Melbourne Design Week Must-See Events
This year is BIG. Big on ideas, big on talent, big on heart.
We’re smack bang in the thick of Melbourne Design Week and let me tell you, the vibes are HOT. It’s been a huge year — not just big in quantity (so. many. events) but big on QUALITY, too.
Now look, I have just returned from Milan (and yes, I plan to casually mention this in every conversation until 2026), but I can confirm — hand on heart, espresso in hand — that our local designers are absolutely world class.
Truly. Across Australia, and Melbourne in particular because I’m a bit biased but serioulsy, we are punching way above our design weight. Especially when it comes to furniture and lighting. This year, lighting is where we really shone. (Sorry, but also not sorry for the pun.)
So if you're feeling slightly paralysed by the sheer volume of events, I’ve got you.
100 Lights by Friends & Associates
If you’re short on time (and who isn’t during Design Week?), then here’s a hot tip: go where you can see 100 lights in one hit. Yep. A glorious, glowing collection all in one space. Maximum inspiration, minimum steps. AND it’s free.
Which brings me to the real hero of Melbourne Design Week 2025: Dale Hardiman of Dowel Jones. When funding got the chop (boo), Dale rallied the troops (yay), got petitions flying, voices rising, and convinced the Vic Gov to keep the design flame burning. And here we are. A Design Week we nearly didn’t get. Thanks, Dale. You absolute legend.
The brilliant Friends & Associates — that’s Dale Hardiman and Tom Skeehan — pulled off a wildly ambitious exhibition, and I got to go to the opening night. It was buzzy, beautifully inclusive, and genuinely fun (not just 'design-fun' where you stand near a plinth and nod thoughtfully).
And what truly impressed me was the curation. It was ALL KILLA, NO FILLA — every piece hit. And it felt refreshingly 50/50 male/female represented. I noticed. And it mattered. That kind of balance doesn’t happen by accident, and it felt like a very big (and very good) deal.
Tactile Dialogues
This is a beautifully curated exhibition where we see makers and artists come together, all with one thing in common; their pieces are soulful. Lighting, furniture, ceramics and fabrics mingle together in the generous showroom space of Made by Morgen in Brunswick.
Ryan Fernandes (I’ve had the pleasure to know Ryan since before he embarked on his successful interior design career and he is the most articulate and kindest person) curated the collection that includes Lara Launay, Sundance Studio, Sarah Nedovic, Martyn Thomspon, denholm and too many to mention here. I would highly recommend this exhibit, plus there’s a Brunetti across the road to re-caffinate.
Seven Minutes in Heaven by Streifen
I live for the unplanned design moments — the ones that sneak up on you and you’re thinking about them for days afterwards.
Seven Minutes in Heaven was exactly that. We were heading somewhere else entirely when a friend grabbed us and said, “Quick, you’ve got to see this before it closes!”
Cue us running down the street and arriving at an ornately carved wooden door I must’ve walked past 172 times without clocking it. This time, I was paying attention.
Inside was swathes of white fabric cocooning the space, like a soft whisper. A scent that was very monastery-meets-mystery (I’ve never actually been to a monastery, but this is how I imagine one smells).
It was intimate. Quiet. Moving. And totally unexpected.
Spectra: Reimagining interiors through art and design
Spectra is not your average hotel lobby art moment. It’s bold. It’s immersive. It’s giving fine art meets interior design.
Presented by Rydges Melbourne for Melbourne Design Week, this stunning exhibition by artists Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran completely reimagines the hotel lobby — and proves that art doesn’t have to hang politely on a wall. It can be everywhere, even underfoot.
Their collab with GH Commercial on custom carpets is quite amazing. It’s like walking on a painting. Literally. But what really got me and made me cry - and I’m not even a cryer - was the painting that Rowena and Geoffrey collaborated on. It’s the abstract paining style Rowena is known for with two herrons painted over by Geoffrey. It is just beautiful and they are a beautiful couple. Ok, I’m crying again.
Bree and I joined Rowena and Geoffrey for a Sunday morning chat and we were deep in the good stuff — art, interiors, site-specific installations.
Go. Bask. Be inspired. You must see it.
Quiet Studio
Melbourne Design Week is loud. There’s a lot of noise. Sometimes we need a bit of quiet. Someone thought of that and created Quiet Studio, a calming cocoon of design, sound and healing. Only problem was, when I visited on Friday night it was full of people and loud. But the idea was there and it was a space that sparked curiosity and felt good to be in.
Designed by Matthew Bird (Studiobird) in collaboration with Autex Acoustics and Universal Practice, this immersive installation transforms a Collingwood shopfront.
Articolo
Clearly I have a big appetite for lighting because 100 Lights just wasn’t enough. I went to their MDW launch and it was so fun. Articolo actually launched their new collection in Milan and it was so cool to see Nicci and the gorgeous Articolo team, Vicky, Emily and Zoe over in Milan. (told you I was going to keep dropping Milan into the conversation).
Now hold on because this new release is HUGE.
It’s probably the best vanity light I’ve ever seen because it not only is wrapped in leather (!) it is adjustable. So it’s a task light and an ambient light. I KNOW! I knew you’d love it too.
Tuppa
Yes, we’re talking about Tupperware, sort of. TUPPA is a new lighting collection by Jordan Fleming (you need to look her up if you’re not already familiar) featuring two pendant sizes in hand-blown glass, paired with brass and stainless steel. Developed in close collaboration with Melbourne glass artist Ruth Allen Glass that’s layered glass & metal.
Jordan’s inspiration is Tupperware and a timeless design sensibility. Available through Objects for Thought.
First Touch
I’m here to discover new designers and makers. So when I wandered into First Touch, I immediately loved the selection of practical everyday items on display. Handles, hooks, holders and of course, lights are those special details that can elevate a space.
If you can’t get to this in person, save the list of designers and makers from their instagram for when you’re looking for something new and unique.
There’s too much to mention in detail here, however I want to mention these exhibitions too.
Fiona Lynch: A collection tracing 14 years of studio thinking—objects made, gathered, and collaborated on. A rare glimpse into the material language behind their work.
Sibling: DEEP CALM is a space to experience all of the feels. Drop in and be hugged, held and squeezed.
Volker Haug: Although this exhibition only lived for a few days, it would be remiss to not mention it. This retrospective exhibition brings together 20 YEARS of incredible lighting.
Agra Forma: Armadillo’s shows a dreamy, tactile dance between form and feeling, created with industrial designer Tom Fereday. Centred around the iconic Agra rug, this capsule includes seven sculptural furniture pieces that blur the lines between textile and timber, function and form, poetry and practicality.
C Gallery at Criteria: Conversations with Objects by @okoolostudio is now open in their South Yarra showroom. Grab a delicious donut and coffee at Neds next door.
The Art Book Fair: A must-see every year although I thought that this year was the best yet. Could it be because my friends The Design Files were exhibiting there? Probably.
Oigall Projects: Last, but DEFINATELY not least is one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the week, Oigall Projects. I still have no idea how to pronouce their name but who cares when it looks this good. Leading designers are exhibiting new pieces, Tali Roth, Adriana Hana, Jordan Fleming and Rosanna Ceravolo collaborate and Cordon Salon.
That’s a wrap. Have a fabulous Melbourne Design Week friends.
Lauren
I think you may have vaguely mentioned, once or twice, that you were in Milan this year, Lauren? Haha, I thought you were back there with all the lusciousness you have shared from Melbourne Design Week. Total WOW!! And I'm a lighting tragic too 😆 ❤️