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A Monolithic Yet Sensual New Furniture Collection From Sarah Ellison

Furniture

Since making the jump from magazine stylist to furniture designer in 2017, we’ve been keeping a close eye on Sarah Ellison.

Today, Sarah launches her third furniture collection, ‘SOL‘. With its warm, ‘70s inspired palette and ‘chubby’ yet refined silhouettes, it’s the furniture equivalent of a giant hug.

3rd February, 2020

The HUGGY Chair in Faux Shearling. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

MUSE Modular 3-Seater + Ottoman. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

TIDE Coffee Table (Oak), MUSE Modular 2-Seater, and HUGGY Chair in Caramel Velvet, SOL Wooden Ball. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

Ceramics and lighting in the SOL collection. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

EARTH Dining Table, and EARTH Dining Chairs. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

EARTH Dining Table (Round), and EARTH Dining Chair. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

HUGGY Chair in Faux Shearling. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

The collection was shot in the Glebe House by Chenchow Little Architects. Photo – Dave Wheeler.

Amelia Barnes
Monday 3rd February 2020

‘I was really interested in mixing materials to convey a sensual experience : limestone and glass; velvet and sheepskin.’ – Sarah Ellison

‘Monolithic’ and ‘sensual’ aren’t adjectives frequently used in conjunction, but in the context of Sarah Ellison’s latest furniture collection, they make total sense.

SOL‘ is Sarah’s third furniture collection since the launch of her design studio in 2017. Prior to this career shift, Sarah was the style editor at Real Living magazine for 10 years, and she has a background in fashion design.

As the name suggests, this collection is inspired by the Roman god of the sun and ideas of warmth and permanence. The sculptural shapes and nostalgic colours express these qualities, whilst also offering a firm nod to the 1970s, a trend which is showing no signs of slowing down in Australian interiors.

This collection marks the first time timber has featured heavily in Sarah’s work, with warm oak used on chairs and tables. One standout piece is the Tide coffee table, available in both limestone and timber variants. ‘I played with scale to create some juxtaposition between the weightiness of the legs and the razor-thin tabletop,’ Sarah explains of this distinctive design.

The substantial proportions and rounded edges of pieces such as the Muse modular lounge draw on Sarah’s affection for 1970s interiors schemes, as well as the work of Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. ‘I love the way he played with scale and proportion to create drama’ Sarah says.

There’s also ceramic lighting and vase items in the collection, that adopt a playful yet sophisticated look, reminiscent of Jean Royère’s aesthetic.

SOL is available now!

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The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net