What makes an interior space stand out? Is it an inventive layout, a sensorial material palette, a vibrant connect with the outdoors or a choicest décor that brings its users closer to the inherent quality of the space? Perhaps you can take some clues from the winning interior projects of Dezeen Awards 2019.

Selected from a roster of 259 longlisted projects across 10 sub-categories, some of the winners include a former piano studio transformed into a micro house in Taipei; 28 separate bridge houses turned into hotel suites across Amsterdam; and a gothic-inspired cafe in a former chapel.

The winners bring together an array of contemporary practices, which include Chicago-based Vladimir Radutny Architects, Amsterdam-based Space & Matter studio, and Australian firm, Branch Studio Architects.

Dezeen, which is running its second edition of the Dezeen Awards, recognises the world's best architecture, interiors and design projects, as well as the best individuals and studios. Out of 4,500 submissions received from across 87 countries, the awards highlight eclectic innovation and unique concepts and approaches, which are being realised across architecture and allied fields worldwide. 

See below the winners in the interiors sub-categories at Dezeen Awards 2019.

THE 10 WINNERS

1. House interior of the year: Tiny Holiday Home by i29 interior architects

Tiny Holiday Home stands out like a minimalist sculpture in its context of lakes and sand-islands near Amsterdam. With a compact, black 55 sqm space, the house is divided into four 'sculptural values' developed from the inside out. Judges on the interiors panel appreciated the "clever use of space", the way the house "opens up to the outside'', the project's "simplicity", and the careful use of "sustainable materials".

2. Apartment interior of the year: Michigan Loft by Vladimir Radutny Architects

Michigan Loft sits in a century-old building in Chicago's Michigan Avenue as a spacious home for two. The 209-sqm dwelling features wood and steel volumes slotted within an exposed concrete structure with expansive ceiling and a vast living area. The jury cited the interiors as “cleverly divided, with both the existing roof and the multi-functional open space respecting the old building".

3. Restaurant and bar interior of the year: Bar Lotus by Office AIO

Bar Lotus reveals a striking space, highlighting emerald-green walls and rippling rose-gold ceilings. Judges admired the project’s singular design and its good mix of traditional and contemporary references."The bar is spatially interesting through its simplicity and the choice of materials, whilst the arches offer different glimpses into the space, which enhances the character of the interior," commented the panel.

4. Hotel and short stay interior of the year: SWEETS hotel by Space & Matter

Sweets Hotel is a set of 28 tiny bridge-houses that make up individual hotel suites across Amsterdam, the Netherlands. While the building was not originally designed to inhabit people, it now stands proud as a city-wide hotel. "This project,” the jury cited, “is a fantastic initiative and collaboration between the city, the designer and the developer. It questions the idea of hotels in this era of Airbnb by having separate hotel rooms dotted around the city allowing visitors to experience the city in a unique way.”

5. Large workspace interior of the year: Gusto by Gensler

Gusto involved transforming a massive industrial building, which once served as a machine shop for submarines, into the headquarters for the eponymous HR company. The communal consists of a metal-trussed roof with informal work and meeting areas. The panel highlighted the vast space that allows its users to enjoy both privacy due to its volume or a very communal way of working.

6. Small workspace interior of the year: Piazza Dell'Ufficio by Branch Studio Architects

Piazza Dell'Ufficio is an alluring transformation of the administrative offices of a Melbourne college based on the concept of the Italian piazzas. Featuring cardboard cladding, the interiors are designed to reduce visual-barriers between staff and student interactions. "This aesthetically pleasing space,” said the judges, “creates a break-out area for busy school life. There is a great balance between contemporary, recyclable and affordable materials and colours, creating a warm and calming environment that is suitable for student welfare.”

7. Retail interior of the year: Le Cube by Mana/Scalaplus

Le Cube, an experiential skate ramp encased within a reflective, aluminium-clad cube was exhibited at Le Bon Marché department store in Paris. The ramp acts as both a stage and a sculpture, featuring live skating-performances within its elevated full-pipe - the concave structure on which skaters perform tricks. Judges admire "the skill of design, and the different techniques and tools that were used to realise the project".

8. Leisure and wellness interior of the year: Euphoria Spa in the Euphoria Retreat by DecaARCHITECTURE

Euphoria Spa sits between a cypress forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, quietly embracing the mountains of Mystras in Greece. A grey concrete staircase wraps the four-storey building, featuring arched spaces connected by catacomb-like corridors. The judges lauded the project for its "unusual and interesting concept with a design that provides a spiritual experience".

9. Civic and cultural interior of the year: Kath by Van Staeyen Interieur Architecten

Kath is a gothic-inspired café tucked inside one of the former chapels of Antwerp's medieval cathedral. Its interiors serve as a bar as well as a meeting space for worshippers. The design draws inspiration from the original cathedral, which features eclectic colours, motifs and structural details. The project stood apart in the evaluation for its simple, playful and clever approach to contemporary atmosphere while respecting the larger sacred space.

10. Small interior of the year: 17.6 square metre flat by A Little Design

17.6 square metre flat, as the name suggests, is a tiny dwelling which was originally a piano studio. The house has sleeping, bathing and living areas designed with practical proportions. The designers had to work around a concrete beam that runs widthways through the space, further restricting what was possible. Judges praised "the functional, habitable apartment that uses design techniques which are simple, extremely well controlled and pleasing for every day use".

One of the ten category winners will be recognised as the overall architecture project of the year at the Dezeen Awards 2019 party in London on October 30. All winners will receive a hand-made trophy by Atelier NL, presented in a special carrying case by Herschel.

Find out Dezeen Awards 2019 Architecture winning projects and Design winning projects.

Read about the other shortlisted projects: The Dezeen Awards 2019 shortlists announced