Australian design brand Ellison Studios has opened an impressive new headquarters and showroom in Sydney's Waterloo district, marking a significant milestone for the company that has built a cult following since its 2017 launch. The 680-square-meter space serves as both a creative studio and working showroom, representing the brand's transition from a purely digital presence to a physical manifestation of its distinctive aesthetic.
Founded and led by CEO Leigh McKeown, Ellison Studios initially launched as an online-only retailer, quickly gaining recognition for its nostalgic furniture and home goods, supported by editorial-quality campaign imagery. The brand's signature pieces, including the popular Huggy Armchair, have achieved cult status among design enthusiasts over the past eight years. The company has since expanded its offerings to include comprehensive collections for living spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms, outdoor areas, and lighting.
The new headquarters was designed under the creative direction of Joseph Gardner, working alongside designer William McRoberts, with construction handled by longtime collaborator Jonathan Friend of JForm. The space features a carefully curated blend of design elements from different eras, creating what the brand describes as relaxed yet polished interiors that reflect their layered aesthetic approach.
"As a socially native design brand stepping into the physical world, we wanted our personality to walk through the door with you," McKeown explained. The playful nature of the brand is immediately apparent upon entry, where visitors are greeted by a custom travertine ping pong table. "It's a reminder to our clients and team that while we take our work seriously, we don't take ourselves too seriously," he added.
The ground floor features a striking five-meter-tall palm tree surrounded by custom Ellison Studios leather and steel seating, while timber screens provide privacy for the office areas. The interior design philosophy emphasizes pared-back aesthetics that allow the brand's own furniture pieces to take center stage, complemented by lighting and hardware from other acclaimed local designers including David Flack, Volker Haug, and Studio Henry Wilson.
A standout architectural feature is the glass-brick staircase, created in collaboration with Brickworks, which leads visitors to the second floor's "By Appointment" designer suite. This upper level houses a private showroom specifically designed for Ellison Studios' trade community, featuring styled sections that replicate actual home environments. This approach allows designers and clients to experience hero pieces like the luxurious 1970s-inspired Float Sofa and the Lull Bed in their intended settings.
McKeown hopes the completed space will serve as a source of inspiration not only for his internal team but also for their broader network of creatives and collaborators who will now have the opportunity to experience the brand in a more intimate, hands-on environment. The new headquarters represents Ellison Studios' evolution from digital-first brand to a comprehensive design destination, offering clients and partners the chance to engage with their products up close and personal.
