More than 300 design industry professionals flocked to the launch of Living Edge’s three-storey showroom, filling the Federation-era warehouse with upbeat vibes, buzzing conversation, and later on, dancing in the rear laneway.
It’s an attractive offer: the 1900s warehouse – which operated as a sewing machine repair factory up until 2017 – has been transformed into an elegant backdrop for high-end furniture and design objects, arranged over its three levels.
The project commenced when local architects Fred and Jody Chaney teamed up with the building’s new owner to restore it; Living Edge then agreed to occupy the entire building and engaged HASSELL to undertake the interior fit out with senior associate Jonathan Lake taking the lead.
“This was by far the most collaborative effort,” CEO Aidan Mawhinney said of the extended design and fit out process.
The design powerhouse that is Living Edge has matured with a focus on global furniture design brands. This focus has seen a shift towards residential furniture in particular, while growing in strength in furniture for other areas, encapsulated in their tagline: Furniture for Life. This, a play on words as Aidan explains.
“We want our range to touch people in every aspect of their life – be it their home life, social life, and even in their school life and anywhere a person interacts with furniture. The flip side to this tagline is that furniture from Living Edge should also last a lifetime. We have carefully selected some of the most prominent design brands from around the globe all of whom share the same values as Living Edge in terms of quality, authenticity, and sustainability.”
At the launch event, guests were greeted at the main sales desk; a sculptural bronze installation by NSW-based artist Morgan Shimeld. Just behind it, an oyster bar with freshly shucked Albany oysters set the tone for the festivities.
The rear carpark area was converted into a courtyard for the evening, offering a wine bar and beer truck in collaboration with Voyager Wines, Whipper Snapper Distillery and Colonial Co Brewery. Upstairs, a pair of sushi chefs dish up fresh plates of sashimi.
Downstairs, the moody face brick walls and dramatic lighting of the lower level provided an ideal backdrop for a multi-layered grazing table, resplendent with local cheeses and fruit.
Although the building features multiple staircases and ramps that connect various split levels, guests were never far from the music thanks to a DJ in the courtyard, who pumped out tunes into the surrounding CBD late into the evening.
Living Edge coasters and shopping totes emblazoned with a memorable quote summed up the overall vibe. “Take your pleasure seriously,” said Charles Eames, and the Perth design community had no trouble putting that maxim into action on Friday night.
Living Edge
livingedge.com.au
Photography by Jillian McHugh
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