It’s been just six weeks since Nook took on the design mecca of Milan, and we’re still riding high from the creative energy. But we couldn’t stop there. Director Monica, fuelled by inspiration and an insatiable curiosity for design, made her way down to Australia’s creative capital for Melbourne Design Week 2025 - and what a soulful journey it was.
A Glimpse of a Creative City
Now in its ninth year, Melbourne Design Week (MDW) has blossomed into Australia’s largest and most anticipated design event. With over 350 events spread across 11 days - from exhibitions and talks to installations and workshops - MDW has become a powerful platform for celebrating ideas, stories, and the people behind the designs.
Held in venues ranging from ateliers to galleries, universities to public gardens, the festival doesn’t just showcase design - it weaves it into the city’s fabric. And while Melbourne has long been known as a hub for creativity, MDW amplifies that reputation on a global scale, attracting over 100,000 visitors in 2024 - eclipsing the likes of Paris and Shanghai Design Weeks.
Monica’s Take: Honest, Emotional, Enriching
What struck Monica most about Melbourne’s edition wasn’t just the talent - it was the tone.
“Compared to the scale and polish of Milan, Melbourne felt more personal. Artists took the time to talk - you could feel their emotion and intent behind each piece. It was more artisanal, more human,” she shared. “It reminded me how design can be just as much about storytelling and relationships as it is about the final product.”
Despite expecting a slightly larger turnout, Monica found the intimacy of the event to be its strength. The connections were real, the spaces were approachable, and the creative community felt more like a gathering of kindred spirits than a trade fair.
Where Nook Went: A Whirlwind Tour of Thoughtful Design
Melbourne Design Week had no shortage of standout showcases. Monica made it a point to explore both celebrated studios and emerging talents. A few favourites included:
- COCO FLIP x Kennedy Nolan (Fitzroy) – A powerful collaboration that balanced warmth with architectural precision.
- ILANEL – Glowing Structure (South Yarra) – A poetic exploration of light and form.
- Fiona Lynch (Collingwood) – A minimalist dream, filled with subtle drama and rich texture.
- North District highlights – including Agra Forma, Armadillo, MAGMA Galleries (Marta Figueiredo), CRIP TIME, and Oigall Projects on Gertrude Street – a treasure trove of design discourse and experimental spirit.
- NGV International – Always a mainstay, always awe-inspiring.
One spot we were especially eager to visit was 100 Lights, an exhibition that ran for only a few short days. Sadly, the timing didn’t align. We had some beautiful representation at this event, so it was especially disappointing to miss it. We're hopeful to catch future collaborations soon - lighting is at the heart of what we do, and the connection it creates is something we deeply value.
Why Melbourne Matters
At its core, Melbourne Design Week isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about ideas. It’s about asking how design can contribute to a better, more thoughtful future. Through democratic participation and a values-led approach, MDW is building something more than a festival - it’s nurturing a community of designers who see their work as a force for good.
And for us at Nook, that aligns deeply with why we do what we do.
Looking Ahead
Whether in Milan, Melbourne, or wherever our next journey takes us, we’re continually reminded that great design starts with empathy, evolves through collaboration, and lives in the connections we build.
Here’s to more moments of discovery - and more reasons to keep the light on.
