Project Feature: Mobilia Sydney

In the heart of Alexandria, Sydney’s newest design precinct has found its breakthrough moment. The Bourke and Bowden development is already drawing attention for its architectural and interior vision by architect John Wardle and design firm Flack Studio. Within this, Mobilia’s new Sydney showroom has opened not simply as a retail space, but as a stage for international design to be experienced in real time.

Designed by Melbourne-based studio Golden, the showroom continues the narrative first explored in Mobilia’s Richmond store. The connection between the two is intentional, yet Sydney has been given an aesthetic distinctly its own. Golden’s design acknowledges the broader precinct interiors by Flack Studio, while creating its own distinctive presence; high ceilings, walls that don’t compete with the furniture, and an openness that invites natural light to become part of the design language. “Materials were selected for their ability to create contrast while still offering a cohesive backdrop to the brands on display,” says designer Alicia McKimm from Golden.  “Brushed metal finishes, raw renders, and layered textiles are punctuated by shifts in tone that reflect each brand’s DNA. The colour palette is largely muted and natural, allowing the furniture and brands to take visual precedence.”

The store spans 1,200 square metres yet it doesn’t feel overwhelming. This is largely due to the seamless expanse of Esco timber flooring by Woodpecker Flooring, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. “The timber flooring from Woodpecker Flooring plays a pivotal role in tying all spaces together,” says Alicia. “It’s continuous, warm, and neutral, grounding the vast volumes and enhancing the sense of flow and calm throughout the interior.”

Mobilia's commercial director Mirella Scaramella says the timber flooring was an easy decision. “We used it in our Perth and Melbourne showrooms, but it feels completely different here,” she says. “In Sydney, the blonde tone brings this softness that balances all the light pouring in through the windows. It anchors the scale of the room and makes the whole space feel inviting.”

The flooring is not just aesthetic but practical. With heavy furniture constantly on rotation and a steady pace of clients, designers, and architects moving through, durability and ease of maintenance were essential. “It’s incredibly hardwearing and easy to keep clean,” Mirella says. “We’ve had so many compliments already. It’s amazing how much of an impact something as seemingly simple as flooring can have on the experience of a space.”

Mobilia’s Sydney showroom brings together some of the world’s leading brands - Cassina, Moroso, cc-tapis, Flos, Astep, Michael Anastassiades, and more. Rather than merging into one continuous space, the brands are presented in immersive, branded environments designed by them to reflect their distinct identities. “For instance, Cassina’s environment looks and feels completely different from cc-tapis or Moroso,” explains Mirella. “They’re like individual vignettes but tied together with Woodpecker Flooring. It becomes this unifying backdrop.”

Having opened just five months ago, Mobilia Sydney is still new, but already becoming a major design destination. “We know what we like, and we’re very clear on who we are,” says Mirella. “This showroom is just the beginning for Sydney. The response has been incredible already, and we’re so excited for what lies ahead.”