DENFAIR MELBOURNE

Over three days ( June 14-16), 160 exhibitors showcased their latest collections in furniture, lighting and textiles at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Over three days ( June 14-16), 160 exhibitors showcased their latest collections in furniture, lighting and textiles at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A record number of 8,000 professionals and design lovers attended the 2018 edition of Denfair Melbourne.

By creating a platform for tastemakers, risk-takers and rule breakers who design products to create moments and tell stories, Australia’s leading destination for contemporary design has connected local and global brands. Its manifesto is straightforward: “Design exists in every part of our lives. It can inspire greatness, change thinking and improve our lives.” Home & Decor  visited the fair to scout out the top five trends likely to land on our shores

TREND 1

Cool lighting

Exquisite lighting can change the atmosphere of a space. These three pieces spotted at Denfair Melbourne are perfect for creating visual tension in a subtle way. Hung from the ceiling, mounted on a wall or placed on the floor, these lamps can affect the mood of a room from various perspectives.

1.  In collaboration with Australian designer Charles Wilson, King Living showcased the Solifiore range. It comprises three lights – Gymea, Protea and Arum – which are made of handblown coloured glass heads, bronze stems and conical concrete bases. www.kingliving.com.au
 
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2. Based on a parabolic aesthetic and formed by materiality and the process of casting, the Anton sconce by Volker Haug Studio is available in aluminium, gunmetal and ceramic. www.volkerhaug.com
 
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3. Exploring modern lighting techniques and materials processes, each ceramic Tile by Lumil measures 250mm long and slides over an LED strip housed within an aluminium extrusion. https://lumil.co 

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TREND 2

Sustainability

What’s growing globally is a movement that focuses on living in harmony with natural surroundings, and conserving resources. Combining sustainability and style, through the use of eco-friendly materials and design techniques, is a new way to improve our lives at home. These products reflect that idea.

1. Organic and porous on one side, and flat and smooth on the other, the Me Lava Mirror from the brand Buzao – distributed by Remodern – celebrates the natural, irregular life of the stone. The piece is made from lava stone and has a polished steel mirror. http://remodern.com.au

 
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2. Based on the idea of utilising a single sheet of material (slabs of terrazzo) without any waste, the Archie table designed by Nancy Ji features a circular tabletop and arched legs. http://minamina.com.au
 
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3. Designed by Nicholas Karlovasitis and Sarah Gibson for Designbythem, the Confetti armchairs – with an optional swivel base – capture the vibrant multi-coloured nature of 100 per cent recycled plastic. www.designbythem.com
 
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TREND 3

Stylish study

Our workspace is changing. Some may say we need flexibility and interaction to be more efficient and creative at work. Choosing the right pieces of furniture (chair, desk) and accessories is key to achieving this objective, while providing comfort.

1. Based on the principle of honest design, the ETO desk designed by Tom Fereday for King Living – which has an aluminium frame and a natural timber top – is the first desk in the world to offer an interchangeable port for lighting, power, and wireless charging. www.kingliving.com.au
 
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2. Inspired by drawstring duffel bags, the Duffel stool and Duffel ottoman by Tim Webber Design feature a strip of differentiating colour at the base, creating options for customisation with different fabric hues. https://timwebber design.com
 
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3. Designed by Taku Kumazawa for Axona Aichi and presented by Ke-zu at Denfair, the sleek X50 chair has a flexible seat and back that moulds to the user and allows for extremely compact stacking. It is produced with recycled and recyclable materials. www.axonaaichi.com 

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TREND 4

Indoor-outdoor hybrids

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, these products can withstand weather conditions thanks to durable materials. They are ideal for refreshing any space, as they reflect a sense of serenity through an aesthetic that blends simplicity, function and beauty.

1. Platform is a collection of four stands (they can be plant stands or side tables) designed by Rickie-Lee Robbie and Kieran Meegan, the duo behind Idle Hands. http://idlehands.design
 
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2. The Low stool from Fomu, founded by designers Andrew Beveridge and Gabrielle Beswick, has clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. https://fomudesign.com
 
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3. In earthy colours that reference the Australian landscape, the Seam Bar Stool by Adam Cornish for Tait is formed and folded from a single piece of aluminium sheet. https://madebytait.com.au
 
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TREND 5

Woven furniture

Mixing traditional weaving techniques, natural materials and contemporary aesthetic is one of the secrets to achieving an elegant yet warm look. By bringing textures to every room, these three design essentials will make your home cosy.

1. Shaped by James Howe, the Rushcutters bench features a Danish cord seat and a powder-coated steel frame inspired by the bent pipeceiling trusses in the old Finger Wharf building in Sydney. www.jameshowe.com.au
 
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2. Handmade in Bali and distributed by Spence & Lyda, the floating, organically shaped knitted steel pendant lights Kute by Atmosphere d’Ailleurs – with an exclusive design by Mark Eden Schooley – are available in nine shapes and three finishes (stainless steel, powder-coated steel, brass). www.spenceandlyda.com.au
 
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3. Utilising similar componentry as what is used in sailing boats and watercraft, Voyage Partitions by Nicholas Fuller can be adjusted for different space-dividing confi gurations. www.nicholasfuller.com.au
 

STOPOVER SIGHTS

AUSTRALIA’S SECOND LARGEST CITY HAS A EUROPEAN FEEL THAT MAKES IT SO CHARMING. WITH ROOFTOP BARS, CONCEPT STORES, ART GALLERIES, HISTORIC BUILDINGS, AND A LONG LIST OF COFFEE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS, MELBOURNE HAS EVERYTHING TO GET YOU INSPIRED.
 
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1. Adelphi Hotel

Initially built in 1938, the Adelphi building operated as a warehouse before being transformed into a boutique hotel in the late ’80s by architecture practice Denton Corker Marshall. The change of ownership in 2013 created the opportunity to redesign the interior spaces and the rooftop heated pool and deck. Remodelled by Melbourne based design practice Hachem, the 34 rooms, lobby, restaurant Om Nom and private dining/ boardroom space are bold and provocative, with touches of sensuality. www.adelphi.com.au 
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My Reading Room

2. Ishizuka

Featuring an intimate and very elegant atmosphere, this 16-seat Japanese restaurant invites diners to discover kaiseki, a celebrated culinary art form that dates back 600 years and derives from the ceremonial cooking practices of Zen monasteries. With a menu of up to 11 beautifully presented courses prepared with fresh ingredients, Ishizuka is an ode to taste, texture and colour. https://ishizuka.com.au 
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3. National Gallery of Victoria

Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited museum in Australia. It occupies two buildings (NGV international and NGV Australia) and has a collection of over 70,000 artworks that span thousands of years and a wide range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, fashion, design and architecture. www.ngv.vic.gov.au 

text KARINE MONIE photos RESPECTIVE BRANDS, DENFAIR MELBOURNE