Inside Ellison Studios’ Ultra-Cool New Sydney Headquarters + Showroom
Interiors
The upper level of the ELLISON STUDIOS. headquarters.
Float Sofa, Radius Inverse Rug, Glove Occasional Chair by ELLISON STUDIOS.
The showroom is open by appointment for the brand’s exclusive trade clients.
‘Part installation, part infrastructure, the glass-brick staircase stands as the studio’s luminous centrepiece,’ ELLISON STUDIOS. founder and CEO Leigh McKeown says.
Lull Bed, Fin Bedside, Radius Inverse Rug, Block Mirror by ELLISON STUDIOS.
Muse 4 Seat Laf Chaise Sofa, Piscina Coffee Table, Alva Brushed Steel Frame Armchair by ELLISON STUDIOS.
The custom glass brick staircase was designed in collaboration with Brickworks.
Stainless steel and oak timbers help shine a spotlight on the collections.
The offices.
Float 4 Seat Sofa, Isola Side Table by ELLISON STUDIOS.
Custom seating designed by ELLISON STUDIOS.
ELLISON STUDIOS. founder and CEO Leigh McKeown. The oak and travertine table-tennis table is a playful take on the brand’s Earth Dining Table.
ELLISON STUDIOS.’ new Sydney headquarters is not your average workspace.
Since 2017, the popular Australian design brand has made a name for itself not just for its nostalgia-laden furniture and homewares, but its distinctive digital persona.
Helmed by founder and CEO Leigh McKeown, ELLISON STUDIOS. launched as an online store with editorial-worthy campaign imagery and bestselling pieces like the Huggy Armchair that quickly started cultivating a cult-like status.
Eight years in, the business has gone from strength to strength, with expansive collections for living spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms, outdoors, lighting and more.
Now, the studio is marking its latest chapter with a very impressive new headquarters in Waterloo.
Conceived as both a creative studio and working showroom, the space is a bricks-and-mortar manifestation of the brand’s layered aesthetic — featuring nods to different design eras across the relaxed-yet-polished interiors.
The 680-square-metre office was brought to life under the creative direction of Joseph Gardner with designer William McRoberts, and construction by longtime collaborator Jonathan Friend of JForm.
‘As a socially native design brand stepping into the physical world, we wanted our personality to walk through the door with you,’ Leigh says.
‘Playfulness hits you right away in the form of a custom travertine ping pong table — a reminder to our clients and team that while we take our work seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.’
The entry opens to a five-metre-tall palm tree encased in custom ELLISON STUDIOS. leather and steel seating, while timber screens provide privacy for the office area.
Largely pared-back interiors allow the brand’s own pieces to shine, alongside complimentary lighting and hardware from other local designers such as David Flack, Volker Haug and Studio Henry Wilson.
A striking glass-brick staircase — created in collaboration with Brickworks — leads to the By Appointment designer suite on the second floor, housing a private showroom for ELLISON STUDIOS.’ trade community.
This upper level features styled sections reminiscent of a home’s, giving designers and clients the opportunity to see hero pieces like the luxurious 1970s-inspired Float Sofa or the Lull Bed in situ as intended.
Leigh hopes the finished space will be a source of inspiration not just for his own team, but their network of creatives and collaborators who’ll get to experience the brand in a new way — up close and personal!