Australians are a creative bunch, and perhaps nowhere does that creativity shine than in the spaces we frequent. From tiny neighbourhood wine bars to sweeping waterfront dining rooms, interior design shapes how we come together to live, work, and unwind everyday.
For proof of our collective ingenuity, you need only look to the Australian Interior Design Awards, which are back for their 23rd year with a record-breaking 226 projects shortlisted for 2026. Spanning residential, hospitality, retail and public sectors, the awards remain the industry’s leading benchmark — and notably, the only program in the country judged entirely by peers. This year’s jury, convened by Maher Design’s Geraldine Maher, brings together leading voices from across the country, including Studio Doherty’s Mardi Doherty, IF Architecture’s Iva Foschia, Woods Bagot’s Kirsti Simpson, and Brahman Perera.
As for the shortlist, Sydneysiders might recognise a few haunts on the list — NSW received more nominations than any other state, with a total of 13. There's the new Club Rose Bay (designed by Akin Atelier), which is, according to this list, just as chic as it vibey for an afternoon drink (or several). Also in the hospitality category is Cronulla's Homer Rogue Taverna (the work of AP Design House), and Cibaria in Manly, the sweeping Italian waterfront restaurant courtesy of Luchetti Krelle.
In Queensland, notable mentions go to Golden Avenue, the Middle-Eastern CBD favourite by J.AR Office, plus the newly-revamped Mondrian Hotel on the Gold Coast.
Down south in Victoria there's an eclectic mix, from the Barwon Heads Golf Club, produced by Nexus Designs and Demaine, to the Song For The Mute store, designed by Foolscap.
And over in Western Australia the mix is similarly varied, ranging from the Fremantle Campus Library at the University of Notre Dame, to Ember Bath House II, and Garde Hotel.
In a category close to our hearts, retail spaces proved particularly fertile ground in this years shortlist. Among our favourites are the Deiji Studios' Sydney store, designed by Pattern Studios — who are also behind the St Agni and Above The Clouds flagships, both shortlisted.
AP Design House's work on the futuristically modern Henne store in Melbourne received a nod, as did Flack Studio's for Scanlan Theodore's Canberra space.
Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth on June 12. Until then, you can read the shortlist in full (and get lost in the imagery) at the Australian Interior Design Awards.
Feature image: Deiji, photographed by Cieran Murphy; Club Rose Bay, photographed by Anson Smart.
