When Space Furniture was first established in 1993, the promise of choice was the core of its vision. Boasting more than 30 brands, the retailer carries some of the world’s top-tier labels—from Giorgetti to B&B Italia—all under a single roof.
As global design trends evolve, so too has Space Furniture. “What we’re seeing a lot in the market is probably the rise of the collector—someone who isn’t just looking for a matching collection of upholstery or products with the same design language, but is, instead, collecting unique pieces from around the world,” explains Leighton Clarke, CEO of Space Furniture. In response to this change, the multi-brand retailer expanded its service offerings, branching out of its retail roots to introduce a more personalised service, devoted to assisting clients in curating interiors that resonate with them.
First launched in Australia slightly more than five years ago, Space Atelier is headed by David Hartikainen, head of interiors and business development, who brings two decades of international experience across Australia and Asia. “In Space Atelier, rather than focusing on our own style or an aesthetic that we’re known for, we set that aside and listen to what our clients are trying to achieve in their homes,” Hartikainen says. Clarke adds that, though business growth is important, the customer experience remains the priority of this bespoke service.
Space Furniture may have started out as a centralised source for luxury offerings, but it is precisely through these strong partnerships with many of the world’s best design labels that the brand has found the freedom to deliver a varied experience to its clients. “It allows our team and our business to approach interiors in always unique and diverse ways,” Hartikainen says. “We can look at pieces that are abstract to those that are more muted.”
Some requests may even come with a welcoming challenge, pushing the boundaries for creative possibilities. “You might have clients who are after that special piece, like sourcing a vintage Scarpa piece from the 1960s—which is exciting because it takes us outside of business as usual and allows our teams to explore a much wider, more diverse collection out there as well,” Clarke says. Hartikainen continues: “That collector mindset, that uniqueness, and that personality—it’s so lovely to see interiors that truly reflect the person living within that space.”
The Space Atelier experience extends beyond sourcing rare pieces. Sometimes, it involves designing around what clients already own, such as objects picked up during their travels or meaningful artworks that were acquired. But, according to Hartikainen, people are often unsure where to begin. “They know they’re in the right place, but they need direction. They need to understand what their home could potentially look like,” Hartikainen says. “Whether it’s colour direction or the way the lighting interacts with the space, the Atelier team is dedicated to making sure that the mood and feeling you get from a successful interior is always delivered.”
The Space Atelier team is composed of highly skilled professionals, many with years of experience in the industry—featuring specialists in client relations, interior designers, and experts in the art world. Across all locations, each client will be provided with the right mix of talent to perfectly execute their ideas. “It’s one of the ways we ensure that every response is unique and tailored to the project or individual,” Hartikainen states.
With a diverse team offering a variety of skill sets, Space Atelier also works in tandem with external designers, architects, and developers—stepping in as an extension to assist with the project’s primary design team. “It’s not only residential clients. Architects and designers are also our clients, and they see the value in how we work to make their jobs easier,” Hartikainen says. Clarke further weighs in, saying, “That collaborative approach has actually led to some really outstanding results as well.”
To understand the inner workings of Space Atelier, Hartikainen provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process. “It always starts with a conversation—to understand the client’s passions and what drives them. From there, we form a return brief to make sure the client is happy with what we produce.
“And then the fun really begins. We put pen to paper, start formulating those ideas, and see them take shape for the first time. We get the pieces underway, have them shipped across, and the installation begins. What was once a two-dimensional design will form into a three-dimensional format. The greatest part is handing it over and seeing the enjoyment of our clients.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to craft and work on someone’s home. To see the results come through and to witness that joy, that moment of happiness—it’s one of the greatest rewards that we get to experience on a day-to-day basis.”
