As the sole interior design practice invited to participate in the 2017 Adelaide Antique Fair, we embraced the opportunity to challenge the perception that antiques belong only in traditional interiors. Our vision was to create a grand master bedroom suite that felt fresh, layered, and entirely liveable—demonstrating how historic pieces can sit effortlessly within a contemporary design narrative.

The concept began with the antiques themselves. Rather than treating them as decorative relics, we approached each piece as a functional and integral part of the scheme. A Georgian hall table and decorative circular side table were reimagined as bedside tables, their differing forms creating a beautifully balanced asymmetry, unified through shared timber tones, scale, and proportion. An antique dresser and mirror completed the foundation, bringing depth, character, and a sense of provenance to the space.

Around these collected pieces, we introduced softer contemporary layers to create contrast and comfort. Custom upholstered furnishings—including a generous bedhead, sofa, and bench—added warmth and modernity, while tactile materials, sculptural lighting, and thoughtful detailing ensured the room felt current rather than nostalgic.

The resulting space was intentionally layered, blending old and new in a way that felt effortless rather than contrived. Rich timber patina sat comfortably alongside refined upholstery, marble, brass, and globally inspired accents, creating a master suite that felt both timeless and unexpected.

More than an exhibition space, the design became a statement on the enduring relevance of beautiful pieces—showcasing how antiques, when thoughtfully recontextualised, can bring soul, individuality, and quiet sophistication to contemporary interiors.