Aussie Interior Design Awards 2025: Celebrating Australia's Best and Brightest
Australia's top-tier interior design projects recently unveiled
Hey there, design junkie! This year's Australian Interior Design Awards have just been announced, and boy, have they showcased some exceptional talent! Held in Melbourne on June 6th, these awards honored the most brilliant, creative, and boundary-pushing designers across the country. Here's a lowdown on our favorite winning projects.
The Australian Interior Design Awards 2025
Residential Design Award
Studio Prineas for Montage Apartment, New South Wales
This harbourside apartment, previously lacking in charm, underwent a transformative makeover by Studio Prineas. Inspired by a "think more, build less" philosophy, they re-scaled doorways, joinery, and rooms to enhance the quality of light. The home's original Calacatta marble—with its golden veining—provided the inspiration for a new, punchy yellow palette. Thoughtful, small yet striking details like the curvature of door frames, kitchen island, and orange grout elevate the space. Cooling grey micro-cement provides a refreshing contrast, while existing hardware, given a fresh coat of cobalt blue, adds a surprisingly joyful touch[1][3].
Residential Decoration Award
Sally Caroline for Panorama House, Victoria
The mid-2000s angular beachside home got a fabulous makeover thanks to designer Sally Caroline. She softened the architecture by layering playful pieces and an unexpected material palette. Juxtaposing striking stainless steel with foamy ocean shades, she reflected the home's bayside location. The media room boasts a sea-green lacquered ping-pong table, apple-green cabinetry, and a powdery grey ‘Boa’ sofa[2][3]. Caroline's design philosophy revolves around creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with a touch of whimsy[2][3].
Hospitality Design Award
J.A.R Office for Central, Queensland
Descending into the depths of Brisbane, Central restaurant transports you to the heart of 1980s Hong Kong. Courtesy of J.A.R Office, the subterranean venue caters to the artistry of Cantonese cooking amidst hand-carved granite plinths that form tiered seating. Inspired by Cantonese opera stages, tables offer glimpses into the open kitchen, making diners part of the spectacle[1][3].
Retail Design
Platform by Design Office for Vic's Meat, New South Wales
Butchers, saber-toothed tigers of culinary trades, got an overhaul in this modern take on the classic butcher shop. Crafted by Platform by Design Office, the space boasts a bold red terrazzo, stainless steel, and timber palette that elevates the traditional shop[2][3]. Butcher blocks are on display, and the flexible shopfront encourages customer interaction. The design is scalable, making it adaptable for new locations[2][3].
Installation Design Award
Gloss Creative, Azuma Makoto and National Gallery of Victoria for the Botanical Lab for Kids, Victoria
Squeezed into one of Australia's busiest retail centers, this low-slung timber pavilion appears larger than it really is due to its thin pine supports and translucent walls[1]. Communal lab benches surround central plant-filled vitrines, enabling children to explore, create, and document their discoveries[2][3]. The imaginative pavilion embodies the "education as play" philosophy[1][2][3].
Workplace Design Award
Cox Architecture for Cox Architecture Adelaide Studio, South Australia
Located in Adelaide, the architecture studio encourages collaboration, quiet moments of reflection, and fostering individual well-being and creativity. The design takes advantage of natural light and breezes, while timber and locally-sourced bricks add sustainable benefits and a connection to the environment[1][3]. The artwork, a result of collaborations between First Nations Elders and local artisans, strengthens community ties and craftsmanship[1].
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[1]: Specific Guidelines: Selective Use of Enrichment Data[2]: Specific Guidelines: Paragraph Adjustments[3]: Specific Guidelines: Revise and Vary Sentences
In the Residential Design category, Studio Prineas's stylish revamp of the Montage Apartment in New South Wales was recognized, employing a "think more, build less" philosophy to create a captivating home with a punchy yellow palette and thoughtful, subtle details[1][3]. Prioritizing a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with a touch of whimsy, Sally Caroline's transformation of the Panorama House in Victoria won the Residential Decoration Award, blending playful pieces and an eclectic material palette to reflect the home's bayside location[2][3].
