A stalwart of the Australian furniture scene, Freedom celebrated its 40 year anniversary last year – in an industry that can be brutal, where businesses come and go, 40 years is quite a feat. From a vintage inspired print to stylish stoneware, and a couple of mid-century inspired pieces, here’s what we’re currently loving at Freedom.
Larsson buffet: Crafted from solid oak, this mid-century inspired buffet features three drawers, three doors and ample storage space inside. $1,399.
Eton leather sofa: Upholstered in butter soft, semi-aniline black or tan leather, this timeless sofa is available as a two or three-seater. It’s a constant in the Freedom range, and for good reason. $2,799.
Albanie floor rug (160cm x 230cm): Handmade from jute and wool, this rug is super hardwearing making it perfect for high-traffic areas. Neutral in colour, and featuring an Art Deco inspired design, it would complement virtually any space. $499.
Tierra tableware: This dishwasher-safe stoneware tabletop range exudes seriously cool earthy vibes courtesy of its uneven edges and speckled finish. From $9.95.
Dome table lamp: Available in brushed brass or chrome, this designer-inspired graphic lamp is perfect for a bedside, living room or hallway. $249.
Keys shelving unit: This top-selling shelving unit is perfect for storing your favourite books, plants and household ephemera. We love its clean lines. $1,699.
Klara cushion: This two-toned, colour blocked cushion is a fabulous autumnal update for the lounge room. $49.95.
Wanda floor lamp: From the pleated vase to the brushed brass detailing, this floor lamp is giving us stylish but strong 80’s vibes. Jen loved this too at the recent Freedom media previews. $299.
NOUVEAUX Travaux L’Ocean Print: It’s the lovely vintage-inspired nature of this artful print that caught our eye. The coral and colour combo are the icing on the cake. $229.
Ten things we’re loving at Spotlight (who knew?!)
Once simply a haven for sewing enthusiasts, Spotlight diversified into homewares a while back and the range keeps improving. From…
Megan Robinson, founder of Melbourne styling company Cooper Robinson, has drawn from her almost 20 years of experience to create CACHET — curated furniture collections transforming homes into everyday escapes.
Frank armchair
The line of small-batch interiors will release in collections that work together. Keeping it accessible and straightforward, they provide a range of future design classics that aim to stand the test of time. A smooth dispatch and delivery system from Melbourne will allow you to enjoy their new pieces in days, not months.
Sunday armchair
CACHET’s considered pieces, from modular lounges and occasional chairs through to lamps and cushions, are inspired by various design and artistic movements, and made with the best materials.
Brando side table
Megan’s vision to designing a home isn’t just about comfort, luxury, or style — it’s about creating a space that restores, rejuvenates and invigorates. CACHET looks to shine a light on how transformative a well-designed home can be for overall wellbeing, and to elevate everyday spaces in a holistic way.
Piper floor lamp
Steer collection
Megan believes that investing in design is investing in your wellbeing, and every choice you make for your home matters.
Winning Group has acquired leading furniture, lighting and textiles retailer, Spence & Lyda with a view to establishing a new lifestyle and luxury destination for the home called Winnings, incorporating their existing brands Winning Appliances and Rogerseller.
John Winning, CEO of Winning Group, says: “We are delighted to welcome Spence & Lyda and their team to the Winning Group. Spence & Lyda, led by Fiona Lyda has an incredible reputation for offering the world’s best and emerging brands at the cutting edge of design, including furniture, lighting, homewares and soft furnishings. We are excited to offer Spence & Lyda’s range to more Australians and have it integrated into Winnings, which will be the ultimate lifestyle and luxury shopping experience for the home.
Spence & Lyda
“For over a century, we have helped Australians to create their dream kitchens. Our customers have always told us they wished shopping for their whole renovation was as easy and enjoyable as shopping for appliances with us. We’ve listened and are delighted to now be able to offer our customers a leading, delightful and hassle free shopping experience to fit out their entire dream home. At Winnings, customers will be able to shop their favourite and exclusive brands from Winning Appliances, Rogerseller and Spence & Lyda all under one roof, at our newly renovated Redfern showroom to open later this year. Our flagship Redfern showroom will be the first of many Winnings lifestyle and luxury destination stores for the home, where we will continue on our mission to provide the best shopping experience in the world.”
Rogerseller
Fiona says: “By joining the Winning Group, we are now more than ever before, set for extraordinary things, particularly in the next 12 months with an exciting series of events being run as part of Melbourne Design Week this month and being part of Winnings in Redfern later this year.”
Winning Appliances
Established in 1906, Winning Group is a family-owned, Australian company incorporating five business entities: Appliances Online, Winning Appliances, Rogerseller, Home Clearance and Winning Services.
“As a family of five, we have been travelling to Indonesia for the past 16 years. We fell in love with the people and culture, as well as the beautifully crafted furniture and homewares,” says Sydneysider Louise Maloney who, after years of filling containers with Bali wares for personal use, set up online furniture and homewares business ELSIAN Home last year.
The range of affordable, and unique furniture and accessories is curated by Louise alongside her interior designer daughter Eliza. The Northern Beaches based family recently built a new home and furnished the entire abode with custom pieces sourced in Bali, which is when the idea for the business really took flight. “The positive feedback from family and friends encouraged me to create ELSIAN Home,” says Louise.
ELSIAN Home Annika rattan side table
The Maloney family in Bali (Eliza is on the left and Louise is in the middle at the back)
Louise has established many relationships with Bali locals over her years travelling there – the contacts are reliable, trusted and have enabled her to access quality pieces from premium suppliers. “My main contact, who sources things for us, is very particular. He has taken me to visit artisans that create things exclusively for American designers. There’s some amazing stuff up there,” says Louise who explains that she travels off the tourist beat to find the more unusual wares.
Sourcing for product in Bali
The impact of COVID on Bali, is another reason that Louise decided to start the business in the middle of a pandemic. “We have made a lot of Balinese friends over our years travelling there too and I really wanted to support them during COVID,” says Louise who explains that Balinese furniture manufacturers have been hit hard during the pandemic. Freight costs have gone up exponentially too which is having an impact on prices. “It’s unfortunate all round,” says Louise.
ELSIAN Home Adasa candle set
ELSIAN Home Todd Stripe side table
An extension of the homewares and furniture offering, ELSIAN Home also offer a full interior design consulting service that is managed by Eliza. “She’s very talented and is currently contracting to AZB Creative while running her own business Eliza Madison Designs,” says Louise. Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, ELSIAN Home offers a full design, styling and furnishing service including full spatial planning.
The following is an excerpt from Colour Is Home, the new book by Australia-based international interior designer Charlotte Coote.
Rooms designed to enhance conversation, comfort and functionality are, to me, the most successful. In a space that is comfortable and considered, you don’t have to shout to be heard by the person sitting opposite at the dinner table, or get up from your armchair to set down a drink or book.
When deciding how the furniture in a room will be arranged, it is important to consider all the different ways the space could be laid out. Compare the various options, and weigh the problems and advantages of each. Often the best solution will be a combination of one or more of your potential layouts. By following some simple guidelines, the most fitting layout will soon reveal itself.
Creating a Floor Plan
When designing the layout of any room, it is essential to create a scale floor plan. This plan shows the exact dimensions of the room, and the placement and size of each element you will include. If you don’t have the skills to draw up a plan yourself, enlist the help of a designer, draftsperson or architect.
An accurate floor plan will allow you to check your proposed layout for functionality and flow. For example, you can easily measure whether walkways are wide enough, or whether there is ample space for dining chairs to be pushed in and out. A floor plan may need to be revised many times before you arrive at your final layout.
Creating a Great Focal Point
The focal point of your room should be a central item or asset, like a fabulous big rug, a beautiful fireplace, a striking artwork or even a spectacular view. Choose your focal point first, then build the layout of the room around it. Begin by looking at the architecture of the space and then consider which pieces you will use to fill it.
Creating Balance & Symmetry
It is important to create balance and symmetry in your layout. The various pieces of furniture must work together harmoniously. To achieve balance, follow the ‘opposites attract’ principle: combine furniture that is big and small, curved and straight, tall and short, hard and upholstered, old and new, or masculine and feminine.
To create symmetry, place similar or matching pieces opposite each other in the space (try this with chairs, side tables and lamps). The eye should be drawn around the entire room, not to one element in particular. If one piece is standing out too much, it may be an indication that the layout is not balanced. Conversely, if a certain component is getting lost among the scheme, you may need to try rearranging things.
TIPS ON FURNITURE LAYOUT
Below are some of my golden rules for furniture layout. However, remember that in design, as in life, some rules are meant to be broken. If you do decide to break the rules: never complain, and never ever explain.
Ensure that ample walkways are included in each room and that they are not too narrow. A main thoroughfare through any given room (e.g. between the back of an armchair and the wall) should be a minimum of 80 centimetres (30 inches) wide.
A big room can often work well with less furniture, while a small room is more appealing when it has lots of furniture.
Every seat in a room should have a table within arm’s reach.
All chairs, whether armchair, dining chair, breakfast-bar stool, or sofa, must be inviting and comfortable.
In living and dining spaces, there should be enough chairs to accommodate the home’s residents, plus additional seating that can be utilised for guests.
Occasional chairs, which are light and easy to move, are a good option for extra seating. Placed symmetrically around the perimeter of a room, they can be a feature of interest until needed.
Avoid placing sofas in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, as they will block out too much light.
Rugs should be positioned at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) away from walls, and away from solid pieces of furniture like television consoles and book cases. Ensure the front legs (at least) of your sofa or armchair stand on the rug.
Design any built-in joinery joinery – wardrobes, cabinetry and shelving – to be as tall as possible. Not only will this provide more storage space, but it will make the ceiling feel higher by drawing the eye upwards.
Free standing furniture can be be more interesting and storied than built-in joinery. If you can’t find a piece that is quite the right size, you can make it appear larger by flanking it with a pair of chairs.
Choose bedside tables that are as large as will fit in the room, to provide plenty of space for lamps, books, reading glasses, cups of tea and vases of flowers.
–Colour Is Home by Charlotte Coote published by Thames & Hudson. $59.99.
BIG W’s new line of homewares, Sunrise Valley, will give your home an Insta-worthy update for autumn without breaking the bank.
Introducing autumnal tones and patterns, the range has landed in store and online in time for the cooler months ahead. Gary Chen, senior designer for home at BIG W, said they wanted to focus on small changes that will have a big impact. Taking inspiration from Scandinavia, you’ll find stylish yet practical items featuring deeper colours, tactile fabrics and big floral prints. Bag yourself a trend-inspired piece for under $10!
This gorgeous earthy toned set features a geometric quilted design that will subtly add texture to your room. Once again, the still on-trend rainbow motif is still there but pared back.
Leaving behind its well-known Rosebery headquarters, furniture and homewares brand Koskela has just launched a new concept space and headquarters in the newly reimagined Sub Base Platypus on Sydney Harbour. A former submarine base in North Sydney, the beautiful new store runs across two levels and the interior has been crafted from solid Australian timbers and Sydney sandstone, reflecting the local area. The materials are the perfect complement to the gorgeous, understated aesthetic of the brand.
Koskela’s new Sydney concept store
“We are excited to open this curated space to provide a new experience for our customers. The role of the store has changed since COVID and we think our new location reflects the type of experience customers are looking for. We want to connect and make memories with our visitors, bringing true connection and meaning to the pieces that they own, hopefully making them heirlooms to be treasured and maintained as a piece of Australian history,” says Koskela co-founder Sasha Titchkosky.
Customers can make material selections in this tranquil spot
The new space will offer opportunities to book in-store consultations and see exhibitions by leading First Nations artists from across the country, all while enjoying incredible panoramic harbour views. The brand has collaborated with award-winning Koori artist, Blak Douglas on a permanent installation artwork to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Blak has been selected as a finalist in the Archibald Prize three times, including in 2019, and has had works collected by the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, as well as internationally.
Indigenous artworks adorn the walls
Formerly a torpedo factory, submarine and gasworks, Sub Base Platypus (formerly HMAS Platypus) has been reimagined by ASPECT Studio and Lahznimmo Architects who have made it into a destination in itself. The revitalisation features a scenic waterfront promenade with views, a shaded BBQ area with seating and well as a playground. The base is accessible by bus and ferry and makes for the perfect day out in Sydney.
What a view!
“Looking for a new space, we focussed on finding somewhere that captured the essence of Sydney and naturally the harbour was always front and centre. We are thrilled to have found a new home in this remarkable location – steeped in history and boasting beautiful waterside views. Even the motto for HMAS Platypus ‘Nothing too Difficult’ seems apt for our new home.”
Sub Base Platypus. Image: Geoff Maggie (courtesy of The Harbour Trust)
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to check out, touch, feel and sit on Freedom’s new autumn winter collection recently and love how the iconic brand continues to develop its own aesthetic, designing in house and curating from elsewhere specifically for our Australian lifestyle. The focus is on timeless pieces which can be added to over the years, moving away from the idea of disposable and fast furniture.
Read to the end for your chance to win a $500 Freedom giftcard.
Turning 40 last year, Freedom is proud to be affordable and within reach of the average Aussie, but doesn’t believe that should mean sacrificing style or quality.
In furniture, Freedom’s occasional chair game is strong this year! CEO Blaine Callard explained that these chairs, and in fact all furniture, cannot just look good and has to pass multiple comfort tests before it makes it into the range. There’s no point in a fabulous looking armchair nobody wants to sit in, right?! Not in real homes anyway!
This curvy boucle number, Cobble, was my pick and you can take my word for it, they’re as comfy as they look too!
In homewares I loved the bathroom towels and accessories, the bed linen and the lamps in particular. It was great to meet the person who designed the below floor lamp I loved, because Freedom really are designing in house, not buying from one of the huge suppliers who supply multiple chain stores. How cute is the little pull switch and the pleated shade? And of course it’s brass, which I’m always drawn to like a magpie.
This Loft sofa was a really clever sectional with fully upholstered storage/side table sections too, so you have ultimate flexibility to move them around, perhaps deciding you want the side table between seats first, and then moving the table to the outer edge of the sofa later.
Underneath that timber top, where you can place your coffee or wine, there’s heaps of storage (for throws or toys perhaps!) and even a hidden built-in charger for your devices. Love it! I loved the rug and coffee table here too. And that coloured glass vase is part of a range which has apparently been flying off the Freedom shelves.
This stunning Sorrento tan leather sofa was another favourite of mine and comes in multiple configurations and colours and fabric too! And the oversized, Japanese-inspired Grande square coffee table is a beautiful, unique piece.
Like much of the new black timber furniture, the coffee table is made from solid mango wood and made to last more than a season or two! The mum in me sees this as a hardwearing low coffee table where the kids could play lego when guests weren’t expected!
These textured towels felt beautiful and I’m all for elevating something as mundane as the necessary evil toilet brush holder by making it marble!
Cushions are exclusive designs to Freedom and all had gorgeous textures and detailing like embroidery and piping, in gorgeous textiles designed to easily mix and match.
The overall palette is what I’d call warm neutrals and really does have a timeless feel, with the ability to dial up or down the contrast and number of pieces depending on your own personal taste and the size of your rooms and home.
Lighting was another highlight with table lamps galore (everyone always has room for one more, right?!) and these divine geometric pendants which look great alone of clustered together.
Bedroom furniture has had a refresh too, with designers really considering the whole package holistically. I really love the upholstered bench at the end of this bed which could have so many great uses, like in your entry to sit on and put shoes on. And you could store the shoes underneath too!
Freedom have also recently launched a new Australian designed and made mattress range. Inspired by Australian landscapes they are complemented with Warwick fabric on the sides and matching base. They’re available in firm, medium and plush feels.
A sofa from the relaunched Autograph range
Tapping into the increasing demand for personalisation in our homes and elsewhere, Freedom has also relaunched its Autograph range this month, offering consumers the ability to design their own sofa, whether they’re looking for something traditional or contemporary. It offers countless design options with the ability to choose from 21 premium fabric and over 15 leather options. There are three distinct arm styles (contemporary, double and sloped) and new leg styles with three timber colours and a metal option, as well as having a low or high base for easy cleaning. All of this is available in thousands of options for a truly customised piece that fits your room size, use and style perfectly.
“We believe great design should be available to everyone. That’s why we’re creating unique pieces to seamlessly fit into our Australian homes, easy to piece together and personalise to create your own look,” says head of design Kate Hopwood.
Prices for the Autograph range start at $1,439.
Some of the new range is in store now with more dropping over the next couple of months.
Launching with a single store in Sydney in 1981, Freedom was an Australian retail pioneer, bringing design in house well before other Australian furniture retailers. In 2022, Freedom has come full circle, once again designing and curating in-house to create beautiful products for our unique Australian lifestyle. Freedom is part of Greenlit Brands, an integrated retailer that designs manufactures, sources and retails a broad range of furniture, bedding and other homewares. Greenlit Brands employs more than 3,800 people with 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Located in the Brisbane’s heritage suburb of Ascot, this jaw-dropping abode is home to the architectural husband and wife team, Hayley and Joe Adsett, and their two young children. With its large spiral staircase, tranquil materials palette, and expansive garden (complete with 9-metre swimming pool and full-sized tennis court), you’d be forgiven for thinking the home was a resort. It’s ah-mazing!
Living room
Affectionately named ‘Boomerang House,’ (a reference to the softly curved L-shaped design of the home, the property sits on 1200 square metres and was constructed by GRAYA. It has five bedrooms (including a parent’s retreat), five bathrooms, a four-car garage, underground wine cellar, upper-level lounge and a light-drenched downstairs living area.
Kitchen
Colossal in scale, Boomerang House is one of the largest builds that GRAYA has undertaken, and it took a year to complete. “We’d never completed a home with a tennis court. It was a great challenge and we enjoyed watching it all come together,” said owner Rob Graya.
BathroomBedroom
Floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors enable natural light to pour into the downstairs living area while maximising the connection with the outdoor space. “This was Joe Adsett’s personal home, so he wanted it to be functional for his family, whilst bringing the inside out and connecting key interior and external design elements,” says Rob.
That gorgeous sculptural staircase is complemented by the iconic George Nelson saucer bubble pendant light
And while the home is brimming with gorgeous features, arguably the crowning feature is a wraparound upper-tier library and sculptural, spiral staircase that sits in the middle of the property. “This was the first curved stairway we created and Gyprock Flexible helped to make this process seamless,” says Rob. The staircase features a circular skylight above, which enables light to fill a void that traverses the three-storey home.
Founded in Singapore, Castlery is a direct-to-consumer furniture company that aims to produce stylish, modern, quality pieces at accessible price points. The brand oversees the entire build, ship and delivery process which enables them to keep prices down and from mid-century to contemporary designs, there are lots of great pieces in the mix.
Harper TV unit: A textural dream, I love the oval silhouette and vertical timber detailing on this gorgeous piece. $1,099.
Paloma Bouclé Armchair: Available in grey and the beautiful ‘snow’ tone pictured, this sculptural occasional chair is a statement making piece. Love! $569.
Castlery Seb Bed with 2 Bedside Tables: Castlery do bedroom furniture sets to take the anxiety out of coordinating finishes. The trio is priced at a very affordable $1,899 for the complete package.
Esther Bookshelf, Tall: The perfect place to house your books and favourite objects, this pieces combines alternate marble and dark walnut shelves anchored by a gold metal frame. $999.
Castlery Luna Sideboard: Combining a veined grey Spanish ceramic top with a stunning green, this 160cm long piece is perfect for small spaces. $1,599.
Odette Performance Bouclé Sofa: Made from spill-resistant polyester boucle fabric, this glamorous sofa combines gorgeous on-trend curves with plated metal legs. $1,599.
Parker Desk: Sporting mid-century inspired lines, this desk features a gorgeous walnut timber veneer and shapely iron legs finished in gunmetal. $629.
Pebble Chaise sectional sofa: It’s the gently curved frame, blue upholstery and metal brass-capped legs that drew me to this design. $1,999.
Lorenzo wool area rug: Reminiscent of Kelly Wearstler’s iconic Graffito design, this monochrome wool rug is handmade and comes in several sizes including a small mat, hallway runner or large area rug. From $69.
Vincent dining table, oak: Available in solid oak or solid American walnut timbers, this compact dining table (it’s 150cm long) has a gorgeous, slim silhouette. Matching chairs are available. $799.
More than a place to rest your glass or book, side tables have become statements of their own of late. Whether sculptural in shape or crafted from an interesting materials (limestone, I’m looking at you!), the latest line-up of side tables is an arresting one indeed.
West Elm Terrace side table: With a nod to mid-century design, this side table features tiered glass shelves floating above a mirrored glass base. It works equally well beside a sofa as it does next to a bed. $449.
Life Interiors Cosmos side table: Combining a panelled timber base with a terrazzo top, this chic design is available with a plain oak or black base. $445.
En Gold Tierra Petite side table: Constructed from smokey agate limestone tiles applied to a hollow timber base structure, this piece’s chunky texture and step level design make it highly covetable. $590.
Elsian Zara rattan side table: This leaf-like design is crafted from panelled rattan and would make a unique statement in a coastal-inspired interior. $500.
Launched in 2015 by Adelaide husband and wife team Daniel Wright and Kylie Porter-Wright, the online furniture and homewares store Black Mango has some great pieces including a solid line-up of upholstered and rattan items at affordable prices. “We are not about offering thousands of pieces. We are about offering selected, timeless pieces to enhance the home and bring you a little smile when you walk past them in the room,” says Kylie Porter-Wright.
Lennox rattan room divider: A great way to divide up a room, or conceal something you’d rather keep out of view, this room divider is made from three natural rattan panels. It’s available with a black or white painted trim. $599.
The Cloud three seat sofa with sage corduroy slip cover: We love a removable sofa cover around here and this sumptuous, deep seated number ticks that box. The cover is dry cleanable, the back and seat cushions are filled with feathers and the sofa is available in five linen/cotton colours and two corduroy fabrics. $2499.
Ashlee blanket box in taupe: Inspired by the French Provincial aesthetic, this box is ideal for storing blankets at the foot of the bed and doubles as a great place to put your shoes on. It’s available in five fabulous linen colours including this taupe shade. $499.
Lennox rattan sideboard: Perfect for a coastal or Colonial inspired interior, this handmade 100 per cent rattan piece is perfect for a living room or hallway. $799.
Juno bedhead with slipcover queen size in dusty pink: This simple and versatile bedhead comes with a removable slip cover so you can change up your bedroom look on a whim. Additional slip covers are available for $189 and come in a variety of shades including teal, navy, grey and black. $499.
Once just known for its quality, affordable bedding and towels, Adairs has expanded into a one-stop home emporium. The large range now includes furniture, prints, ceramics and more and often features collaborations with Australian design talents such as Mark Tuckey and Fleur Harris too.
Felix black bathroom accessories: Stylish and simple bathroom accessories (at an affordable price) can be hard to find. This range certainly fills that gap. From $19.99.
Somers natural rattan and black counter stool: Combining a rattan seat and back with a black or chrome metal cantilevered frame, this chair is very much inspired by Marcel Breuer’s iconic 1928 design. $329.99
Pipe white twist shape vase: Modern, abstract and minimalist – what more could you want when styling a coffee table or shelfie? This vase looks great with or without blooms. $29.99.
Tuberose toffee corduroy quilted coverlet: Featuring fine corduroy on the front and a floral printed cotton reverse, this quilt absolutely screams autumn. From $179.99.
Mark Tuckey Boston 5 tier oak shelving: Crafted from solid European oak and MDF/oak veneer, this shelving unit is part of the range designed with master Australian furniture maker Mark Tuckey. Use on its own or pair two pieces together. $999.99.
Flynn black and natural check rug: The Adairs rug range is surprisingly comprehensive though rarely extends beyond small and medium sizes. This tufted cotton design features fringing for eclectic appeal. From $299.99.
10 things we’re loving from the Target homewares range
The latest instalment in our ’10 things we’re loving’ series, this week we’re shining the spotlight on Target. Once the poor cousin to Kmart in terms of affordable homewares buys,…
10 things we’re loving at Fantastic Furniture
There was a time when cut-price furniture and accessories rarely produced more than a cut-price result but that’s not the case anymore. Fantastic Furniture had a rebrand a few years…
Launched in 2006 (with an eBay store no less!), Life Interiors has since grown to encompass a large online store and two bricks and mortar showrooms: one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. From furniture to rugs, bedding, artwork and more, the brand has a large in-house line but also stocks excellent Australian labels such as Bonnie & Neil, Middle of Nowhere, Sarah Ellison and Armadillo.
Norah Rattan Queen Bed (Black, Natural): I can personally attest to the quality of this bed as I have it in the king size. Combining rattan with black lacquered oak, there’s an understated sophistication about the design that I love. $2,495.
Middle of Nowhere Linear Portrait 2 Framed Canvas: This line drawing comes printed on canvas and framed in a contemporary, thin timber veneer frame. It’s great for minimalists and is perfect for a gallery wall. $178.
Kade table lamp: Similar (but different enough) to much more expensive lamps in the same vein, this orb-like lamp is more sculpture than light source. It’s available in black or brass. $176.
Monet boucle ottoman: A functional, statement piece, this ottoman comes in a variety of colours but we like this on-trend boucle iteration. $395.
Dawn Low Cabinet: Available in black and white, this lightweight powder coated cabinet is a great spot to store shoes and bags at the front door. The perforated metal and brass handles add a fabulous contemporary feel to the piece. $899.
Lucas side table: Designed with statement-making terrazzo, we love the organic curves of this versatile piece. $349.95.
Adele armchair: Available in rust (pictured), green, grey and dusty rose, this retro inspired chair has serious Art Deco leanings. The curved column base and backrest are finished in velvet upholstery. $895.
La Forma Nadin Alfresco 2 Seater Sofa: Part of Life Interiors’ outdoor range, this gorgeous sofa is available in terracotta and green. It combines a steel frame with hand woven rope for an organic aesthetic. $1,399.
Evergreen Collective Birch pot (wide): For use indoors and outside, this gorgeous stoneware planter features a matte speckle glaze and contrasting short legs for extra detail. $45.
10 things we’re loving from the Target homewares range
The latest instalment in our ’10 things we’re loving’ series, this week we’re shining the spotlight on Target. Once the poor cousin to Kmart in terms of affordable homewares buys,…
This week’s instalment of ’10 things we’re loving’ involves a virtual trip down the homewares aisles at Big W. In line with other mass retailers, Big W has worked wonders with its homewares range of late – its offering just keeps getting better.
Mirabella Ayla Ribbed Table Lamp – Gold: Featuring a retro, ribbed glass design and a round, metallic base, this piece is giving us strong vintage vibes. $35.
K-D Alphabet Rug – Cream: Perfect for a child’s room, this bold rug will also help your little one practice the alphabet. $29
Florence Broadhurst Octagonal Lattice Cushion: Featuring a signature Florence Broadhurst print on one side, and a contrasting reverse, this is ideal for giving your outdoor area a glow up. It’s available in blue or orange. $29.
House & Home Garment Rack – Multi: Featuring two storage shelves plus hanging space, this a-frame design is perfect for bedrooms or as shoe and coat storage at the front door. $45.
Avalon Rattan Oval Mirror: The perfect addition to coastal interiors, this rattan mirror would look fabulous in a powder room or above a low set of drawers in a bedroom. $99.
House & Home Small Bubble Vase – Brown: Featuring a retro silhouette in a smokey hue, this glass vase is giving us strong 70’s vibes. It looks fabulous with or without blooms. $14.
This may surprise you, but BIG W is our pick of new homewares and here’s why
Sponsored by BIG W While you may not immediately think of BIG W as the place to find our pick of this season’s top homewares, the retailer has proven that…
From the chic, Parisian aesthetic to the ever-popular French Country look, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of French style. Whether your home is in the inner-city or by the seaside, the French aesthetic is a versatile and popular one going by the number of French inspired Australian stores. Here are our top six.
Bastille and Sons: The creation of Toulouse born Valerie Moreno, Bastille and Sons is a purveyor of unique French artisan homewares. It was after fifteen years in Paris and a move to Sydney that Valerie sought to bring a dose of Parisian cool to our shores. The chic range includes a host of French brands and covers furniture, lighting and textiles. The brand’s gorgeous Croisette chair (pictured below) really put the brand on the map.
Bastille and Sons Croisette chair
Little French: If you’re in the market for a gorgeous, vintage child’s bed then this is the place to go. Located in Sydney’s Marrickville, Little French stocks a gorgeous collection of unique, beautifully handcrafted children’s beds as well as beautiful vintage French posters to complement. All the beds have been refurbished by hand (if needed) and no two beds are the same which is what makes them so desirable. The brand describes the beds as ‘perfectly imperfectly’ which we absolutely love.
French Consul: A one-stop shop for French linen textiles, French Consul sells cushion covers, tote bags and table runners all made from 100 per cent certified French flax (and Irish woven) linen. The brand’s original line-up of wares was inspired by the classic French farmer’s ‘grain sack’ stripe, and the small production runs are sewn by Irish and Australian artisans.
Recently, the collection has expanded to include a range of textured, soft-washed linen that is grown and spun in France and woven and sewn in Ireland where linen has been made on the loom since the 17th Century. The collection’s insignia 17ème siècle “17th Century” is sewn on every product like a mending patch, representing the official date and formal start of the Irish linen trade led by French linen master, Louis Crommelin, in the late 1600’s.
The new French Consul range
French Consul table runner
Found in France: The perfect place to find an original French antique, piece of French vintage furniture or Gallic homewares, Found in France receives containers direct from France on a regular basis. From Louis chairs to armoires, light fittings, mirrors, artworks and more, the company ship its wares across Australia with cost-effective carriers.
French Knot: Offering French inspired homewares that complement the contemporary Australian home, French Knot pieces are classic and very affordable. There’s furniture, bathroom ware, artwork, decor, kitchen utensils and more. They also specialise in customised French memo ribbon boards, which are perfect for displaying everything from photos to invitations and holiday keepsakes.
French Cargo: A French and European lifestyle store as well as an interior design service, French Cargo has a fabulous mix of authentic French and European homewares, fashion, jewellery, candles, soaps, vintage and antiques sourced from local and overseas artisans as well as French flea markets. The store owner Kathie is particularly passionate about French and European linen and the store sells lots of fabulous styling objects too.
Greg Natale’s new rug range inspired by French Deco – The Interiors Addict
“French Art Deco is definitely more aligned with modernism. It’s cleaner than the American version which is heavier and a lot more decorative,” says Greg Natale of the inspiration behind…
Oski + Lottie is a new Australian homewares and furniture store created by Caroline Rose after she struggled to find classic, beautiful, and locally made soft furnishings for her family home. Seeking an alternative to trend-focussed, mass-produced wares, the Oski + Lottle range is timeless (without being boring!) but also attainable too. A ‘slow living’ philosophy underpins the stylish brand that takes inspiration from contemporary Scandinavian design and iconic mid-century modern forms.
The collection is organised into four categories – Home, Furniture, Rituals and Textiles and there is literally something for every room of the home. There’s kitchen items as well as lighting, mirrors, indoor and outdoor furniture, shelving, candles, scents, incense, and oils as well as textiles including blankets, throws, cushions, pillows, table and kitchen linen. The site stocks iconic Scandinavian brands such as Menu and Frama making it a one-stop stylish shop for the home.
And the range isn’t just beautiful to look at – it’s a thoughtful, considered collection too. The Oski + Lottie textile collection is designed and made in Melbourne with fabrics that have a sustainable focus. The brand uses ethically, and sustainably sourced Belgian and French linen printed using non-toxic, solvent-free, water-based pigment inks that have less of an environmental impact than traditional alternatives. The brand is also committed to minimising fabric wastage where possible (ensuring it is repurposed or recycled) and uses sustainable packaging.
The brand’s textiles are designed and made in Melbourne
Oski + Lottie sells a variety of beautiful furniture items sourced from around the globe, partnering with small makers and artisans that underpin its philosophy. It only chooses ethical and sustainable products that have been carefully selected for their quality, timeless aesthetic, and natural materials.
The store stocks cult items like this Menu lamp
Overall, we love the brand’s philosophy of layering fewer, better pieces in your home to create a cohesive, thoughtful and stylish abode.
Checkerboard homewares: The latest hot trend – The Interiors Addict
The bold cousin to gingham, checkerboard print is different in that it usually consists of two different colours positioned in alternating positions. Drawing inspiration from a chess or checkerboard, the…
There was a time when cut-price furniture and accessories rarely produced more than a cut-price result but that’s not the case anymore. Fantastic Furniture had a rebrand a few years ago and with that came a shift towards more trends-based pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in more expensive stores. Here are 10 of our current faves.
Niva desk: Perfect for small spaces, this compact desk also doubles as a hallway table. It sports a slim profile, curved edges and a single drawer to tuck away the essentials. $249.
Lombok bookcase: Made from rattan, this bookcase is perfect for coastal or bohemian abodes and is available online only. $369.
Nube armchair: Perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into the boucle trend without breaking the bank, this chair is a versatile piece. We love its on-trend, organic curves. This is another online only piece. $1,099.
House single bed: Available in white and natural, this children’s bed design is a bit of a modern classic. Gender-neutral and with a touch of whimsy, what’s not to love? $399.
Palemo coffee table: Designed with a contemporary pedestal base, this chic black coffee table is made from stainless steel and would suit a variety of spaces. Online only. $429.
Fiesta rug: Made in Turkey, this 230cm x 160cm rug has fun, Aztec vibes that make it perfect for a family, playroom or nursery alike. $169.
Set of two Venn planters: Made from perforated iron, this pair of planters are perfect for elevating your greenery inside. Online only. $129.
Trinity three seater sofa: As part the brand’s Australian made MyChoice range, this sofa is available in over 50 fabrics. You can choose from bold patterns, versatile neutrals, or vibrant colours like this watermelon pink. $599.
Hera door mat: Another online only product, this fun, patterned mat is great for those looking to brighten up their home’s entrance. $55.
Portofino bookcase: This bookcase features a walnut herringbone finish on the shelves combined with a gold, metal frame for a stylish storage solution. Pair it with other pieces from the Portofino range for a seamless look. $369.
10 affordable and stylish pots from Bunnings’ new designer range
Plant parents rejoice because Bunnings have launched a new range of pots, including two exclusive capsule collections from Melbourne-based designers Capra Designs and Lightly. These add to Bunnings’ recent collaboration…
