ELLISON STUDIOS. Unveils its First Residential Space

Words by Che-Marie Trigg
Photography by Anson Smart
In Partnership with ELLISON STUDIOS.

The Rental / Apartment II in Sydney’s Surry Hills blurs the lines between traditional showroom and art installation, fully immersing visitors in the ELLISON STUDIOS. brand experience.

ELLISON STUDIOS. has unveiled a spectacular space that’s part traditional showroom concept, part art installation and part immersive brand experience. The Rental / Apartment II sprawls across an entire floor of the historic Edwards & Co Ltd building, a Surry Hills landmark that started life as a tea warehouse in the 1920s and now features five whole-floor apartments within its storied walls. (It’s rumoured that film director Baz Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin were married in the building.)

Ellison Studios. Unveils Its First Residential Space News Feature The Local Project Image (8)

The apartment is furnished with highlights from the studio’s existing collection, as well as key vintage designs.

The launch of the apartment marks the first physical space for ELLISON STUDIOS., which debuted online seven years ago and has built a loyal following for its timeless, elegant furniture designs. These pieces are the perfect foil for the apartment, which still boasts many of its historical features, including lofty ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and century-old hardwood floors. Throughout – from its living and dining spaces to its bedroom – the apartment is furnished with highlights from the studio’s existing collection, as well as key vintage designs, such as Marcel Breuer’s iconic Wassily chair, a Dieter Rams stereo system and Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lighting.

Sitting at the heart of the space is a new piece from ELLISON STUDIOS.: the Stack sofa. Nostalgic in appearance yet modern in comfort and luxury, this monumental lounge can be modified to suit its owner’s lifestyle, with oversized cushions, removable covers and moveable arm cushions. It’s complemented by the sculptural Huggy swivel chair, the handsome Yoko coffee table and the Bauhaus-inspired Chromeo armchair. In the bedroom, the plush Yull bed channels the bohemian ’70s with its curvaceous frame and velvet upholstery.

Reinforcing the studio’s plan to fully immerse visitors in its brand experience is an upcoming program of events, including showings, launches, dinner parties and sleepovers. These pull double duty, allowing artists, architects and designers to engage more deeply in the space while building organic partnerships with current and future collaborators.

The painstakingly put-together space evokes an Instagram feed brought to life, with carefully arranged objects and books placed on coffee tables, deliberately placed mirrors and complementary artworks sprinkled throughout. It’s an in-real-life continuation of the spirit and aesthetic that has drawn more than 250,000 followers to the ELLISON STUDIOS. Instagram account since 2017, giving collaborators the opportunity to fully experience the textures and pull of the brand’s designs beyond the screen.

The painstakingly put-together space evokes an Instagram feed brought to life … an in-real-life continuation of the studio’s online spirit and aesthetic.

“As a design brand founded through the lens of social media, we have spent years sharing our creative vision digitally,” says Leigh McKeown, ELLISON STUDIOS. co-founder and CEO. “The Rental / Apartment II presented us with an opportunity to take that experience into the real world. While sharing content online is amazing, sharing this space with our friends, collaborators and clients is bringing with it a deeper sense of connection and community. Though temporary, we very much hope this space will leave lasting memories for all who visit.”

Interior design by ELLISON STUDIOS.

“While sharing content online is amazing, sharing this space with our friends, collaborators and clients is bringing with it a deeper sense of connection and community.”