Saturday morning and the sun came out to shine upon Saturday in Design, the design festival that graces Sydney every second year. There was an excitement in the air and showrooms all over the city were launching new design collections from furniture to lighting, with creative workshops and talks by leading designers. I was lucky enough to be given the all-new Accent sedan by Hyundai to test drive. It took the stress out of parking and I was even able to fit a suprisingly large purchase into it and I love cars with a generous amount of room for shopping!
Great Dane Furniture
The showroom was bustling with visitors, inspiring displays, and a workshop by the wonderful Suzie Stanford who was making necklaces out of cork and leather. But what caught my eye most was the Float light pendants hanging en masse in a cluster from the ceiling. As I stood underneath them I was mesmorised by their warm golden light. Made from cork they’re light-weight and as soft as silk to touch. I had the pleasure of meeting the man behind the design, industrial designer Benjamin Hubert: So Benjamin, what are the top three trends for 2011? I think trends are superficial so I can’t really answer that. We always look at pushing things forward by allowing the process to be the typology of the product.
What do you love most about Sydney? I’d have to say that having the ocean and beautiful coastal walks within such close proximity to the city is quite breathtaking.
If there’s one piece of design that you’d like to be remembered by what would it be? The Maritime chair for Casamania. I’m very interested in construction and this particular chair was led from the ship building industry. It uses minimal plywood supported by an external structure.
HUB
I arrived at Hub in time for tea to admire amongst many things the launch of British label SCP’s new sofas modelling eccentric turned legs, I think it was love at first sight! The showroom is committed to offering well-designed pieces in beautiful materials and high quality features, it never fails to make my heart skip a beat when I enter the showroom.
I managed to grab a few minutes with furniture designer Andrew Lowe of Lowe Furniture for a cuppa, to discuss the beauty of his timber furniture. Andrew is married to the lovely Jacqueline Foti-Lowe, Director of Hub Furniture and he’s one of the most genuine down-to-earth designers I’ve ever met. They have two and a half year old twins and still manage to go great guns with both their businesses.
What inspires your designs? I have many different inspirations. For example the Coltrane table was named after John Coltrane as I was listening to his music whilst working on this design. I used to cycle to and from work and I noticed a bridge with a cantilever scenario that inspired the legs of my table.
If there’s one piece of design that you’d like to be remembered by what would it be? The new Stirling table in walnut with cross banding, and the Atticus table, designers from Europe have just loved it.
Are you passionate about your work? I really enjoy what I do, I can’t imagine doing anything else now, I studied furniture design and I’ve been doing this for over 10 years. I finished working on our new sunlounger at 5.10pm Wednesday night and drove it up from Melbourne to Sydney.
Livingedge
Livingedge was nearly bursting at the seams with an excitable crowd fuelled by the delights from Longrain’s amazing cocktails and nibbles combined with the launch of fresh new furniture and lighting designs. I grabbed a passion fruit and lychee concoction and headed along to the Launch Pad exhibition of upcoming designers held on the 3rd floor. Among the highlights were Coco Reynold’s Thread Light, Tip stool by Adam Weaver, the Branch chair by Julian Faelli/Vaughn Howard, and Robert Rulli’s Embrace: Innovative Flatware. On my way downstairs I couldn't help but covet the Butte boxes by Scholten & Baijings for Established & Sons. I love their contrast of bright colour and natural timber.
(above) The Thread Light by Coco Reynolds
(above) The Tip stool by Adam Weaver
(above) The Branch Chair by Julian Faelli/Vaughn Howard.
(above) Butte boxes by Scholten & Baijings for Established & Sons.
Thonet Thonet had created an industrial-looking exhibition space where their classic designs were suspended from the ceiling and stacked in boxes. I sat on many a seat, testing their comfort, admiring their colours and materials. I couldn’t help but finally purchase a beautiful Corbusier chair custom finished in white with natural timber socks.
All in all I had a truly inspiring time at Saturday in Design and am already counting down the days until the next one in Melbourne 2012! - Stephanie xPlease note: Hyundai Australia provided the use of a new Hyundai Accent for the day. An agency representative was also on hand to capture images and facilitate & fund the creation of the experience.
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