The Bondi Design Guide

Bondi is more than just Australia’s most famous beach – it’s a hub and home to many creative talents in fashion, design, architecture and publishing. It’s also constantly evolving so there’s always new hot spots to visit.

Whether it’s for a retail fix, good food or for endless inspiration, here are my top five design favourites in Bondi.

Girl and Graaf (Retail Store)

The harmonious pair of owners of this small store source and sell unique small items inspired by travel. There’s a strong focus on well being and handmade homewares, with objects from all over the globe, including local favourite Bondi Wash’s range of natural products www.bondiwash.com.au. I really love the carefully edited collection. This store proves you don’t have to have a huge footprint to make a mark. 189 Bondi Road

Yellow Bungalow (Retail Store)

Australian design meets Scandinavian inspiration in this fun furniture and homewares store. The aesthetic is simple – it’s all about good design. Head here for furniture, lighting, artwork and home furnishings. 221 Bondi Road

Bills Bondi (Café/Restaurant)

Bills Grangers’ latest café has opened in Bondi and it feels like home. The interior, designed by Meacham Nockles McQualter, is slick and modern, cool but casual. Granger’s iconic namesake restaurants serve signature yet simple food. There’s no going past his famous eggs or hot cakes, although the café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner! The fit out of the space is sensational, with a sleek feel and a very friendly colour palette. The details are divine. I love the nude colour tiles, the olive green leather upholstery and the touches of metallic. A favourite corner is the art cluster (pictured) on the wall. It’s my new favourite place to eat. 79 Hall Street

Icebergs (Iconic)

It’s hard to write an article about Bondi and not to mention the iconic ocean pool Icebergs. It’s my favourite place in Bondi and a constant source of inspiration for me, especially in colour and light. I love the view from across the pool to North Bondi. The pool is one of Bondi’s most signature landmarks – stark white structure and pop of yellow and black. This is a place where all kinds of people swim – locals and tourists a like. The pool is the setting for 100s of instagram pictures – I just can’t help myself – because the water is constantly changing colours and even when empty it’s a sight to behold.

North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club (Building/Architecture)

The new North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club structure on Bondi’s famous coastline is loved or loathed (personally I love it) by locals. Replacing a red brick building that housed the original club house from way back when, I love the new building’s shape and form. It’s got a great modern feel but is still a little retro, with smooth, curved lines and angles and a soft but almost sparkly finish. It fits in perfectly with the art deco buildings on the stretch behind. My favouriye part of this building is the pop bright blue on the rooftop terrace. This building is sure to become and iconic part of the landscape. Designed by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects.

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