IDEA AWARDS 2016

Posted on Nov 21, 2016 by Mariam Ali

The Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) was held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Dockside Pavillion in Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The night was filled with anticipation and excitement as IDEA has become one of the most prestigious awards program for interior designers and architects.

It was a time to celebrate interior designers who have dominated the Australian industry but to also showcase the emerging designers, who have shown great promise and accomplishments.

Throughout the night, presenters mentioned one key factor: A space needs to have a feeling of familiarity in order to attract people. A hotel needs to make you feel like you are at home (but I am guessing we don't want to to feel exactly at home, as I am already stressed thinking about my living space current situation).

But nothing rang more true. We all go to hospitality venues to escape our every day lives, but we still want to feel like we are at home when we are there. There is a pleasure in entering a venue that feels like heart and soul has been poured into it. The room would be filled with delicate art and decor but the lounges are inviting and homely. The friendly staff greet you and say, we are happy to have you here.

And when you enter a space that is cold, your expectations immediately gets let down. The furniture does not sit right. The chairs are worn out, or even the opposite, so luxurious and uncomfortable, you'd rather just stand or go home.

And so, it is no surprise that the nominated designers and winners all achieved the same thing. They created spaces that you can stay in forever.

The winners of IDEA AWARDS 2016 were:

Overall Winners

Indigo Slam, Smart Design Studio

Gold Medal

Kerry Phelan, K.P.D.O

Designer of the Year

Fiona Lynch

Emerging Designer

Karen Abernethy Architects

Editor's Medal

Bates Smart