Sydney Nomad Finally Returns Home

Nomad’s journey over the last 12 months has been challenging to say the least.

First, a fire in its Foster Street home caused severe damage throughout the venue. Requiring extensive renovations, the team packed up and popped up a new outpost named ‘Nomad Up The Road’, landing walking distance from its original digs in the former Commonwealth Street Longrain space.

However, not long after a certain global pandemic swept through the country – closing many restaurants – some, unfortunately, for good.

Despite all this, Nomad is coming home, and this time it’s for good with the restaurant poised to reopen in its original location on October 20, bringing with it a new-look Nomad featuring a larger kitchen, twice as much seating around the open kitchen, and the new addition of a stand-alone deli.

Executive chef Jacqui Challinor’s menu will centre around the woodfired oven with signature items like smoked ocean trout basturma, halloumi, date glazed wagyu tongue and olive oil ice cream sandwich, with sesame, pistachio and honeycomb to feature.

“I’m so happy to have the fire back so it’s no surprise it’s the primary focus of the new menu. There’s a lot of new dishes we’re working on, but the staples have remained, some with a few little updates and tweaks,” says Challinor.

The addition of the deli adds a number of take-home products which are to change weekly. Think a selection of house-cured meats, dips, marinated preserves, as well as chocolate fudge brownies and cookie dough. The wine list is also available to take home and delivery.

As for the renovated space’s looks, expect it to feel like home, albeit with a ‘grown up’ feel. The wood-fired cooking opportunities have been extended as well as the kitchen counter seating allowing more patrons to get closer to the action.

Nomadwine.com.au

Instagram may be full of dreamy interiors, but architect Georgina Wilson says what works on social media doesn’t always translate to real life.

As one of Australia’s most-followed architects, Wilson has seen first-hand how influencer-led design shapes—and sometimes sabotages—our homes.

From impractical layouts to fast-fashion finishes, here are five biggest myths she’s busting.

1. Form Over Function

That statement pendant light might rake in likes, but can you actually open your kitchen drawers?

Many influencer-inspired designs prioritise visual drama over practicality, sacrificing comfort, efficiency and long-term usability in the process.

2. Set Design, Not Home Design

Fluted cabinetry, curved walls, oversized arches—they look great in a styled shot but aren’t always built to last.

Wilson warns that these trends are often “set pieces,” designed for impact rather than daily living.

3. The DIY Myth

With time-lapses and tutorials galore, influencers make renovations look deceptively easy.

But Wilson says DIY often results in costly missteps: “Designing a great space requires experience, technical skill and planning—there are no shortcuts.”

4. Trends Over Timelessness

What’s hot today will feel tired tomorrow. Chasing viral aesthetics can lead to expensive regrets, especially if it means compromising on layout, materials, or functionality.

“Good design should outlast any algorithm,” says Wilson.

5. Influencer Projects Are Often Free – Yours Won’t Be

Wilson points out a crucial reality: most influencer renovations are heavily subsidised by brand partnerships.

Homeowners, meanwhile, foot the full bill—sometimes for design choices that don’t serve them long-term.

Social media is a powerful source of inspiration, but Wilson urges homeowners to think beyond the grid.

“A truly great home isn’t built for the ‘after’ photo,” she says. “It’s built to be lived in—comfortably, beautifully, every day.”