Insider

Melbourne furniture design and manufacturing firm Molmic celebrates 30 years at the top of its game this year. H&G caught up with Anna McRae – creative director of this family-run business and daughter of founders Molly and Michael McMahon – to talk about

Design news and reviews.

How did Molmic begin? The inspiration came about by chance, a combination of Molly’s background in children’s clothing and Michael’s technical-engineering skills. They wanted to create a business together that would be a new adventure and a new challenge for them. How will you celebrate the 30th anniversary? We recently launched the Molmic Sofa Gallery, an in-store concept with selected core stockists. Our plan is to have intimate events with each of these partners, along with events for our longstanding retail partners, to keep it personal.

What do you think has kept Molmic at the front of Australian design? The relationships we keep at every point, transparent communications and our commitment to, and investment in, innovation. We understand the value of marketing our brand and connecting with people.

What’s in store for the future? We have a new-generation leadership team who will diversify and grow the Molmic Sofa Gallery in stores, while expanding our product offerings and distribution. Exciting new trade showrooms for Sydney and Brisbane are also in our plans.

Favourite pieces? The Steele Avenue sofa [above], still a best-seller, for its simplicity, practicality and relaxed comfort – I’ve had mine for more than 15 years. The Eastwood sofa, for its rustic charm and exclusive fabric. And the Vivienne chair, an elegant classic. www.molmic.com.au.

Anna McRae ‘OUR DESIGNS, CRAF TSMANSHIP AND CARE ARE FOUNDED O N T H E P U R P O S E O F W H AT W E M A K E – F U R N I T U R E T H AT A S S U M E S A N I N T E G RA L P L AC E I N P E O P L E ’ S L I V E S .’

Family biz: Michael and Molly McMahon and their kids. Creative director Anna is second from left.