Interior Design
Stunning Homes Shortlisted for the 2018 Interior Design Awards
These beautiful interiors have made it to the shortlist of Australia's Interior Design Awards 2018
The judges have spoken and the votes are in. From more than 600 entries from Australian designers for their projects within our borders and beyond, a shortlist has been announced for categories ranging from residential design and decorating to hospitality, public and retail interiors. We’ve picked some of our favourites from the interior design and decoration categories for your viewing pleasure. Find the full list of the shortlisted projects and more photos of each at Interior Design Awards 2018.
Project: Taylors Bay Residence
Designer: Justine Hugh-Jones Design
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: A sub-tropical modernist-style home in Taylor’s Bay on Sydney’s Lower North Shore provided a crisp, fresh canvas for the creation of warm and intimate zones geared to family living. Brushstrokes of colour and texture have given the spaces a human scale that belies the home’s generous proportions.
Designer: Justine Hugh-Jones Design
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: A sub-tropical modernist-style home in Taylor’s Bay on Sydney’s Lower North Shore provided a crisp, fresh canvas for the creation of warm and intimate zones geared to family living. Brushstrokes of colour and texture have given the spaces a human scale that belies the home’s generous proportions.
Project: Toorak Residence
Designer: Simone Haag
Photography: Mark Roper
Project description: Toorak Residence was an example of how the simple insertion of quality and resolved pieces of furniture can transform a home with no changes to the interiors at all. A strong monochromatic scheme was introduced, inspired by geometric shapes and clean silhouettes.
Designer: Simone Haag
Photography: Mark Roper
Project description: Toorak Residence was an example of how the simple insertion of quality and resolved pieces of furniture can transform a home with no changes to the interiors at all. A strong monochromatic scheme was introduced, inspired by geometric shapes and clean silhouettes.
Project: Treetop House
Designer: Arent&Pyke
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: Working with the developer’s architect to create one grand penthouse from two, the bones of this renovation were anticipated well in advance. Delivering refined luxury that is tactile, warm and without clutter, emphasis has been placed on spatial harmony, colour and bespoke detailing commensurate with the clients’ desired comfort.
Designer: Arent&Pyke
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: Working with the developer’s architect to create one grand penthouse from two, the bones of this renovation were anticipated well in advance. Delivering refined luxury that is tactile, warm and without clutter, emphasis has been placed on spatial harmony, colour and bespoke detailing commensurate with the clients’ desired comfort.
Project: Beechworth Residence
Designer: Doherty Design Studio
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: The refined-meets-rustic aesthetic of this contemporary two-level, three-bedroom home was designed for a young family as their country retreat. The repetition of colours and materials brings together a layered interior to reference a Japanese sensibility that sits in harmony with the home’s farmhouse style and rural surroundings.
Designer: Doherty Design Studio
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: The refined-meets-rustic aesthetic of this contemporary two-level, three-bedroom home was designed for a young family as their country retreat. The repetition of colours and materials brings together a layered interior to reference a Japanese sensibility that sits in harmony with the home’s farmhouse style and rural surroundings.
Project: Amarelo Terrace
Designer: Arent&Pyke
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: Evolving with a family’s changing needs, this ongoing project is perpetually adapted as the best possible home. Beautiful spaces, surprising moments, areas of formality, plus a magnificent wallpapered kitchen make this project perfect for the family right now. Along with the updated bathroom and ensuite, this ensures the home’s longevity.
Designer: Arent&Pyke
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: Evolving with a family’s changing needs, this ongoing project is perpetually adapted as the best possible home. Beautiful spaces, surprising moments, areas of formality, plus a magnificent wallpapered kitchen make this project perfect for the family right now. Along with the updated bathroom and ensuite, this ensures the home’s longevity.
Project: Fairlight Crescent
Designer: Infinite Design Studio
Photography: Prue Roscoe
Project description: The design and restoration of a prized harbourside mansion. The clients envisioned a grand, luxurious beachside manor that capitalised on the views. The result is an opulent design with details that echo the colours of the water and gardens.
Designer: Infinite Design Studio
Photography: Prue Roscoe
Project description: The design and restoration of a prized harbourside mansion. The clients envisioned a grand, luxurious beachside manor that capitalised on the views. The result is an opulent design with details that echo the colours of the water and gardens.
Project: Stables House
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: Located in a leafy pocket of Melbourne’s south-east, this former stables building has been lovingly converted into a refined and intimate family home. Paying respect to the existing historical structure, the reimagined interiors have been completely transformed to create a cohesive, functional home that feels light, spacious and open.
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: Located in a leafy pocket of Melbourne’s south-east, this former stables building has been lovingly converted into a refined and intimate family home. Paying respect to the existing historical structure, the reimagined interiors have been completely transformed to create a cohesive, functional home that feels light, spacious and open.
Project: South Yarra Mirror Apartment
Designer: Golden
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: Bold asymmetrical lines and sculptural elements create depth and drama in an otherwise intimate residence, while curved walls and a clash of material palettes suggest an undressing of formality; a place that contemplates relaxation and sophistication. Looking to gallery-like spaces for inspiration, detail is found in the unexpected and asymmetrical.
Designer: Golden
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: Bold asymmetrical lines and sculptural elements create depth and drama in an otherwise intimate residence, while curved walls and a clash of material palettes suggest an undressing of formality; a place that contemplates relaxation and sophistication. Looking to gallery-like spaces for inspiration, detail is found in the unexpected and asymmetrical.
Project: Frenches Interior
Designer: SIBLING Architecture
Photography: Christine Francis
Project description: The Frenches Interior provides a working couple with a space that combines high design with maximum accessibility. A range of textures and design elements provide both a layer of luxe and maximise flexibility in this inner-city Melbourne terrace.
Designer: SIBLING Architecture
Photography: Christine Francis
Project description: The Frenches Interior provides a working couple with a space that combines high design with maximum accessibility. A range of textures and design elements provide both a layer of luxe and maximise flexibility in this inner-city Melbourne terrace.
Project: Centennial Park House
Designer: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Photography: Prue Ruscoe
Project description: The extensive refurbishment of this Queen-Anne-style home restored original rooms and added a new steel living, dining and kitchen pavilion. The stair was relocated to the centre of the house where it could draw in light, and a strong graphic palette was used to connect new and old spaces.
Designer: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Photography: Prue Ruscoe
Project description: The extensive refurbishment of this Queen-Anne-style home restored original rooms and added a new steel living, dining and kitchen pavilion. The stair was relocated to the centre of the house where it could draw in light, and a strong graphic palette was used to connect new and old spaces.
Project: City Fringe
Designer: Hare + Klein
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: The existing brutalist envelope of this terrace has been boldly reimagined as a calm sanctuary. Crisp detailing brings into focus the dramatic palette of finishes and furniture selected for their natural beauty, creating a unique unadorned contemporary language. The redesign injects texture and theatre, creating a cohesive, energising interior.
Designer: Hare + Klein
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: The existing brutalist envelope of this terrace has been boldly reimagined as a calm sanctuary. Crisp detailing brings into focus the dramatic palette of finishes and furniture selected for their natural beauty, creating a unique unadorned contemporary language. The redesign injects texture and theatre, creating a cohesive, energising interior.
Project: Mixed Use House
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: A courageous client wished to explore a ‘vertical family living’ model and approached us wanting to accommodate an extended family. The brief called for an adaptable home embracing the self-proclaimed moniker of ‘home as hotel’. The layout over four levels embodies ‘Vertical Co-Living’, catering for both interaction and retreat.
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: A courageous client wished to explore a ‘vertical family living’ model and approached us wanting to accommodate an extended family. The brief called for an adaptable home embracing the self-proclaimed moniker of ‘home as hotel’. The layout over four levels embodies ‘Vertical Co-Living’, catering for both interaction and retreat.
Project: Elsternwick House
Designer: Fiona Lynch
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: A magnificent Victorian home in Elsternwick welcomes a young family with a contemporary reimagining of colours and furniture that respectfully highlight the historical and idiosyncratic architectural features.
Designer: Fiona Lynch
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: A magnificent Victorian home in Elsternwick welcomes a young family with a contemporary reimagining of colours and furniture that respectfully highlight the historical and idiosyncratic architectural features.
Project: Elwood2
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors
Photography: Eve Wilson
Project description: Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Melbourne’s beachside suburb of Elwood, this Edwardian property has been meticulously transformed into a tranquil and elegant family home. The goal was to create a space that felt like home; a space for relaxation and connection.
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors
Photography: Eve Wilson
Project description: Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Melbourne’s beachside suburb of Elwood, this Edwardian property has been meticulously transformed into a tranquil and elegant family home. The goal was to create a space that felt like home; a space for relaxation and connection.
Project: Armadale Residence
Designer: Simone Haag
Photography: Mark Roper
Project description: Creative Director of fashion label Skin + Threads engaged our studio to furnish and style the grand room of her Victorian Terrace. Merging fashion, form, colour and texture, the designer paired both modern and vintage to create a tapestry of edgy and elegant pieces for this stylish client and home.
Designer: Simone Haag
Photography: Mark Roper
Project description: Creative Director of fashion label Skin + Threads engaged our studio to furnish and style the grand room of her Victorian Terrace. Merging fashion, form, colour and texture, the designer paired both modern and vintage to create a tapestry of edgy and elegant pieces for this stylish client and home.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN SHORTLIST
Project: Concrete Conceal House
Designer: Tecture Architecture and Interior Design with Swee Design
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: With bold metals and monolithic stone elements, Concrete Conceal House embodies a feminine aesthetic with proportion and alignment at its core. A refined palette of minimal materials, the repetition of timbers and stones in varying formats provides luxury moments in a considered and functional floor plan.
Project: Concrete Conceal House
Designer: Tecture Architecture and Interior Design with Swee Design
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project description: With bold metals and monolithic stone elements, Concrete Conceal House embodies a feminine aesthetic with proportion and alignment at its core. A refined palette of minimal materials, the repetition of timbers and stones in varying formats provides luxury moments in a considered and functional floor plan.
Project: Crescent House
Designer: Deicke Richards
Photography: Christopher Fredrick Jones
Project description: This renovation of a post-war house creates a generous home for a young family. Living spaces are layered with connections to the landscape setting and detailed with a warm, natural palette. The home originally belonged to its owner’s grandparents, so its renewal is powerfully tied to family memories.
Designer: Deicke Richards
Photography: Christopher Fredrick Jones
Project description: This renovation of a post-war house creates a generous home for a young family. Living spaces are layered with connections to the landscape setting and detailed with a warm, natural palette. The home originally belonged to its owner’s grandparents, so its renewal is powerfully tied to family memories.
Project: Highbury Grove
Designer: RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN
Photography: Tom Blachford
Project description: Highbury Grove is a renovation to a semi-detached Victorian-era property in Melbourne’s Prahran. Concrete-block walls create seamless laps between interior and exterior, while apertures between the walls create framed views outwards towards neighbouring trees or to a courtyard garden.
Designer: RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN
Photography: Tom Blachford
Project description: Highbury Grove is a renovation to a semi-detached Victorian-era property in Melbourne’s Prahran. Concrete-block walls create seamless laps between interior and exterior, while apertures between the walls create framed views outwards towards neighbouring trees or to a courtyard garden.
Project: The Riley
Designer: SJB
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: This project involved the conversion of a historical mechanics warehouse in Sydney’s Darlinghurst into four warehouse terraces. Each residence has three levels, the top level being a new addition, and their own front door to the street
Designer: SJB
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: This project involved the conversion of a historical mechanics warehouse in Sydney’s Darlinghurst into four warehouse terraces. Each residence has three levels, the top level being a new addition, and their own front door to the street
Project: Darlinghurst Residence
Designer: SJB
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: This project was the refurbishment of an 1890s house in Sydney’s Darlinghurst for a family of four. The building is unique for being triangular in plan, with a warehouse on the ground floor and a Federation-style house on the upper two levels.
Designer: SJB
Photography: Felix Forest
Project description: This project was the refurbishment of an 1890s house in Sydney’s Darlinghurst for a family of four. The building is unique for being triangular in plan, with a warehouse on the ground floor and a Federation-style house on the upper two levels.
Project: Canning Cottage
Designer: Bicker Design
Photography: Nikole Ramsay
Project description: Originally built in 1874, the 32-square-metre worker’s cottage has been transformed into a fully self-contained studio. Through attention to detail and experimentation with materiality, the small space has a big impact.
Designer: Bicker Design
Photography: Nikole Ramsay
Project description: Originally built in 1874, the 32-square-metre worker’s cottage has been transformed into a fully self-contained studio. Through attention to detail and experimentation with materiality, the small space has a big impact.
Project: North Bondi Penthouse
Designer: SJB
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: The design of this North Bondi Beach apartment tells a multi-layered story involving bold colour, geometric pattern, varied texture and eclectic furniture, all set against the backdrop of an iconic view. The result is a cohesive yet energetic collection of spaces sitting comfortably in the equally vibrant neighbourhood.
Designer: SJB
Photography: Anson Smart
Project description: The design of this North Bondi Beach apartment tells a multi-layered story involving bold colour, geometric pattern, varied texture and eclectic furniture, all set against the backdrop of an iconic view. The result is a cohesive yet energetic collection of spaces sitting comfortably in the equally vibrant neighbourhood.
Project: Newmarket Residence
Designer: dANIELLA ROWLES DESIGN
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones
Project description: This classic four-room Queenslander transforms into a robust family home via a living pavilion extension down one side of a leafy site. An enfilade of spaces facilitates continuous sight lines across old and new, and facilitates breezes across this passively ventilated house. This is a home designed for living.
Designer: dANIELLA ROWLES DESIGN
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones
Project description: This classic four-room Queenslander transforms into a robust family home via a living pavilion extension down one side of a leafy site. An enfilade of spaces facilitates continuous sight lines across old and new, and facilitates breezes across this passively ventilated house. This is a home designed for living.
Project: Brunswick West House
Designer: Taylor Knights
Photography: Tom Blachford, Ruth Welsby
Project description: Brunswick West House is a compact alteration and addition to a California bungalow in Melbourne’s north. Held within a series of sculptural masonry walls, the addition is defined by a layering of light-reflecting surfaces and warm, playful tones, that ultimately seeks to re-engage the interior with the verdant garden beyond.
Designer: Taylor Knights
Photography: Tom Blachford, Ruth Welsby
Project description: Brunswick West House is a compact alteration and addition to a California bungalow in Melbourne’s north. Held within a series of sculptural masonry walls, the addition is defined by a layering of light-reflecting surfaces and warm, playful tones, that ultimately seeks to re-engage the interior with the verdant garden beyond.
Project: St Vincents Place Residence
Designer: B.E Architecture
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: As a modern renaissance home, the St Vincents Place Residence is a new archetype developed through reinterpretation of classical references with a modern sensibility. The client, as a patron, put his belief in architecture, artists and artisans to create a nourishing environment by inscribing contemplative experiences into the physical form.
Designer: B.E Architecture
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: As a modern renaissance home, the St Vincents Place Residence is a new archetype developed through reinterpretation of classical references with a modern sensibility. The client, as a patron, put his belief in architecture, artists and artisans to create a nourishing environment by inscribing contemplative experiences into the physical form.
Project: Armadale Residence
Designer: Travis Walton Architecture
Photography: Elisa Watson
Project description: Retro glam vibes and an ultra-luxe attitude restore this former Spanish consulate to glory with an unapologetically bold and contemporary re-imagining. Seamlessly connected spaces and high-gloss finishes artfully blur the line between family home and luxury hotel, creating a striking modern residence that’s as practical as it is party-ready.
Designer: Travis Walton Architecture
Photography: Elisa Watson
Project description: Retro glam vibes and an ultra-luxe attitude restore this former Spanish consulate to glory with an unapologetically bold and contemporary re-imagining. Seamlessly connected spaces and high-gloss finishes artfully blur the line between family home and luxury hotel, creating a striking modern residence that’s as practical as it is party-ready.
Project: Loft House x2
Designer: Brad Swartz Architects
Photography: Katherine Lu
Project description: Loft House x2 replaces cars with people. Collaboration between two inner-city neighbours saw their rear-lane parking spaces replaced with conjoined one-bedroom houses. On a footprint of just 35 square metres each, they will serve as both traveller’s accommodation, and a secondary family home.
Designer: Brad Swartz Architects
Photography: Katherine Lu
Project description: Loft House x2 replaces cars with people. Collaboration between two inner-city neighbours saw their rear-lane parking spaces replaced with conjoined one-bedroom houses. On a footprint of just 35 square metres each, they will serve as both traveller’s accommodation, and a secondary family home.
Project: Oreo House
Designer: Taylor Pressly Architects
Photography: Tom Blachford
Project description: Oreo House is a play of form, texture and contrast. A spiral staircase, with its smooth plaster finish corkscrewing from the lowest level to the upper terrace, is the central focus. Black textural forms bookend the stair at each level, providing a contrasting composition as you circulate the home.
Designer: Taylor Pressly Architects
Photography: Tom Blachford
Project description: Oreo House is a play of form, texture and contrast. A spiral staircase, with its smooth plaster finish corkscrewing from the lowest level to the upper terrace, is the central focus. Black textural forms bookend the stair at each level, providing a contrasting composition as you circulate the home.
Project: Coogee House II
Designer: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Photography: Robert Walsh
Project description: A new house in a dense beachside Sydney suburb, this project required clever management of privacy and views. Internal courtyards, lofty spaces and muted materials were used to create a sense of openness and lightness in what would otherwise have been a tunnel-like home.
Designer: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Photography: Robert Walsh
Project description: A new house in a dense beachside Sydney suburb, this project required clever management of privacy and views. Internal courtyards, lofty spaces and muted materials were used to create a sense of openness and lightness in what would otherwise have been a tunnel-like home.
Project: Main Ridge House
Designer: Studio Griffiths
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: The rolling green countryside and lush vineyards that surround this family farmhouse inspired the approach to the interior design. The idea was to merge the forms of traditional farmhouses with clean contemporary lines while offering visual continuity with nature. The result is a modern interpretation of traditional barn architecture.
Designer: Studio Griffiths
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Project description: The rolling green countryside and lush vineyards that surround this family farmhouse inspired the approach to the interior design. The idea was to merge the forms of traditional farmhouses with clean contemporary lines while offering visual continuity with nature. The result is a modern interpretation of traditional barn architecture.
Project: North Melbourne Terrace
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: North Melbourne Terrace explores the sensitive knitting-and-stitching, deconstruction-and-reconstruction, of an A1-Listed heritage marvel within inner-city Melbourne. Highly customised and tailored, the design provides a backdrop to this family’s life – one that delights in the experience of materiality and the story of old and new.
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: North Melbourne Terrace explores the sensitive knitting-and-stitching, deconstruction-and-reconstruction, of an A1-Listed heritage marvel within inner-city Melbourne. Highly customised and tailored, the design provides a backdrop to this family’s life – one that delights in the experience of materiality and the story of old and new.
Project: York Street
Designer: Jackson Clements Burrows
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: An existing heritage building is transformed through the introduction of a modern two-storey addition that playfully re-interprets the distinctive geometry of the original dwelling through a contemporary lens. Capturing abundant natural light and garden aspects, the new addition employs a refined and subtle palette of brick, steel and timber.
Designer: Jackson Clements Burrows
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Project description: An existing heritage building is transformed through the introduction of a modern two-storey addition that playfully re-interprets the distinctive geometry of the original dwelling through a contemporary lens. Capturing abundant natural light and garden aspects, the new addition employs a refined and subtle palette of brick, steel and timber.
Project: Millswood House
Designer: studio-gram with Kate Russo
Photography: David Sievers
Project description: The existing Percy Street residence is a turn-of-the century double-fronted cottage. The aim of the design was to maintain the current character by using the roof form as the basis for the extension.
The Australian Interior Design Award winners will be announced on May 25.
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Designer: studio-gram with Kate Russo
Photography: David Sievers
Project description: The existing Percy Street residence is a turn-of-the century double-fronted cottage. The aim of the design was to maintain the current character by using the roof form as the basis for the extension.
The Australian Interior Design Award winners will be announced on May 25.
Tell us
If you enjoyed this story, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
Project: Bondi Residence
Designer: Tom Mark Henry
Photography: Damian Bennett
Project description: Inspired by its coastal location, Bondi Residence pays homage to beautiful and precise craftsmanship. With a focus on customised, high-quality furniture, lighting, striking art and accessories, the design balances depth and curated decorative detail.