While the influx of stainless-steel tableware continues to populate our social media pages and tablescapes, perhaps few will know the story of Arne Jacobsen’s cutlery. The Danish architect, best known for his Egg and Swan chairs, also turned his attention to everyday practices – rearticulating cutlery and kitchenware with the same exacting clarity. Designed in 1957, his utensils stripped away ornament, leaning into a form that felt alien then – and, somehow, still does. Ageless not in spite of their futurism but because of it. Decades on, that same impulse – to strip back, to reframe – surfaces in new hands.
This ability – to make something feel in vogue and otherworldly – finds echo in the world of Nicola Lucas. Through Atelier 024, the Sydney-based founder assembles objects that carry weight and quietude. Her methodology fuses the discernment of a curator with the intuition of a designer. The outcome is a practice that privileges permanence over ephemera, and favours objects that articulate themselves with quiet insistence – each selected for its capacity to occupy space without excess. Atelier 024 operates at a slower pace. Every piece is made to order. The oeuvre reflects a broader reorientation within contemporary design and a growing appetite for permanence.
We spoke to Lucas about curating with restraint, the emotional weight of materials and why considered design always finds its way back.
Habitus Living: What was the impetus behind launching Atelier 024? Did you feel there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled?
Nicola Lucas: The decision to launch Atelier 024 came from a deeply personal place – a desire to design and curate furniture, art and objects that go beyond trend and aesthetic. I’ve always been drawn to objects that evoke a feeling – sculptural forms, natural materials, a sense of quiet refinement – and I often found myself searching for pieces that weren’t overly styled or trend-driven, but felt timeless, grounded and intentional.
After years of working closely with the design industry, I began to see a gap – not necessarily in what was available, but rather in how pieces were brought together and presented. I saw an opportunity for a more curated and restrained approach – one that honours the maker’s hand, values longevity over trend, and valued the emotional tone of a space as much as its visual impact.
Atelier 024 reflects that ethos. It’s about curation with depth and meaning – pieces that don’t just fill a space but bring a sense of presence and enduring appreciation to those who choose to live with them.
How does your curatorial instinct shape your design process? Do you see them as separate roles or as two sides of the same approach?
For me, curating and designing are inherently connected. Both are guided by a sense of restraint, an intuitive respect for form, and a commitment to balance. My curatorial instinct informs my design process at every stage – from the materials I choose to the silhouettes I create – resulting in compositions that feel intentional, quiet and deeply resolved.
What does ‘material integrity’ mean to you in a practical sense — how do you decide when a material is right?
I’ve always had a deep respect for materials – not just for how they look, but for the feeling they evoke and the way they elevate a piece.
When designing Atelier 024 Collection 01, every material was chosen with intention. It wasn’t just about aesthetics, but the tone and presence each material would hold, individually and in dialogue with one another.
For example, Bench 01 features aged bronze and brass elements that evolve over time, developing a patina that enhances and deepens its natural beauty. The mohair upholstered cushion allows both tactility and comfort, while the chrome legs introduce a refined, contemporary contrast.
For me, material integrity means choosing elements that hold their character over time — that can age gracefully, carry the maker’s hand, and feel emotionally aligned with the piece’s purpose and presence in a space.
Metal seems to be having a moment – from tableware to kitchens – yet it’s always been timeless. How do you think its resurgence is shaping contemporary design? And how does Atelier 024 work with it to create permanence rather than trend?
Metal has always had a certain permanence – a quiet confidence that transcends trend. Its current resurgence speaks to a broader shift toward materials that offer both visual strength and tactile depth.
At Atelier 024, we embrace the natural qualities of metal – the way it ages, patinas and evolves over time – to create pieces that feel anchored and enduring.
For instance, the Side Table 01 features a handcrafted aged bronze top and sculptural legs, with unique welded detailing and mirror polish that add a jewellery-like refinement. These materials aren’t chosen for trend — they’re selected for the permanence they bring, for how they wear over time and for how they hold space. Our intention is not to follow material trends, but to reveal the inherent beauty and weight of the material in a way that feels timeless.
Made-to-order is central to your ethos. Can you share more about the thinking behind this – how it relates to craftsmanship and the idea of slowing consumption?
The made-to-order model reflects our commitment to intentional design and craftsmanship. It allows us to honour the time and care invested in each piece – whether it’s from the Atelier 024 Collection or handcrafted by one of our artists.
By making each piece to order, each piece becomes more than an object – it becomes a considered investment. Variations in finish and detail reflect the hand of the maker, reinforcing its uniqueness. Our intimate showroom supports this ethos, offering a space where design is experienced slowly, meaningfully, and with the appreciation it deserves.
As Australian design continues to evolve, what do you hope Atelier 024 contributes to the conversation?
Atelier 024 is grounded in a deep respect for the work of Australian and international makers whose individuality and craft enrich our design landscape. Through thoughtful curation and meaningful collaboration, we aim to contribute a sense of permanence, restraint and quiet beauty to the conversation – pieces that feel relevant today but will be cherished for decades to come.