In a major coup for an Australian designer, Brisbane-based interior designer Anna Spiro has just launched a collaboration with the esteemed American homewares and fashion retailer Anthropologie. Anna and her team designed eight new patterns, in her signature style, for the brand to use across the gorgeous range – most of which can be purchased online. From a patterned Suzani quilt with a bohemian vibe, to a pair of stylish turned wood candle holders, here are our top picks.
Anna Spiro screen printed Suzani quilt: 100 per cent cotton and screen printed by hand, this gorgeous quilt is a fabulous way to incorporate pattern into your bedroom. We love its luxe, eclectic feel. From $282.
Anna Spiro frames: Available in a blue gingham, red medallion and green and yellow floral designs, these darling frames are perfect for displaying precious memories. From $35.
Anna Spiro Allegory boxed card set: Some of the prettiest stationery that we’ve seen. And in these digital times, is there anything more wonderful than receiving a hand written note? $27.
Anna Spiro Quatrefoil decorative tray: Featuring a quatrefoil inspired shape, this eye-catching trays would make a rather gorgeous addition to a coffee table or credenza. $93.
Anna Spiro tile shams, set of two: We love this contemporary take on vintage-inspired tilework that would work in eclectic and modern bedrooms alike. From $120.
Anna Spiro Confetti glass candle: These colourful, confetti-like glass candles would look lovely styled up on a coffee table or shelf and are far too pretty to throw out once the wick has burned. $38.
Anna Spiro Allegory lamp shade: Tapping into the cottagecore or granny chic trend, this unique lamp shade is perfect for a touch of whimsy. Pair it with a matching base. From $108 (shade only).
Anna Spiro Wooden Taper Candle Holder: There’s something so nostalgic and beautiful about turned wood. Handmade from tropical hardwood, these candle holders get our tick of approval. $52.
Anna Spiro’s first rug range is a riot of colour and pattern
Long time readers will know I’m a big Anna Spiro fan so I’m LOVING her debut rug range with Designer Rugs. If there was ever a time we all needed…
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard much from Sibella Court, the Sydney stylist with a (no exaggeration really) cult following. But rest assured, behind the scenes, it is all happening! Today, we’re bringing you all the news on her new warehouse premises, TV show, boutique accommodation, book and last but by no means least daughter, baby Silver.
Low key Sibella is as busy as ever
Sibella recently opened an amazing warehouse space – the all new Society Inc — in Sydney’s St Peters and we couldn’t wait to shoot it. Replacing her former tiny, packed-to-the-rafters shop in Paddington, it’s quite a change but the aesthetic is as distinctly Sibella as ever.
“At the beginning of last year, I saw the space for sale on Doody Street, a space I knew well from my early styling years. I viewed it, it was completely out of my price bracket and way too big, but it woke my imagination to be in a much larger space,” she says.
“I create interiors and I wanted clients, guests and customers to be able to experience the pages of my books by walking through sets, installations and vignettes and purchasing the pieces I put in my hospitality spaces (Ms G’s, Mr Wong, El Loco, Palmer & Co and Bistrode CBD to name but a few), as well as celebrating all the fabulous makers, designers, artists and creators I work with and have forged friendships with over a 20+ year career in the styling world.”
The L-shape space has been split into 65% public and 35% private. The public space will be “a combination of retail, installation, activity, magic and fantasy; a sensory experience that feels as though you’re walking amongst the pages of one of my books,” also used for workshops, talks, photography, dinner parties, flea markets, launches, events and whatever else takes her fancy. “It will showcase some of our handpicked favourite people, artists and companies that we have loved and worked with over the years.”
Sibella and her team will be launching brands not previously available in Australia from all over the globe (the USA, Netherlands, the Caribbean and the UK to name but a few) and if there’s one woman who knows how to curate, it’s her! There’ll also be two container sales a year from her travel destinations.
The dream space will also serve as an art gallery, where you can purchase the pieces displayed within her installations and vignettes. “Above all else, it will an interactive space that changes and invites conversation, with exciting products, exchange of ideas and fun!” The private side of the space will serve as a studio for her hospitality design work, ever-popular books and product development.
But that’s not all! That beautiful little 1860s corner terrace in leafy Paddington, which used to house The Society Inc, is now on Airbnb and you can stay there, or indeed host an event in the space. “We’ve turned it into a pied-a-terre; a one-bedroom hotel, a very boutique experience. It’s aimed at the weary pilgrim who needs to rest their head after a long journey, however with a little more than a humble stretcher.
“We are often asked by curious international parties about our favourite Australian furniture makers, artists, crafters, textile designers, dyers, tinkers and smiths and the like. This is where we will be showcasing some our favourites and sharing the love. It will be a sensory experience; an imaginarium of curiosities, forever changing and never finished, again, like being in the pages of one of my books.” A huge fan of sites like Airbnb and onefinestay, she hopes to appeal to those seeking a personal experience that gives their adventures a richer and deeper involvement in a Sydney stay and a fond memory to take home. Well, I live in Sydney and I’m despearately trying to find an excuse to stay there myself!
Sibella is not known for being a self-publicist (some would say an essential part of the stylist’s job these days) and perhaps her air of mystery, ironically, is what keeps people coming back for more. She also travels so far and wide that she is rarely in town for long. But becoming a mum hasn’t slowed down the laidback bowerbird. “Silver comes along for the ride and she is only little so she fits into my Filson bag! As any small business owner knows, there is no rest for the wicked. I have two babies now – Silver and The Society Inc.”
But we’re happy to hear we’ll see a lot more of the stylist this year. After two years of shooting, Sibella has a TV show coming up on the ABC later this year called Restoration Australia. “This year is as busy as ever with lots of hospitality spaces being designed, new product ranges in fragrance, furniture and soft furnishings, an Anthropologie collaboration, The Stylist’s Guide to the Globe (her latest book), collaborations and plenty of exciting, cool stuff.”
She’ll never be in one spot for too long though: “Part of my job description is to travel — it is the root of my inspiration for all things.”
The Society Inc. | Warehouse 3.02, 75 Mary Street, St Peters, NSW 2044
As a homewares shopping starting point, no trip to NYC is complete without visiting the legendary American stores Anthropologie and Jonathan Adler! I would usually add West Elm and Pottery Barn to this list but, luckily for us, they’re now open in Australia (just Sydney for now but West Elm opens in Melbourne too, later this month).
Design lovers cannot go past the Jonathan Adler stores to pick up a quirky piece or a signature colourful, patterned cushion or throw. Friends of Interiors Addict Kate and Lu, from The Ooh Blog, were lucky enough to go on a trip earlier this year. “I developed a devastating idol crush on this uber fun designer a few years ago and it felt a little bit stupid really that I had never physically stepped foot inside one of his stores,” says Lu, an interior designer in Sydney. “I had a moment on the front steps then delved into a happy-chic paradise full of colour and pattern and retro, regency gorgeousness. It was a little overwhelming to see the pieces I’ve been frothing over online for years in the flesh but I was so thrilled to find that Jonathan, who began his career as a potter, is one seriously talented individual and his product is of an incredible standard and well worth the slightly heftier price tag. His tongue-in-cheek approach to decorating is evident in many pieces like the hilarious Delirium Coasters while others like the Desmond Screen are effortlessly chic.”
British interior designer Abigail Ahern, who is popular with Australians
I asked leading British interior designer Abigail Ahern to tell me what’s hot in my home city of London for design lovers right now. I’m planning a stop-off at the end of our honeymoon in November, and I can’t wait to check out a few of these new shopping and dining finds!
