Welcome to inside for another stellar year of design, information and excitement, as 2017 promises to be all that and more. After the Christmas break and new year revelries it’s certainly time to buckle down and get back into our work lives… but then for most of us work or design is part of our DNA and the enjoyment of discovering stunning interiors, outstanding architecture and innovative products is ever present.

We have been busy scouring the globe for the latest projects and happenings to present in this first issue of the year. We have also had the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the remarkable people that contribute to our community. There have been some compelling installations and showings, and we review Coen Young’s exhibitions in both Sydney and Auckland, and the latest from Artspace: Superposition of Three Types. In Melbourne we chat with Zoë Geyer about her work as a sole practitioner and talk with the French maestro Pierre Charpin about what makes him tick and the longevity of his design work. Barbara Flynn is also on our radar as she explains the thinking, processes and protocols behind some incredible public art.

Paris was busy again this January with the MAISON&OBJET fair and we present a selection of interesting products from the thousands on view – not an easy task by any means. This issue we have a new feature entitled At Home – presenting designers in their own space, and our inaugural candidate is Miriam Fanning of Mim Design. It’s always interesting to peek inside someone’s home and Fanning’s does not disappoint.

At Home is a new feature for inside, taking a step inside the homes of designers. Photo (and top photo) by Dianna Snape.

Our projects are a diverse and spectacular group of commercial, retail and residential premises. A workplace in the US (Those Architects) and the sophisticated Chancellery (AJ+C) show us just how good our interior design can be. And homes in Melbourne (DiMase Architects) and Barcelona (Sara Folch Design Studio), although very different, provide the essence of style for those who live in them. We followed the crowd to visit a new café (Architects EAT) that is taking Melbourne to another design and food level, while enjoying the ambience and the wares at Franque, a business that is setting a new agenda for the way retail is conducted today.

We also include a wrap-up of last year’s amazing IDEA program. The gala party and awards night in Sydney was the sensational culmination of a year of outstanding contribution from the design community and soon the process will start again for IDEA 2017.

We thank everyone for their support – the wonderful designers, architects and product makers, and the sponsors and supporters who made IDEA 2016 such a success.

So kick back, enjoy everything on offer in issue 95 of inside and soak up the mild weather. It’s a great start to the year and we look forward to the excitement and pleasure that 2017 is sure to bring.

– Jan & Gillian

inside 95 is available now through newsstands and digitally through Zinio.