Legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland once said that ‘the eye must travel.’ While our international travel wings may be clipped for a while, inspiration knows no borders. If you’re planning a domestic trip, Australia boasts some truly noteworthy design destinations. Settle back into your (no doubt stylish) armchair and enjoy…
Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills
Reception, Paramount House Hotel. Image: Paramount House Hotel
Love Palm Springs? Be inspired by the Paramount House Hotel in Sydney’s trendy Surry Hills, set in a 1930s brick warehouse that emits a cool, insouciant vibe and a slow but constant waft of local hipsters.
The self-described ‘neighbourhood hotel’ is based in the old Paramount Picture Studios building. Other tenants include the Golden Age Cinema, Paramount Coffee Project, The Office Space and Paramount Recreation Club.
Designed by Breathe Architecture, the rooms of the hotel are a paean to the building’s heritage, while still serving up décor as fresh as it comes. Each of Paramount House Hotel’s 29 rooms is unique, incorporating existing imperfections and remnants from the past to create spaces full of character and élan.
Some rooms have columns, some patinated brickwork and parapet and gable ends, while others feature the remnants of old stairwells. The lush metalwork, flowing greenery and timber touches make the rooms feel like urban oases. Pakistani kilim rugs and bespoke couches by Jardan are juxtaposed against the requisite industrial feel of cement ceilings and exposed pipes, while exposed copper pipes and terrazzo tiles in the bathroom are as cool as a SoCal breeze, as is the rooftop terrace dotted with cacti and succulents.
Head up to Paramount Recreation Club on the roof for a yoga class before brunch followed by one of the best coffee blends in the city.
Qualia, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
Qualia may be the ultimate beach retreat.
A pavilion at Qualia, Hamilton Island. Image: Australian Traveller
Set on the Northern tip of the exclusive Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Conde Nast Traveller has called Qualia ‘one of the world’s most romantic resorts’ and it consistently wins awards for excellence.
Island-inspired architectural sculptures in timbers, sandstone and glass complement the landscape of Australian Eucalyptus trees and highlight the spectacular Coral Sea. The elegant resort has 60 individually designed pavilions with private sun decks and infinity plunge pools, overlooking the sea.
Designed by Whitsunday architect Chris Beckingham to appeal to every sense and nourish the soul, the design of Qualia effortlessly creates a symbiosis between nature and man.
The Voco Kirkton Park, Hunter Valley
The Voco Kirkton Park, Hunter Valley. Image: Voco Kirkton Park
Australia boasts some truly incredible wine regions such as the Yarra, Barossa and Hunter Valleys. The latter is home to The Voco Kirkton Park, a luxurious Grande Dame of a hotel which does justice to the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Recently updated by renowned Sydney interior designer Greg Natale, the maestro has brought his signature style to the interiors. A master in patterns and colours, Natale has added a sense of luxury and occasion to every corner of the establishment, from the moment you walk into the entrance hall. The light-filled atrium has a custom-built circular bench, with smaller seating areas for intimacy.
Natale’s touch is also unmistakable in the colour palette, with Atlantic Pearl the star. The sophisticated blue hue weaves throughout the entire hotel and is offset by monochrome and gilt. The patterned carpets in the split-level bar add decadence to the sunken lounge and radiating fireplace. Sultry dark timber floors and chic whites give the entire property an ambiance of polished comfort.
Looking for more inspiration? The 18th edition of the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) will take place from 15 – 18 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Co-located with Decor + Design, it will feature exhibitors from across spectrum, showing indoor and outdoor furniture, artworks, lighting, textiles, soft furnishings and more.
Entry is free but restricted to trade visitors. Subscribe now to be notified when visitor registration opens. Go here for information on exhibiting.