25 August 2011

SiD 2011: Surry Hills Central

Nicky Lobo was on the beat in Surry Hills Central during Saturday in Design. Here are her top picks from the day.

Surry Hills Central showcased a number of different brands and product categories – respected residential furniture, commercial furniture, lighting, bathware and finishes, with the Launch Pad exhibition thrown in.

Living Edge's traditional Commonwealth Street location (as opposed to their brand new Marlborough Street showroom) was a cracker as always and packed to the brim by the end of the day. Branded as their 'Residential Studio', 3 floors are now dedicated to their softer furniture and lighting ranges such as Herman Miller, Walter Knoll, Howe, Established & Sons, Michael Young, Marc Newson and Andreu World. There were plenty of new products on show, plus a talk by UK designer now based in Hong Kong, Michael Young.

The Launch Pad exhibition included 15 works by emerging Australian designers, many of which didn't look out of place in Living Edge's showroom. From larger pieces such as tables and chairs to lighting, tableware and even a lunch bag, the elegant exhibition by Liven Jansen of Matthew Stubbs showcased these pieces to their best.

Spence & Lyda brought two international guests out for the event. Luis de Oliveira of De La Espada and Chris Martin of Massproductions hosted an informal chat on the day and mingled with guests among their products, including the new Tio Collection that inspired The Project by Jordana Maisie.

The very British High Tea at Hub Furniture Lighting Living was a hit with traditional scones with jam and cream, sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and of course, tea. Guests checked out the new products, including a beautiful new dining, which they had the chance to talk about with master craftsman Andrew Lowe of Lowe Furniture.

Schiavello's huge space was put to good use with The Project installation by HASSELL. A mini village was created with spaces like the Speakeasy, the Greenhouse and the Farmhouse inspiring visitors to lounge and experience and interact.

Streamline Products launched the Faraway and Morphing ranges designed by Roberto+Ludovica Palomba for Zuchetti/Kos to the Australian market. Shown at bathroom/tile fair Cersaie in September last year, it was the first opportunity for many to see the pieces in the flesh. It was also the first time Streamline Products exhibited from their Foster Street showroom, kitted out in smooth style.

Kvadrat Maharam featured the Deconstructed Rose print, a traditional floral needlepoint made modern by graphic pixilation. Guests were also encouraged to experience the new offerings via large pieces of digital wall art.

A newcomer to the scene, Art Hide decked out their temporary space with a surprising range of leather goods that can be used as simple product, but also architectural finishes. As well as the quality Argentinian natural hide rugs, they have also developed bright hues, precise stitch detailing and an interesting laser technique which allows intricate patterns to be impressed on the hide.