Long known for its design prowess, the Surry Hills precinct is a year-round design hub, boasting the crème de la crème of Australian creativity. Sophia Watson went exploring.
August 22nd, 2013

Planet
True to form, the Surry Hills showrooms engaged the event with outstanding inter-activity and timed special events. Furniture and homeware haven, Planet, celebrated individuality, texture and beautiful materials by hosting noted potter Kris Coad, demonstrating hand-throwing porcelain techniques as a catalyst to discuss the process of design.

Porcelanosa and MoVida

Special Lights
Kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe suppliers Porcelanosa Grupo embraced the theme of ‘Surry Hills Laneways’ with the relaunch of the ‘Come Dine With Us’ campaign – teaming up with MoVida restaurant, and hosting live cooking demonstrations with famed MoVida chef Frank Camorra.

Zuster

Signature Floorconcepts
The Surry Hills district has long been the centre for design as a community. In that regard, several showrooms joined forces to provide the ultimate SiD experience. Living Edge Commercial for instance, paired with HASSELL in a bid to flesh-out the innovations of ABW (Activity Based Working), showcasing the latest from Herman Miller, Walter Knoll, and Howe.

Living Edge Commercial

Living Edge Residential
Across at their residential showroom brands such as bd Barcelona and the new Robert Gordon x Living Edge tableware collections.

Calibre Concepts

Workshopped
Following the communal dynamic for which Surry Hills is famed, furniture lighting and accessories brand Spence & Lyda leveraged the value of internationally acclaimed designers such as Swedish sisters Marie and Annica Eklund of BOLON, and Singaporean designer Nathan Yong in addition to showcasing all the Missoni favourites that Spence and Lyda have proudly represented in Australia for many-many years.

Cafe Culture
Though steeped in history, the precinct wasn’t entirely left to the veterans. Zuster used the event to celebrate the launch of its new showroom, boasting the recent Wilhelmina McCarroll designed product line: Traverse.

Spence and Lyda
The area in general generated a great deal of hype and excitement, spurred on by the presence of brands such as Workshopped, who set the atmosphere with live DJ’s and DAL + Brands, Signature FloorConcepts, Bold Collective and Whitehouse Institute of Design, bolstering the events intensity with a highly colourful and interactive craft station and photobooth.

WHO: Arthur G with Designer Rugs
WHAT: Visitors enjoyed an Aussie BBQ, featuring Ask The Butcher meats, and bespoke lamington flavoured gelato from Messina. The space also gave visitors the opportunity to engage with designers, take a sneak peek at new product, and win a custom Designer Rugs rug, and Arthur G chair.

WHO: SeehoSu
WHAT: A stunningly curated launch of the new SeehoSu showroom, allowing visitors to explore the Sakura Garden and Maruni Bonsai Field. The pair also held an instagram competition for the chance to win a SANAA ‘Rabbit Ear’ chair.

WHO: Café Culture
WHAT: Discovering the process of imagination in Café Culture’s woodland showroom, visitors wandered through the wonderland, experiencing the latest products from: Miniforms, Bellawood, Lee Broom, and Chris Hardy. The showroom also boasted a trip down nostalgia lane with a bright yellow Volkswagon bus serving Jafe Jaffels and assorted treats.

WHO: Reece Bathroom Life
WHAT: Transformed into a Swiss Alps paradise, the Reece showroom showcased the precision of Swiss design with cuisine, launching the latest from high-end designers Laufen, Geberit and Nikles. The winner of the Bathroom Innovation Award was also announced at Sydney Indesign on the Saturday afternoon to a full, two-storey showroom.
Sydney Indesign
(Hero Image: Precision Flooring)
Images © John Doherty, Fiona Susanto, Rollo Hardy
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