On Saturday 6th September 2025, Melbourne once again proved why it sits at the centre of the region’s design conversation. Saturday Indesign 2025 unfolded across the city in a memorable showcase of creativity, innovation and collaboration, transforming showrooms, streets and studios into a vibrant network of experiences. Architects, designers, specifiers and enthusiasts poured into three buzzing precincts – Richmond, Collingwood and the CBD/South Melbourne. These were each connected by hop-on, hop-off buses for those keen to discover everything on offer throughout the day.

Richmond was the beating heart of the day, where showrooms became immersive stages for design. Arthur G unveiled a new collection under the creative direction of Bek Sheppard, while Baya drew a crowd with a live rug-crafting demonstration, weaving New Zealand wool into intricate patterns. On the rooftop of Cosh Living, A Cosh Summer revealed Kett’s latest outdoor pieces against the city skyline, and just down the road Designer Rugs invited visitors to Experience the Artistry Hands On through a lively rug-tufting activity.

Hali Rugs kept the energy high with Wool You Hit It? — a playful game with a $5,000 prize on the line — and Harbro launched its Custom Comfort collection, showcasing bespoke craftsmanship. Jardan invited guests into a thoughtful conversation on Why We Go To Work, rethinking workplaces through people, place and purpose, while King Living drew visitors into The Future of Furniture, an all-day immersive installation with designer Brahman Perera.

Golden Hour arrived early at LightCo, where wine, cheese and conversation flowed from 2pm, while Living Edge combined play and discussion: their Unleashed Potential installation of Magis puppies added a touch of whimsy, while their talk on The Future of Work in a World of Change unpacked how workplaces continue to evolve. Tongue & Groove staged a dramatic launch with Wall To Wall, a collaboration between Raw Edges and Established & Sons, and top3 by design revealed The Pigment Revolution, exploring natural finishes that capture the look and feel of real timber. V-ZUG also impressed with The Project, a collaboration with Whitehouse Institute of Design that invited multisensory exploration.

Winnings smashed it out of the park with an incredible lineup of exciting activations throughout the day. Their showroom buzzed with activity: delicious food and hospitality, live art by Moddpodge, and an atmosphere that built to the ultimate finale — a block party headlined by Sneaky Sound System, the secret act that had Richmond well warmed up for the Saturday Indesign Afterparty.

The precinct also hosted an exciting collaboration, as Design Precinct, DECO, Havwoods and Klaro Industrial Design shared a showroom. Their array of delicious food and drinks, alongside the Design Discussion, Melbourne vs Sydney: Where is the Design Capital of Australia?, drew a full house, while Klaro’s Midnight Bloom Project pushed the boundaries of industrial art and design.

Over in Collingwood, the energy was no less engaging. K5 Furniture challenged perceptions with its Quiet Radical Project, a statement on design’s quiet power, while ownworld celebrated Swedish lighting brand Wästberg with its installation Silent Beams. SBW used the occasion to launch New Forms Unfold, bringing fresh product releases into the spotlight, while Cult offered one of the most sought-after talks of the day: an exclusive presentation by Gubi’s CEO on the F300 reveal. Innerspace provided the perfect late-afternoon pause, hosting relaxed Sundown Sessions drinks from 3pm, which kept the conversations flowing well into the evening.

In the CBD, showrooms brought design to life at the heart of the city. Gaggenau presented The Icons of Gaggenau, celebrating timeless design through thoughtful demonstrations, while Cosentino hosted a Wellness Design Talk at 2pm alongside their striking surface installations. Schiavello’s showroom took on a festive air, welcoming guests to rolling Garden Parties throughout the day, blending design, hospitality and greenery in style.

Threaded through all three precincts were Saturday Indesign’s signature features. The Project brought exhibitors and creatives together in experimental, multisensory installations; Design Discussions ranged from workplace culture to emerging talent; and the Design Passport encouraged attendees to explore as many showrooms as possible with the lure of over $55,000 in prizes.

The energy of the day then carried seamlessly through to the evening, with the official Afterparty hosted at The Albion Rooftop in South Melbourne. With great music, flowing drinks and a panoramic view of the city, it provided the perfect backdrop for the design community to celebrate, network and unwind after a full day of inspiration.

The 2025 edition once again reaffirmed Saturday Indesign’s position as one of the most anticipated dates on the design calendar – a day where the city doesn’t just showcase design, it embodies it. Saturday Indesign will return to Sydney in 2026 and we are already excited!