Lovers of design, rejoice. The 2021 VIVID Design Awards will go on display at Showroom By Bowens in Port Melbourne from November 23rd – December 6th.

Curated by Latitude Group’s Daniel Dalla Riva, this highly anticipated industry platform is always an important destination for both the local and international design industry. Judged by a panel of prominent and respected industry figures, finalists usually exhibit their design prototypes at Decor + Design, Australia’s No.1 Interiors Trade Event that takes place annually in Melbourne.

‘Daylight’
Dean Norton | VIVID Finalist 2021

Thanks to the pandemic and a litany of lockdowns, Decor + Design did not take place in 2021 but will return to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in 2022, 14 – 17 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

However, design aficionados can be inspired by the 2021 VIVID finalists at an installation at Showroom By Bowens, with the winners to be announced on Friday November 26th at the showroom in Port Melbourne from 3 – 6pm.

VIVID is also sponsored by Laminex (Principal 2021 Partner), ArtichokeDuluxDesign Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Authentic Design Alliance (ADA). 

Categories include Furniture Design, Lighting Design, Object Design, Concept Design, the Authentic Design Alliance Award of Merit, and the VIVID 2021 Judges Choice Award. View the stunning finalists in each category here

Nurturing the Next Generation of Australian Designers

Vibrant Visions in Design (VIVID) is Australia’s longest running design competition, marking its 18th anniversary in 2021.

VIVID is recognised as an important forum for Australia’s emerging and early career furniture, lighting & object designers, and has kick-started the careers of many prolific Australian designers.

Image: Showroom By Bowens

Showroom By Bowens (SBB) is a dedicated resource for architects, interior and product designers; an architectural space that conceals and reveals a curated selection of architectural hardware, fittings and fixtures for commercial and residential projects. 

Flyde Lounge Chair
Mark Jones | VIVID Finalist 2021

They work closely with Australia’s leading Architecture and Design studios, collaborating with them, their builders, and their makers, to create tailored solutions for their special projects.

“Every touchpoint of SBB aligns with our commitment to design excellence, and our support of Australian design and manufacture. The VIVID Design Awards provides us with the opportunity to extend this commitment to the best of Australia’s emerging design talent.”

Showroom By Bowens
‘Coffee Ritual 21’
Michelle Shooter | VIVID Finalist 2021

Celebrating the Design Community

In an industry built on the tactile, the hunger for the return of in-person events and exhibitions in Australia is high.

Trade shows are essential in fostering inspiration and celebrating emerging talent at platforms such as VIVID, as well as allowing more established brands to exhibit indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, art, textiles and more.

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned since the pandemic began, it’s that physical and face-to-face connection is utterly irreplaceable. While we’re grateful for the virtual tools at our disposal, the return to real life events is crucial for an industry which depends on people interacting and engaging all of the senses to truly experience a product.

‘Shimmer Room Divider’
Bolaji Teniola | VIVID Finalist 2021

The 19th edition of Decor + Design in 2022 promises to be a triumphant return, with leading companies such as Warwick Fabrics, Bisque Interiors, Cromwell, L & M Home, Classic Furnishings, James Stewart Furniture, Kave Home (formerly LaForma), Wisteria Design and La Grolla already confirmed to exhibit.

Until then, we look forward to celebrating emerging design talent at the VIVID Design Awards from November 23rd – December 6th. Visit Showroom By Bowens at 128 Salmon St, Port Melbourne; the awards will be presented on Friday 26th November from 3pm – 6pm.

Register your interest to receive information on VIVID and Decor + Design, as well as the wider world of interiors.