The 2026 Vivid Awards: A Celebration of Australia's Emerging Design Talent
The Vivid Emerging Designer Awards, Australia's longest-running competition for emerging designers, has once again unearthed a talented group of individuals who are shaping the future of furniture, lighting, and object design. This year's winners showcase a diverse range of styles and materials, with a focus on innovation and craftsmanship.
One of the standout winners is Jacqueline Kaytar, whose 'Bark' stool took home the Judge's Choice Award. Inspired by the deeply furrowed surface of ironbark, Kaytar's stool is a masterpiece of cast aluminium craftsmanship. Cassie Hansen, a Vivid judge and editor of InteriorsAu, praised Kaytar's work, describing it as 'exquisite' and 'market-ready'.
The awards also recognized a range of other talented designers, including:
- Furniture: Lachlan Mackay & Veronica Paiva (Second Subject), Reece Patterson (Whistle Cabinet)
- Lighting: James Morando (Linea), Rosie Licence (Sap Lamp)
- Object: Noah Corban (Three Flow), Tom Summers (Soft Plane I + II Wall Hooks)
- Concept: Alex Berecz (HAL), Steel Issoufson (Second Skin Modular Wearable System)
- Colour: Carl Brosen (Loom Arm Chair), Tara Burgess (Imprint on Me)
- Student: Noah Corban (Three Flow), Nina Lewis (Recession Coffee Table), Sam Short (Corded Bench)
The judges, including Daniel Dalla Riva from Latitude Group and a diverse group of industry experts, had the challenging task of selecting the winners from a field of highly talented designers. The awards also included the Authentic Design Alliance Award of Merit, which was won by Jacqueline Kaytar for her 'Bark' stool.
The 2026 Vivid Awards not only celebrate the winners but also provide a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work. The Decor and Design website (https://decordesignshow.com.au/2026-vivid-winners/) is a treasure trove of inspiration, allowing visitors to explore the finalists' work and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of design.
In my opinion, the 2026 Vivid Awards are a testament to the creativity and innovation that is thriving in Australia's design community. The winners showcase a diverse range of styles and materials, with a focus on craftsmanship and market-readiness. As an expert in the field, I am excited to see the impact these designers will have on the industry in the years to come.
