Don’t get us wrong, sometimes a trip to Ikea is totally warranted. The Swedish furniture giant is a feature in many Broadsheet editors’ homes. But if you’ve got an itch that flatpack can’t scratch, these local makers are producing some of the best home furnishings in the business.
Ellison Studios has been making impressive furniture and home accessories since it launched in 2017. The label’s iconic designs consistently feature in some of Australia’s most-photographed (and Instagrammed) spaces – including its own Sydney summer residence. From signature velvet and boucle sofas and seating, to striking wooden tables and consoles, the collection nods to the design studio’s Byron Bay home with its relaxed elegance. The brand has recently expanded its range to include rugs, lighting and mirrors.
Founded in 2019 by brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, Fearon creates functional aluminium objects designed to bring joy to any space. The simple yet distinctive pieces, which come in a rainbow of hues, span from seating to storage. Some pieces are even multifunctional – the signature Chub and Big Chub designs can be used as either a stool or side table. Each design is handcrafted in south-east Queensland and generally customisable in colour and size.
Embodying a relaxed approach to decorating and living, RJ Living draws on quintessential Australian elements to create a range that spans every room in the house. Modular sofas in earthy hues fuse sleek lines and retro appeal. Mix-and-match dining furniture lets you create the ultimate eating space for your kitchen or living room. And there’s a wide collection of sleep and storage for a serene bedroom.
Alice McMullin founded her eponymous brand in 2018 to help customers move away from decorating with mass-produced pieces. McMullin offers a limited selection of designs and has become known for its coveted minimalist collection. Striking bedheads made from curved iron and padded fabric finishes are fan favourites. Statement occasional chairs are another brand signature. The range also features consoles, TV units, desks and dining tables – each brings a distinctive quality to its spot in the home.
Mustard Made, by sisters Becca and Jess, came from a love of the old metal lockers you might find in an antique store or on the side of the road. Nostalgic in style but bright and modern in colour, this is metal furniture that ages well. The lockers are designed to serve you throughout the home; use them as a wardrobe, beside table, TV cabinet or storage unit. A range of wire baskets and hangers is also available in all colourways – they’re designed to sit inside the lockers to help keep things neat and organised.
The spirit of Nau is contemporary Australian design. Focusing on both residential and commercial spaces, the evolving offering spans lounge furniture, modular shelving, lighting and more. Materials are important; a focus on natural fibres and neutral colours is key. Comfort and function are also front of mind in these made-to-order pieces.
A bonus entry in this list of local brands, Ode Design is a Dutch-founded label that pays homage to timber craftsmanship – an “ode to wood”, quite literally. Its collection centres on curved, sculptural and smooth-edged designs that lend contemporary character to a room. Crafted in oak, the range pairs artisan finishes with thoughtful proportions. Standout pieces include the Tempo dining chair, Sima dining table and Lana sideboard.
Eva began with a single product: a mattress in a box. Since then, the brand has expanded into furniture that champions sustainability and simple, functional design. Its modular sofas, minimalist bed bases and all-in-one side tables arrive flat-packed and are blissfully easy to assemble. And several pieces – like the slideaway sofa bed and timber bed base – have earned Good Design accolades for their blend of aesthetics, affordability and practicality.
Bazaa, an Aussie online marketplace, is here to change the way you shop for (and sell) second-hand and vintage homewares. Co-founded by Thibault Henry and former Depop executive Aria Wigneswaran, the platform lets you browse thousands of listings, organise payments and delivery, and avoid scams.
Brisbane brand Oh Paddi specialises in handcrafted, playful furniture for grown-ups. Designers Josh Sabey and Bri Conway create desks and plinths along with coffee, dining and side tables topped with a variety of shapes, colours and finishes. Pieces range from natural timber to strawberry pink and come in shapes like pear, jellybean and cloud. You can customise your own bespoke pieces so they fit perfectly in your home.
Jardan loves lounging. And dining. And sleeping. The Aussie brand is known for its sleek, chic furniture, inspired by a relaxed way of living. Sofas are made to order in Melbourne and can be customised with a range of upholstery options. Don’t be afraid to shy away from colour – the team have perfected palettes that bring character to your space.
Local designer Adele Cotruzzola creates show-stopping pieces for her label Just Adele. The brand uses natural stone personally selected from both Melbourne and Tuscany to make side, dining and coffee tables; bars; plinths; consoles; floor mirrors; and other custom items. Rich tones bring warmth to the monolithic collection.
Future Re Made’s creative director, Polly Cadden, describes her creations as flatpack without the frustration. The collection of tables, desks and benches is designed and crafted in Melbourne from 90 per cent post-industrial materials (the remaining 10 per cent is made up by colour, fastener and UV protection). With no bolts, screws, glue or even instructions, each piece comes flatpacked and can be easily interlocked to assemble. Names like Terri, Monster and Tilda play into the childlike appeal of these Lego-inspired designs.
MCM House has become shorthand for relaxed Australian living. Founded by Charles Hinckfuss, the brand’s coastal-inspired furniture – from generously sized linen sofas to soft-toned timber consoles – is designed to bring a sense of calm to your space. The new United collection is made up of loose, low-slung silhouettes and textural finishes that evoke the feeling of a laid-back beach house, but with a distinctly elevated touch.
Designed and made in Melbourne, Tait is known for its sleek, durable outdoor furniture. The husband-and-wife-founded label was born from a simple idea: that outdoor pieces should be built for the Australian climate without sacrificing style. From streamlined lounges to bold dining sets, every piece is engineered for longevity and comfort – and is often seen in cafes, rooftop bars and holiday homes across the country. With vibrant powder-coated finishes and thoughtful details, Tait proves that great outdoor furniture can be just as considered as what’s inside.
Known for its direct-to-consumer mattresses, Ecosa sells a range of products designed to give you a good night’s sleep. Bed bases come in a range of timber and fabric finishes. There’s also matching bedside tables to add to your space. Plus, its comfy sofa beds come in a number of shapes, sizes and colours.
Baldwin Studios’ designs are simple, essential and enduring. The range is constructed entirely from locally sourced recycled timber and the timeless aesthetic means they can last a lifetime. The Melbourne brand offers tables, seating and bed frames. “I like minimising every element down to its most basic form,” Benjamin Baldwin tells Broadsheet. “All my pieces try to fulfil a need in the simplest and most functional way, and I use a lot of utilitarian forms and minimal structural elements to communicate those functions. That means staying away from overly complex joinery and any kind of ornamentation.”
Maximalist detail with minimalist style, Rachel Donath’s pieces are shapely, unique and interesting. The Melbourne designer is focused on sustainable and ethical practice, and collaborates with and supports artisan communities and high-quality manufacturing. From elegant mirrors to mountain-esque bed frames and chic leather chairs, the brand’s pieces are modern and timeless.
Isaac Chatterton makes sitting down fun with chairs characterised by quirky and expressive designs. The brand combines traditional woodworking techniques with modern technology to hand-make pieces from solid American oak. The pieces are topped with anything from bouclé upholstery to woven seating.
Additional reporting by Simone Richardson, Evie Baker, Celeste Centofanti, Gitika Garg, Chris Harrigan and Sanam Goodman.
This article was first published in April 2024, and has since been updated with new brands and products.
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