The winner of the 2017 Australian Interior Design Awards this year was a remarkable project in Sydney’s Chippendale, by Smart Design Studio. Entitled ‘Indigo Slam’, this private residence designed for an art collector received both the Residential Design Award, and the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design. Appearing almost like a sort of contemporary cathedral (!), this seriously impressive home balances grand halls bathed in natural light, with more intimate spaces, finished in an inspired muted, chalky colour palette.
Closer to home, we love the Fitzroy Residence by Doherty Design Studio in collaboration with Inarc Architects, which received a commendation from the jury, and was shortlisted for the Residential Design category award. Using a robust colour palette featuring deep teal green and dark stained timber cabinetry alongside textural soft furnishings, this newly built three-level terrace home is full of unexpected flourishes.
Moving House by Architects EAT is another impressive new residence in Kew, Victoria, characterised by a rugged, honest materials palette incorporating concrete walls and besser blockwork.
A sleeker offering is the perfectly polished Freshwater Apartment by John Wardle Architects in Melbourne. This fancy retrofit of an existing family apartment incorporates blonde timber wall linings, folded brass kitchen shelves, custom-made furniture and lighting, and a rich, warm colour palette.
Melbourne firm SJB took out the award for residential decoration, with their exquisite interior styling of a grand private residence in Sydney. The judges were impressed by the timelessness of this project, and we love the bespoke cabinetry, sumptuous textiles and elegant edit of furniture, artwork and richly patterned floor rugs – perfection!
Finally, a Residential Decoration commendation also went to Templeton Architecture for their Little Parndon residence – here, a Victorian home has been given a restrained, elegant update with a particularly thoughtful edit of furniture, window furnishings and lighting selections.
For the full lineup of finalists in this year’s awards across every category, head to the Australian Interior Design Awards photo galleries – SO many pin-worthy pics!
