The Stella Collective
Mirroring the classicism of Ancient Ariba with a mix of 1980s rebellious edge, The Stella Collective embraces antique design with a modern interpretation.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
The Artedomus Sydney showroom designed by The Stella Collective. Photo - Derek Swalwell.
The Stella Collective embodies a whimsical, feminine design that cuffs the edge of contemporary interiors and the extension into architecture. The projects seem to take a nod from nature, the soft curved archways and clever spots for lush green foliage to spill over into the clean joinery lines.
Hana Hakim is the designer behind The Stella Collective, using her middle name as the personality of the brand. Born and raised in the UK, studying at London’s esteemed Chelsea College of Art and Design, Hana moved to Australia 17 years ago. She launched her business in 2015 after realising she was a designer who needs to really get amongst it and know the ins and outs of the project, forming a deep connection with her clients.
“After many years of working with some wonderful design firms and partnerships, it was time for me to branch out on my own,” Hana shares. “Starting my own interior design studio was the perfect and only way of doing that.”
“We create spaces that make people feel good — we design for love, truth, and fearlessness.” shares Hana Hakim from The Stella Collective. Photo - Lilli Waters for Hunter & Folk.
Inside Zoobibi, a retail experience with a difference, set in a modern day, Moorish utopia. Photo - Sean Fennessy.
Lifestyle concept store Zoobibi, designed by The Stella Collective. Photo - Sean Fennessy.
“The truth is, being forced way out of your comfort zone can lead to the most inspirational and proudest project moments.”
Even though Hana and the business are based in Melbourne, they are an international design firm. As well as travelling across Australia, they cover projects across Europe and have done pro-bono work in Palestine. "Each project is a tribute to travel, opening your heart to adventure, memories and powerful storytelling,” Hana adds.
Hana invites both glamour and authenticity in her projects by balancing functionality and aesthetics. But it’s the rebellious edge of design that she strives for in her projects, using reflections of her client’s success and future aspirations for the space. “Custom furniture, objects or an art piece serves as a reminder to always stay wild at heart,” she adds.
“My philosophy is to create goodness in this world, our environment, no matter where, whether it be a rocking hotel, hospitality venue, a workplace that embodies well-being or even a small village in The Middle East. We create spaces that make people feel good — we design for love, truth, and fearlessness.”
A corner in The Stella Collective studio space. Photo - Lilli Waters for Hunter & Folk.
Photo - Sean Fennessy.
Naim, in the heart of Brisbane city, draws on Hana Hakim’s love of Ancient Arabia and The Middle East. Photo - Sean Fennessy.
“Each project is a tribute to travel, opening your heart to adventure, memories and powerful storytelling.”
Blacksmith Provedore, designed by The Stella Collective, marks a shifting landscape for regional hospitality and a new standard for country Australia. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Blacksmith Provedore designed by The Stella Collective. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
The number one theory that drives each project is, "let the light in." The 1980s and Ancient Arabia also inspire Hana, and The Middle East has a special part in her heart, which all comes together in the Naim fit-out in Brisbane. “The design of Naim is an ode to my father’s country Syria,” Hana muses. “I spent beautiful times there with family, and it was a huge inspiration for not only my design aesthetic but also my personal values that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
The design firm has some big hotel projects coming up, in particular, one in the tropics that was formerly owned by her husband's grandfather three decades ago! The Stella Collective are also launching a new object design range. After people kept commenting on their custom designs, Hana decided to unveil a collection that anyone can buy. It brings together her love of collaboration with brands and forming those intimate connections crucial for interiors.
Blacksmith Provedore was designed to not only blend but also enhance the environment of its neighbouring mid-century motels and hotels. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
“I will be taking an inspiration trip to Brazil, expect to see some tropical modernism coming out of the studio for 2020!”
The serene exterior at Blacksmith Provedore. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Details - terrazzo in shades of bottle green. Photo - Lillie Thompson.