Winners of the 2018 Coco Republic Belle Interior Design Awards

Winners of the 2018 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards have been announced, hailed by the judging panel as the most adventurous approach to Australian interior design yet. This year’s event saw a record number of submissions.

“Clients are really trusting the collaborative design process, which is allowing for more dynamic and daring spaces,” awards judge and Belle magazine editor Tanya Buchanan says.

In particular, experimental colour schemes and tailored lighting designs were key themes across the finalists, indicating a growing preference for statement and locally made pieces.

Taking out the major Interior Designer of the Year award was Jeremy Bull, of Sydney studio Alexander & Co.

“Alexander & Co’s portfolio stopped the judges in their tracks and spanned impressive residential projects and large and demanding hospitality projects,” Buchanan says.

Two of Alexander & Co’s projects were also named category winners, including Palm Beach House that took out Best Residential Interior.

Author and awards judge Karen McCartney described the home, saying, “this is a very grown-up project with a sense of gravitas as befits its fabulous harbour site”.

• Related: Winners of the 2018 Dulux Colour Awards
• Related: Nine designer homewares you can afford now
• Related: Mistakes to avoid when styling a new property

Alexander & Co’s other win was for Best Hospitality Interior, achieved for its 350-seat Antipodean-inspired scheme at UAE restaurant, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera.

Even among such a high calibre of projects, the Woollahra House Bathroom by Decus, named Best Residential Bathroom, stands out. Pale grey walls complement a blush-toned onyx bath and rose gold fixtures to form a surprisingly minimal yet remarkable expression.

Best Residential Kitchen winner 1906 by Amber Road attracted the judges’ attention for its moody colour scheme and multifunctional design.

“Clients are really trusting the collaborative design process, which is allowing for more dynamic and daring spaces,” awards judge and Belle”Everything is designed to do more than one job. A bank of black curved cabinetry doubles as a robe for the main bedroom and ample storage for the kitchen, while one leg of the island bench hides the services,” McCartney says.  

Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2018 winners

Best Residential Interior: Palm Beach House by Alexander & Co.

Best Commercial Interior: Hordern House by Busatti

Best Hospitality Interior: Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera by Alexander & Co

Best Residential Kitchen: 1906 by Amber Road

Best Residential Bathroom: Woollahra House Bathroom by Decus

Emerging Design Star: Felicity Slattery and Sarah Cosentino of Studio Esteta

Best Work with Colour: Juliet Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke of Arent & Pyke

Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year: Jeremy Bull of Alexander & Co