Good Taste, Great Design: Check Out This Year's Standout Venues as Shortlisted by the Australian Interior Design Awards
Spotlighting 226 standout projects, these shortlisted hospitality, commercial and public spaces showcase how interior design elevates every encounter.
Time, money, energy — most of us are short on one or more of these. So, when you head out for dinner and drinks, you're not just investing in what goes down your gullet, but the experience as a whole. Increasingly, interior design is what transforms a good time on the town into a great one. And to see who measures up, the Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) has unveiled its shortlist of 226 top-notch projects.
Spotlighting work across residential, commercial and public sectors, AIDA is now entering its 23rd year, and is widely regarded as the industry's leading benchmark for excellence and innovation. With the winners announced on Friday, June 12, at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney, we've picked out a few choice hospitality and commercial projects featuring wall-to-wall stunning design.
Baker Bleu, Cremorne
In Melbourne, the shortlist is stacked, with Merivale Design Studio getting the nod for LB's Record Bar — a retro-leaning, vinyl-only hang-out led by hospo heavyweights Michael and Zara Madrusan. Collingwood-based architecture and interior design studio IF Architecture gave us the Kobini-inspired Suupaa and Baker Bleu, Cremorne. Nearby, Wardle is in contention for Yiaga — Hugh Allen's landmark fine-diner in the Fitzroy Gardens. For a design-led stay, Flack Studio's Hannah Street Hotel certainly earns its spot on the shortlist.
For Sydneysiders, the representation is just as strong. Studio Shand put itself in award contention with Surry Hills' S'Wich, just as Luchetti Krelle has with their colourful Med-leaning design for Cibaria Manly. Surry Hills design studio Akin Atelier transformed the new-look Club Rose Bay, while 3XN GXN, BVN Architecture and Aspect Studios all helped deliver the Sydney Fish Market — described as the Harbour's most significant addition since the Opera House.
Yiaga, East Melbourne
Further north, Brisbane and the Goldy are also home to several new and incredibly designed venues. Alexander &Co took charge of LiTO and Haven at Mondrian Gold Coast, while Studio Collective remagined healthcare design for Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. In Newstead, think elevated neighbourhood trattoria for Studio Plenty's Bar Monte. Then, lean into J. AR Office's reborn 'grand old dame' for Marlowe, with the renowned studio also shortlisted for Brisbane's Golden Avenue, featuring a statement-making open-air courtyard.
With so many exceptional venues contending for each award, the winners aren't selected haphazardly. Featuring a panel of eight leading voices in Australian interior design, the judging process is anonymous, transparent and confidential. But why should the experts have all the fun? Check out a choice local spot and see if the interior experience makes getting out of the house that much more worth it.
Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Fortitude Valley.
Marlowe, South Brisbane
Bar Monte, Newstead
Winners of the Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 will be announced on Friday, June 12. Head to the website to see the full shortlist.
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Top image: Suupaa, Cremorne.
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