70s Soul Meets Modern Wholesome in Sydney’s Coolest New Hangout, Superfreak Marrickville.

YSG Studio has turned a former ice cream factory into Superfreak Marrickville—a seventies-inspired sanctuary serving serious style alongside healthy eats. Sydney’s grooviest new café is a transformation that would make Austin Powers jealous!

Working within the constraints of a modest 75-square-metre space and a tight budget, YSG’s approach to materiality and colour is nothing short of masterful. The foundation is laid with caramel-hued cork flooring, which not only provides acoustic benefits but sets the stage for a warm, earthy palette that defines the space.

The colour story unfolds with confidence—mellow butter yellow saturates the main dining area walls and ceiling, while a high-gloss ‘fresh veggie’ green cascades from above in the service area, creating what YSG describes as an “almost-otherworldly distraction from the everyday.” This bold palette is grounded by rich maple timber joinery and retro brown carpet, which makes strategic appearances throughout the space.

At the heart of Superfreak lies a conversation pit that doubles as a vinyl enthusiast’s dream, complete with integrated storage and a record player plinth illuminated by a custom lamp. Vintage timber dining chairs sourced from 1st Dibs add authentic period charm, while a cleverly designed semi-enclosed banquette makes brilliant use of the required disabled access ramp.

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Art and whimsy weave through every corner. A Wonka-esque lamp by American artist Autumn Casey greets visitors, while Venezuelan-Australian artist Nadia Hernández’s suspended fan artwork declares ‘DESTINO’ (‘destiny’). Local artist Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s playful ceramics, including a giant custard apple perched on a pink washing basket, add touches of suburban nostalgia.

Practical considerations become design opportunities throughout. Custom-printed retro café curtains filter sunlight in coordinating pea greens and browns, while a silk-striped fabric screen can be raised to accommodate DJ decks—ensuring the space’s soundtrack remains as carefully curated as its interior.

From the thoughtfully layered materials to the perfectly pitched colour palette, Superfreak serves up a delicious slice of seventies cool that proves great design, like great music, never goes out of style.

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[Images courtesy of YSG Studio. Photography by Phillip Huynh.]