Tag: australian design

We’re loving the 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards winners

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 27, 2022
No Comments on We’re loving the 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards winners

Currently in its 19^th year, this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards were handed out last week at a glittering gala dinner in Sydney. Arguably Australia’s most esteemed industry-based awards program, the awards are delivered through a partnership between the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media’s Artichoke Magazine. The awards have several categories including workplace, retail and more but it’s the residential results that we couldn’t wait to check out.

Stable Cart House by Clare Cousins Architects. Photography: Sharyn Cairns

Taking out the Premier Award for Interior Design, Clare Cousins Architects’ ‘Stable and Cart House’ was called “sublime in every way” by the jury. This unique project also took out the esteemed Residential Design Award and the Best of State Residential Design (VIC). “Stable and Cart House is the absolute standout project across all categories by clearly being an exemplary piece of work. What resonates most is the authenticity of the design and the way it has been conceived to be lived in, not just looked at,’ said the jury.

Flack Studio, continued its winning streak by taking out this year’s Residential Decoration Award for its incredible ‘Troye Sivan House.’ “Flack Studio captured a strong sense of the client’s character through a beautiful curation of art, furniture, lighting and objects in a way that doesn’t feel forced or contrived,” said the jury. The home’s design celebrated the original architecture by John Mockridge while elevating it to a whole other level. One juror praised the project for having a “wonderful spirit that is overwhelmingly endearing and uplifting,” and we couldn’t agree more.

The sublime Troye Sivan House by Flack Studio. Photography: Anson Smart

Several notable commendations were handed out too including with Arent and Pyke recognised for its ‘Legato House,’ YSG Studio for its ‘Soft Serve’ project and Alcorn Middleton for ‘Toowong Lighthouse.’

Soft Serve by YSG Studio. Photography: Prue Ruscoe

The full list of winners:

Premier Award for Australian Interior Design
Clare Cousins Architects for Stable and Cart House, Victoria

Interior Design Impact Award
YSG Studio for Edition Roasters, New South Wales

Emerging Interior Design Practice
– Awards
Brahman Perera, Victoria
– Commendation
Pattern Studio, New South Wales

Residential Design
– Award
Clare Cousins Architects for Stable and Cart House, Victoria
– Commendations
Kennedy Nolan for Always, Victoria
Studio Bright for Autumn House, Victoria
Arent and Pyke with Carter Williamson for Layer Cake, New South Wales
Bennett Murada Architects for Robinsons Run, New South Wales
Fiona Lynch Interior Design for Sorrento House, Victoria
Flack Studio for Troye Sivan House, Victoria
Brad Swartz Architects and Henry Wilson for Laneway Glass House, New South Wales

Legato House by Arent & Pyke. Photography: Anson Smart

Residential Decoration
– Award
Flack Studio for Troye Sivan House, Victoria
– Commendations
Fiona Lynch Interior Design for Burnley House, Victoria Arent and Pyke for Legato House, New South Wales YSG Studio for Soft Serve, New South Wales
Fiona Lynch Interior Design for Sorrento House, Victoria

Hospitality Design
– Award
Studio Gram for Arkhé, South Australia
– Commendations
Architecture and Interiors Tom Robertson with Furniture, Object and Styling Simone Haag for Bassano, Victoria
Hassell for Di Stasio Carlton, Victoria
Flack Studio for Square and Compass, Victoria
Russell and George for Yakimono, Victoria
Richards Stanisich for The Woollahra Hotel, New South Wales

Retail Design
– Award
Studio Edwards for Finesse Shoe Store, Victoria
– Commendations
IF Architecture for Baker Bleu, Victoria
Esoteriko for Coco & Lola, New South Wales
Foolscap Studio for ODE Dermatology, Victoria
Design by Golden for Viktoria and Woods Chadstone, Victoria

Rose Park House by Studio Gram. Photography: Timothy Kaye

Workplace Design
– Award
BVN for Multiplex Head Quarters, New South Wales
– Commendations
Studio May for Boutique Office Fitout, Victoria
BVN for BVN Brisbane Studio, Queensland

Installation Design
– Award
SJB in collaboration with Rick Leplastrier and Vania Contreras for Eucalyptusdom, New South Wales
– Commendations
Studio Edwards for Community by Alt. Material, Victoria
Youssofzay and Hart for Light and Darkness, New South Wales
Decibel Architecture for The Lume Melbourne, Victoria

Public Design
– Award
Studio Bright for Monash Robotics Lab, Victoria
– Commendations
Silvester Fuller and Openwork for Froebel Carlton, Victoria
BVN for Margaret Bailey Building, Ascham School, New South Wales

'Toowong Lighthouse' by Alcorn Middleton. Photography: Jad Sylla — Toowong Lighthouse by Alcorn Middleton. Photography: Jad Sylla

International Design
D Hage Designs for Den Tex Apartment, Amsterdam

Sustainability Advancement Award
– Awards
BKK Architects and Clare Cousins Architects for 17 Union Street, Victoria FJMT Studio for Built Head Office, New South Wales
– Commendation
Studio Edwards for Finesse Shoe Store, Victoria

Best of State Awards for Residential Design
Australian Capital Territory – Red Hill Residence by SJS Interior Design
New South Wales – Brad Swartz Architects and Henry Wilson for Laneway Glass House Queensland – Alcorn Middleton for Toowong Lighthouse
South Australia – Studio Gram for Rose Park House
Tasmania – Tanner Architects for Mays Point
Victoria – Clare Cousins for Stable and Cart House
Western Australia – Iota and Studio Roam for Lewis House

Lewis House by Iota and Studio Roam. Photography: Jack Lovel

Best of State Awards for Commercial Design
Australian Capital Territory – Pattern Studio for Adytum
New South Wales – Richards Stanisich for The Woollahra Hotel Queensland – BVN for BVN Brisbane Studio
South Australia – Studio Gram for Arkhé
Victoria – Studio Bright for Monash Robotics Lab
Western Australia – Hames Sharley for Hames Sharley Perth Office

For more on the Australian Interior Design Awards

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Tags architecture, australian design, australian interior design awards, awards, design, interior design, interiors

Furniture Homewares

McMullin & co. grow up with latest curvy collection of timeless pieces

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 18, 2022
No Comments on McMullin & co. grow up with latest curvy collection of timeless pieces

McMullin & co.’s largest ever collection, HESTIA, pays homage to the Grecian goddess of home and architecture. The series of furniture and objets d’art for the home is a curation of consciously designed pieces inspired by intrigue, diversity and warmth of the feminine form.

After a year of disruption, the constant that is a home and those close to designer Alice McMullin, made her re-evaluate how she saw the world, ultimately inspiring her to new art forms, mediums and history.

The collection represents the maturation of the four-year-old brand, where the aesthetic is wholly captured by creative director Alice’s vision to challenge and elevate her authentic approach to functional, deliberate yet charismatic designs. A sense of permanence can be felt throughout HESTIA, where each piece is created to outlast the human tendency to be distracted. Their diversity and intrigue of the feminine form are apparent, and encompass individual design elements that allow each piece to stand as its own.

The hero of the collection, the Ida chair, is the perfect representation of a new design process, combining a contemporary design with primary and sustainably focused raw materials to conjure a piece that is part sculpture, part furniture.

Bismarck House, where the pieces were shot, was the perfect backdrop with its architectural curves and whitewashed walls.

“The past four years since we launched McMullin & co. have been a purposeful (and at times unexpected) journey as we navigated a growing process to determine who we are and our authentic approach to product design,” says Alice. “It is a new discovery of a design process which allowed ourselves the freedom and most importantly, the time, to immerse ourselves into a conceptual place unbounded by singular process – to be challenged and inspired.

“From there, I’m incredibly proud of our collective of product designers, ceramic artists and specialist furniture makers who helped develop these ideas from drawings, textile and raw cuts into a singular form.”

Alice McMullin and partner Matt Ogilvie who are moving away from the mass produced to the individual

For more on McMullin & co.

Tags Alice mcmullin, australian design, furniture design, mcmullin and co

Furniture Shopping

Kmart releases new online-exclusive large furniture range

Post author By Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence
Post date February 23, 2021
1 Comment on Kmart releases new online-exclusive large furniture range

Kmart has added many more pieces to its Online Exclusives range, comprising of affordable larger-sized home solutions not previously available in store. Announcing more than 100 new styles for the home, they’ve already begun arriving online and will continue to drop in the coming weeks to form part of their ongoing range.

Kmart’s move to broaden its online-only offering started last year, with plans to continue to expand their offering and provide customers with greater access to homewares all year round. Styles were released as a test and learn during the initial launch, and the range now comprises of products within furniture, bedding, rugs, nursery products, fitness equipment, and outdoor play equipment.

“We promised we had more to come in the larger furniture range and we are so excited to now be delivering on this. We love the solutions and hope our customers do too,” said, Callum Smith, Kmart’s general manager for general merchandise. “We want to offer our community a complete solution for their home so as families grow
or families downsize, they have access to great designs at the most affordable prices.”

This two-tone cot is an eye-catching addition to any nursery

Augmented Reality (AR) to visualise your purchases

Kmart are offering 48 products through Augmented Reality (AR) to see for yourself how they might look in your home. With an AR-compatible smartphone, you can scan, place, move, zoom in and out, or rotate, to view the product from all angles.

The new range also includes several exercise machines, such as this stationary spin bike

Got any questions? You can ask the KBot assist. The AI conversational chat assistant can answer product-related questions, recommend complementary products that are viewable in AR straight away, and can turn your thoughts into reality.

Kmart’s head of digital marketing, Melissa Wong said: “We launched KBot late last year and it has been received incredibly well and that is why it was the perfect time to extend this immersive engagement for our Online Exclusives range. It elevates the customer’s shopping experience by getting close with our products virtually and offering AI conversational assistance along the way.”

Visit www.klabs.com.au to enter the immersive product experience and explore, play and shop the new Online Exclusive range.

Kmart’s online exclusive range is available to purchase on the Kmart website.

Tags affordable furniture, augmented reality, augmented reality app, australian design, family friendly, family home, kmart, Kmart furniture, Kmart home, online shopping, shop online

Art Homewares

Australian ceramicists: 6 you need to know!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 9, 2020
2 Comments on Australian ceramicists: 6 you need to know!

I have a thing for ceramics. There’s something about art which you can hold in your hands, knowing that the artist who lovingly made it, also did so with theirs. Unlike paintings, you can often buy a smaller, ‘entry level’ piece so start a collection. And it will give you so much joy, trust me! You don’t just look at ceramics you can hold them too. Some even have important jobs besides looking pretty, like displaying flowers! And you can never have too many beautiful little dishes (like the Carla Dinnage ones below) dotted around your home to hold things like earrings, hairbands, keys, you name it!

So, let me introduce you to six great ceramicists and their work; some I’ve loved for years and some who are recent and exciting discoveries!

CARLA DINNAGE

Carla is Melbourne-based and has been on our radar for the longest time (with my love of gold, pink and green, that’s probably no surprise!). She studied fine art ceramics at RMIT in 1994. After travelling and a few different jobs in admin, marketing and merchandising, she married and had four kids in six years!

“Because I was so busy with the kids I really needed a creative outlet which led me back into my ceramics. I started to make a few small pieces and was driving out to Dandenong to get them fired. Friends and family started to then purchase my pieces so I knew there was a market out there,” she says.

“I purchased my first kiln and started my Instagram account. I then started to get a lot of wholesale inquiries. I now have two large kilns which run around the clock seven days a week and am stocked in over 40 stores Australia wide.”

Shop Carla Dinnage

FORMANTICS

Susan Christie is the woman behind Formantics. This was going to be an Australian roundup until we saw this New Zealander’s work (being represented over here by Greenhouse Interiors) and had to include it! She’s based in Auckland. I mean, wow.

“I get very excited about playing with colour and form, whilst exploring ideas of balance and symmetry,” Susan says.

She discovered clay in the last year of her fine arts degree in 2015. “Now I’m obsessed! I traded in my profession as a psychologist to pursue art and have finally found what makes my tail wag!”

Shop Formantics

MARLEY & LOCKYER

I’ve been following Ness Lockyer and her work for as long as I’ve been blogging, I’m sure!

Based in Tamar Valley, Tasmania, she makes small batch, handmade ceramics featuring her own hand drawn calligraphy and artwork. You could say she’s multi-talented!

Ness says she’s been an artist from as soon as she could hold a pencil. “But I was always scared to show my work to people, so I tucked it away for years. It wasn’t until I went on maternity leave with our first child, from a corporate job, that the need to create again became huge. I started my blog and making small things in ceramics (I hated ceramics at school, funnily enough), as well as screen printing my designs onto linen to sew into cushions. It just grew from there.”

Ness started doing architecture when she left school, but realised her love for interiors and homewares was what really lit her up. “I’m glad that’s how it happened as I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.”

Shop Marley & Lockyer

EARTH DARLINGS

Madeline King is the creative force behind Earth Darlings, based on the Sunshine Coast in QLD. She makes all her pieces in her home studio.

“My style is warm, playful and honest,” she says.

Madeline majored in ceramics at university in the final year of a visual arts degree and became hooked!

“I have worked in various home studios since, between day jobs and then having children. Most recently, it’s been fulfilling to share my work more widely. “

Shop Earth Darlings

ALICE BELL CERAMICS

Alice is based in Barwon Heads, VIC, and describes her work as bold and rustic stoneware.

“I am originally from Tasmania however our family are residing in Barwon Heads for a change of scenery while our three girls are young. I started ceramics in Tasmania as a six-week course which focussed on the three basic hand building techniques.

“I loved it and so kept practicing ceramics in my home studio in Launceston for many years, selling ceramics to friends and family.”

Shop Alice Bell Ceramics

KAZ CERAMICS

Karen Morton is Kaz Ceramics and she works from her purpose built studio on her property in Mount Eliza, overlooking the Moorooduc plains. “It’s surrounded by lush trees and wildlife and its proximity to my home makes it easy for late-night kiln loading and sneak-peeking when I’m working on new projects!”

Kaz (another we’ve been a fan of for years!) describes her work as organic and textural with pops of colour.

“I dabbled a little with ceramics when I was doing my painting degree in Ireland. It wasn’t until many years later when I became pregnant and had the most acute sense of smell and couldn’t stand the smell of oil paint, that I returned to working with clay and rediscovered my love for it. It’s such a beautiful natural material to work with; very rewarding and, like kids, definitely tests your patience.

“I was also working at a school at the time in the ceramics department and was introduced to Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors who filled her car boot with my work and knocked on the door of Husk. I’ll never forget Julia calling me later that day to say they loved the pieces so much that they wanted to place a trial order for 300 of them. I nearly died!

“It’s been non-stop since that day really! I love what I do, spend a lot of hours in my studio and have such a great team of people around me. I consider myself very fortunate.”

Shop Kaz Ceramics

I hope you enjoyed this roundup. Let us know who YOU love in the comments!

The top 50 rooms in Australia 2019: by House & Garden

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 18, 2019
3 Comments on The top 50 rooms in Australia 2019: by House & Garden

Australian House & Garden’s hotly anticipated Top 50 Rooms is back for 2019 with some amazing spaces representing some of the best Aussie residential architecture and design. “The calibre of winners at this year’s awards represents some of the brightest talents in Australia’s design industry,” says editor Tanya Buchanan.

From a Mediterranean inspired kitchen, with warm timber cabinetry, to a whimsical outdoor room that cleverly employs mirrors to create the illusion of an endless green oasis, a series of amazing rooms were celebrated in the awards that were handed down last night.

Best use of technology: Doherty Design — Best use of technology in the home: Doherty Design Studio

“The jury recognised new directions in interior design in these projects, including the clever use of raw materials, a love of simplicity and a restrained approach to design,” says Tanya who judged the competition (currently in its 21^st year) alongside King Living’s global marketing manager Harry Bonalakis, Grandiflora founder Saskia Havekes, Kirsten Stanisich and Jonathan Richards, directors of Richards Stanisich, and several others.

Room of the Year: Arent & Pyke
It’s no surprise that the uber talented Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke took out the ‘Room of the Year’ category for their truly stunning living room, part of a recent Sydney project.

“The room is the perfect alchemy of elements – volume, texture, light and colour, architecture and object – combining to create something truly special,” says Sarah-Jane Pyke and we couldn’t agree more.

Best Bathroom: Decus Interiors
We’ve profiled the talented Alexandra Donohoe Church, of Decus Interiors, before and it’s no surprise to see her pop up in these awards. Her jewel of a powder room is located near the entry on the ground floor of a newly built Sydney home.

“It’s an almost-hidden gem as it is accessed by a door concealed within joinery. The owners entertain every week and this powder room is a much-loved talking point,” says Alexandra.

Best outdoor room: Madeleine Blanchfield
Like something out of Alice in Wonderland, Madeleine Blanchfield’s whimsical outdoor bathroom uses mirror to reflect its lush open-air setting.

“It is a mirrored cube elevated above the existing ground and nestled in vegetation. The walls are one-way mirror, which is see-through from the inside but reflective externally. There is a bath and shower in the centre of the cube,” says Madeleine Blanchfield.

Best use of Colour: Greg Natale Design
An Interiors Addict favourite, Greg Natale took out this award for a room that was inspired by a Ray Cook painting (already owned by the clients) and includes limewashed timber floors and De Gournay Chinoiserie wallpaper alongside chic lighting and furniture.

Best kitchen: Studio Ezra
“It’s Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern meets modern,” says Studio Ezra’s Georgia Ezra of her award-winning kitchen. There are garden views from the kitchen sink and the fridge and dishwasher are hidden behind panelling that is inlaid with grass cloth for added depth and warmth.

The full list of winners:

King Living Room of the Year: Arent & Pyke
Blum Best Kitchen: Studio Ezra
Parisi Best Bathroom: Decus Interiors
PGH Bricks Best Use of Materials: Carter Williamson
Armadillo & Co Best Use of Colour: Greg Natale Design
Wynstan Best Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Hare & Klein
Zip Best Use of Technology in the Home: Doherty Design Studio
Best Outdoor Room: Madeleine Blanchfield
Best Use of Soft Furnishings: Cameron Kimber
Samsung Hall of Fame: Thomas Hamel
Cover room: Stacey Kouros Design

The winners and all of the Top 50 Rooms are featured in the November issue of Australian House & Garden.

For more | 2019 Houses Awards

Tags arent & pyke, australian design, australian house & garden, awards, decus interiors, design, doherty design studio, greg natale, interior design, interior designers, interiors, Madeleine Blanchfield, Studio Ezra

Interiors Addict

New interiors podcast by Jono Fleming & Kerri-Ann Jones

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 1, 2019
No Comments on New interiors podcast by Jono Fleming & Kerri-Ann Jones

Jono Fleming & Kerrie-Ann Jones — Jono Fleming and Kerrie-Ann Jones

The creation of former magazine style editors Jono Fleming (Inside Out) and Kerrie-Ann Jones (Real Living), House of Style is a brand-new podcast pitched at Aussie design lovers. Featuring interviews with respected Australian brands and interior design industry figures, the first season is comprised of eight episodes and it launched today.

“As editorial stylists, we were fortunate to get a sneak peek behind the scenes for many furniture and homewares brands, and design projects. We heard so many interesting stories and details about their products, journey and creative process. We always walked away feeling inspired about their story,” says Kerrie-Ann.

Upcoming interview subjects include a ceramics legend, a rural success story built by an Instagram maven (Jumbled perhaps?), Australian interior design royalty, one of Australia’s leading florists and a bedding brand known for their colour and pattern (surely Kip & Co?) plus one of the judges from The Block.

Dropping every Tuesday, the eight-part series will feature interviews with prominent Australian interior brands, artists, makers and industry personalities. Jono and Kerrie-Ann will chat with them about what it takes to really shine in today’s Aussie interiors landscape.

“We thought a podcast was a great platform to share all these inspiring stories. It’s been a fun process, we can’t wait to share who we’ve been chatting with,” says Jono who revealed that the first episode features a chat with Nick and Renee Garnham of Jardan, who will explore their humble beginnings and dedication to remaining Australian designed and made.

“Jardan is one of our favourite brands, so to be able to peek behind the curtain and hear how they come up with their ideas and what inspires them was really special. It adds an extra layer of detail to what we already know about the brand in a way we hadn’t experienced before,” says Jono.

The podcast can be downloaded from all popular podcast platforms.

For more | Design Files awards recognise Aussie interior talent

Tags australian design, house of style, house of style podcast, interior design, interiors, interviews, jono fleming, kerrie-ann jones, podcast

Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews

Interview: DesignByThem celebrate 10 years of Aussie design

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 29, 2017
No Comments on Interview: DesignByThem celebrate 10 years of Aussie design

10 years ago, in their final semester of university, Sarah Gibson and Nick Karlovasitis began brainstorming an idea for a business. Studying industrial design they were surrounded by young furniture designers chasing representation from companies overseas. It was a tough slog! So they decided to create DesignByThem, a brand that promoted Australian design and provided a viable platform for designers.

Designing furniture themselves and collaborating with a stellar cohort of Australian designers; as the brand have grown in size, so too have their products. “Initially we designed mainly smaller accessories – maybe because we were designing out of an apartment and couldn’t fit anything else,” explains Sarah. “But slowly, as we kept moving to bigger and bigger spaces our products have become bigger too. The Cabin range is sure proof of that!”

Working from home for the business’ first few months, storage was at a premium, with the garage stocked full of prototypes. Time was spent designing and raising awareness, so that DesignByThem could reach their goal of supporting fellow designers. “The scale of our collection is really what we’ve focused on over the years,” says Sarah. “Development started slowly and sped up as we surrounded ourselves with a great network of talented designers, manufacturers and staff.”

With some 70 designs in their collection, featuring the work of Aussie talents like Stefan Lie, Trent Jansen, Tommy Cehak and many more, DesignByThem creates products that are consistent and true to their design ethos. “Rather than seeking to stand out we seek to be a brand with longevity,” explains Sarah. “Hopefully with products that are original and timeless, although this is a very hard thing to do. We plan to be around for a long time, and hope our considered approach is respected in the long term too.”

Their broad range makes it’s hard to pick a favourite, but for Sarah, it’s the Butter Stool and Cabin Lounge: “For its playfulness, comfort and flexibility.” While for Nick, it’s the Piper Chair and the TomTom Letterbox (which Jen has and adores!): “I love the way people love this product, it’s endearing to see people’s reactions to it. This was also our first collaboration, with designer Tommy Cehak, who came up with the concept of people wanting to represent their style at the front gate.”

Now gaining traction overseas, particularly in the US, DesignByThem has some exciting prospects for the next 10 years and beyond. “We’ve seen the business move gradually to the overseas market so we’re excited to see where this takes us,” says Sarah. “We’ve also got some exciting new collections and collaborations happening early next year and plan on continuing the current momentum of designs and ideas.”

Photography by Pete Daly

For more | Designers we love

Tags australian design, chairs, design, designbythem, furniture, Nick Karlovasitis, Sarah Gibson, sofa, stools, table

Furniture

TH Brown relaunch coveted Australian Mid Century stools

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 18, 2017
No Comments on TH Brown relaunch coveted Australian Mid Century stools

The Danish (left) and Martelle Bar Stools

‘Australia will host the next design Renaissance,’ says LLB

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 3, 2017
No Comments on ‘Australia will host the next design Renaissance,’ says LLB

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is a man with a big personality and opinions to match. But crucially, the British interior designer is also not afraid to voice them making him the perfect addition to the new line-up of judges on Australia’s current series of House Rules. Self-described as ‘flamboyant and full-fat,’ we caught up with Laurence recently where he mused over the state of modern Australian interior design.

“I think Australia is in an extraordinary position – it’s potentially where the next Renaissance will start. It’s perfectly poised between east and west, old and new, and nobody actually describes how beautiful Australia is,” says Laurence who cites Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral as a great example of the idea. “Sydney Cathedral is an unbelievable experience – while it’s high Victorian Gothic in style, it sits underneath an azure sky that is pink and orange and purple. It’s like a Monet painting!” says Laurence.

The designer attributes much of Australia’s aesthetic appeal to its raw and breathtaking beauty. “The colours are amazing, things grow to ridiculous heights, it’s a young nation with space, materials and great weather. Why shouldn’t this be where the next global design style starts?” says Laurence. But the designer believes our main drawback is our tendency to overuse beige – something he has noticed during his time on House Rules. “You’re surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty – nature in all its glory, birds that only happen in Disney films, trees in so many shades of emerald it’s not true but when you go into Australian home it’s all beige. Since when was nature beige? You’re surrounded by vibrancy and beauty and then you go home into a little coffin! Why have you decorated your home as a homage to dead nature?” says Laurence in typically outlandish style.

It’s not our fault though – he puts the blame squarely at the feet of overseas tastemakers such as Kelly Hoppen and Terence Conran. “Nobody tells people not to be beige. It works for Kelly – she is that beige inside and out! But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I’m not here to peddle the Baroque and I’m not saying it will suit you at all, but whatever you do, do it to express who you are. If you’re a minimalist be a full-fat one, not a diet one,” says Laurence.

“I’m embarrassed that you’ve had so many euros coming over here telling you how to decorate and telling you how to decorate badly. I’m here to tell you to do it how the hell you want to. It’s all about doing it your way thereby making it the perfect expression of your crazy, multi-hued personality,” says Laurence. It’s an idea he has encouraged with the current crop of House Rules contestants. “What I love about House Rules is that because we have amateurs they’re not held back by what a trend or fashion – they’re designing from the heart. This has led to one or two interiors that are globally, imaginatively inspirational, amazing and world-class,” says Laurence.

House Rules is on Channel Seven.

Tags australian design, house rules, laurence llewelyn-bowen

Designers Furniture

Porcelain Bear’s new range inspired by the Paris Metro

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 15, 2016
No Comments on Porcelain Bear’s new range inspired by the Paris Metro

Inextricably linked with Paris (and obviously New York too!), subway tiles are minimal, classic and were always ripe for a resurgence. And while we’ve seen them on many a kitchen splash \back and bathroom floor, Melbourne design duo Porcelain Bear have just released a gorgeous new range of furniture incorporating the trend. Titled the Metro series, the Parisian-subway inspired series is clad in gorgeous handcrafted porcelain tiles and is the perfect complement to the brand’s existing range of porcelain lighting and tableware.

Metro series columns

One half of Porcelain Bear, Gregory Bonasera, has a particular affection for Paris and the Metro range is an ode to the city he adores. “I’m a Francophile and I love Paris – it was one of my first international trips when I was 21. I adore the work of Hector Guimard, who designed a lot of the entrances to the Paris metros and although our Metro series doesn’t reference Art Nouveau, it does reference the Paris Metro,” says Gregory.

The range features porcelain-tiled columns in three sizes – Slender (260mm in diameter), Burley (300mm) and Butch (410mm), occasional tables and a striking coffee table and dining table too – we love the solid marble tops that adorn those ones.

Metro series coffee table

The brand’s love of Paris extends to the new extension of their Collingwood showroom. Titled the black room, it features a floor-to-ceiling black column made from Metro modules with a 24 carat gold-coated porcelain wall sconce attached. “That’s another beautiful reference to the Paris Metro and it’s a demonstration of how versatile the Metro series is.”

Metro series dining table

Melbourne readers can view the Metro series in Smalls Bar in South Melbourne. Designed by Fiona Lynch Design Office, the award-winning space features a statement bar clad in porcelain tiles from the Metro series.

Discover more.

Tags australian design, design, designers, furniture, homewares, melbourne, porcelain, Porcelain Bear

Art Designers Homewares

Finders Keepers’ first Adelaide market launches this winter

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 7, 2016
No Comments on Finders Keepers’ first Adelaide market launches this winter

For the first time, Adelaide residents will be able to experience the magic that is the Finders Keepers markets this winter.

Arguably the country’s biggest and best design market, Finders Keepers launched in Sydney in 2008 and currently runs in Melbourne and Brisbane and too.

“The design community in Adelaide have been super keen for us to head that way since we launched, so we’re incredibly excited to be able to host our inaugural event in South Australia, “ says co-founder Brooke Johnston.

Over 200 stalls are expected to set up in the historical Jubilee Pavilion at the Adelaide Showgrounds at Wayville from 12-to-14 August this year.

“We can’t wait to see what new and unique items the creative makers of Adelaide bring to our new annual event, and we’re sure that shoppers will be immensely impressed by what’s on offer,” says Brooke.

Applications for stallholders are currently open so if you’re the creator of original and creative work, independent designs or high quality handmade products, it’s the perfect forum in which to gain invaluable exposure and kick start your design business.

“We provide a limited number of debut spaces to fledgling artists and designers who’d like to road test their products with the public or are keen to enlist their business into the exciting world of Finders Keepers,” says the market’s communications and sponsorships manager, Angela D’Alton.

“Our market maintains a reputation as the best for designers launching their labels, for makers to meet their audience and to connect with the lovely, like-minded people of this community,” says Angela.

To find out more about applying for a stall at the event, or simply information about attending, click here for more.

Tags adelaide, australian design, australian designers, craft, finders keepers, finders keepers markets, homewares, markets, styling

Designers Furniture Homewares

Hunting for George collaborate with Grazia & Co

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 22, 2016
No Comments on Hunting for George collaborate with Grazia & Co

Online homewares and furniture purveyor Hunting for George has collaborated with Melbourne design studio Grazia & Co to produce a great new range of wares.

“We were thrilled to collaborate with Grazia as we’ve known each other for a few years now and we’ve always admired Grazia’s exceptional knowledge of materials and craftsmanship,” says Hunting for George co-founder Jo Harris.

Rollo ottoman

A standout from the range is the Rollo solid cylindrical ottoman – available in a range of leather and textiles, it’s handmade in Melbourne. “I love the versatility of the ottoman – they’re great as side tables as they have a firm top and they can also be useful as an additional seat at the dinner table or desk,” says Grazia Materia of Grazia & Co.

Oliver bed

The Hunting for George Oliver bed has also had a Grazia update, with the addition of wool upholstery. “It’s remarkable how much the upholstery changes the overall aesthetic of the Oliver bed. It adds an incredible tactile quality with the addition of fabric and the foam padded back also creates a new focal point and enticing rest area,” says Hunting for George co-founder Lucy Glade-Wright.

Oliver bench

The simple and chic Oliver side table and bench seat have both been given an update too – now available in a gorgeous matt black.

Shop here.

Tags australian design, design, furniture, furniture design, Grazia & Co, hunting for george, melbourne

Designers Homewares Styling

Kate & Kate’s winter 2016 collection is utterly serene

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 18, 2016
No Comments on Kate & Kate’s winter 2016 collection is utterly serene

Clean lines, geometric shapes, monochromatic colour schemes and pops of colour. These are all things we love about the Kate & Kate label and their winter 2016 collection, launched today, doesn’t disappoint.

Appropriately titled ‘Exhale,’ the range of linen throws, napkins, cushions, towels and blankets has a very soothing, contemplative vibe – not least in part due to the gorgeous colour palette of peach, navy and grey.

Linen napkin

“This season, we have been inspired by a shared desire to pause, reflect and forge a considered path forward. Exhale is a collection of gradient greys, nuanced pinks and blues, free-form shapes and luxurious natural fibres,” says Kate & Kate director Kate Pascoe Squires.

While it’s the brand’s cotton blankets that made them famous, this season, for the first time, they’ve created some with luxurious Alpaca wool – super soft and very warm, these will achieve instant heirloom status. “Only a small number of these blankets have been made and they really are the jewel in the crown of the collection,” says Kate.

We are particularly fond of the new collection of hand screen-printed round and square cushions with contrast piping. The brand’s linen throws are back too – ideal for use as a lightweight blanket on a lounge, a beach throw, wall hanging, table cloth or picnic rug, it’s their versatility that gets our seal of approval.

Alpaca blanket

Click here for more.

Tags australian design, blanket, cushions, design, homewares, kate & kate, napkins, styling, throw

Art Homewares Interviews Styling

Online shopping fix: HART : LDN

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 29, 2016
No Comments on Online shopping fix: HART : LDN

The brainchild of former money broker Tiffany Jade Benn, online store HART : LDN launched in February 2015 with a view to becoming a mecca for Australian homewares design and inspiration.

With a particular focus on homegrown talent, the store offers a smart curation of some wonderful local design – originally launching with 300 products, the current offering has expanded to include over 1,500 pieces. Think fun cushions, cheeky prints and colourful textiles.

“I would like my site to be the number one online hub for Australian designed homewares. I think of it as a place that provides interiors inspiration, advice and ideas while supporting our amazing homegrown talent which I believe absolutely rivals international competition,” says HART : LDN founder and director, Tiffany.

After a 15-year career in the finance world, spanning London, New York and Sydney, Tiffany took stock (pardon the pun!) before planning her next career move.

“I had always had a huge interest in interiors and contemporary design and it was while searching for locally designed homewares, while undergoing a full renovation of a Darlinghurst terrace, that I decided to launch the business,” says Tiffany who loved the idea of helping local designers promote their wares.

“I really wanted to set up a business that has a positive impact on others, after being in a job for all those years where I felt I hadn’t achieved this,” says Tiffany who works with a number of charities to find creative ways to raise funds.

One such charity is The Freedom Hub, an organisation that helps rebuild the lives of people who have experienced human trafficking. “Between us we have developed a range of guaranteed slavery free Australian made products to sell and all profits go to the charity,” says Tiffany.

Shop here.

Tags affordable art, art, australian design, australian homewares, cushions, design, HART : LDN, homewares, interiors, styling

Furniture

NOMI: a new concept in customisable Australian, timber, flatpack furniture. No tools required!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 12, 2013
1 Comment on NOMI: a new concept in customisable Australian, timber, flatpack furniture. No tools required!

NOMI is an exciting new concept in Australian designed and made furniture. Designed by you online, made of timber, with customisable colours and other options, delivered to you (flatpacked) free and (possibly the best bit) no tools required for assembly. Too good to be true?!

Sydney locals Michael Grassi, Henry Gresson and Tomek Archer have collaborated to launch the new concept. By combining online technology, product design and efficient manufacturing processes, their aim is to provide affordable and accessible designer furniture that can be customised online. NOMI launched at the end of last month.

Award winning designer Tomek, of Tomahawk Studios, has created the range with simplicity at its core. Clean lines and unassuming proportions make NOMI suitable for the home or office. “The collection has been conceived as a range of basics, informed by a series of studies into fundamental furniture types,” says Tomek. “Constructed from solid timber, the adaptable series of chairs, tables and storage each have timeless and enduring qualities that are equally suited to blending in or standing out, depending on the customiser’s efforts.”

Co-founder Michael adds: “We wanted to offer something special and unique, something that hadn’t been seen in the furniture space before. Our vision was to provide affordable designer furniture and create a place where people could interact with our products in new and exciting ways.”

This short video explains how it works…

Tags australian design, australian made, design, designer, featured, flatpack, free delivery, furniture, henry gresson, interiors, michael grassi, no tools, nomi, sydney, timber, tomahawk studios, tomek archer

Interiors Addict

Support Aussie design talent in online sale

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 25, 2013

Temple & Webster is supporting 6 up and coming Australian designers in a special online sale, The New Design Talent, starting tomorrow.

The sale will include AULD Design handcrafted furniture, TUFTS ceramic kitchen and homewares, Tamara Maynes’ 70s-inspired homespun crafts, captivating tableware and lighting from The MOD Collective (an Interiors Addict favourite), industrial pieces by B-TOVIM DESIGN and cabinetry and woodwork pieces by Soren Bartlock.

Tags auld design, australian design, australian made, b-tovim design, craft, homewares, jack auld, soren bartlock, tamara maynes, temple & webster, the mod collective, TUFTS

Styling

Stylist Alana Langan launches online homewares store Hunt & Bow

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 9, 2013
6 Comments on Stylist Alana Langan launches online homewares store Hunt & Bow

Interior stylist Alana Langan has an eye for what looks good so it’s no surprise her new online store, launching today, is full of great treasures for your home.

Alana said she wanted to create a platform to support independent local design in Australia and to meet the growing demand for on-trend vintage wares without the time-consuming ‘hunting’ that usually goes with it.

Tags alana langan, attic and trunk, australian design, boucherouite rugs, featured, greenhouse interiors, homewares, hunt and bow, melbourne, pop and scott, stylist, vintage

Interiors Addict

Ruben + Kosch launch crowdfunding campaign to get lighting design manufactured

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 15, 2013

Australian design firm Ruben+ Kosch have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund and promote their debut product Cliques, a lighting system which only illuminates when its separate pieces (or people!) are connected to each other.

Made from high quality, recyclable plastic, the energy-efficient Cliques are powered by a single Lithium ion battery which supplies approximately 12 hours of continuous light. Recharging can be achieved by plugging the unit into any 5V USB port such as a computer, iPhone charger or solar panel charging system.

Tags australian design, cliques, crowdfunding, design, energy efficient, indiegogo, lamp, light, lighting, lithium ion battery, nicholas kosch, reuben and kosch