Category: Furniture

A DIY abstract cabinet hack from Bunnings

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 25, 2022
No Comments on A DIY abstract cabinet hack from Bunnings

The latest research from Bunnings has revealed that more and more Aussies are turning to upcycling to help their dollar stretch further and to create something that nobody else owns. According to Bunnings, 59% of Aussies have turned to upcycling and in doing so have saved themselves an average of $576 by breathing new life into old furniture.

We’ve long celebrated the virtues of upcycling and today’s cabinet hack, by Jaharn Quinn, is another fabulous DIY project that you could tackle in a weekend. Combining a storage cube unit with MDF, glue and paint, here is Jaharn’s step by step guide to help you create a one-of-a-kind sideboard.

Jaharn Quinn’s super fun Bunnings cabinet hack

Materials

Storage cube
Measuring tape
Melamine white MDF panel cut to size to enclose the back of the cabinet
Staple gun
Premium plywood pine cut to size for the two cabinet doors using Bunnings cutting service
2 x Kaboodle soft close hinges
Pencil
4 x Pine ball furniture legs
Selley’s Liquid Nails
Painter’s Tape
Zinsser B-I-N primer sealer
1L Dulux Lexicon Quarter white exterior paint

I used a drill with different sized multi-purpose drill bits, hammer, jigsaw, clamps, screw driver, rollers, paint tray, paint brushes and sander for this project.

How-to

1. Begin by assembling the cube storage – this should take about 10 to 15 minutes. If you click on the product link above you’ll find assembly instructions. Next, measure the width and height of the cabinet, and divide this into two to get the measurements for the two cabinet doors.

2. Head to Bunnings, pick up your melamine white MDF panel and premium plywood pine, and get the cabinet doors and the melamine MDF cut to size.

3. When you get home, attach the melamine MDF (white side facing in) to the back of the storage cube using the staple gun. Paint the cabinet doors and when they are dry, lift the storage cube onto your work surface and place it onto its side.

The storage cube with MDF backing in place

4. Attach the hinges to the storage cube and cabinet doors using these instructions from Bunnings. The only difference is that the cabinet doors in this video already have a hole cut out in them, so you will need to do this yourself. Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut a hole. Use a drill to make lots of small holes and then use a hammer to bang the plywood out. If this is a little confusing, head over to my Instagram to see how I did it. Use a screwdriver to lift or drop the doors down, or to pull them left or right. The Kaboodle hinges are incredible, and you will now have a fully fledged cabinet!

5. Attach the furniture legs onto the underside of your new cabinet using a drill. If you find the legs are a little loose, use Selley’s Liquid Nails and let it dry overnight.

6. Using a pen, draw the outline of a range of various abstract shapes and cut them out using a jigsaw. Smooth the edges down using a sander. Position the abstract shapes onto the cabinet and glue them down using Selley’s Liquid Nails. The shapes may slip on the sides of the cabinet so use painter’s tape to hold them into place, and let the glue dry overnight. When the glue has dried, paint the furniture legs before standing the cabinet upright.

7. Now it’s time to paint the cabinet doors! You will need to apply several coats to fully hide the MDF. While the paint is drying, apply one coat of Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer to the sides and top of the cabinet. Once dried (and it dries quickly), apply a couple of coats of white paint and set aside to dry. And your abstract cabinet is finished!

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Furniture Interiors Addict

Armadillo applies soumak weaving techniques to jute for new rugs

Post author By Jekyll Chau
Post date July 20, 2022
No Comments on Armadillo applies soumak weaving techniques to jute for new rugs

Armadillo have released their latest rug collections, Panama and Mesa. Both speak to their expertise with jute, a natural fibre Armadillo have worked with and become known for since their inception in 2009.

Jute is a sustainable material imbued with a sense of natural elegance and an endurance perfectly suited to everyday living. Over the years, Armadillo have applied jute in various ways, exploring the boundaries of the fibre across design and durability. Panama and Mesa are the latest from this exploration, handcrafted and designed to introduce elements of nature into the home.

Inspired by the golden beaches of San Blas and the mottled green canvas of the Chagres rainforest, Panama is crafted by hand using a soumak method, interweaving jute with virgin wool. The plaited fibre is left raw and full of tonal depth before being dyed to create subtle variations in colour, which means every piece is one-of-a-kind. Available in two earthen colourways, Papyrus combines soft white wool with golden jute to conjure a blend of neutral tones, while Kale’s deep, rich texture invokes a grounding presence in any space.

Mesa is inspired by the ridges of ancient rocky landscapes and the beauty of softly rippled sand. Mesa’s thick and durable weave is reminiscent of the Sahara and Bramble styles in the collection. Crafted by hand using a rare, one-sided soumak technique, Mesa explores jute’s textural and artistic qualities. The result is a rug of remarkable substance and volume made to last a lifetime.

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Photos: Jospeh Gardner

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What you should snap up in Contents ID’s bi-annual sale! + win!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 27, 2022
No Comments on What you should snap up in Contents ID’s bi-annual sale! + win!

Before & after: Luxury Sydney apartments go from drab to fab

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 23, 2022
No Comments on Before & after: Luxury Sydney apartments go from drab to fab

As regular readers know, we love a good before and after around here and the latest one to hit our inbox is a series of spaces overhauled by furniture retailer BROSA. The brand has redesigned two luxury accommodation spaces in Sydney – a cosy, one-bedroom pad in Darlinghurst and a three-bedroom sky loft that features sweeping views of city landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Overhauled by the BROSA Style Team, the spaces were transformed with everything from fresh paint to new fixtures and plenty of fabulous final touches. BROSA worked with Tint Paint and sourced gorgeous linens from I Love Linen to complete the looks.

The sky loft renovation featured tired tan leather sofas paired with dated occasional chairs and coffee tables. Its new monochrome palette includes an array of textures including trending ivory toned boucle. The fabric is showcased in BROSA’s gorgeous Ada Swivel Accent Chair.

AFTER living (Sky Loft). The BROSA Ada Swivel Accent Chair (right) is a fabulous addition to the space.

The sky loft master bedroom was similarly transformed. Heavy dark timber was replaced with chic black and a lovely monochrome look overall. The team also painted out the timber feature ceiling.

In nearby Darlinghurst, the BROSA team employed similar techniques to overhaul a one-bedroom apartment. Dated timber furniture was updated with a fully upholstered bed (in a crowd-pleasing neutral fabric shade) that was then paired with simple black and white bedsides and a set of chic black lamps. A large indoor plant and a pair of neutral, graphic art prints finish the new look.

Shop the look

If you love these looks, not only is the sky loft available for rent but you can purchase all of the BROSA makeover products here.

Shop BROSA online | For more on I Love Linen

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Expert Tips Furniture Interiors Addict

Choosing a lounge: what you really need to consider

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 21, 2022
No Comments on Choosing a lounge: what you really need to consider

What it looks like

Of course, you want your sofa to look nice. But many people will focus too much on this at the expense of other factors. Make sure you dig a bit deeper here. Not just does it look nice, but does it look nice in your home? Does it suit your decor and other furniture? Yes, it may be gorgeous, but if it isn’t in keeping with the rest of the room, it may not do you any favours!

If your home is very traditional, for example, then a modern, low lounge with squashy cushions may look too casual.

Think about the colour too. Too light may be impractical, but too dark may be bad for a room with poor natural light and dark floors. Perhaps you can have that light lounge if the covers are removable and washable (more on that later).

Stage of life

While we should always be trying to buy something that will last us for years and not subscribe to fast furniture, I also think this needs balancing with the stage of life you’re in. If, for example, you’re in the share house or apartment rental with your other half, aspiring to living somewhere bigger or having a family in the next few years, it perhaps isn’t the time to buy an expensive dream sofa.

Lounge Lovers’ Bronte sofa has a removable slipcover

Also on this point, I really believe that if you have little kids you must have removable and washable covers at this stage of life. It just makes for so much less stress! The same goes for families with dogs who are allowed on the furniture.

Lounge Lovers’ Hampton sofas also have removable covers

Comfort factor

We all have different opinions when it comes to what makes a comfy lounge. Do you favour deep and squishy or a firmer, higher backed sofa? There is no right or wrong but make sure you discuss this with everyone in your home. Are you going to want to be able to cuddle up on the couch and watch TV? Or do you prefer being cocooned in an armchair all to yourself?

Different seat cushions will feel softer or firmer. On the Lounge Lovers’ site you can even search ‘loungability’ by super soft, soft or medium. All-feather are super squishy, for example, while high density foam is firmer.

At the end of the day, if your sofa looks good but doesn’t feel great, it’s not much use. You want to sit on your sofas, not just look at them!

Scale

When I speak to my interior designer friends, they tell me furniture scale is one of the biggest things their clients get wrong. Think about the scale of the lounge/s in relation to the room, as well as in relation to the rest of your furniture. Will your long, chaise-style lounge drown your small round coffee table? Will you have room to easily walk around your sofas to get to where you need to?

Is there space to walk behind the sofa to open the blinds, for example? If you choose a lounge with a chaise, is this part of the lounge going to block access to somewhere in the room?

My biggest trick here is to mark out the new lounge/s and chair/s on the floor with masking tape so there can be no argument that what you’re ordering is going to fit and work well!

Bums on seats

This might well sound obvious but you need to have as many seats as you have people living in your house! So if you’re a family of five, you need a three and a two-seater minimum, for example. But if you’re the sort of people who have extended family over every week, then that won’t be enough unless you want half the people sitting on the floor!

Practicality

As a mum of two young boys, what I really mean here, is how likely is it the kids are going to wreck it and, if they do, is it fixable?! Slip covered sofas and those with removable and washable cushion covers are your friends here! As well as, of course, wipe clean leather (but not everyone likes that look and/or feel so it’s good to have other options).

The popular Hampton has removable covers

And you know what, when Seb was a sticky-fingered toddler, I found our velvet sofa actually withstood everything he could throw at it, wiping easily clean with a baby wipe (perhaps don’t take that as gospel and make sure you follow manufacturer’s instructions!)! The biggest advice I have here is to be realistic. When you have little kids is probably not the ideal time to pick the cream boucle sofa of your dreams. Just saying. Save yourself the upset! You can however perhaps have a white sofa if it has a slipcover.

Warranty and lead time

Bear in mind there can sometimes be long lead times on sofas, which Covid-related delays have only added to, so start planning early. Some retailers (like Lounge Lovers) will have an ‘in stock’ section on their website showing what’s available straight away if you’re in a rush or just impatient!

Also check your included warranty (and what it covers) and consider paying for an extended one if it’s an option. You want your sofa to last for years, after all. Lounge Lovers’ Lisa sofa’s metal frame, for example, is guaranteed for five years. And all their products have a minimum 12-month warranty. You might consider adding Guardsman leather or fabric cover for extra peace of mind.

-Lounge Lovers don’t only sell a great range of sofas, but also arm chairs, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, beds and more. They have stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and also sell online. They aim to provide customers with great-looking furniture at exceptional value.

For more information on Lounge Lovers

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Furniture Interiors Addict RENO ADDICT Reno Products

Koala launches sustainable homewares with an Australian first

Post author By Jekyll Chau
Post date June 9, 2022
No Comments on Koala launches sustainable homewares with an Australian first

Koala are continuing to expand their offering beyond mattresses by branching into homewares. The collection of over 30 pieces spans cushions, throws, and the first wool rug range in Australia to use certified Responsible Wool.

Founder and CEO Mitch Taylor says the expansion is one of their most exciting yet. “Homewares as a category is traditionally the pinnacle of “fast furniture” so the challenge of revolutionising the industry excited us. Koala first disrupted the mattress industry by cutting out the middleman, and then the furniture industry by creating furniture built to last, and now we’ve done it again with homewares.”

Koala’s in-house designers work on every single piece from scratch, before turning the pieces over to master craftsmen and women in India. “With homewares, we want to celebrate Koala’s uniqueness whilst doing something meaningful and timeless for the brand. We’ve created a real sense of something special you can’t get anywhere else, with all colours and material finishes inspired by the Australian landscape, from outback red dirt to beautiful coral reefs,” said design director Alexandra Owen.

Koala’s new collection was created with sustainability in mind. The wool rugs are made with Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) wool, sustainably sourced from New Zealand. Additionally, rugs such as the Bottlebrush Rug are made with 100% PET recycled plastic bottles, reducing waste in landfills or the ocean.

Jen’s loving the Beach Bum Throw, inspired by native flora and fauna and made from certified organic cotton

There’s not a stitch nor seam that hasn’t passed Koala’s rigorous sustainable standards. This includes using blended or 100% OCS Organic Cotton, responsibly sourced wool and fabrics made of recycled plastic bottles. Plus the brand worked with suppliers who prioritise fair work practices.

Available for pre-order now

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Design Furniture Interiors Addict Interviews Living Room

Sydney business creating colourful, bold vintage & new furniture

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 7, 2022
No Comments on Sydney business creating colourful, bold vintage & new furniture

Inside the Alpha Modern Alexandria studio

“I see our pieces as not just furniture but sculptural pieces and talking points. Our furniture is not for everybody, but I’m not interested in creating pieces for everyone either,” says Byron Georgouras of Sydney’s Alpha Modern. Originally kicking off as a vintage furniture restoration business, in a full circle move, Byron now designs an original range inspired by the same pieces. And, when you look at the Alpha Modern range as a collective, the new pieces sit very harmoniously with the old.

“We definitely put a more contemporary slant on the older pieces and a vintage slant on the new ones,” says Byron who explains that 50% of the pieces are restoration works and 50% are brand new. Alpha Modern’s latest series is the Puff collection which is a great example of how vintage designer pieces inform what they do now.

Byron in the studio. A series of Puff occasional chairs can be seen on the rack behind.

“My background is in the music industry, events and brand activation. I used to do a lot of the Smirnoff tents at Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass,” says Byron who came to Alpha Modern when his events career stalled due to the pandemic. But besides creating spaces and experiences, Byron has always collected designer furniture, sculptures and artwork and happened to grow up sailing and working on timber boats too – an experience that put him in good stead in the furniture restoration business.

“Fundamentally there’s not that much of a difference between restoring a timber sailing boat and a mid-century lounge. You must strip both back, refinish them and repair the joinery,” he says.

Sustainability is an important part of the business too and Alpha Modern uses sustainable Australian timbers, non-toxic products and locally sourced fabrics where possible. “We’re very conscious of our imprint and that’s a big thing for us – it’s a part of our DNA,” says Byron who sources primarily Scandinavian and Italian vintage pieces, often through clients that are looking to change up their interiors.

The brand’s Angelis range is truly unique – it uses brightly coloured 1960s vintage Italian wedding tapestries for the seat upholstery combined with a curved sofa design. “There was a custom that Italian newlyweds would be given a beautiful velvet tapestry as a family heirloom. They are essentially a bedspread, but they never got used and were often put away boxed in cupboards,” says Byron who sources the tapestries from Italy before giving them a new lease of life.

The Alpha Modern Angelis sofa features vintage Italian tapestry — The beautiful Angelis sofa features a vintage Italian tapestry on the seat

“Overall, all I’d say our aesthetic is one of maximalism in a modernist world. We use bright pops of playful colour and work with textiles that are bold and exciting but we also pay tribute to classic forms.”

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Furniture Interiors Addict Living Room Styling

Amy’s new sofas: Are they the most family friendly around?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 7, 2022
No Comments on Amy’s new sofas: Are they the most family friendly around?

Sponsored by Lounge Lovers

Not long after I had my first child, and moved into my first house, I purchased two relatively expensive sofas to mark the occasion. Mid-century in style, said sofas looked fabulous but as time kicked on, I realised that tailored lines aside, the fabric choice was totally unsuitable for life with a young family. Rookie error, right?

And after spending a small fortune having the sofas cleaned every six months, I concluded that our next set would be a much more family friendly affair. Not only was I seeking a much hardier fabric choice, but I was also after a sofa with removable covers and one that was stylish too. Tall order you say? Enter, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa.

Me enjoying my new Lounge Lovers sofas. The painting is by the talented Elle Campbell.

A modern yet timeless design, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa boasts the sort of clean lines that complement just about any interior as well as stylishly proportioned, tapered legs. Available in four standard colours (a creamy linen, pale grey, mid grey and ivory) as well as a variety of custom hues ranging from terracotta to forest green and dusty pink, the fabrics are designed to withstand the rough and tumble of family life. It’s certainly something I can attest to as my young trio give this set a workout on the daily.

But ultimately the big selling point for me was the design’s removable covers – I love that I can take the covers off and have them cleaned. Not only does this make the sofas super practical but the other great thing about removable covers is that you can purchase an extra set when you’re looking for a lounge room refresh. I’m thinking I might even try a deep green next winter.

The sofa covers are easily removable — The covers attach to the frame via super strong velcro.

Good looks aside, the sofas also deliver on the comfort front. Boasting deep seats that enable both sitting and snoozing, the sofas’ foam seat cushions are wrapped in a feathery fibre mix. The result is a plush yet firm feel – you can really sink into the cushions, but they spring back ensuring that each sofa holds its shape. Having originally had quite a tailored sofa, this was important to me.

As for the different shapes and sizes within the Hampton range, there are a variety of options to choose from depending on your lounge room. Fully customisable, the Hampton is available in two, three and four seat iterations as well as a chaise and corner sofa option. There’s also a matching occasional chair and ottoman if you’d rather a sofa and two occasional chairs for instance.

And in these tricky COVID-induced times, where it’s not unusual to hear of six-month waits for furniture, Lounge Lovers hold a variety of Hamptons sofas in stock for immediate purchase – another plus in my book.

Amy Collins-Walker — Me rather chuffed with my new sofas

Overall, the Hampton has proven a great choice for my family – and that’s before you even consider its comfort, customisation options and relatively affordable price tag.

*The Lounge Lovers Hamptons sofa starts at $1,999 for a two-seater.

Photography: Matt Biocich

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Disclosure: Amy’s sofas were gifted by Lounge Lovers in exchange for an honest review. Amy is our senior features writer.

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Flintstones chic: New furniture range embraces the latest trend

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 31, 2022
1 Comment on Flintstones chic: New furniture range embraces the latest trend

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but there’s a certain aesthetic sweeping the interiors scene of late. An extension of the curved and organic trends, the current Flintstones vibe features fossil-inspired shapes that play cheekily with proportions. It’s a quirky reference point and not one you’d typically associate with high style, but it’s one that I’m totally here for.

It’s also an aesthetic explored by Aussie interior stylist Tim Neve through his debut furniture collection. Featuring organic-shaped statement pieces, executed in warm and tactile materials such as rattan, teak and travertine, Tim’s range is hand-crafted by artisans, produced in limited quantities and features everything from tables to chairs, sofas and sculptures.

“Each piece is designed to work as a statement piece, and they’re even stronger when placed together. I can’t wait to see how people style the furniture in their homes,” says Tim, who is known for his bespoke range of textile prints and busy career styling and educating.

A standout from the range, the Wave Coffee Table pairs a kidney shaped travertine tabletop with a trio of on-trend ball feet – the design’s fossil vibe is accentuated by the table’s chiselled stone edges.

The range’s carved timber side tables are super fun too, acting as both practical tabletops and sculptural pieces. The Linen armchair features a warm woodgrain combined with textural oatmeal upholstery – the nude leather straps add a stylish accent, and the design is grounded with four oversized ball feet. In contrast, the Sling Lounger features nude leather paired with sculptural, club inspired teak legs that would make Barney Rubble proud.

And for those wanting in on the aesthetic without diving head first, the range also includes a series of organic shaped sculptures and bowls, perfect for styling your next shelfie.

Photography: Kristian van der Beek

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How to avoid waiting for furniture amid pandemic delays

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 26, 2022
No Comments on How to avoid waiting for furniture amid pandemic delays

When Bianca and Marcus Jowett established Perth-based online furniture and styling hub Granite Lane, they not only wanted to develop and curate their own furniture and homewares collection but to source locally while doing it. Seven years on – and as the pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people live, buy, and think, Aussie consumers are increasingly looking local.

“Customers don’t want to be waiting nearly a year to receive their products and we don’t want them too either. We want to deliver their products and bring their design vision to life as quickly as possible,” says Bianca Jowett who found that being able to manufacture locally has meant her business hasn’t been affected by COVID-led supply chain issues.

Granite Lane custom designs (or source within Australia) their collection of sofas, armchairs, ottomans, and bed frames which is great news for consumers who are frustrated with ongoing furniture delays. “We’ve never really seen anything like what’s happening now. Consumers are buying furniture in record numbers, but the average delivery delays from a lot of retailers are staggering,” says Marcus Jowett, who manages Granite Lane’s supply chain.

Marcus also explains the latest twist for furniture suppliers has seen factory closures in Vietnam due to COVID-19, meaning that furniture stores have seen lead times of up to 10-12 months when ordering products from overseas. By comparison, Granite Lane can offer a lead time of 8-10 weeks as well as full customisation.

“Also, we love that we can collaborate with our customers on the design of their sofa to match their space perfectly. Because we source locally, we can customise the sofa, ottoman, armchair and even bed instead of being stuck with a design that is pumped out of a factory,” says Bianca.

And while sourcing locally has had an expensive reputation in the past, when you add in pandemic-led delays and the rising cost of shipping containers, the cost difference is diminishing. “To source internationally you need to ship goods overseas and everybody’s fighting for space on the containers, so they’re bidding them up,” says Marcus who has always struggled with the comparison between a better-quality product made locally to that of something mass-produced.

“It’s evident that once you weigh up the cost of the sofa, the cost to the environment, the cost of the client’s time, and the cost of quality all outweigh the monetary value,” says Marcus.

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Koala: From ‘mattress in a box’ to bonafide furniture brand

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 25, 2022
No Comments on Koala: From ‘mattress in a box’ to bonafide furniture brand

When Koala hit the Australian furniture scene in 2015, it made waves due to its unique ‘mattress in a box’ offering. Coupled with the brand’s fabulous 120-night trial policy, commitment to solid eco-friendly practices and reasonable prices, Koala has gone on to become one of our most successful furniture start-ups. Today we catch up with the brand’s Vice President of product and design, James Whitta, to hear all about the brand’s ethos and expansion.

Koala mattress — The mattress that put the brand on the map

“Koala’s philosophy is all about creating products that suit the laidback Aussie lifestyle while also doing wonders for the planet. Sustainability is at the core of Koala’s identity; we always ensure we are taking care of the planet and its people every step of the way. We also want our customers to find buying furniture from us a breeze, by ensuring all our products are easy to buy, try and return,” says James.

After launching with one mattress style in 2015, and experiencing great success, Koala added a variety of others to the mix, designed to service every type of sleeper. The line-up soon became Australia’s most awarded mattress range and it encouraged Koala to look at other ways to permeate our homes. Consequently, in 2018, Koala launched the Lounging Sofa and continued to add furniture lines.

The Koala Lounging Sofa — The Koala Lounging sofa

“While sleep will always be a core part of Koala, it was a natural progression for us to explore how we could continue to develop products that Aussies will become die-hard fans of,” says James in explaining the current Koala range which includes beds, bed linen, pillows, desks, chairs, tables, storage options and sofas. Continuing the award-winning success of the brand’s mattresses, the Koala Cushy sofa bed was voted Product of the Year in 2022 (in the sofa bed category), and the WFH Desk won a Good Design Award in 2021.

The award winning WFH Desk alongside other Koala items

Simple, stylish designs aside, the brand’s risk-free 120-night trial period is surely a solid consumer drawcard. “If customers aren’t in love with their new purchase, you can simply let us know, ship it back and receive a full refund. This applies across our entire range, not just our famous mattresses,” says James who explains that returned goods are given a second life through one of 68 charity partners.

Koala vice president of product and design, James Whitta

Koala dining chair — Koala Curved Back dining chair

Koala’s commitment to sustainability is no doubt another enticement for consumers with the brand committed to designing furniture that is well-loved and kept for years. “It’s part of our bid to take a stance against the fast furniture industry. All of Koala’s products are designed with their life cycles in mind, to ensure they are as recyclable as possible and that they don’t end up in landfill at the end of their days,” says James.

In addition, Koala sources timber from environmentally and socially managed forests through its work with the Forest Stewardship Council. “Our customers can feel great knowing they’ve chosen a product that takes care of forests, and the people and animals who call them home.”

Koala coffee table — Koala Round Coaster coffee table

And while the brand currently boasts 230 employees and has expanded into Japan and South Korea, there’s plenty of exciting news to come yet. In response to consumer demand, Koala is about to enter another sphere of the furniture market. “We had overwhelming demand from our customers to launch these new products, so we can’t wait to share the good news. All will be revealed in June but for now, it’s a secret!”

Shop Koala

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Before & Afters Expert Tips Furniture Interiors Addict Jen's reno

Upcycling project: buffet gets a glow up with paint and handles

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 25, 2022
No Comments on Upcycling project: buffet gets a glow up with paint and handles

Today I’m revealing the new lease on life given to my sideboard, otherwise known as the most useful piece of furniture I own!

This sideboard (or buffet, whatever you prefer to call it!) and its nine drawers hold so much useful small stuff which would otherwise be lost or messy around the house. But I’d fallen out of love with its off white colour, which had become less off white and more warm cream over the years! I’ll admit I’d been looking to replace it with something new but absolutely nothing fit the spot in our hallway as perfectly or indeed had as many drawers.

So when Jemma Wlasichuk from shed eleven, who specialise in upcycling furniture with paint and are just down the road on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, asked if I had anything that needed a makeover, it was a lightbulb moment! And just look how pretty she turned out! I’m thrilled!

Jemma and I went back on forth on what colour we should go for and I’m quite familiar with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colours they use. Duck Egg Blue (which is actually a green if you ask me but that’s a matter of opinion!) has always been a favourite of mine. There’s something very English about it and it’s just such a soft, subtle, beautiful colour. It’s more interesting and unique than grey and a tad warmer too. I have a lot of pink and green here already so it works perfectly. I went for a satin finish wax as I felt this was most in keeping with my home.

The transformation in progress at shed eleven

Most of you probably thought I’d choose my old favourite navy and I’ll admit it did cross my mind. But because we already have navy cabinetry in the living room TV unit, I was worried about the blues clashing and it’s also a pretty dark part of the house being a hallway, so I wanted something lighter.

What was always going to get a run though was my favourite brass! I headed straight to Kethy, where my kitchen and laundry hardware is from, to find the perfect new handles and oh my goodness, they’re divine! The previous handles were really rattly and didn’t feel nice, or substantial, to use. These new ones are solid, and also beautiful!

When the painted buffet was delivered back to me I was super excited, but once I added these new handles it all came together like a dream! Never hesitate to swap out handles on a piece of furniture because most use a universal sized screw and it’s super easy.

shed eleven, which Jemma runs alongside sister-in-law Fanny Clarsen, run workshops to teach you how to upcycle pieces yourself. They also sell a variety of products from their vintage caravan, including chalk paint, decoupage papers, brushes, stencils, waxes and lacquers.

Much as I’d love to have a go myself, I don’t really have the time, patience or undercover space to, and with two young boys running around, I feel it would be a recipe for disaster. Maybe when they’re older! If you, like me, would like shed eleven to do the work for you, prices start from $550 for a sideboard. Bedsides are approximately $225 each and chairs $160 each.

Clearly this is much cheaper than buying something new, especially something so unique, not to mention the environmental benefits and being able to keep high quality furniture in circulation for much longer. I am absolutely thrilled with this project. It enabled me to keep the perfect piece of furniture size and function wise, and give it an updated, much more interesting look, exactly to my requirements, for a fraction of the price of buying new. What’s not to love?!

For more information on shed eleven.

Handles: Kethy Australia L861 in brushed gold. Stockists here.

Disclosure: shed eleven did not charge me for painting the sideboard but I can’t recommend them highly enough regardless and this is an honest review. I paid for the piece to be delivered from my home to shed eleven and back again.

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Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Interiors Addict Living Room Shopping

How to achieve a sophisticated yet relaxed interior

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 29, 2022
1 Comment on How to achieve a sophisticated yet relaxed interior

Charlie Hinckfuss, founder and director of MCM House, shares his top tips on achieving the renowned home brand’s signature style.

1. Start with natural linen

Start by creating a sense of effortless structure with natural linens. Earthy-hued natural linen sofas are a great option as they bring a relaxed resolve to a sophisticated silhouette.

2. Add accents of aged timber

Integrating aged timber into the home brings character and warmth to a space. You can achieve this by incorporating furniture with timber frames, as well as pieces crafted completely from reclaimed timber, celebrating the beauty in the imperfections that the material comes with. The natural appeal of timber complements a range of interiors and by bringing this organic material indoors, it also has the ability to connect your indoor and outdoor areas.

3. Layer with contrasts

To add dimension to your sophisticated interior, you can layer the space with a contrasting subtle seating option. Experiment with contrasting fabrics, textures, or colours. Try to find a piece that can be moved from week to week or month to month to create a different perspective.

4. Soft, moody lighting

Set the tone for your room with your choice of lighting. Soft, moody lighting is key to creating a relaxed environment with an elegant feel. Look beyond your usual lighting layout, whether this be with a floor lamp in the corner of the room, or an interesting table lamp on your console. The subtle ambiance created can transform a room into a sanctuary.

5. Lastly, spark conversation

A statement piece that embodies personality can transform the room. You can leave a lasting impression with one eye-catching piece, or a few objects that add character. When creating your home environment, always try to look for an object that sparks a topic of conversation or imagination.

-Influenced by classic contemporary design and tasteful simplicity, MCM House (founded by Charlie in 2005) offers an unmatched combination of furniture, lighting, textiles, rugs, decor and curated art from around the world.

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Appliances Furniture Homewares Shopping

10 things we’re loving: from Kmart’s online exclusives

Post author By Khandoker Taseen
Post date April 28, 2022
No Comments on 10 things we’re loving: from Kmart’s online exclusives

This week’s instalment of 10 things we’re loving highlights some of the larger home items Kmart is now offering not in store, but from the comfort of your own home via their relatively new Online Exclusives range. Everything from white goods to sofas and beds can now be found at the click of a button.

Bobble rug: A great way to add texture in a colour that will suit many living or bedrooms, this large (270x180cm) rug is made from polyester, cotton, wool and other fibres. $119.

Hamptons Short Cabinet: For the kitchen or dining area, or anywhere you need a little more storage, this cabinet’s classic design and colour will suit most homes. $159.

Thorne Buffet: With two cabinets and three drawers, this compact, minimal black buffet would be perfect to organise serving ware and napery in a dining space. $159.

4.5kg Vented Dryer (4.5kg): Compact in size, with 4.5kg capacity and three drying options, this dryer is perfect for smaller laundry rooms with little space. It comes with adjustable levelling legs for easier bench top placement or with its wall-mounted design, you can maximise your floor space. $249.

Kmart now offer a whole range of white goods including washing machines, fridges and a dishwasher.

Egon wardrobe with drawers: Ideal for smaller rooms, this wardrobe with drawers features an open design with two drawers and a clothes rail. We think it’d be great in a guest bedroom or even a laundry. $119.

House shaped bed frame: This trendy and fun bed frame will immediately transform the look of your little one’s nursery or bedroom and give it a stylish Scandinavian look. Fits any standard single mattress and is made from pine and plywood. $189.

Large White Trolley: Fab extra space in a small kitchen or use it for serving food or drinks at your next family gathering. The fact it’s on castors with locking brakes makes it super flexible and the rubber wood top is food safe. $149.

Queen bed rattan bedhead: This sturdy design is easy to assemble and a great, affordable way to add on-trend rattan too your bedroom. Made from pine, rattan and MDF. $159.

Thorne coffee table: A simple rectangular design that will suit most homes, with a shelf for added storage. $85.

3-piece Whitehaven outdoor set: Currently on clearance, this is a steal at $299 and perfect for smaller spaces.

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Tags exclusive range, interior favourites, kmart online, natural bed frame, recommended buys, storage units, suggested shopping, top picks

Furniture Interiors Addict

Custom but affordable timber floating shelves you order online

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 28, 2022
2 Comments on Custom but affordable timber floating shelves you order online

Floating shelves generally fall into one of two categories: pre-determined lengths that are hollow inside and can lack stability, or custom-made solid timber that come with a hefty price tag and may need to be installed by a professional. Made By You’s Anna Wright-Hands thinks she’s come up with the perfect in between solution that’s custom, solid and affordable, and that you can easily install yourself.

Off the shelf (pardon the pun!) hollow floating shelves are designed to be lightweight so they don’t sag when you place items on top. While more expensive solid timber shelving often has to become a permanent fixture as its weight needs serious support and expert installation.

“The beauty of Made By You’s Paulownia timber is that it is incredibly strong (it has the highest strength to weight ratio of any timber in the world) but is also incredibly light in weight,” explains Anna, whose custom shelves start at just $75. “I have created a different system that solves a lot of existing problems with installing floating shelves.”

A lot of thought has gone into making the system, which you order online, work. For example, the Australian standard for stud walls is 450mm apart. So each floating shelf has pre-drilled holes at 150mm intervals to allow for maximum movement on any wall for placement. “This means you can choose where to place the two gold-look rods on your walls and move the shelves side to side (depending on your customised lengths and heights) to achieve the most custom placement,” Anna says.

“I wanted to provide customers with the most amount of options. They’ll be able to customise Lily Single Floating Shelves from 600mm to 2000mm in length or choose from our Lily Box Floating Shelves (ideal for open kitchen storage, cafes, kids rooms and the collector of beautiful objects).

“And you do it all at the click of a button online or customise further (to the millimetre), with Made By You’s Online Customising Tool.”

The 42mm thick Lily Single Floating Shelves come in depths of 140mm or 280mm. The Lily Box Floating Shelves (below) are 140mm deep and 42mm thick and you can add one to four levels. They’re all finished with kid and food safe Hardwax Oil.

“I really believe they will service the market between off-the-shelf floating shelf options and custom joinery installed with more difficulty and at a higher price,” says furniture maker Anna, who grew up working in her dad’s power tools and machinery business.

It’s the latest innovation from Made By You, who already sell a range of custom size furniture online. This includes TV units, desks, bench seats, coffee and bedsides tables. Everything is made right here in Australia.

It’s the little things about the brand that make a big difference, like their organic cotton bag packaging, and planting a tree in the customer’s name (through Carbon Positive Australia) each time they place an order.

Order single floating shelves | Order box floating shelves

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Tags custom shelves, custom shelving, floating shelves, made by you, open shelving, paulownia timber, timber shelves

Furniture Homewares Interiors Addict Shopping

A new interior shopping experience with curated designer brands

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 22, 2022
No Comments on A new interior shopping experience with curated designer brands

Imagine shopping with a trusted friend who has seen it all when it comes to home furniture, furnishings and accessories, who invites you into a sanctuary to peruse their global edits whilst offering styling advice.

When partners in life and work, John and Louise Bastiras, launched In Good Company, a spacious Armadale showroom surrounded by generous glass windows housed under a panoply of gracious arches, they conceived an acutely curated offering and matched this with services that prioritised a welcoming sense of inclusion.

“We want people to link into sofas or run their hands along the solid timber table surfaces, and enquire about the brands. In Good Company is like an extension of the home rather than a showcase of furniture and lighting. We encourage conversations about makers and materials like you would if you visited someone’s amazing living room,” enthuses Louise, who has an interior design background and extensive furniture retail experience.

“Everything is presented with equanimity, balancing unique forever pieces together with a keen curation of practical elements including floor rugs and glassware through to blankets and throws. A combination of aesthetics and pragmatics drives my selection criteria which is drawn to hand-crafted pieces and those created with both ethical and quality-driven manufacturing techniques.”

In Good Company’s roster of lighting brands alone sparks reason to visit as they stock Vitra, Gubi and Aromas del Campo, amongst others, but for those on the prowl for introductions to designers and companies exclusively represented in Australia, a visit yields great returns. They include: Pandul, a Danish lighting company with highly practical floor and desk lamps with distinctive hoods; Kaia, whose gilded pendant lights and sconces from Vienna possess glamorous rigour; Sibast’s exquisitely refined timber furniture from Denmark; futurist lighting designs from Hungary’s Intueri Light; quirky, compact lighting ranges From In Common With and Workstead – both based in New York; plus an extensive offering of co-owner John’s own collection of certified timber furniture.

Modern classics in the making, the John Bastiras Design Studio (JBDS) collections are made locally in Melbourne. The sensual stoicism of John’s range of dining and coffee tables, plus desks bolsters In Good Company’s unique offering given that their creation provides a refreshing portal into the maker’s craft. Drawing upon his background in architectural drafting, John offers customised variations of his work and readily co-designs bespoke pieces for those keen to commission them. People can even request to see selected In Good Company stock positioned with his work to assist with final furniture and furnishing selections. The local lead time on his orders offers a refreshing antidote to the current four-to-five month wait for international furniture orders.

The Bastiras duo and their team relish introducing clients to their represented brand’s offerings beyond the showroom floor, also accommodating site visits to assist with the interior specification of its ranges. From collaborating on textile and tonal selections to final installs, In Good Company also works with leading interior design firms such as Mim Design, Golden, David Hicks and Simon Haag amongst others, including the fabrication of commissioned pieces.

As one of Gubi’s premium Australian partners, they look forward to launching the Danish company’s foray into outdoor furniture, introducing Bohemian 72 this September – an ode to the jetset lounge lifestyle of yesteryear – featuring coiled rattan frames and the softest of upholstered landings.

In Good Company’s showroom is located at 19 Morey Street in Armadale, Melbourne, and their collection of local and international furniture, lighting and objects is also viewable online.

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Tags designer lighting brands, in good company, John and louise bastiras, melbourne shopping

Expert Tips Furniture Styling

Stylist tips: injecting city slicker style into coastal homes

Post author By Khandoker Taseen
Post date April 19, 2022
No Comments on Stylist tips: injecting city slicker style into coastal homes

Jason Granziera, in-house stylist at Lounge Lovers, shares his tips to inject some city clicker style into a relaxed, coastal home.

Chic, coastal and classic

A timeless and classic look can be attained with a pale and creamy colour palette. This palette has been centre stage for years, combining texture and occasionally the element of colour. Like the white sands and blue waves of Australia’s coast, subtle pops of colour and textural statement pieces can work beautifully together to create an inviting interior. For a neutral, think a boucle lounge which offers shape, style and a quality finish to seamlessly intertwine city and coast.

Erikson coffee table (centre) & Draper velvet sofa

Ground, then amplify

Draw inspiration from our country’s mountainous terrain, pairing polished design with natural materials serves as the perfect base to stylistically balance your place. An oak coffee table will bring in some earthy energy while adding a deep green will make your environment appear sleek and bright.

Lean into differences

Much like the coast’s relaxed and beachy vibe with its bustling after dark scene, one of the best ways to combine styles is through contrast. Be even more bold by creating a clear distinction between aesthetics with one item. Dining chairs mixing rattan with various shades of oak represent a hybrid of coastal and Scandi style, playing off texture, and light and dark shades to blend these two styles together.

Contemporary by the sea

An old favourite for a reason, rattan is synonymous with coastal feels. Pairing it with contemporary pieces make for an interesting and stylish addition to any home. Start minimal with a bamboo style shelf as a base, then integrate the city with accessories like modern vases, coffee table books, greenery and candles to create the perfect blend.

For more on Lounge Lovers, who just opened a new showroom on the Gold Coast.

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Tags beach lifestyle, chic styles, coastal living, interior design, rattan furniture, relaxed look, statement pieces

Furniture Homewares Interiors Addict Shopping

10 things we’re loving at sustainable, affordable B2C Furniture

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 13, 2022
No Comments on 10 things we’re loving at sustainable, affordable B2C Furniture

With a range made out of hardwood, Australian online store B2C has a unique offering within the local furniture scene. Sustainable and affordable, the brand has showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne but services Australia-wide through its website. “Furniture that doesn’t cost the earth, nor cost the earth its survival,” is the company mantra.

Myer Single Bunk Bed with Storage | Hardwood Frame: Featuring two under-bed storage drawers on wheels, this clever bunk can be converted into two separate beds once the kids outgrow sharing a room. It’s priced at a very reasonable $949. It’s no wonder Jen picked these exact bunks for her boys Sebastian and Charlie!

Cannes 7PCE Hardwood Black Dining Set | Green Fabric: Comprised of a hardwood dining table with six green linen upholstered chairs, this stylish dining ensemble has a textured woodgrain on the table top. $1,293.

Bella Three Seater Sofa | Couch | Aquamarine: Mid-century details abound in this pastel blue sofa – it’s got soft curves, slightly tapered legs and cute button detailing. $779.

Paris Hardwood Coffee Table | Lifting-Top | Walnut: This unique coffee table design moonlights as a home desk or dining table for dinner in front of the TV. The top quietly pops up, on gas-lift mechanics, to reveal hidden storage underneath. $449.

Terra Contemporary Area Rug: Machine made in Belgium, this 230cm x 160cm rug features a plush high pile and modern monochrome, geometric design. $329.

Rome Hardwood King Size Bed Frame | Walnut: Drawing on Scandinavian and mid-century design, this bed frame features a delicate spindle design. $899. Jen has this in the natural wood queen size version in her guest bedroom.

Paris Modular Sofa Series | L-Shape Sofa with Left Chaise | Grey Fabric: This sofa combines pale linen upholstery with walnut timber legs and a built-in, practical walnut side table. $2474.

Paris Navy Blue Occasional Chair | Walnut | Hardwood Frame: It’s the smooth curved timber details that caught our eye with this one. Rustic walnut timber pairs with navy upholstery and the seat has no-slump spring technology for extra support. $429.

Paris 6PCE Hardwood Home Living Room Furniture Package | Rustic Walnut | Grey: Take the guess work out of assembling a living room furniture suite with this six-piece option that features a coffee table, lamp table, entertainment unit and three sofas. $4900.

Jocasta Hand Loomed Wool Rug | Blue: Hand woven, this natural fibre rug (230cm x 160cm) is made from ethically sourced wool and it’s hypoallergenic too. $580.

Shop B2C Furniture

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Tags australian furniture company, B2C Furniture, furniture, online furniture store