Ethos Interiors opens showroom in historic Drill Hall

One of Townsville’s most historic military buildings has been revamped as a showroom for an interior designer. See what’s driving its success.

One of city’s most historic military buildings has been transformed into attractive new office and showroom space for local design studio Ethos Interiors.

The business has leased part of the heritage-listed Drill Hall in Mitchell St, North Ward, which is also home to the Drill Hall Studio art gallery.

Ethos Interiors owner Anna Williams said the idea behind the new studio was to showcase a compelling mix of quality products for renovating and building, as well as some carefully selected homewares.

“We wanted to introduce Townsville to a curated selection of products that they can’t find locally and have sourced everything from basins to tiles, towels to taps,” Ms Williams said.

“We want our visitors to walk away feeling inspired, giving them an opportunity to touch, feel and view some of Australia’s best products and brands.”

Anna Williams inside Ethos Interiors' new premises in the historic Drill Hall.

Brands featured include tapware from Nero Tapware, mirrors from Warran Brooke, tiles from Vulcano Tiles and Southern Cross and basins from Sticks & Stones and Eight Quarters.

There are also soaps from Al.ive Body, artwork from Urban Road and towels and bedding from L&M Home.

The drill hall was built in 1905-06 and is largely unchanged, with its interior now featuring modern finishes alongside original exposed timber trusses and vaulted ceiling.

The building’s significance comes from more than a century of continuous military use and its role in recruitment for World War I. It was the home of the Kennedy Regiment and later the 9th Field Ambulance.

Ms Williams has operated Ethos Interiors for 11 years and has seen a big increase in trade this year on the back of projects to renovate office buildings and restaurants and a surge in new home building.

She said the added focus on the home during the pandemic had seen an increased connection and desire for home improvements, while council incentives to renovate vacant office buildings was prompting building owners to invest.

“It’s nice to see that investment in the city. Some of these building have been stale for years. It’s good to see them get freshened up,” Ms Williams said.

Ethos Interiors will have an event to mark the opening of its new showroom on October 7.

Originally published as Ethos Interiors opens showroom in historic Drill Hall