Vote Now: 2021 Decor+Design VIVID x Houzz People's Choice Awards
See the best emerging Australian designers in the 2021 VIVID Design Awards and vote for your favourite finalists
2021 marks the 18th year of Australia’s longest-running design competition, VIVID; a show that shines a light on some of the most talented emerging designers in the country. Here, we present the VIVID finalists and ask you to vote for your favourite here or via the link at the end of the story. Voting closes on Monday 6 December 2021 at 5pm AEDT. On Tuesday 7 December 2021 at 5pm AEDT, we will announce the 2021 VIVID x Houzz People’s Choice winner.
**And the winner is Sandra Githinji Bloom Collection: Queen Nandi! Congratulations Sandra. VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED.
**And the winner is Sandra Githinji Bloom Collection: Queen Nandi! Congratulations Sandra. VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED.
2. Dean Norton
Connection = Community
Designer’s statement
Connection = Community is a collaborative documentary and sculptural piece developed with San Francisco-based Australian artist, Sarah Hotchin. A storytelling piece of shared experiences, connections, and creativity in isolation during a time of uncertainty, it was realised through various design mediums from graphic implementation, film, material exploration, and collective fabrication techniques.
Connection = Community
Designer’s statement
Connection = Community is a collaborative documentary and sculptural piece developed with San Francisco-based Australian artist, Sarah Hotchin. A storytelling piece of shared experiences, connections, and creativity in isolation during a time of uncertainty, it was realised through various design mediums from graphic implementation, film, material exploration, and collective fabrication techniques.
3. Roz de Waal
Achille
Designer’s statement
Sleek, bold and unexpected: exactly what you can expect from Markian furniture store. Achille is two tables in one. Change the way you use Achille by lifting the Marblo-by-Markian tabletop and inserting it into either curve at the chosen height.
Looking for the perfect piece of furniture for your home? Find an interior decorator near you for expert advice
Achille
Designer’s statement
Sleek, bold and unexpected: exactly what you can expect from Markian furniture store. Achille is two tables in one. Change the way you use Achille by lifting the Marblo-by-Markian tabletop and inserting it into either curve at the chosen height.
Looking for the perfect piece of furniture for your home? Find an interior decorator near you for expert advice
4. Samuel Burns
Arc Bench
Designer’s statement
The basis of this project was to incite interaction through both tactile and social engagement. Arc Bench has integrated a sense of dynamism through the shifting forms. A dialogue is defined between the forms, encouraging physical interactions, and the design adapts and changes to various social contexts and environments.
Arc Bench
Designer’s statement
The basis of this project was to incite interaction through both tactile and social engagement. Arc Bench has integrated a sense of dynamism through the shifting forms. A dialogue is defined between the forms, encouraging physical interactions, and the design adapts and changes to various social contexts and environments.
5. Charles Carter
WWW.Ocassionaltable
Designer’s statement
Model WWW is an occasional table constructed with beech, walnut, ply and cork. The repetition of line and pattern is intended to be a direct integration/rejection of the use of technology. Sustainability and material considerations lead the way for this build. Construction was done by hand in small scale.
WWW.Ocassionaltable
Designer’s statement
Model WWW is an occasional table constructed with beech, walnut, ply and cork. The repetition of line and pattern is intended to be a direct integration/rejection of the use of technology. Sustainability and material considerations lead the way for this build. Construction was done by hand in small scale.
6. Stuart Davidson
Evelyn
Designer’s statement
Evelyn is a pin-oak and blackwood rocking chair. This piece was made using traditional hand tools and built the traditional way. The crest was made from green timber that was sourced from a log to achieve a dramatic bend creating the back of the chair. It’s a contemporary take on a traditional chair.
Evelyn
Designer’s statement
Evelyn is a pin-oak and blackwood rocking chair. This piece was made using traditional hand tools and built the traditional way. The crest was made from green timber that was sourced from a log to achieve a dramatic bend creating the back of the chair. It’s a contemporary take on a traditional chair.
7. Vivien Clarke
Twenty Chair
Designer’s statement
In essence, Twenty Chair is the amalgamation of thoughts and experiences throughout 2020. Its carefully considered design reflects a contrast between maintaining structure and stability while caring for the human form. Twenty Chair’s conception provided clarity and purpose to life when time sat still.
Twenty Chair
Designer’s statement
In essence, Twenty Chair is the amalgamation of thoughts and experiences throughout 2020. Its carefully considered design reflects a contrast between maintaining structure and stability while caring for the human form. Twenty Chair’s conception provided clarity and purpose to life when time sat still.
8. Francesca Sykes
Underpass x Overpass
Designer’s statement
Inspired by urban bridges and river walkways, this coffee-table set of two freestanding tables is made with bronzed, tempered glass and mirror paired with solid wood-block structures. The wood is ebonised using the shou sugi ban technique of repeated burns and washes to amplify the natural wood grain.
Underpass x Overpass
Designer’s statement
Inspired by urban bridges and river walkways, this coffee-table set of two freestanding tables is made with bronzed, tempered glass and mirror paired with solid wood-block structures. The wood is ebonised using the shou sugi ban technique of repeated burns and washes to amplify the natural wood grain.
9. Tom Morton
Blind Stool
Designer’s statement
The Blind Stool is a steel piece designed for both commercial and residential settings, inspired by the wrought iron of Australian suburbs. The loops and scrolls flowing in synchronised directions reference the architectural decorative element. Its ideal use is as a small table or stool.
Blind Stool
Designer’s statement
The Blind Stool is a steel piece designed for both commercial and residential settings, inspired by the wrought iron of Australian suburbs. The loops and scrolls flowing in synchronised directions reference the architectural decorative element. Its ideal use is as a small table or stool.
10. Cameron Ferstl
Pivot
Designer’s statement
This workstation has been designed for maximum efficiency and versatility within smaller living spaces. It allows the user to be surrounded by their work then pivot back against a wall so the space can be utilised. Designed for mass-manufacturing at low cost, it’s made of anti-fingerprint laminate and sheet goods.
Pivot
Designer’s statement
This workstation has been designed for maximum efficiency and versatility within smaller living spaces. It allows the user to be surrounded by their work then pivot back against a wall so the space can be utilised. Designed for mass-manufacturing at low cost, it’s made of anti-fingerprint laminate and sheet goods.
11. Samuel Burns
Pinta Stool
Designer’s statement
The objective of the design was to integrate numerous curved forms throughout the design that complement each other, thus defining a harmonious and elegant form. The Pinta Stool demonstrates a variety of complex joinery techniques, which aim to blend each element into the next.
Pinta Stool
Designer’s statement
The objective of the design was to integrate numerous curved forms throughout the design that complement each other, thus defining a harmonious and elegant form. The Pinta Stool demonstrates a variety of complex joinery techniques, which aim to blend each element into the next.
12. Dean Norton
FLOAT collection
Designer’s statement
FLOAT collection explores transparent form with a subtle overlay of texture, transforming simple tables into light shape-shifting pieces. Made entirely of glass, FLOAT’s seamless form changes depending on its viewing angle, thanks to material opacity, textured layering, and a dynamic mix of fused straight lines and curved edges.
FLOAT collection
Designer’s statement
FLOAT collection explores transparent form with a subtle overlay of texture, transforming simple tables into light shape-shifting pieces. Made entirely of glass, FLOAT’s seamless form changes depending on its viewing angle, thanks to material opacity, textured layering, and a dynamic mix of fused straight lines and curved edges.
13. Roz de Waal
Giorgetto
Designer’s statement
A bold bench seat with style and storage. The aluminium arches support luxuriously upholstered seating. A Marblo-by-Markian shelf glides up through the arches, providing ample storage space.
Giorgetto
Designer’s statement
A bold bench seat with style and storage. The aluminium arches support luxuriously upholstered seating. A Marblo-by-Markian shelf glides up through the arches, providing ample storage space.
Lighting Finalists
1. Marta Figueiredo
Stardust Lamp
Designer’s statement
Light diffused through thin particles of resin waste bring life and dimension to the new resin that encapsulates it. Recycled-resin waste is mixed in through pouring stages, creating deposit lines on the surface. At the core of this luminary runs a red aluminium spine, two rings, and a cord.
1. Marta Figueiredo
Stardust Lamp
Designer’s statement
Light diffused through thin particles of resin waste bring life and dimension to the new resin that encapsulates it. Recycled-resin waste is mixed in through pouring stages, creating deposit lines on the surface. At the core of this luminary runs a red aluminium spine, two rings, and a cord.
2. Samuel Burns
Onu Floor Light
Designer’s statement
Onu Floor Light aims to bring a sense of the natural world into interior spaces through form and symbolism; a glimmer of light between the trees. The intention of the light was to not dominate a space, but softly invite intrigue and interest from the occupants.
Onu Floor Light
Designer’s statement
Onu Floor Light aims to bring a sense of the natural world into interior spaces through form and symbolism; a glimmer of light between the trees. The intention of the light was to not dominate a space, but softly invite intrigue and interest from the occupants.
3. Samuel Burns
Onu Pendant
Designer’s statement
Developed in conjunction with the Onu Floor Light, both of which can be completely disassembled, allowing for the LEDs to be replaced if they become faulty or expire. The pendant projects a warm downwards light and has the potential to be situated in numerous interior contexts.
Onu Pendant
Designer’s statement
Developed in conjunction with the Onu Floor Light, both of which can be completely disassembled, allowing for the LEDs to be replaced if they become faulty or expire. The pendant projects a warm downwards light and has the potential to be situated in numerous interior contexts.
4. Dean Norton
DAYlight
Designer’s statement
DAYlight is a sculptural, frosted-glass therapy lamp with a floating (6500k) full-spectrum globe that mimics the same natural light of the sun. Bringing the outside into our homes during the lockdown period, this piece was designed to lift our wellbeing and boost our creative energy during this time.
DAYlight
Designer’s statement
DAYlight is a sculptural, frosted-glass therapy lamp with a floating (6500k) full-spectrum globe that mimics the same natural light of the sun. Bringing the outside into our homes during the lockdown period, this piece was designed to lift our wellbeing and boost our creative energy during this time.
Object Finalists
1. Isaac Pelchen
Optic Candelabra
Designer’s statement
Optic Candelabra is an exploratory piece that captures the phenomena of refraction in physical form. As light passes through the convex and concave layers it is diverted, refracting the light and creating an optic-like effect. The vibrant pigments symbolise the spectrum of colour visible during reflection.
1. Isaac Pelchen
Optic Candelabra
Designer’s statement
Optic Candelabra is an exploratory piece that captures the phenomena of refraction in physical form. As light passes through the convex and concave layers it is diverted, refracting the light and creating an optic-like effect. The vibrant pigments symbolise the spectrum of colour visible during reflection.
2. Zachary Hanna
On Hold – Wall Hook
Designer’s statement
On Hold is designed for use with adhesive tape, allowing it to be attached with no damage to the wall. The form of the hook is a sweeping steel sheet, creating a delicate shadow and casting light onto the timber insert (which conceals the adhesive tab or screws).
On Hold – Wall Hook
Designer’s statement
On Hold is designed for use with adhesive tape, allowing it to be attached with no damage to the wall. The form of the hook is a sweeping steel sheet, creating a delicate shadow and casting light onto the timber insert (which conceals the adhesive tab or screws).
3. Samuel Burns
Merge Candle Holders
Designer’s statement
These designs were derived from the idea of unity between two objects, a discourse is revealed as they are engaged with and repositioned. As the two objects converge in various ways, they can accommodate multiple candles and a variety of arrangements, depending on the desires of the user.
Merge Candle Holders
Designer’s statement
These designs were derived from the idea of unity between two objects, a discourse is revealed as they are engaged with and repositioned. As the two objects converge in various ways, they can accommodate multiple candles and a variety of arrangements, depending on the desires of the user.
4. Colin Whitehead
Geo
Designer’s statement
Geo is art within the mirror, the geometric pattern is designed so the mirror can be hung in any four positions. With its bright colour palette, it creates movement and depth, creating an allusion to the eye, forming art on the wall.
Geo
Designer’s statement
Geo is art within the mirror, the geometric pattern is designed so the mirror can be hung in any four positions. With its bright colour palette, it creates movement and depth, creating an allusion to the eye, forming art on the wall.
5. Sandra Githinji
Bloom Collection: Queen Nandi
Designer’s statement
Bloom is a sculptural vase collection that preserves historical memory and pays tribute to phenomenal African female figures. The debut piece is of the historical Queen Nandi from South Africa. The vase has an overall dimension of 250 x 250 x 250 millimetres and is to be cast in a polyresin.
Bloom Collection: Queen Nandi
Designer’s statement
Bloom is a sculptural vase collection that preserves historical memory and pays tribute to phenomenal African female figures. The debut piece is of the historical Queen Nandi from South Africa. The vase has an overall dimension of 250 x 250 x 250 millimetres and is to be cast in a polyresin.
6. Lyn Wallis
Alien Vase
Designer’s statement
The Alien is a functional, watertight vase, 3D-printed with eco-friendly, degradable PLA bioplastic (derived from corn starch). It was designed using the CAD program MoI 3D in August 2020. The design maximises the light-reflecting properties of silver silk-effect PLA, and is printed on demand at heights between 14 and 30 centimetres.
Alien Vase
Designer’s statement
The Alien is a functional, watertight vase, 3D-printed with eco-friendly, degradable PLA bioplastic (derived from corn starch). It was designed using the CAD program MoI 3D in August 2020. The design maximises the light-reflecting properties of silver silk-effect PLA, and is printed on demand at heights between 14 and 30 centimetres.
7. Jo White
Bowl
Designer’s statement
Bowl is a slip-cast, stoneware, food-safe, 30-centimetre-diameter multipurpose bowl. Fun and functional; fantastic for fruit. Inspired by the nominalisation of the words ‘to bowl’. Looks great on the bench or table (keep it out of the gutter). Designed in a large size, ‘Strike’, and a smaller size, ‘Spare’.
Bowl
Designer’s statement
Bowl is a slip-cast, stoneware, food-safe, 30-centimetre-diameter multipurpose bowl. Fun and functional; fantastic for fruit. Inspired by the nominalisation of the words ‘to bowl’. Looks great on the bench or table (keep it out of the gutter). Designed in a large size, ‘Strike’, and a smaller size, ‘Spare’.
8. Mechelle Shooter
Coffee Ritual 21
Designer’s statement
Coffee Ritual 21 seeks to explore the connection between wellbeing and the objects we use in our daily lives. It is through the art of coffee-making and the use of designed objects that routine in this case can become ritual, to bring about a sense of wellbeing and joy.
Coffee Ritual 21
Designer’s statement
Coffee Ritual 21 seeks to explore the connection between wellbeing and the objects we use in our daily lives. It is through the art of coffee-making and the use of designed objects that routine in this case can become ritual, to bring about a sense of wellbeing and joy.
9. Dylan Morgan
Rubbish Blocks
Designer’s statement
Rubbish Blocks is a toy made from recycled plastic. Waste HDPE plastic is melted and then extruded into an extremely durable set of tactile building blocks, doubling as a cube puzzle. The enticing new material and the versatility of the process shows how we can challenge the prevailing consumption climate.
Rubbish Blocks
Designer’s statement
Rubbish Blocks is a toy made from recycled plastic. Waste HDPE plastic is melted and then extruded into an extremely durable set of tactile building blocks, doubling as a cube puzzle. The enticing new material and the versatility of the process shows how we can challenge the prevailing consumption climate.
10. Airlie and Tom Lang
ELDUR Outdoor Wood Heater
Designer’s statement
ELDUR is a sculptural centrepiece. A wood heater radiating warmth and elegance, creating a focal point for communal gatherings.
ELDUR is environmentally conscious, ultimately designed for durability and efficiency. Each premium product is entirely made from recyclable Australian steel and hand-welded by local craftspeople with precision and care.
Browse more outdoor fireplaces on Houzz
ELDUR Outdoor Wood Heater
Designer’s statement
ELDUR is a sculptural centrepiece. A wood heater radiating warmth and elegance, creating a focal point for communal gatherings.
ELDUR is environmentally conscious, ultimately designed for durability and efficiency. Each premium product is entirely made from recyclable Australian steel and hand-welded by local craftspeople with precision and care.
Browse more outdoor fireplaces on Houzz
Concept Finalists
1. Sarah Tracton
Dyadic Float
Designer’s statement
Dyadic Float is a handcrafted porcelain light that is a fusion of traditional ceramic techniques, fine art and cordless design technology. As a back-to-back porcelain sheet light, it incorporates the Kintsugi golden joinery technique, a process of repair, recycling and reuse, which combats the environmental impacts of wastage.
1. Sarah Tracton
Dyadic Float
Designer’s statement
Dyadic Float is a handcrafted porcelain light that is a fusion of traditional ceramic techniques, fine art and cordless design technology. As a back-to-back porcelain sheet light, it incorporates the Kintsugi golden joinery technique, a process of repair, recycling and reuse, which combats the environmental impacts of wastage.
2. Roz de Waal
Donatella
Designer’s statement
Donatella is bold curves on an audacious scale. The curve of the Range Vieira motif in full bloom, the Donatella vessel is beguiling and joyful. With an unglazed porcelain exterior and a glazed internal finish, it’s being made currently.
Donatella
Designer’s statement
Donatella is bold curves on an audacious scale. The curve of the Range Vieira motif in full bloom, the Donatella vessel is beguiling and joyful. With an unglazed porcelain exterior and a glazed internal finish, it’s being made currently.
3. Roz de Waal
Charles
Designer’s statement
Stylish and comfortable, scalloped aluminium cradles the backrest, scalloped luxurious upholstery covers the seat, and another subtle nod to the scallop is in the delicate semi-circle visible where the chair legs meet the frame.
Charles
Designer’s statement
Stylish and comfortable, scalloped aluminium cradles the backrest, scalloped luxurious upholstery covers the seat, and another subtle nod to the scallop is in the delicate semi-circle visible where the chair legs meet the frame.
4. Roz de Waal
Arne
Designer’s statement
A chair that saves space. With an underseat hutch, you can do away with the table-shuffle to find a spot for your belongings. The powder-coated aluminium frame supports the Marblo-by-Markian hutch, topped with commercial-grade upholstery.
Arne
Designer’s statement
A chair that saves space. With an underseat hutch, you can do away with the table-shuffle to find a spot for your belongings. The powder-coated aluminium frame supports the Marblo-by-Markian hutch, topped with commercial-grade upholstery.
5. Julia Quirk
Poly Chair
Designer’s statement
Poly Chair’s design explores the reuse of excess stock fabric from upholstery processes. A double-curved shell is constructed through melting, forming, and layering rolled polyester fabric. Floating lightly above a frame, the soft nature of polyester textile contrasts with the hard, structural interior, displaying the narrative of the chair’s composition.
Poly Chair
Designer’s statement
Poly Chair’s design explores the reuse of excess stock fabric from upholstery processes. A double-curved shell is constructed through melting, forming, and layering rolled polyester fabric. Floating lightly above a frame, the soft nature of polyester textile contrasts with the hard, structural interior, displaying the narrative of the chair’s composition.
6. Bolaji Teniola
Shimmer Room Divider
Designer’s statement
The Shimmer Room Divider, designed for the commercial office space and the home office, offers a rethink on sharing communal indoor areas, considering the world’s current climate. Shimmer provides a high level of privacy while maintaining connectedness via the transparency of the dichroic film and textural opaqueness of the Tyvek material.
Shimmer Room Divider
Designer’s statement
The Shimmer Room Divider, designed for the commercial office space and the home office, offers a rethink on sharing communal indoor areas, considering the world’s current climate. Shimmer provides a high level of privacy while maintaining connectedness via the transparency of the dichroic film and textural opaqueness of the Tyvek material.
7. Manuel Canestrini
DOCK Seating Bench and Side Table
Designer’s statement
DOCK is an archetypal monolithic bench with a matching side table consisting of tubular extrusions penetrating each other. The horizontal cut-in-half extrusion creates a flat surface, while the bench’s upholstered top completes the tubular form. The bench and side table can be connected side-by-side or stand alone.
DOCK Seating Bench and Side Table
Designer’s statement
DOCK is an archetypal monolithic bench with a matching side table consisting of tubular extrusions penetrating each other. The horizontal cut-in-half extrusion creates a flat surface, while the bench’s upholstered top completes the tubular form. The bench and side table can be connected side-by-side or stand alone.
Colour Finalists
For designers’ statements, please see previous product mentions.
1.Kathleen Prentice
Bell-Bottom Stool
For designers’ statements, please see previous product mentions.
1.Kathleen Prentice
Bell-Bottom Stool
2. Sarah Tracton
Dyadic Float
Dyadic Float
3. Roz de Waal
Arne
Arne
4. Roz de Waal
Charles
Charles
5. Cameron Ferstl
Pivot
Pivot
6. Colin Whitehead
Geo
Geo
7. Francesca Sykes
Underpass x Overpass
Underpass x Overpass
8. Roz de Waal
Achille
Achille
9. Roz de Waal
Giorgetto
Giorgetto
10. Manuel Canestrini
DOCK Seating Bench and Side Table
DOCK Seating Bench and Side Table
11. Isaac Pelchen
Optic Candelabra
Optic Candelabra
12. Dylan Morgan
Rubbish Blocks
Rubbish Blocks
13. Dean Norton
DAYlight
DAYlight
14. Dean Norton
Connection = Community
Connection = Community
15. Tom Morton
Blind Stool
Blind Stool
16. Marta Figueiredo
Stardust Lamp
Please vote for your category favourites here.
Your turn
Which of these designs stand out for you the most? Share your favourites in the Comments below, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Can’t get enough of the current awards season? Enjoy your next fix here with the National Architecture Awards: 3 New Homes Winners
Stardust Lamp
Please vote for your category favourites here.
Your turn
Which of these designs stand out for you the most? Share your favourites in the Comments below, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Can’t get enough of the current awards season? Enjoy your next fix here with the National Architecture Awards: 3 New Homes Winners
1. Kathleen Prentice
Bell-Bottom Stool
Designer’s statement
The Bell-Bottom Stool, inspired by the iconic ’70s flare, is available in a range of colours and stacks eight stools high. The practical handle doubles as a water drainage point and allows the stools to be securely locked together. Belongings are safely stored inside the seat, making it perfect for bustling spaces.