Sheets to swimming: Five standout SA public spaces shortlisted for top design award
Adelaide is home to some standout architecture, but sometimes it’s what is inside that counts. We take you through five interiors at city spaces shortlisted for the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards.
Five South Australian projects have been shortlisted for a prestigious award that showcases excellence and innovation in Australian design.
The Australian Interior Design Awards is now in its 23rd year and it has given a nod to a newly built aquatic centre in North Adelaide, a sweet gelateria near the beach, and a bedding store in the eastern suburbs.
Here are some of the South Australian projects that will compete in the peer-judged awards against standout projects across the nation with the awards ceremony on June 12, in Sydney.
Messina Gelato, Glenelg
Nominated in the retail design category, this gelato store is a stone’s throw from Glenelg Beach, receiving recognition from the jury for its colourful and bold design.
Flexible use of space and limited fixed seating gives the store versatility, allowing room for either big crowds or quieter periods.
Described by Sans-Arc Studio director Matiya Marovich as “inspired by nostalgia and shared memories of summer in Italy”, the store’s maximalist tone is bright and experiential. Overhead lamps, a glowing menu board and pictures of Sicilian summer round out the environment.
“Colourful, bright, with images and feelings of holidays in Sicily, the shop aims to transport you to another place, a place that is as exciting, creative and bold as the gelato in the cabinet,” said Marovich.
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Sheet Society, Glenside
Joining Messina Gelato in the design category, this bedding store in the new wing of Burnside Village is the first expression of Sheet Society’s “Open Home” concept.
The store received praise for its utilisation of soft, creamy tones to create a homelike atmosphere. Light carpets and floorboards help to soften the view of the 220 square metre space.
To plan the space, the design team developed a narrative about everyday domestic rituals.
InAddition’s senior interior designer Michelle Soufya described the design as “an exploration of home as a feeling”.
“The spatial rhythm, material warmth and layered micro-environments invite customers to slow down and engage sensorially. For us, the success of the project lies in how seamlessly brand values and human experience align,” Soufya said.
Omada, Adelaide
Created by Adelaide interior designers Studio Gram, the interior of this Greek-style restaurant is anything but ancient. Rather, it is minimalistic and modern, using cool-toned wood, white walls, and natural light to emulate the Greek Islands.
Anchored in symmetry, it is a space both monumental and simplistic, creating room for groups both large and small to eat and drink.
The Currie Street restaurant has been open since December 2025, offering a striking visual experience to diners.
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This is not the first collaboration between Studio Gram and restaurateur Simon Kardachi, nor is it their only nomination this year, as they have also been nominated for a Sydney project.
Studio Gram is also behind the interiors of other popular Adelaide restaurants, including Latteria, Mascavado, Fugazzi and Yellow Matter.
“Softness meets structure: drapery, light, and reflective depth shape the architectural rhythm of the private dining space at Omada,” the studio posted after the restaurant opened.
Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Adelaide
Nominated for the public design category, the new $135 million Adelaide Acquatic Centre development has been described as “a landscape within a landscape”.
Created in collaboration between JPE Design Studio, Warren and Mahoney and Karl Winda Telfer, the Aquatic Centre has water embedded in every aspect of its design.
Guided by the cultural narrative of land, sea, and sky, large open spaces form a dialogue with the surrounding landscape. A natural colour palette pairs with softened geometries and layered textures to simulate the movement of water.
Sarah Constructions CEO Adrian Esplin said, “Warren and Mahoney’s deep knowledge of aquatics and their experience with Design and Construct delivery has provided confidence and clarity at every stage, supporting both efficient decision-making and successful project outcomes”.
“The team’s professionalism, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence have been integral to the success of the project,” said Esplin.
Honeydripper, Adelaide
Designed by Claire Markwick-Smith, Honeydripper’s interior utilises wood panels and dim lights to create a home-like, casual atmosphere.
The Hi-Fi listening bar on Frome Street is split between a relaxed lounge on the first floor with a more traditionally styled bar above. Both levels make dynamic use of varied seating and furniture to reinforce the concept of relaxed listening.
Co-owner Raf Thomson said he “didn’t want [Honeydripper] to feel like a bar”.
“We didn’t want it to have that sterility or that rigidity to it,” he said.
“It’s big, expensive couches and booths. It’s warm wood panelling, dim lighting. You’ll notice on the ground floor, there’s not really any tables for two sat in the middle of the floor uncomfortably.”
This year’s awards will be presented at the Gala Presentation Dinner, held on Friday, June 12, at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney.
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