Project Info
Project Name: The Press
Location: Sydney, Australia
Designers: Justin Hemmes & Bettina Hemmes
Tucked discreetly within the urban grain of Sydney, The Press by Merivale unfolds as a layered interior experience that blurs the boundaries between past and present, performance and place. Conceived by Justin Hemmes and Bettina Hemmes, the venue occupies the bones of a former printing press, reimagined as a late-night destination where music, materiality and atmosphere converge.
Rather than erasing its industrial past, the design embraces it, allowing history to linger beneath layers of texture and ornament. The result is neither a conventional bar nor a typical music venue, but something more immersive: a spatial narrative that evolves from early evening intimacy to late-night intensity. As the night deepens, so too does the atmosphere, lighting dims, sound builds, and the space subtly transforms, echoing the rhythm of its patrons.
Layered in deep burgundy velvet, smoked mirrors and aged brass, the main room unfolds as a richly atmospheric interior where reflective surfaces multiply light and movement
A curved rust-toned velvet banquette frames an intimate lounge, where warm amber lighting and rich textures create a cocooned, late-night atmosphere
At the heart of the project is a commitment to emotional resonance. Led by Merivale’s in-house design team, the interiors are composed through a careful juxtaposition of vintage and contemporary elements. Velvet upholstery, jewel-toned drapery and Murano glass chandeliers lend a sense of theatrical richness, while brass detailing and mirrored surfaces reflect both light and movement, amplifying the sensory experience. The palette is deliberately indulgent, yet never overwhelming, each element calibrated to contribute to a cohesive mood rather than compete for attention.
Intimate seating clusters wrapped in jewel-toned fabrics foster a sense of enclosure, encouraging conversation within a larger, energetic setting
Low, diffused lighting casts a warm glow across textured surfaces, allowing shadow and reflection to shape a dynamic spatial experience
A curved marble bar anchors the room, both visually and socially, while layered materials create depth and tactility. Timber, metal and fabric coexist in a composition that feels collected rather than constructed, as though assembled over time rather than installed all at once. This deliberate layering fosters a sense of familiarity, inviting guests into a space that feels simultaneously opulent and lived-in. Circulation through the venue is fluid, encouraging moments of pause, interaction and discovery rather than a singular, fixed experience.
The curved marble bar anchors the space, its sculptural form softened by ambient lighting and reflective finishes that amplify movement and interaction
Layered spatial transitions guide movement organically, revealing shifting perspectives and moments of discovery throughout the venue
Yet The Press is not defined by aesthetics alone. Music is integral to its identity. A resident band performs nightly, shifting from jazz-inflected early sets to high-energy late-night sessions, supported by guest musicians and DJs. The acoustics, enhanced by a custom sound system, ensure that sound is not simply heard, but experienced spatially, reverberating through the architecture itself. In this way, the design operates almost like an instrument, shaping how music is felt as much as how it is heard.
This interplay between sound and space extends to more intimate areas within the venue. The Est Room, for instance, offers a private, nostalgic counterpoint: a compact setting complete with mirrored ceilings, vintage finishes and a distinctly retro atmosphere. Here, the mood shifts again - quieter, more introspective - reinforcing the project’s broader dialogue between eras and experiences.
A softly enclosed lounge defined by caramel-toned upholstery, woven timber panels and warm ambient lighting, creating an intimate, retro-inflected retreat
Curved joinery and softly glowing shelves frame a jewel-box bar, with brass detailing and amber light enhancing its nostalgic character
Ultimately, The Press is less about spectacle and more about immersion. It resists the polished uniformity of contemporary hospitality design in favor of something more evocative - an environment shaped by memory, mood and material richness. Subtle imperfections, layered references and atmospheric contrasts give the space its depth, allowing it to feel both intentional and instinctive.
In doing so, it reflects a growing shift in design thinking: away from visual perfection and toward experiences that are felt, remembered and revisited. Here, time softens. Boundaries dissolve. And in the interplay of music, light and texture, the space becomes not just a venue, but a moment - fleeting, atmospheric and deeply transportive.
PHOTO CREDIT: Anson Smart
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