Anglesea Fremantle by Foolscap brings heritage, craft and contemporary design together in the heart of Western Australia.
Set within the former Fremantle Police Headquarters, Garde Hotel is a project deeply grounded in place. From the outset, the interiors were shaped by the ideas of craft and industry, a direct reflection of Fremantle’s port heritage, its limestone foundations, and the strong community of artists and makers that define the area today.
Custom Orb in Zepel; Lech.
Working closely with Foolscap, the interiors highlight local craftsmanship and storytelling, with every element considered for both longevity and relevance. Custom furniture played a key role in bringing this vision to life, particularly within Anglesea, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, where flexibility, comfort and durability were essential.
For this project, Foolscap Studio selected the Orb Sofa and Jay Sofa, drawn to their sculptural forms, customisation options and Australian-made credentials. Both designs were adapted specifically for the space, seat heights were raised to work comfortably with bistro tables, and overall depths reduced to suit the densely seated layout without compromising comfort.
Rather than relying heavily on fixed joinery, the team made a conscious decision to use long, generous sofas that function more like freestanding banquettes. This approach aligned with the project’s sustainability values, avoiding materials that are difficult to recycle at the end of their life, while creating pieces that can endure well beyond the lifespan of the fitout. Extended Orb and Jay sofas now anchor the space, offering a sense of longevity while remaining flexible as furniture.
Colour throughout the interiors draws directly from Fremantle’s natural and material landscape. Layers of tone reference ocean and sky illuminated sunsets, stormy seas, limestone and ochre earth. This palette allows Anglesea to shift effortlessly from light-filled daytime service to a warmer, more atmospheric setting at night, with the upholstery of the Orb and Jay sofas playing a quiet but important role in grounding the space.
View the Orb Sofa here.
Custom Jay in Zepel; Fontaine.
'We opted for incredibly long Orb and Jay Sofas that feel like generous banquettes, and as pieces of furniture they stand the test of time' - Renae Tapley, Designer
From concept through to execution, collaboration was central to the success of the project. The process with Arthur G was described as seamless and engaging, with close attention given to detail from the earliest design conversations through to final manufacture. Sitting down with Managing Director, Leonard Georgopoulos, to review the finer points, followed by comprehensive drawings prior to production, ensured the custom pieces were resolved with the same care typically expected of bespoke joinery.
The result is a space that feels thoughtful, generous and built to last. Rather than being designed just for this moment, each element was considered for longevity, with a strong focus on local making and meaningful collaboration. Together, the furniture, materials and detailing create an interior that feels authentic and grounded, unmistakably Fremantle in both character and spirit.
Photography by Jack Lovel.
Designed by Renae Tapley, Foolscap Studio.