Finding the right spot between the latest trends and a classic, workable aesthetic is a balancing act for many interior furnishings companies. Cromwell Australia have hit exactly the right note with their new Sydney showroom. A well-known fixture on the Melbourne design scene – their showroom in Prahran has been a mecca for interior designers and decorators for over thirty years – the family-owned business is renowned for its classic aesthetic, as well as a great eye for accent pieces which can add the ‘wow’ factor to a room.
Cromwell’s Sydney showroom is just off Bourke St in the hipster hood of Redfern East. A short stroll from the arts precincts of Waterloo and Surry Hills, it’s a leafy area pervaded by the aroma of good coffee and lined with vintage barbers shops, designers and creative agencies.
The beautiful historic building formerly belonged to famous Australian painter Ken Done and it has definitely retained the feel of a gallery space, with the soft Sydney light bathing the interior through spectacular windows. It is spacious at 400 square metres and impeccably styled.
Cromwell’s Sydney Showroom
Stocking standout pieces from all over the world, Cromwell have been making inroads into the Sydney interiors scene. Redfern Showroom Manager Tina Blazquez says the ‘classic contemporary’ aesthetic of many of the furniture pieces are proving extremely popular with local designers. In addition, Cromwell’s unique range of accessories such as mirrors and vases have a quirky twist which can offset the more traditional pieces.
Despite its cohesive look of the showroom, the influences are diverse. There is a Nantucket feel to some of the upholstered pieces, such as these gorgeous Oyster Bay Westcott Chairs in Plantation Finish which are the essence of comfort.
Oyster Bay Westcott Chairs, Cromwell Australia
The colours used in the armchairs evoke a comfortable classicism that will add warmth and verve to any room.
Other pieces seamlessly fuse East and West. Case in point, this spectacular Charisma Console with brass detail which will look stunning in a dining or living room with carefully chosen lamps. The ivory inlay lightens the console so that it won’t prove too heavy for the (usually) light-filled spaces of Sydney.
Charisma Console, Cromwell Australia
An eye-catching piece currently on the showroom floor is the Opera Art Deco Curved Desk. With drawers and brass handles, this is a showstopping number and fans pleasingly in a feminine shape. With seventeen layers of lacquer, it has a highly polished veneer that dominates the room. For buyers nervous of potential damage to the surface, Tina advises that it does come with pre-cut glass. The desk also comes in a more masculine shape, allowing designers to tailor the feel of a study to its owner.
Opera Art Deco Desk, Cromwell Australia
Cromwell will be exhibiting at Stand E20 at Australia’s No.1 Interiors Event, Decor + Design, which takes place in Melbourne from 20 – 23 July. Co-located with The Australian International Furniture Fair and with over 250 exhibitors from the interior design and soft furnishings sector, this is THE place to discover the trends for the coming year, as well as timeless pieces that will have longevity in the home. Register now to attend the show in July, which is free for trade visitors.
Visit Cromwell Australia Sydney’s showroom at 17 Thurlow St, Redfern or email tina@cromwellaustralia.com.au for more information on the pieces described above.