ethernet cabling sourced from the security cameras at a local…

PROJECT THE MECCA SUPPORT CENTRE PRACTICE STUDIO TATE Nestled in the heart of the inner Melbourne suburb of Richmond, The MECCA Support Centre by Studio Tate serves as a vibrant home for Australia’s largest premium beauty retailer. The mid-century warehouse provides an industrial backdrop for the Centre’s richly layered interior that draws on colour, tactility and beauty iconography in celebrating the MECCA brand. The MECCA Support Centre also reveals how meaningfully communicating a brand identity and culture via design can enrich the well-being of staff and visitors. Collaboration, scheduled and spontaneous events and networking are enabled through the design. Although the workplace boasts a large 4500-square metre footage, features such as colour, materiality, eclectic furniture and lighting mean the interior still feels intimate and cosy. MECCA’s reputation for providing an…

PROJECT OCEAN COSMETICS PRACTICENICKOLAS GURTLER OFFICE It isn’t often that one can describe a medical clinic as aesthetically pleasing, but that is exactly what Nickolas Gurtler Office has achieved with Ocean Cosmetics. Located in the beachside locale of Cottesloe in Western Australia, the design reimagines the clinic experience, creating an environment akin to a luxury boutique or exclusive hotel. The studio took inspiration from the iconic Thierry Mugler Angel perfume bottle; its angular forms, chrome detail and rich sky-blue tone were drawn upon as a starting point for a space that was transformative, sleek and ethereal. In contrast to the sleek forms of the bottle, Nickolas Gurtler Office interpreted the local landscape within a clinical context. The space featured honest materials like walnut, bronze, Belgian linen and travertine, against terrazzo,…

PROJECT WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTREPRACTICE KOSLOFF ARCHITECTURE Situated on Warrnambool’s South West TAFE campus, the Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre replaces the existing local and TAFE libraries and encompasses a new three-storey building connected to a refurbished Heritage-listed building. Designed by Kosloff Architecture, the Centre provides a much larger and more accessible space for the entire community, including being utilised by remote workers and freelancers, as well as the broader community. Interior ceilings intentionally reference both the Warrnambool CBD grid, established by Robert Hoddle, as well as the gridded coffered ceiling within the Orderly Room. This extends an existing architectural relationship with the city and the Heritage building and serves to bind the contemporary and Heritage buildings together. The grid and articulated ceiling manifests in the design throughout each…