Behind The Brand: Harbour Outdoor

"The name Condos is synonymous with the word “blacksmith”. Since 1976, the Condos family have crafted hand-made furniture in their Sydney workshop."

“It wasn’t until my brother visited New York and saw an opportunity for our father’s business in 2010, that it was obvious that the family business was the best path for both of us to pursue,” says Nicholas.

Certainly a passion for their family business drove the brothers to tackle the forbidding challenge of international outreach. The brothers took the leap of faith by participating in the 2010 ICFF New York design show – their first show ever and one of their “proudest moments” according to Harrison. “We weren’t sure if our designs would appeal,” he mentions “but our gut instinct was right and the accolades came streaming in and orders were placed in our first show.”

Harbour 1976 had emerged into the international arena.

And it isn’t just Australia that inspires the Harbour 1976 catalogue. The family draw on their Mediterranean links too. “We spend a lot of our time in Europe in the Summer,” says Harrison, “Our heritage is Greek and many days are spent enjoying time with our grandmother in Mykonos. [It’s] our favorite holiday destination – every year we visit and remember the healthy sun-drenched ways of life that shapes our family life and inspires our designs.”

The brand’s oeuvre is indebted to the diversities yet inherent similarities of both experiences – both claiming a penchant for the indoor/outdoor living which Harbour 1976 has come to epitomise. Simultaneously the brand references those modern Australian beach houses with clean lines and open spaces as well as that old Mediterranean charm with a focus on warm woods and fresh linen-like upholstery.

Speaking of the Harbour customer, it’s clear that the brand’s following appreciates an understated aesthetic with simple lines which allow the quality of their materials to do the talking. Nicholas describes this as “modern, minimalist with a focus on timeless design”. He goes on, “Our style is influenced by our native Australian home where everything is pared back and there’s a strong tie-in with indoor and outdoor seamless living. We believe in clean lines and keeping things simple; effortless form is very much the make-up of what we do.”

This sense of effortless form abounds in the brand’s catalogue, concisely summed up by this statement on its website: “Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, Harbour 1976 extends its aesthetic of clean lines and pared down modern luxury in every aspect of design.”