At a time when the hospitality industry is really hurting, due to lockdown measures and the general economic downturn, this year’s Eat Drink Design Awards finalist announcements do feel bittersweet. That said, perhaps there’s no better time to celebrate the best designed hospitality venues across Australia and New Zealand, in recognition of the joy they provide.
“Perhaps it is no coincidence that in a time of such upheaval, we have seen designers create spaces that provide familiarity in their appearance and comfort in their feel. Many designers appeared to be in search of an air of nostalgia for the interiors they created, with numerous venues showcasing a modern take on traditional spaces. This year’s designers have one foot in the past whilst firmly looking towards the future,” says Cassie Hansen, Eat Drink Design Awards jury chair and editor of Artichoke.
And while the awards recognise excellence in design across many spheres (hotel, bar, cafe and retail design to name a few), this year we’ve decided to showcase the finalists in the restaurant category; an impressive bunch indeed.
Mya Tiger by Techne Architecture and Interior Design, St Kilda VIC. Photo: Shannon McGrath
Madre by RADS with Voice Design (identity). Photo: David Sievers
New York Grill by CTRL Space. Auckland, NZ. Photo: Sarah Grace
Shutters by AZB Creative and Schiavello Construction. Coogee, NSW. Photo: Tyrone Branigan
Niubi by T A Square. Melbourne, VIC. Photo: Tom Roe
Alala’s by Pony Design Co. Neutral Bay, NSW. Photo: Phutang
Glorietta by Alexander and Co. North Sydney, NSW. Photo: Anson Smart
Bathers Pavilion by Luchetti Krelle. Mosman, NSW. Photo: Michael Wee
Fino Vino restaurant shot for Studio Gram Architects. Adelaide, S.A. Photo: Kate Bowman
Poodle Bar and Bistro by Bergman and Co. Fitzroy, VIC. Photo: Derek Swalwell
Firebird by Ewert Leaf. Windsor, VIC. Photo: Jana Longhorst
The Albert Park Hotel by Six Degrees Architects. Albert Park, VIC
Chocolate Buddha by Maddison Architects. Melbourne, VIC. Photo: Will Watt
Frederic by SJB Interiors. Cremorne, VIC. Photo: Sharyn Cairns
Ichiro Izakaya Bar by Studio Grayscale. Burwood East, VIC. Photo: Michelle Jarni
Lagoon Dining by Olaver Architecture. Carlton, VIC. Photo: Ben Hosking
Lilian by CTRL Space. Auckland, NZ. Photo: Sarah Grace
Martha’s Table by Melissa Collison. Mornington Peninsula, VIC. Photo: James Geer
Omnia Bistro by Architects EAT. South Yarra, VIC. Photo: Shannon McGrath
Osteria Tedesca by Cox Architecture. Red Hill, VIC. Photo: Tommy Miller
Paper Crane by CTRL Space. Cairns City, QLD. Photo: Cathy Schulser
Poly by Anthony Gill Architects. Surry Hills, NSW. Photo: Clinton Weaver
Rengaya by Giant Design Consultants. North Sydney, NSW. Photo: Andrew Worssam
The Beach House by Studio Gram. Jindalee, Western Australia. Photo: Dion Robeson
SK Steak and Oyster by Richards and Spence. Fortitude Valley, QLD. Photo: David Chatfield
Superhiro by T A Square. Melbourne, VIC. Photo: Tom Roe
Nagambie Brewery and Distillery by Six Degrees Architects. Nagambie, VIC. Photo: Greg Elms
The Eat Drink Design Awards is Australia’s only hospitality design awards program and the overall winners will be announced Wednesday 18 November.
2019 hospitality design awards: Rural areas feature
Recognising the best in design across restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and more, the Eat Drink Design Awards are Australia’s only hospitality design honours, and 2019’s coveted trophies have just been…
Whether you are renovating a home because it’s new, or you want to increase your comfort and enjoyment, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most relevant interior trends and styles. According to a recent study, 1 in 6 Australians have home renovations on their wish list but are unable to currently afford home improvements.
Ex Blockheads, HPM ambassadors and home renovation experts, Josh and Jenna Densten, share their top four interior design tips for 2020, designed to make renovating your home simple and cost efficient.
Josh and Jenna Densten in their new North Melbourne home
“We love the finished result of our home. The intricate details, small finishings and simple gadgets we have carefully selected help make our home practical yet adaptable. To make our house feel like a home, we source each item carefully to ensure it marries with our overall aesthetic for a calming yet homely feeling, that is perfect for our growing family,” says Jenna Densten.
Consider colour Studies show that colours can affect our mood. Therefore, when renovating it’s important to select colour schemes that evoke complementary emotions to the space you are trying to create. In 2020, we can expect to see more houses utilising warm and earthy tones, like clay, to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
If you’re worried about making permanent changes with colour, start small by adding pops of colour using kitchen appliances, light switches and cover plates, and art work.
Colour is the hero in Josh and Jenna’s gorgeous children’s room
Mix metals and materials
For novice renovators or home builders, mixing metals can seem like a big ‘no go’. However, by following some simple rules it can transform a boring all white space into an interior gold mine. Balance warm and cool metals by using one as the dominant feature and the other as an accent. This typically works well in bathrooms, kitchens and for ceiling spaces.
Brass & copper: Seen on the right, the HPM Excel VIVO Coverplates range is available in a range of easy to change colours to suit your personal taste.
Shape and size This year curved and cylindrical shapes will evolve as these free form shapes become increasingly popular. Simultaneously, modern finishes and clean lines add luxury appeal. Pendant lights, often referred to as the ‘jewellery of lights,’ are a simple home feature that can tap into these design aspects to either highlight the size of a room, or create an intimate, ambient mood.
This gorgeous pendant light works a treat in Josh and Jenna’s lounge room
Less is more As open floor plans continue to be the trend for new homes, it’s important to make your space functional and practical. To save space in your home office or kitchen pantry and to keep them tidy, simple gadgets like the HPM wireless charging pad can charge your phone, laptop and wireless earbuds without the hassle of cords.
