Humber for an interior design junkie is everything I could ever dream for an interior to be.

I sat down with Adam Murphy who owns Humber and spoke with him about how the interior of this venue came to be.

Neighbouring the GPT’s building, Wollongong Central, Humber is nestled between multi-storey buildings which works for its benefit when on the rooftop with minimal affect from the wind due to the surrounding wind breakers.

Adam is a local and therefore had no hesitations about opening anywhere other than in Wollongong.

He spent some time looking for a site that would enable him to build his vision on and on stop number 3 here he found the old Hillman Humber building.

It was on the cards for the building to be demolished but aren’t we glad that didn’t happen?

Plans were soon changed and so the property was ready for its very much needed facelift.

Wollongong had already seen a successful bar here previously; The Otis Bar but a new time had arrived and Wollongong was ready for a fresh take on what the bar scene should look like.

Adam engaged Giant Design who are Interior Design Consultants based out of Surry Hills.

He selected them because he knew they’d have no problems executing the design for Humber, and really there’s nothing quite like it nearby. 

There are so many detailed elements spread throughout all three levels of Humber.

Yet with all of the details they flow harmoniously between the spaces without feeling overwhelmed- now that is good design.

One of Adam’s favourite items is the polished brass coffee servery and I would have to agree.

It’s laced with pop-rivets which gives you a nostalgic sense of the olden days and bi-fold planes (clearly I wasn’t around then but that’s how it makes me feel).

The brass finish is highlighted throughout the entire space.

And what I love most about it is that it’s used in such unique ways, in benchtops, light fittings and detailed trims. 

A mix of reclaimed bricks, brass, timber, powdercoated black steel supports are the base of this interior fit out.

It’s very much taken on a layered approach and those final layers are where you’ll find pops of bright geometric shapes printed on the cushions, the bespoke carpet, on the legs of furniture and inlaid in glass panels.

Most of the fittings and fixtures you’ll see are made my local tradespeople and artisans and for me that is such an important part of an interior, allowing local people to have their input into the design which they can later on enjoy for themselves.

Not only do the finishes provide continuity but also the design’s shape.

The block itself is a trapezium with the narrower section down the eastern side.

This shape flows throughout which you can see evident in the shape of the bar in the middle level and the bar table on the rooftop.  

Did I mention the rooftop? This was one of the most talked about aspects of Humber opening; Wollongong’s first rooftop bar.

And what a space it is, fit with outdoor seating but with no expense spared on the finishes from the hexagonal floor tiles to the brass pipe detail at the base of the bar.

LED recessed strip lighting surrounds the perimeter and this will undoubtedly be one of the most popular places to visit of an evening. 

Humber is like nothing Wollongong has seen before.

Every detail of the design has been thought of and executed with such precision.

There is no pretence about the space, it is inviting to anyone who walks through its doors.  

So if you need me for anything, you’ll find me on the rooftop looking down over Crown Street as the sun begins to set.