Welcome to Sydney’s new design precinct. Paddington’s Oxford Street strip is designer home heaven with all the latest looks to be found in one concentrated shopping artery. The latest opening is Great Dane, which opened last month with a three-storey showroom towards the Queen Street end of the Oxford spine.
By tramping within about four blocks, the fashion-conscious home decorator can uncover all the latest furniture looks and trends.
Ten years ago the strip was all fashion and working men’s pubs gasping for air, with a few fruit and vegetable shops, and not much more.
You will find a who’s who of Australian design retailers to be found along the Oxford stretch: Great Dane (who moved its flagship from Surry Hills last month), James Said, Natural Floorcovering Centre, Domo Collections, Jardan, Totem Road, and MCM House, et al. So if you are about to buy, renovate or redecorate your pad, here’s where to head.
GREAT DANE FURNITURE
Pop into its new three-storey showroom, at the Queen Street end of the Oxford spine, for top of the range Danish oak and walnut pieces, both contemporary and originals, that go with modern architecture. Buy a stock piece or have one custom-made. Also the best Lapland reindeer hides around, $595 a pop, to love forever. The retailer is looking more exciting than ever. (02) 9326 0555, 344 Oxford St, Paddington, www.greatdanefurniture.com
The Great Dane Store in Paddington fetauring their top of the range Danish timber pieces.
Select from a stock piece or have something custom made at The Great Dane showroom.
JAMES SAID
The Net-a-Porter of furniture and accessories in Australia opened a store in Sydney’s burgeoning interiors hotspot Paddington last year. It’s where you will find sofas and chairs that suit most needs from Hollywood Regency styles to slinky luxe velvet upright affairs with curved arms and wooden frames, mod Italian lookers, even modular sprawling numbers. You won’t go wrong with Pillow, Ademai, Vermont or Esmeralda. Tables, chairs, and all the glam accouterment, too. 1800 077 704, 180B Oxford St, Paddington, www.jamessaid.com.au
James Said, www,jamessaid.com.au
James Said, www,jamessaid.com.au
NATURAL FLOOR COVERING CENTRE
Among the most lovely sisals, seagrass, jute floor coverings sourced from China, Belgium and elsewhere in a range of weaves, patterns, colours and designs that strike the right balance between comfort and practicality. (02) 8322 4859, 188 Oxford St, Paddington, www.naturalfloor.com.au
Oriental Rush Sisal from The Natural Floor Covering Centre, www.naturalfloor.com.au
FUNKIS
Come here for Marimekko cushions and printed cottons, Japanese and Danish ceramics, beautiful bristle brushes, and names like Gubi, Lindform, Normann, and Holmegaard, as well as own-label things (lights, textiles, wallpapers). (02) 9368 7045, 202 Oxford Street, Paddington, www.funkis.com
The Funkis store in Paddington, www.funkis.com
TOTEM ROAD
Totem Road is a must-visit. Every design links back to its natural origin, so you can see where your piece started. Combining mid-century modern, Scandinavian design with a beachy vibe, the minimal, solid-oak pieces, will stand the test of time. (02) 8021 3789, Shop 3/188 Oxford St, Paddington, www.totemroad.com
Lula Bed from Totem Road, $3,150 Queen Size, www.totemroad.com
DOMO COLLECTIONS
Versatile cult French Ligne Roset sofas with lots of extras for couch potatoes, such as adjustable backs, and leg rests. Plus, the place to find Mick Jagger’s fave sofa brand De Sede, as well as Grange, Marchetti, Roda, and that low-key Danish handmade, eco natural furniture brand Sika, which chef Neil Perry and designers Thomas Hamel, and Adelaide Bragg swear by. The affordable chairs, chaises and footstools, which are copies of original 1950s and 1960s drawings, come in natural, antique or black finishes. Seek out the Rossini, Piano, Melody and Monet chairs. (02) 8354 6222, 188 Oxford Street
Paddington, www.domo.com.au
Dining Room furniture from Domo Collections, www.domo.com.au
Ruche Bed from Domo Collections, www.domo.com.au
JARDAN FURNITURE
Jardan’s shiny Paddington showroom is sure to leave a lasting impression with its circular stairway, pristine three-levels, and knockout entry. The popular range of Australian contemporary sofas, chairs, tables, beds and storage units, feature a creative modern design, with soft curves, clean lines and a retro element – through the use of colour, texture and fabric. (02) 9663 4500, 42 Oxford Street, Paddington, www.jardan.com.au
Jardan’s showroom in Paddington, www.jardan.com.au
Jardan Furniture is Australian-made, and sustainable, www.jardan.com.au
MCM HOUSE
MCM captures the spirit of easy living with its Joe linen slip-covered sofa which has become a Sydney classic, plus its fab modern farmhouse timber tables, campaign-style director’s chairs, French-style chests of drawers, essential armchairs, and barstools, that give a room energy. Subtle pieces that feature serious eco details, like timber-frames that use water-based glues, and cushions made from natural latex with goose down and wool. Decent prices, too. (02) 9358 0800, 16/20 Oxford St, Paddington, www.mcmhouse.com
MCM House Paddington showroom, www.mcmhouse.com
MCM House produces easy yet practical pieces that suit Australian living, www.mcmhouse.com
