The 5 stunning homes shortlisted in the Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2014

Call it a first world problem, but I’m devastated to be missing this year’s Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards (on account of being in Europe) as it’s always such a great event and celebration. My excitement always starts on receiving the year’s finalists and I’m delighted to share with you sideshows of five homes shortlisted in the residential category. I must disclose my own personal bias towards my friend Greg Natale (whose forthcoming book I was lucky enough to work on with him). He has not one but two houses in this category! My favourite is the Croydon House.

Clearly each one of these homes is exceptional though. Enjoy the house porn!

The East Brisbane House by Greg Natale Design

The Croydon House by Greg Natale Design

The Avenue by Arent & Pyke

Arthouse by Sarah Davison Interior Design

Flinders House by Susi Leeton

The Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards, now in their fourth year, acknowledge excellence in Australian interior design and decoration and celebrate the best of the best in this ever-progressive industry. Awards are given in categories spanning the residential, commercial, corporate and hospitality sectors.

This year’s judging panel includes Coco Republic executive director Anthony Spon-Smith, Belle editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker and interior designer and blogger Dana Tomic-Hughes. The awards’ international judge is celebrated New York-based designer and retailer Jonathan Adler. Impressive stuff!

In the ultimate Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year category, finalists have been selected based upon careful consideration of the overall body of work submitted. The finalists for the big prize are:

Greg Natale, Greg Natale Design
Andrew Parr and Jonathan Richards, SJB Interiors
Sarah Davison, Sarah Davison Interior Design
Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke, Arent & Pyke
Pascale Gomes-McNabb, Pascale Gomes-McNabb.

I must say it’s fantastic to see so many women represented this year.

The announcement of all the award finalists, accompanied by images of their work, will be revealed in Belle’s new May issue, which goes on sale today (Monday 7 April).

Belle Editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker said: “The quality of work in this year’s awards is exceptional. It’s the most exciting year yet. Every year it seems Australian interior designers are getting more innovative, more creative and more willing to push the envelope.”

The winners will be announced on 14 May at a champagne reception held at Coco Republic’s Sydney showroom. The winner of the Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year will receive two return flights to Maison et Objet, Paris, plus Parisi bathroom products to the value of $6000 and a $3000 Cadrys rug voucher. Prize packages in all categories include a $1,000 Coco Republic voucher, a $1,000 Cadrys rug voucher and a $1,000 Parisi voucher.