Since 2003, Pat Coppel’s Make Designed Objects has been Melbourne’s quietly dazzling design trove. Here you will find three levels of curated beauty tucked just off Lygon Street in Carlton. Every object that makes its way onto the shelves earns its place through aesthetics, function, durability and a touch of wit. You’ll find a seamless blend of Australian craftsmanship - Mud Ceramics, Susan Cohn, Fink & Co - with the clean lines of Scandinavian icons like Marimekko and Alessi.
The space feels part gallery, part home-timber shelves lined with hand-thrown vessels, playful clocks, tactile linens and sculptural lighting. Each room invites slow wandering and discovery, the sort of gifting experience that turns errands into small adventures. Online, the same mindful curation carries through, wrapped with understated care and pattern‑banded paper.
Make’s ethos is simple: good design should last and bring quiet joy. 'Environmental soundness' is also a key requirment and solidified it's inclusion in our directory. It’s a place to find an object that feels both new and necessary.
Insider tip: pick up a piece of handmade tableware - equally perfect for your own table or a thoughtful housewarming gift.
Image credit: Make Designed Objects website