The strong use of colour highlighted by exceptional and well-considered lighting schemes are among the bar trends noted by jurors in this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards.
Now in its 22nd year, the awards have shortlisted 195 designs across residential, commercial and public spaces which include five Australian bars in the Hospitality Design category.
The list features North Sydney’s Sol Bread & Wine, Mr Mills in Melbourne’s CBD, Bar Tilda in Sydney, Redfern’s Bar Julius, and Burly Bar at Currumbin on the south end of the Gold Coast.
The Australian Interior Design Awards jury, headed by Maher Design Director Geraldine Maher supported by eight other design experts from across Australia, noted bars have also moved away from being theme-based.
“The strongest designs focus on creating more of a spatial experience rather than integrating cultural references,” it said.
“The bold use of colour is remarkable in this year’s Hospitality Design category, particularly in the way lighting embellishes the colours selected.
“Monochromatic responses where changes in texture are the primary delineation between space or settings is also characteristic.”
One of the finalists, House Made Hospitality’s Bar Tilda, is a testament to those changes in texture with its dramatic stone finishes, dark and earthy plaster walls and fabrics.
It was designed by Fender Katsalidis to combine old-world charm with contemporary design, something the jurors noted as a trend with many venues, detailing a brilliant mix of materials and a commitment to human experience.
“These highly memorable and experiential interiors are really reflective of the programme and offerings with great volume control that both creates intimate spaces and hero grand scales,” they said.
“They are approachable and have broad market appeal, celebrating service points and zones that stylistically and experientially are independent, but come together so the end user can come back multiple times to enjoy multiple experiences.”
The jury also remarked on a new wave of colour and brand experiences, something Liquid & Larder’s Euro-style Bar Julius captures with contrasts of wood and marble in its newly-opened offering in The Eve Hotel in Redfern.
“Some themes are apparent and there is a strong use of colour enhanced by layered, nuanced colour studies and highlighted by exceptional and well considered lighting schemes,” the jury noted.
The strong use of colour was also celebrated when both Bar Julius and Burly Bar were named finalists in the Dulux Colour Awards, alongside Burly Bar, where they were recognised for the sophistication and ambition demonstrated in their chosen colour palettes.
The full list of Australian Interior Design Awards and commended projects will be presented at a Gala Presentation Dinner at Sofitel Melbourne in June.
Take a look at some of the finalists below:
