THE BRIEF
The Nyngan is a historic pub in Nyngan, NSW, originally built in 1883. MARG. Studio was engaged early in the restoration to shape the overall interior concept for this well-loved local institution.
The vision was to honour the building’s long history without leaning too heavily on nostalgia. The design needed to be:
Warm, grounded and unpretentious
A blend of historic charm and thoughtful new finishes
Open and welcoming, with pockets of intimacy
Honest to the building’s architecture – not overly polished, but considered
Unique enough to feel like a destination, with a touch of quirk and something a little unexpected
We developed a guiding design concept that balanced heritage with function. While the Stanton family led much of the execution, MARG. Studio remained involved in key design moments, including tile selections and the facade mural.
THE CLIENT
The Stanton family brought deep care and local pride to the project. Their aim was to revive the pub as a central gathering place – one that felt both familiar and refreshed.
They embraced the design direction from the outset and carried it forward with intention, bringing the space to life in a way that honoured its legacy while offering something new for the town.
THE SPACE
Built in 1883, the building holds decades of local history. The restoration focused on enhancing its original features – exposed brick, pressed tin, generous proportions – while introducing new materials that sit comfortably alongside the old.
MARG. Studio shaped the initial design direction and provided input throughout. The result is a relaxed, considered pub – one that respects its past while creating space for new memories to be made.
- Emily