Wolf & South Q+A: A Glimpse into European Luxury at Sydney Design Show
Luxury outdoor furniture brand Wolf & South recently made a grand debut at the Sydney Design Show, Australia’s premier showcase for interior design innovation. They were thrilled to present their celebrated Italian brand, Atmosphera, in collaboration with the distinguished brand Renson, to deliver an unparalleled outdoor living experience. Renson’s pioneering shade solutions beautifully complement the Wolf & South aesthetic, crafting an outdoor ambiance that is both cohesive and captivating. This collaboration celebrates shared values of innovation, quality, and sustainability, redefining outdoor luxury by seamlessly blending practical elegance with enduring comfort.
We talked with Nicky Storey & Kristina Storey to get their highlights of the 2024 show:
Q: What were your overall impressions of the show this year?
A: We were massively impressed. The quality of brands showcased was exceptional, and the number of exhibitors had doubled since the last show in 2022. This provided attendees with a wealth of options to explore. The event was super well organized, with an excellent support team ensuring everything ran smoothly. The quality of attendees on the trade days was outstanding, drawing a diverse range of people from all over Australia. Smart touches from the organizers, like the introduction of a bespoke app to capture attendee details and three stages hosting engaging talks, really enhanced the experience for everyone.
Q: Which trends stood out to you the most during the show?
A: Three clear themes dominated this year's show, reflected in exhibitor stands and the talks held:
Building Beyond Boundaries: This theme examined advancements in science, technology, materials, and environmental awareness, exploring the constant evolution of boundaries in the built environment. Highlights included smart homes, innovative materials, fire protection, and commercial glazed façade systems, with exclusive sessions from the Australian Institute of Architects accredited for CPD points.
Future-Forward Design: Focused on cutting-edge concepts in interior design, this theme featured interactive panels and discussions on the future of kitchens, bathrooms, home storage, and beyond. It highlighted emerging trends in lighting, color, materials, and technology, reflecting our changing technology and advancing design practices.
Purposeful Design: Emphasized creating impactful and meaningful spaces through intentional design decisions. Discussions centered on how thoughtful design can shape environments that meet functional needs while also resonating on a deeper level, influencing experiences and fostering connections. Valuable insights into nurturing value and purpose within the design industry, including commercial success strategies and addressing challenges faced by women in the field, were also shared.
Q: Can you describe any innovative materials or technologies that were prominently featured?
A: Several innovations stood out, particularly in the realms of intuitive operation, design flexibility, efficient planning, and invisible tech. We noticed a real focus on seamless integrations in interiors and kitchens, with brands like Häfele, Hettich, and Blum showcasing products that drew significant attention for their craftsmanship and sleek design. The innovations were clearly aimed at enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal in various spaces.
Q: Did you see any particular products or ideas you believe will resonate well with New Zealand consumers?
A: Absolutely. The New Zealand pavilion showcased outstanding Kiwi brands like Bremworth, Stoked, Abodo, and Wilson and Dorset. The trends towards simple, refined, and contemporary designs with an artisan influence stood out. The emphasis on quality craftsmanship and sustainability aligns perfectly with what many New Zealanders value in their home furnishings. Abodo's presence highlighted their versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing products, which are perfect for various applications.
Q: What were the dominant design aesthetics or styles?
A: Simple, refined, and contemporary styles dominated. There was a strong focus on seamless integrations with intuitive operations, design flexibility, and efficient planning. The invisible technology trend was echoed in many stands, allowing for sleek and unobtrusive functionality in the home.
Q: How are color trends evolving according to what you saw?
A: Natural inspiration was a noticeable theme, with designs emulating tones found in our surroundings, helping create spaces that felt organic and balanced. This trend is likely to continue evolving, bringing nature-inspired palettes into more homes.
Q: What functional innovations did you see in the outdoor living category?
A: There was a strong interest in creating high-spec areas that can be used year-round. Insulated patio roofing has become the preferred option over single-skin metals, offering advanced weather protection and a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Our collaboration with Renson showcased pergolas with louvered roofs, automated privacy screens, beautiful sliding glass, and shutter doors, which were a real hit among attendees. These innovations hand control back to the user, enabling highly functional and stylish outdoor living areas.
Q: Are there any exciting trends that you are seeing in the world of design this year?
A: One significant trend is commercial spaces shifting towards creating inviting and relaxed environments that mirror the comforts of home. This is being integrated into hotels, restaurants, public areas, and offices. There's also a noticeable move towards hybrid spaces that serve multiple purposes and offer modular solutions. Additionally, there's a growing interest in adding stylish accessories like bar trolleys, lanterns, consoles, and rugs to outdoor spaces, enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. These items can make your outdoor spaces feel like an extension of inner home comforts.
Q: Outdoor living is a real priority in many Australian homes. Does New Zealand keep up? What can we learn?
A: In extreme climates like ours, there's a growing focus on quality and sustainability. Australian consumers often invest in durable quality outdoor furniture, knowing that cheaper options are unlikely to withstand the elements. An ethos of "buy once, buy well" is noticeable, and it's something we see New Zealanders adopting more widely. Finding the right product can serve you well for many years and become an extension of your sense of being at 'home'. This resonates with us at Wolf & South, where our emphasis is on quality and sustainable designs, representing brands that reflect these values.
Q: Did you engage in any conversations with international peers that could influence our design approach back home?
A: We were thrilled to collaborate closely with quality European brands Renson and Atmosphera. Both are household names in many parts of Europe, so it was interesting to see local Australian design professionals interact with these products and understand how they can offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal to their clients. Our conversations highlighted the importance of quality throughout their entire team, from innovation and sustainability to quality materials that meet the high demands of outdoor areas.
Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?
A: The collaborative energy was the highlight for us. Talking to interior designers and trade audiences about their exciting projects and receiving enthusiastic feedback on our furniture was incredibly rewarding. We feel like it's the start of some great new relationships for our business, and we're thrilled that our designs really seemed to connect with an audience that understands the tangible benefits of quality design.
Q: Can you share any personal anecdotes or memorable moments from the trip?
A: The ICC's location allowed us an easy opportunity to enjoy the Vivid Sydney light displays right outside. Overall, being in Sydney and experiencing the vibrant energy of the city was fantastic. The atmosphere and excitement of the show made it a fun time, and it's always lovely to connect with people who share the same excitement and buzz. We can't wait to go back next year!
Visit the Wolf & South Showroom at Residium or book a consultation by appointment. Wolf & South are dedicated to transforming your outdoor spaces into timeless expressions of style through brands Coco Wolf, Atmosphera and POINT.
Design professionals are invited to explore possibilities, discuss projects, and access expertise that sets your spaces apart.
