As the adage goes, good things come to those who wait, and while the Mobilia showroom in Sydney was supposed to open ahead of the paradisical Melbourne showroom, that simply wasn’t the case. However, it is here – and it was certainly worth the wait. Mobilia has opened the doors to its inaugural Sydney showroom, settling into the Bourke and Bowden precinct in Alexandria – a mixed-use development designed by John Wardle Architects that shifts the design landscape in this part of the city.
Positioned on a corner tenancy that bids natural light permeation through its mortared brickwork and arched openings, the outpost is a tangible representation of the lauded brand’s continued interest in expressive design-forward environments. Inside, local studio GOLDEN expands on the vernacular originally established in the Melbourne showroom but with a slightly looser, more layered hand.
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A paced environment that echoes the way we move through domestic interiors, the orientation of the layout unfolds across a soft loop plan, guiding visitors through a series of framed scenes and living configurations. Pieces by the revered Cassina, Moroso, Poltrona Frau, CC-Tapis and Kettal are shown in dialogue. Tonally, the palette leans warm and textural – polished plaster, oak flooring and travertine plinths – where each finish is calibrated to let the furniture hold focus.
With over 50 years in the industry, Mobilia’s prodigious expansion into Sydney feels less like a brand rollout and more like a natural evolution. Founded by the Fazzari family in Perth and movingly still family-run, the business has long operated at the intersection of European design and a distinctly Australian perspective. This new flagship does not mimic its Melbourne sibling or lean into trend – from layout to décor – but presents a measured environment that trusts its audience to take their time.
Next up: Bankston and Sans-Arc Studio put collaboration to the test