The Launch of Own World's Sydney Showroom

Own World’s Sydney Showroom in Darlinghurst.
Photo by Deborah Abesser.

Allow me to introduce you to our very dear friends, and Australia’s newest player in the A&D specifier market – Own World. With a motto of being personal, responsive and flexible, Own World believes the difference in it’s approach will often be felt, rather than seen. But don’t be fooled – their strong visual direction should not be underestimated. Aiming to invigorate the industry with new furniture and design solutions, Own World’s first showroom launched earlier this year on Stanley Street in Sydney’s Darlinghurst.

Own World’s Sydney Showroom in Darlinghurst.
Photo by Deborah Abesser.

The interior, designed by Hans Freymadl, envelopes guests in a sense of harmony and ease. The lower floor is devoted to showcasing Own World’s European, American and local product lines, whilst the upper mezzanine is dedicated to meeting and work areas. The back wall of the space is punctuated with a solid band of bright yellow – reflective of Own World’s identity.

The concept of the visitor experience was conceived through the founders’ past history – previously living and working from a 400sqm loft in New York where they represented a prominent Italian brand. Peter Quintal-Norris (formally Stylecraft) and Peter Beikmanis (from his own event production company) found that their New York home and workplace was a magnet for genuine dialogue and hospitality. “People would initially come to see us for the products we showcased, but because they were also surrounded by a mix of our personal belongings, they felt at ease and tended to relax into the space. Next thing you knew, the cheese and wine were broken-out and before you realised, it was time to continue on to dinner…” This same, natural approach is taken at Own World’s Sydney showroom. The tagline “Design Community Meeting Point” seen on the front window and on their website is a genuine extension of Own World’s ethos – a place to connect and form genuine relationships.

Dondolo rocker by Luigi Crassevig for Crassevig.
Image courtesy of Own World.

But let’s not beat around the bush. Any new furniture venture cannot be discussed without talking product. Own World has curated a portfolio of highly credible brands, some of which are brand new to the Australian market alongside other well established brands.

“A niche we’ve already found ourselves in, is the representation of long-span tables, with internal layered steel construction”. Take Desalto’s iconic ‘Element’ table by Tokujin Yoshioka – a fascinating, sculptural and cleverly engineered collection with it’s key feature being a central, slanted steel column supporting tops of up to 3m long.

Element table by Tokujin Yoshioka for Desalto.
Image courtesy of Own World.

Softer Than Steel benches for Nendo for Desalto.
Image courtesy of Own World.

Own World is also delighted to introduce the Dutch brand Arco in Australia for the first time, who produce an extraordinary range of tables, desking, boardroom, dining and visitor chairs. The centerpiece of the showroom is the ‘Osaka’ lounge from Italian brand laCividina. Designed by Pierre Paulin back in 1967, the lounge was developed in 1970 for the French Pavilion at the Osaka Expo. It is now the official lounging selection for Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide. Their exclusive East Coast representation of Italian seating manufacturer Crassevig, expands in style with a new seating collection from Mario Ferrarini. The domain of conference visitor seating has many players, but the new release ‘Link’ chair by Italian manufacturer Fornasarig is the new force of utilitarian restraint.

Why Not modular lounge by Luca Botto for laCividina.
Image courtesy of Own World.

Windmill ottomans by Constance Guisset for laCividina.
Image courtesy of Own World.

Uncovering new boutique collections is clearly a passion for any design enthusiast and with this, Own World will soon proudly launch a relative newbie – Stellar Works. The founders have also capitalised on their experience and contacts from working in the USA to introduce some fresh and relevant American brands to our shores such as LA-based Bend Seating. In parallel, Own World is forever growing its home-grown product portfolio in collaboration with a cache of top Australian designers, manufacturers and upholsterers, enabling quick lead-times from both local and imported design.

Ethel side chair by Gaurav Nanda for Bend Seating.
Image courtesy of Own World.

So in the end, apart from representing a high calibre of products, what is it that makes Own World truly different? “We believe it’s the shift in thinking to be relevant in the now. Gone are the days of single-minded business direction. These days you need to be flexible and responsive, whilst maintaining your focus and integrity to reach your client’s desired results. Own World is a design resource. We are an importer, distributor, wholesaler, physical retailer and online trader. We have our own offices in Sydney & Melbourne, Agents in Canberra and Adelaide and flexible, shared workspaces elsewhere. We shift our thinking and approach continuously, adjusting to find what best suits the market. Our future is undefined and that’s the exciting part. Whilst professionally servicing the A&D community with genuine design will continue to be our focus, we always want to be open to creative thinking, adapt quickly and maintain a work-life balance.”

Visit Own World at 5/50 Stanley Street Darlinghurst, Sydney, or look them up online.

This Yellowtrace Promotion is proudly brought to you in collaboration with Own World.