Sustainability has shaped recent consumer trends, and house renovation is no exception. An impressive 95% of respondents in a 2023 Houzz study chose to embrace sustainable features when revamping their kitchen, the room which remains the most expensive when renovating. That said, their reasons were more about saving money than saving the earth.
Clearly Renovations
Compared to other areas in the house, homeowners often create major changes to the kitchen, with median spending on renovations increasing steadily since 2019 ($15,000) to $20,000 in 2021.
“Homeowners are gravitating towards sustainable choices during kitchen renovations, and it is interesting to see the intersection of economic solutions and environmental concerns. The most frequent reason behind choosing sustainable options is long-run cost effectiveness, with environmental-friendliness as a secondary consideration,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist.
NOTO Architects
The survey of more than 450 respondents found that popular choices include LED bulbs (71%), energy-efficient appliances (63%), and water-efficient fixtures (49%). More than two in five homeowners also opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations (45%).
While the alleged health dangers of engineered stone are well reported in the press at the moment, the study also reveals that engineered quartz is still the most popular benchtop material (36%) followed by laminate and granite.
Chris Snook
Additional insights from the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study:
Contemporary leads the way: Contemporary is the top style choice for renovated kitchens in 2023, followed closely by modern.
Popular pantries: 53% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets, and 27% making space for a walk-in pantry.
Classic colours: white is the most popular colour for walls, cabinets, benchtops and splashbacks.
Electronic upgrades: Renovating homeowners incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone/tablet controls, and colour touchscreen displays.
Kitchen usage is varied: As well as cooking, homeowners also bake, eat, entertain, socialise and work in the kitchen.
Chris Snook
The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation. The online survey was fielded to Houzz Australia users in November-to-December 2022. Spend data is taken from the Houzz & Home Survey, sent to registered users of Houzz Australia and fielded March-to-April 2022.
The classic white-washed Hamptons style has long been Aussies’ go-to when building a dream house. This year, however, creative director and founder of Landart, Matt Leacy, predicts that the soft coastal aesthetic of the Mediterranean style will soon overtake it.
“One design influence that’s here to stay is Mediterranean – I would say it is the new Hamptons. While a Mediterranean influence is not new as such, it does continue to grow in popularity globally – and it’s very well suited to the Australian climate and way of life,” Matt said.
“The key is to draw inspiration from the style and to then ensure this marries well with the interiors of properties as well as existing external architecture. The design aesthetic has to work as a whole.”
What does the Mediterranean influence look like in 2023?
Materials
Matt says to think of natural materials like timber and stone, offset by soft white renders and large sweeping curves around pools and garden beds. Aussies will be keen on a more bespoke, custom-built approach to space with hardwood furniture and linen fabrics. It also incorporates oversized planters, warm mood lighting, multipurpose seating, edible gardens, recycled materials, art pieces/sculptures and cabanas.
“Natural materials like recycled timber, tea tree sticks, overhead shade structures, floorboards and natural stone all layered with a bit of interest and texture like crazy paving, cobbles and random shape walling that is beautifully offset by soft white renders are what we will see more of this year,” said Matt.
Colour
Colour-wise, the trend leans towards natural, earthy colours, the blues and greens – including strong emerald green. A white-based palette will also become a popular choice that works well as a base to layer natural products such as stone and timber.
Rooftop gardens
Rooftop gardens remain very popular in outdoor spaces. Done right, they’re a beautiful design feature in a garden and such a smart use of space that also has practicalities in terms of water capture and insulation for homes.
Watering will also be back on the agenda in 2023 after what was a very wet year. La Nina is set to end around the end of February – and Australia is already experiencing a drier start to the year. “All the hand watering habits need to start re-emerging – as we’re finding gardens are drying out very quickly even at the moment when we are still getting some good rainfall. Alternatively, Aussies may opt for some amazing new technology to help keep gardens hydrated when the skies will no longer do it for them. The technology looks at the forecast and automatically irrigates the garden when it is predicted as a non-rainy day. The system can be controlled from a phone – making garden care a much simpler experience.”
Pools
Pools also remain popular, with recent reports revealing they add significant value to properties*. “Pools and outdoor kitchens are quintessentially Australian and two key elements of outdoor spaces that are not so much trend-driven but a prerequisite for most of our design briefs,” said Matt.
The popularity of the plunge pool will be one of the biggest trends in pools in 2023. Along with curves. “We’ll still be seeing more traditional rectangular shapes, and they will always have a place in our landscapes as the shape of the pool is driven by the look and feel that suits the property and the client.”
When looking at trends for inspiration, homeowners can be influenced, but should not be entirely led by, fashion. “No design style or colour choice should be adopted just because it’s on-trend. It’s important to consider how the look of the moment works within a space and not just blindly follow trends.
“Trends inevitably date. If you can, bringing in a landscape designer to help maximise space, place all the important elements and work on a design style and plants that will thrive in your environment, is a fantastic investment,” Matt says.
Outer’s first ever dining collection has arrived in Australia just in time for summer. To celebrate the launch, they teamed up with Queer Eye’s design expert Bobby Berk to put a refreshing twist on dining al fresco. Aussies can now enjoy the most innovative outdoor dining furniture that doesn’t compromise on comfort, durability or sustainability. It’ll set you back at least 10 grand though!
Outer is on a mission to solve all of the pain points of traditional outdoor furniture. The brand is raising the bar by creating sophisticated, durable and sustainable outdoor living products that last a lifetime – and this dining collection is no different.
Perfect for the harsh Aussie climate, the new dining tables are made from aluminium and teak that won’t overheat, ensuring a pleasurable outdoor dining experience. The table is also outfitted with the innovative OuterShell protective cover to prevent debris from building up when the table is not in use.
Expecting a large party? Outer’s extendable dining table has you covered, with built-in expandable leaves to accommodate up to 12 guests. To perfectly complement the tables, the director’s chairs are a timeless design that are made with all-weather Textilene fabric that repels water and resists mildew and fading.
On the collection, Bobby said: “I like that Outer has taken the best elements from their seating collection, like the clean lines and timeless materials, and translated it into an equally stylish dining collection. These pieces have a lot of versatility and could work on a small deck, a large patio, or even a balcony. And the best part: the table has a built-in extension so that whether you are dining for just your family or a larger group everyone has a seat at the table.”
Terry Lin, co-founder of Outer, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our dining collection in Australia. Not only was this collection designed to withstand the infamous Australian weather, but also to make it easier for people to spend more time dining, working or relaxing outside.”
Freedom has launched its sales season early with up to 50% off across the entire store. From sofas (including Australian made ones) to dining tables, outdoor furniture, mattresses, lighting, rugs, cushions and more, there’s plenty on offer. Read on for our top picks.
Jimmy occasional chair: Down to $764 from $899 this on-trend occasional chair combines a slim steel frame with feather and fibre filled cushions. It’s perfect as an accent chair in a bedroom or lounge area.
Helsinki bed: At $639 (down from $799) this Scandi inspired bed is a great buy. Fully upholstered and featuring a foam-padded headboard with a soft corner finish, this design is simple enough that it would work in just about any home.
Sunshine Shore framed canvas: At 150cm x 100cm this large summer-themed piece is great for filling an empty wall without breaking the bank. $244 (was $349)
Studio carafe and tumbler set: At $14.50 (was $29.95) this ribbed glassware set is an absolute steal. Available in clear, grey or amber this set is ideal for a home office, dining space or bedside table.
Laclies floor rug: Made from natural wool with a 3D patterned design, this neutral hand tufted rug has a generous 10mm pile height. It also meets the requirements of the GoodWeave Label which means no underage or forced labour was used in the making of it. $359 (was $599).
Atlas leather sofa: Perfect for lounging with family or friends, this chunky 2.5 seat leather sofa features tailored panels with French seams and top-stitching details. It’s also made from semi-aniline leather which is easy to wipe down and becomes much more beautiful with time. $2774 (was $3699).
Pesce salad servers: Made from resin, this set is available in amber (pictured), white or green they’re a great addition to any lunch or dinner spread. And if you’re looking for a set, they match the salad bowl from the same collection. $17 (was $24.95).
Taika cushion: If you’re looking for an on-trend checkerboard cushion, this tan and white number might be just the thing. 100% cotton, this scatter cushion is has a feathery soft feel too. $39.50 (was $49.95).
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Affordable flat-pack furniture brand focusses on Millennials
Originally from Malaysia, Chris Yap moved to Australia to study in 2012 and with that came a plethora of side…
Originally from Malaysia, Chris Yap moved to Australia to study in 2012 and with that came a plethora of side hustles. While studying computer science at RMIT, Chris had many jobs on the side including web developing, making sushi(!) and hosting an Airbnb but it was the eBay store that he started with his brother Jake that had the most traction. The duo began by selling electronics (mostly wireless chargers and the like), but decided to diversify into the furniture business after being motivated by their father.
“My father is a furniture manufacturer, and after going too furniture expos with him I found the whole thing very inspiring,” says Chris Yap who moved on from electronics and launched the furniture business Eliving with his brother in 2017. Specialising in flat pack furniture, the business underwent a rebrand recently (it’s now called Lifely) and the brothers decided recently to pursue a much more trend-driven audience.
Sorrento display cabinet, $559
“Lifely is a lot more trend focussed whereas Eliving was about being the cheapest in the market. And with Lifely, because we don’t believe in mark-ups or middlemen, you get modern, high-quality pieces that don’t require a second mortgage to afford,” says Chris who explains that the brand’s core audience is Millennials who are no doubt drawn to the brand’s affordable, yet fun pieces.
Bradley modular sofa, from $987.05Button tv unit, $409
Pivotal to the rebrand has been understanding the importance of branding and digital marketing – it’s been a steep learning curve for the brothers. “When we first launched, we had no idea what we were doing but we’ve learnt about branding, digital marketing and building a database and since that it’s been going really well,” says Chris.
Arch bedhead, from $299
It’s going very well indeed with the business experiencing the ‘COVID effect’ where its revenue grew by 300 per cent during the pandemic; a trajectory that has continued. “For the first three years our revenue increased greatly, and it is continuing in that direction,” says Chris who sells the products through the Lifely website directly as well as through several other online marketplaces including eBay, Catch, Mydeal and Temple & Webster.
Sorrento mirror, $399
And in great news for consumers, Lifely has a large stock holding in Victoria’s Laverton which means that customers don’t have to battle with long lead times. It also means that Victorian customers get to enjoy same day delivery (if ordered before midday) and shipping times to Australia’s other capital cities are relatively short too. In another bonus for the consumer, shipping is free to most Australian metro areas.
Phoebe armchair, $494.95
Lifely also donates one per cent of profits towards Habitats for Humanity Australia to support building better lives in vulnerable communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The brand has also partnered with Vinnies to donate furniture to people affected by the bushfires and floods last summer.
“Giving back is important too. But when you consider that we started with one humble first container and one sales platform, we’re really proud of our growth.”
The Lifely Deep Dream mattress, from $356, was awarded the best mattress under $500 by Bed Buyer.
Affordable and chic: Jen’s top furniture picks from James Lane
Sponsored by James Lane I’ll admit I wasn’t that familiar with James Lane until last year, but I’m here to…
New Australian-made environmentally friendly furniture brand
With consumers increasingly concerned about their eco-footprint it makes sense that we’re seeing more and more enviro-focussed interiors companies arise.…
New insights from Pinterest have revealed that good things come in small packages, with Aussies looking to better utilise the spaces in their homes, with a 35% increase in searches for “space saving furniture”.
In this evolving economy, less is more and based on their searches, it seems many Aussies on Pinterest are being inspired to shift to a minimalist lifestyle. With people increasingly working from home, making the most of the available space has become more important than ever before. Pinterest insights show a 40% increase in searches for “apartment living” as Aussies search for inspiration to jazz up their compact living spaces.
If your home has been feeling stale with all the clutter, now’s your opportunity to find inspiration to transform every nook and cranny into something refreshing.
In the past four weeks, Pinterest has seen a:
55% increase in searches for “small playroom ideas”
35% increase in searches for “small bathroom interior”
30% increase in searches for “small pantry design ideas”
Whether you’re planning an easy and fun new project this spring or a complete living space revamp, Pinterest can be a great place for interior design inspiration.
In no small part due to the current season of The Block, modern country interiors are in vogue again. But the look is hardly new. In fact, it’s its timelessness and classic appeal that makes it a winner. We’ve rounded up some stunning projects to inspire you if you’ve been thinking of embracing the look.
The modern country style is a huge part of builder Rachael Turner’s work at Front Porch Properties. “I think the appeal is a fusion of old and new which is good, because everything feels modern, fresh, clean lined and sophisticated, but then it’s got that kind of homey charm which is so endearing and lovely to live in, and the feeling of it is just so warm.”
While Rachael doesn’t own a TV, her colleagues keep her up to date on The Block and its country focus. “I think it makes a nice change that they’ve steered across in this direction this season, and the one thing I love is that through all the style trends that have come and gone over the years, people still love to revert back to country. There’s just something about it; a timeless charm that resonates with most people.”
A long time user and fan of Intrim timber mouldings, she says they play a huge part in pretty much every project she does. “They’re often overlooked when planning a reno, but for us, using mouldings is one of our signature traits.”
In her Brookfield Project in Queensland, (pictured), she wanted a tall skirting board with simple detailing to work with the modern farmhouse look. “I love a 185mm profile as it just adds a little bit of luxury to any wall and finishes it off beautifully. We always use a matching architrave for our door and window trims too.”
They used the same 185mm skirting boards to customise some of the feature cabinetry in the living room and pantry. “This brought such a lovely cohesion to where the skirting met with the cabinetry; a simple detail but it really elevated the cabinetry.”
SK1006 skirting was also used to customise cabinetry for a cohesive look
Ultimately, Rachael says you can use the modern country style in any home, even a really contemporary one. “You can make it warmer just by styling it with a modern country feel.”
Intrim products used:SK1006 skirting board in 185 x 18mm | SK1006 architraves in 66 x 18mm | DAR in 66 x 12mm
For tips on how to customise your cabinetry using skirting boards, watch Rachael’s video:
Andrew Terevenar of AFT Building Solutions loves modern country too. “It should have a homely, warm feeling. Each room should feel inviting and cosy, and whites and warm tones should be consistent throughout the home. I believe the only modern components should be in the technology, appliances and fixtures used. In essence the home should feel that it has character and soul.”
AFT Building Solutions used a lot of mouldings in their Australian Coastal Sanctuary project (pictured) in south western NSW.
And whether you’re on acreage or in the burbs, Andrew says walking into a country style home should feel like an escape from the daily grind. “Generally, the country style home is accented with warm, bright tones and filled with natural light which can make a massive difference to someone’s wellbeing and general mood.
“I believe any home can be modern country if the house is done right with the right feel and design. Personally, I love the French country look so obviously chair rails and wainscoting are a must but I have seen some fantastic projects using just mixes of VJ board and natural timbers.”
Intrim products used: SK945B skirting boards in 185mm and architraves in 90mm | IN32 inlay mould and CR22 chair rail to create wainscoting
This NSW Southern Highlands country barn and cottage (below) by Cottonwood & Co is giving us all the country feels and has all the trimmings (pardon the pun!).
“The cottage dated back to around the 1940s/50s so had some lovely old character details like beautiful cornices and ceiling roses, but unfortunately over the years it had undergone a number of basic and unsympathetic updates which weren’t in keeping with its original character,” says interior designer Nicki Dobrzynski.
“It therefore felt important that we put back some of those original details, like the lovely detailed skirting and architrave mouldings from Intrim, as well as the VJ boards which reinforce that country cottage look. I love using VJ board as it’s a more modern version of traditional headboard but still very classic and suits both traditional or contemporary settings.”
Nicki says the modern country look calls for matte finishes and weathered materials over highly polished and perfect surfaces. “Country homes are all about comfort, practicality, architectural charm, and a collected, laid back look. The modern country home tends to have more vintage and antique pieces, but also found and collected objects.”
She added that while any home can embrace elements of modern country, you need to be careful not to overdo it or your interior can end up feeling too much like a theme. “I personally believe the most successful interiors respond to, and connect with, the landscape and environment they’re in as well as the homeowner’s personal style and taste. It’ll feel inauthentic if you try to create a particular style when the architecture and setting don’t relate to one another. If you’re in the city and love the modern country look, my advice would be to keep things a little more restrained.”
I’ll admit I wasn’t that familiar with James Lane until last year, but I’m here to tell you this is one brand you should have on your radar for great value, on trend, quality and (increasingly rare these days) in stock pieces!
Read to the end for your chance to win a prize package of three of my favourite pieces!
I recently went window shopping at their fancy renovated Alexandria store (it’s huge!) to get a look at the massive range for myself and I’m sharing what really caught my eye.
Boucle and beyond
There are so many ivory boucle pieces in store and at a great price point. You could easily incorporate an accent chair into your living room or a bench into your hallway or bedroom or go the whole hog with a sofa and more; Im not judging! I just love the texture of the fabric, the sumptuous curves of these pieces and the fact they’re also super comfy.
If I had to play favourites it would probably be the hug-in-a-chair Odin swivel chair (above right from my store tour and below) because a) it swivels b) the brass detail on the swivel base and c) seriously, just look at her!
But if you’re looking to add just a touch of boucle to your room, the Arlene boucle pouf and Bolo boucle ottoman are great choices under $300. Boucle is one trend that’s not disappearing any time soon, so embrace it!
Bolo ottoman($249)Arlette pouf($179.95)
The lesser spotted good looking TV unit!
Why are aesthetically pleasing TV units so hard to find without dropping a small fortune? That’s why the Baxter TV unit caught my eye in store.
On-trend curves/waves? Check! Rattan? Check! Cool ball feet? Check! Plenty of storage, doors to hide all the ugly AV stuff and beautiful mango wood? Tick, tick, tick! And all for under $1,500. It has in fact been so popular the first shipment sold out but there’s more coming in the New Year and we think it’s well worth the wait if you have time on your hands.
Dining chairs galore
There’s a lot of dodgy dining chairs out there on the market with questionable quality, but the range I saw for myself and sat on at James Lane, stood out for the quality vs. price point ratio. It can sometimes be hard to tell what you’re getting online, but in real life, consider me very impressed with these.
Azul accent chairTulum dining chair
Two marble coffee tables for the price of one!
Well, kinda! You see, this cute set of two nesting solid marble-topped coffee tables (Mercer Marble Coffee Tables Gold) at $1,099 cost the same as just one from most other places. You all know I’m a sucker for the brass and marble combo. It’s so classic and can work in so many different interior schemes.
And let’s not forget the coffee table presents one of the best styling opportunities in your home, so use it to say a little more about you (and pull out the smaller one underneath for, you know, your cups of coffee! )Also great if you’re short on space because you can tuck one away when it isn’t needed.
Spotted during my store tour
Unique live edge timber dining table
While it’s not my own personal style, I couldn’t help but stop and admire the striking Tula dining table. With its solid Acacia live edge top, every one will be slightly different. It’s such a gorgeous piece, crossing over between industrial luxe and earthy organic. I just love it, and from $1,239 (it comes in 180cm, 210cm or 240cm lengths) with black iron legs, I think it’s a great buy.
If you love the look, there are matching benches available and a whole Tula range including a console table, coffee table, desk and more. This would work well in a home with lots of black accents like the pendant lights shown here.
When I spotted this trio, I couldn’t but help think how perfect they were together and how many of you would love them! They could work in your living room, entry, corner of a bedroom even! And the lovely folks at James Lane have agreed to give these three away to one lucky reader. Yay!
James Lane has stores across NSW, VIC, SA, WA and the ACT. The renovated Alexandria store is a new look store being rolled out across the country.See more of my tour on my Instagram.
TH Brown has been reissuing its most beloved pieces and now is the time for the popular Rondo Pouffe Table suite to find a home once again in living, lounge and playrooms across the Australia. Established in 1911, TH Brown is Australia’s oldest operating furniture brand. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Peter Brown, son of TH Brown, designed iconic Mid Century Modern furniture which captured the mood and imagination of homeowners and stylists throughout Australia.
Rondo Coffee Table (multi-colour) with Pouffe
One piece that rapidly developed a cult following at the time and has since become a highly desired and sought-after item in the auction market is the Rondo Pouffe Table (also known as the Fondue, Propeller or Pouffe Table). The classic small table suite consisted of a round, glass-topped occasional table resting on a beautifully shaped solid ash frame. Three distinctive, almond-shaped pouffe seats elegantly nestle underneath, providing additional seating when needed.
The exquisite joinery is what makes this table so unique, using rare techniques. Utilising a hub and spoke design, the result is a three-way starburst of woodgrain which radiates out, creating a visual masterpiece. The oval-shaped legs are crafted in solid timber using hand-turned pieces that cradle the inner frame, using biscuit joints to dramatic effect.
Rondo Coffee Table – clear frame
Simon Brown, managing director at TH Brown and son of Rondo Coffee Table designer Peter Brown, says: “It was a design piece that resonated with so many people back in the day. It was used in the most glamorous of cocktail settings right through to childrens playrooms.”
Rondo Set in dark ash and black
“We’re thrilled to be able to remake this design once again, manufactured by the same South Australian craftsman who produced it back in the 70s. Due to its smaller size and shape, the Rondo is a setting that can easily be moved about in household environments and it’s available in a wide range of upholstery options. We envisage that this beautiful piece will be handed down through the generations. Which is what we aspire to be the case with all our items.”
Simon Brown with Rondo Coffee Tables
Being a classic Australian brand, TH Brown have stayed committed to Australian manufacturing and supporting local business. The glass top for the Rondo will be supplied in a customer’s specific location via a network of national glass suppliers.
TH Brown has a limited supply of this design that will be available for pre-Christmas delivery, so make sure to get in quick if you are looking to purchase one of the iconic tables. The full Rondo Pouffe’ Table Suite has a starting price of $2,500. Each TH Brown piece of furniture is individually numbered and comes with a 10-year warranty and a certificate of authenticity.
After launching just four years ago, the upwards trajectory of homewares start-up Mustard Made continues apace with the brand having officially launched into Europe, its fourth global market. The creation of sisters Becca Stern and Jess Grey, Mustard Made has grown into a multi-million dollar global brand since its inception, and the brand has now sold lockers in over 35 countries, and employs a team of 21 people.
“Initially, Brexit put our European expansion plans on hold as it became too hard to ship from the UK to our European customers, so it’s great to finally be in that market,” says Mustard Made creative director Becca Stern of the brand’s new European website and Slovakian warehouse which allows it to ship from Europe to Europe. “We can now offer our customers much faster, more predictable delivery and great customer service,” says Becca who explains that, so far, their best-selling European region is Germany.
Mustard Made sisters Becca Stern and Jessica Grey
The Mustard Made business idea emerged after Becca became obsessed with vintage lockers – she would salvage them from the roadside and began customising them with shelving and more. “Our first colours were based off a pink and green vintage locker that I found,” says Becca who launched the brand with six colours and now offers 11 fabulous hues.
The six Mustard Made locker styles
And while the brand started with just two locker styles, they now offer five different iterations including ‘The Twinny’ which is wardrobe sized. “Going up to that size was a big step for us. The Twinny is great for kids’ rooms as its fits absolutely everything a child needs with space for bedding too. It been our most popular style in the US, perhaps because the houses are bigger,” says Becca who reveals that the brand’s sales have just surpassed $1.5 million dollars in the US market where most orders are shipped to New York, LA and Texas.
‘The Twinny’ in the brand’s newest ‘poppy’ colour way
Not bad for a small, family run business that now employs Becca and Jess’ husbands too. “Having our husbands on board has been profoundly game changing. Jess and I wouldn’t have necessarily been able to take the business this far with just the two us,” says Becca who explains that the sisters juggle the demands of the business while taking care of their children (Becca has three children and Jess has one) alongside their respective partners.
Interestingly, Becca is based here in Australia (Newcastle) and Jess lives in the girls’ hometown of London. “I look after the creative side as well as Australia and New Zealand whereas the European and US markets are managed from the UK,” says Becca.
‘The Midi’ is another popular style
When launching the business, Becca never imagined its incredible success having incorrectly assumed that most customers would be make a one-time purchase. “One of the most pleasant surprises is that the product is addictive. We thought we wouldn’t have repeat customers, but we were so wrong. When you buy a locker and realise how practical they are, how much you can fit in them and how cool they look, you will buy another one.”
Multimillion dollar locker business launches in the US
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Australia’s increasingly unpredictable weather patterns mean durable outdoor furniture is a must. BROSA have announced their largest outdoor collection featuring design-led and durable pieces. Drawing inspiration from dreamy summer holiday destinations from around the world, it’s also designed for the way Australians live.
Corsica armchair, $599
Holiday inspiration is seen in the names of BROSA’s pieces such as Merida, Corsica, Sicilia, Portofino, Cali, Maui and Lisbon. Customers can pick their favourite destination and bring it to their backyard.
Mixing a diverse range of materials and textures, the collection detail looks to impress. Made using materials like solid acacia, a natural wood perfect for outdoor furniture due to its dense, weather and moisture-resistant properties, and powder-coated steel and aluminium. BROSA’s outdoor range has been curated to stand the test of time.
Outdoor Mediterranean Sicilia ArmchairOutdoor Mediterranean Portofino Patio Set
BROSA’s head of buying, Beth Finckhsays: “We’re thrilled to launch an outdoor collection designed for every Australian home. We’ve expanded the width of the collection immensely so we can explore a truly varied range of design aesthetics, sizes, and price points, so there’s something for everyone.
“From the contemporary curves of Maui, to the European inspired classic Portofino in black and white stripes, the collection will enable people to create an outdoor space with just as much style and detail as their interiors.”
Outdoor Mediterranean Corsica Dining Bundle
BROSA aims to give customers the chance to create an outdoor entertaining space which can transform their backyard, courtyard or deck into a summer holiday destination.
Maui Outdoor Dining Table and Dining Chair
BROSA say the furniture is very affordable for its quality with the Maui 6-seater outdoor dining set for example (seen above), priced at $2,499.
A new release of 14 Laminex decor colours includes new additions to their Solid Colours, Woodgrains and AbsoluteMatte collections. They each feature a touch of black and reduced colour strength to boost their usability with their existing Colour Collection, to make curating the perfect colour palette easier for us at home.
Laminex Calm White, Calacatta Majore Truescale
The new decors include four highly saturated additions to their Living Pigments range, which draws inspiration from the rich colours of the earth. Welcoming two warm yellow shades including the softened, organic yellow Golden Wattle and the yellow-orange reminiscent of a sunrise, named Coastal Sunrise.
,Laminex Golden Wattle, Porcelain Blush, Surround Demi-Round and Peruvian Clay
Harnessing the expressive nature of the sea, Portsea is a cool mid-tone ocean blue with slightly reduced colour strength to improve usability. Otway is Laminex’s green partner to their famed French Navy décor, offering a deeply blackened shade that sits exactly halfway between blue and green. Evocative of lush green forest in dappled sunlight, Otway aims to allow you to harness the calm and tranquillity of the natural world within your interior.
New decors in their Woodgrain range look to capture the authentic colours, textures and fibre details of natural timbers. The new additions include Chestnut Woodland, a warm chestnut brown with a Beech structure comprising of long, linear grain detailing. Weathered Pine is a hybrid design sitting between a rotary ply and papyrus, which offers very fine structural details that suggest a slightly distressed or rusticated surface, perfectly suited to a cosy country abode.
Laminex AbsoluteMatte, Paperback, Calm Oak, White Linen, Premio Carrara Truescale
Laminex’s AbsoluteMatte range has six new additions; Aries (a neutral greyed white), Spinifex (a soft organic green-blue), Paper Bark (a mid grey with a green undertone), Otway (a deeply blackened green-blue), Moroccan Clay (a strongly blackened red with yellow undertones) and Kalamata (a pure, heavily blackened bold red). The range helpfully delivers fingerprint, moisture, heat, stain, scratch and impact resistance, ensuring that any colour chosen will maintain its sleek, stylish finish.
Laminex Kalamata Absolutematte, Aries, Calm Oak
Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales and marketing at Laminex, says: “Nature is a constant source of inspiration to us at Laminex. Our new collection captures the wildly diverse palette of Australia’s natural landscape, taking cues from the rich ochre colours of the earth to the glistening blue shades of the ocean. Striking the perfect balance of vibrancy and tranquillity, the new decors reconnect us with the freedom and beauty of nature.”
Like many women, it was motherhood that proved a turning point for Sydney furniture maker Katie Stafford. After a long career in advertising, where she made TV and radio commercials, it was the birth of her son that gave her pause. “Motherhood certainly puts life into perspective, and I stopped respecting what I was putting out into the world to be honest. I’ve always liked making things, but I wanted more than just a crafty side hustle,” says Katie who subsequently began exploring other options.
Katie Stafford in her Sydney workshop
After her husband suggested furniture making as a possible career path, Katie investigated studying and eventually settled on a three-year TAFE course that required a one day per week commitment. She was still working three days a week in advertising and looking after her son one day a week, so it was quite the juggle.
“I hadn’t ever picked up power tools, so it was daunting. Plus, at TAFE, it was a sea of 17-year-old boys and me wondering what on earth I was doing there. But I kept turning up and slowly it started to make sense, and slowly I started to love it.”
After finishing the course, she went on to work for the furniture company Mr & Mrs White and it was at this time that she decided to quit advertising all together. “Working for Mr & Mrs White was a really good training ground, but it was a lot of pressure too as their furniture isn’t cheap,” says Katie who lasted eight months before a company restructure encouraged her to go out on her own. After securing a workshop space in Brookvale, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Katie launched Girl & Grain and has been working on furniture commissions ever since.
A recent furniture commission
Creating only solid timber furniture, mostly in American Oak and American Walnut, Katie’s customers are drawn to her minimalist aesthetic. “I like very soft curves and I like the materials to speak for themselves. I guess I aim for beauty and simplicity but simple doesn’t mean easy – my designs are thoughtful and considered.”
A beautiful stool crafted by Katie
An organic extension of the business, Katie recently launched workshops and “make and mingle” classes for women. “Furniture making is very male dominated and I don’t know any other women that do what I do so it’s nice to throw the doors open and welcome women into the space,” says Katie, who has found the experience to be very fulfilling in both a personal and business sense.
One of Girl & Grain’s popular workshops
“With COVID, everyone is hungry for connection. Women think they’re coming to a woodworking class, but they leave with a connection to themselves and one other. I thought I was just offering woodworking classes too but I’m getting so much out of it.”
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With consumers increasingly concerned about their eco-footprint it makes sense that we’re seeing more and more enviro-focussed interiors companies arise. And the latest one to enter the market is the furniture maker E9 Design which has just opened its first showroom in Sydney’s Alexandria.
“I wanted to create a furniture company and manufacturing process where environmental responsibility was built in from the start – to create products than were born green – rather than trying to re-engineer existing or traditional methods,” says founder Steven Higgs who has had a long career in the Australian furniture industry.
Flux modular sofa
After two years of research and development, Steven and his team have created a novel furniture manufacturing process that is evidenced in the brand’s debut range of modular lounges. Made from 97% recyclable materials, the sofas are made in Sydney and are designed to be truly recyclable when the time comes to move them on – by not permanently fixing together ‘unlike’ materials, each sofa’s components are easily dismantled and can be sorted for recycling down the line.
“But I wanted to create beautiful and comfortable furniture also; furniture that simply ‘works’ as you really need it to, that makes things a little bit easier, and that fits our Australian spaces and lifestyles. Plus, you can feel good, because you know that it isn’t going to end up it landfill.”
Eclipse modular sofa
The E9 Design manufacturing process uses digital technology to precision cut a steel frame from a single length of steel and form it into complex shapes. Further, each sofa has a unique seating system that utilises steel springs, high resilience, comfortable foams and tailored, removable covers. The unique manufacturing system allows for the creation of almost any shape while minimising material wastage and facilitating efficient customisation.
Locus modular sofa
“With designers, architects and design enthusiasts looking to create a unique look and a perfect fit for their spaces, our system means that we can respond quickly and efficiently. For example, if you love our Ethos Plus sofa, but you’d like the length to be 100mm longer than the standard sizing, and want a different height leg, we can do that. And your sofa won’t travel the world and take six months to a year to get to you.”
Interior designer Anna Spiro has just opened her much anticipated Spiro Store in New Farm, Brisbane. Housed in a beautiful soft pink, Art Deco building, Anna’s colourful aesthetic is hard to miss when driving along the iconic Brunswick Street!
Bursting with beautiful things made with care, the store is homage to that imitable Spiro style.
“The intention is to have a curated collection of pieces that have been loved before and, in Spiro’s way, will be loved again. The entire focus is about helping customers choose things for their home that have meaning and that are made with love and care,” says Anna.
There’s everything from bespoke armchairs, custom-made cushions, and unique antique pieces of furniture, to old textiles and handmade pottery and plates that have been painted by Australian artisans. If that doesn’t entice you, there will also be a small offering of very special, one-off fashion items available, from fabulous vintage skirts to interesting quilted coats. “Unique, stylish items you can’t find anywhere else. There is no end to the incredible gems you will discover.”
Anna says she doesn’t want any of their artisans to feel pushed or pressured making things for the store, rather all in their own creative time. She encourages people to take a slow approach and to appreciate the effort and quality that goes into making a piece from scratch. “It’s about buying things that last a lifetime,” she says “rather than the quick fix, throwaway culture that we have all been immersed in over the last few years.”
Visit the store to order one of Anna’s Australian made signature pieces of furniture in a fabric of your choosing. Anna’s own textiles will be available to purchase by the metre or can be used to make furniture, cushions, lampshades and curtains, all of which can be organised by Spiro Store.
Although Anna works on many large house projects across Australia, Spiro Store is for those who just want a small piece of her style. It’s the place to find that interesting, unique thing you have been searching for.
For those who can’t make it to the store, you can shop online. Customers can also FaceTime with one of the in-house decorators or work via email correspondence.
“Nothing is ever a problem at Spiro Store and they are very excited to welcome people and help them with in-store purchases or projects small, medium and large.”
Photography: Tim Salisbury
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The Early Settler design evolution continues with the brand’s latest line-up featuring more than a passing nod to the 60’s and 70’s. From geometric rugs to rattan and velvet, there’s something for everyone in the fun, eclectic range.
Oaklyn grey and gold oval rug 250x150cm: Striking geometric prints and sumptuous cut piles make floor coverings a focal point and functional artwork this winter. This one is sure to be a talking point. $699.
Nora bone inlay desk: The Early Settler bone inlay range is hand crafted from ethically sourced buffalo bones in India using an ancient technique. This piece is perfect for a home office. $1199.
Roba three-seat boucle sofa in copper: As evidenced by the recent Milan Furniture Fair, curves are still very much on trend. This sofa is available in four colours in boucle and velvet fabrications. $2999.
Lloyd TV unit: Good-looking mid-century lines aside (the raised panelling is a highlight), this TV unit is crafted from sustainably sourced mango wood making for a guilt-free purchase. $649.
Boston armchair teal: Available in five colour ways including this sumptuous blue velvet, this armchair is part of a wider range that includes matching sofas and an ottoman. $1099.
Romina Geo curved rug 300 x 240cm: Whether in the living room, bedroom or home office, this geometric themed rug adds a layer of sunshine and retro flair. $1799.
Nora bone inlay side table: Featuring a repetitive pattern in bold monochrome, this side table is quite the statement piece. $599.
Adena curved ottoman pink muse: Upholstered in soft-touch velvet, it’s the organic curved shape that drew us to this piece. It’s makes excellent extra seating when guests are visiting. $249
Rattan oval three wall hook: This cute little rattan number has a solid 70’s vibe and would look perfect in a coastal interior. $49.
Swirl round side table: This slick monochrome side table would work just as easily beside a bed as it would a sofa. The iron base is also available in black oak veneer. $329
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In an industry dominated by men, the female property developer is a bit of a rarity which is why we were interested to hear about Charlie Pachula of Charlie’s Interiors. With a background in construction, Sydney based Charlie not only renovates and builds homes, but she fully furnishes them with ethically sourced, sustainable products before they hit the market.
Charlie’s recent Kingsford development which is now her family home
Charlie’s interest in sustainability was first piqued in 2007 after the birth of her first child – becoming a mother awakened her to the value in living more in tune with the environment and adopting a ‘whole life cycle’ approach to her business and life.
“Ultimately it was a trip to Northern India, where I immersed myself in manufacturing, visiting cottage industry manufacturers and artisans in small villages, that I came back to Australia with the idea of designing, developing and furnishing considered luxury family homes incorporating sustainable materials and design, and ethically sourced furniture and homewares,” says Charlie Pachula.
Charlie’s Kingsford development
Her first foray into property development was a fully furnished four-bedroom home in Kingsford that features an array of eco-friendly features such as eco decking, passive windows and recycled, insulated external wall cladding. But after furnishing it with individually sourced artisan furnishings and homewares, Charlie couldn’t bring herself to sell it and decided to turn it into her family home.
Kingsford kitchen
Currently on the market, Charlie’s latest development is located just 300 metres from Maroubra Beach, and it showcases the same eco-friendly approach as her Kingsford home. With three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, two living areas, a dining room, and a designer kitchen, the property features striking jet-black wood floors and lofty, cathedral ceilings.
Maroubra kitchen
Original art works from Jai Vasicek and Johnny K, Papaya linen sofas, marble and wood side tables, artisanal Italian ceramics, a hand-crafted wooden statue and Brazilian crystal pendant lights are just some of the home’s eclectic highlights.
Maroubra lounge room
Where possible, the furniture, homewares and artwork featured in both properties have been sourced from cottage industry manufacturers, local craft makers and artisans in Australia and abroad; from village weavers in the Italian hills to roadside potters in the Indian lowlands. The overall aesthetic has a bit of a world-traveller vibe and, if you’re keen on it you can purchase Charlie’s wares online or from her Maboubra bricks and mortar store.
