Established in Victoria in 1945, Robert Gordon is something of a stalwart of the Australian homewares scene. In the 1980s, the business was taken from a small family run operation to new heights under the stewardship of Robert and Barbara Gordon. The business remains in the family with three of their four children running the current business that employs 50 people and spans retail (giftware), hospitality (supplying tableware to cafes and restaurants) and now interiors with the launch of the Robert Gordon Interiors Collection.
The new range features a gorgeous basin collection
With a background in architecture and fine art, Barbara and Robert’s son Bobby is the mastermind behind the new range. “I have a passion for interiors and worked as an architect for a while. I saw that we had the capability to make larger ceramic pieces and felt there was a gap in the Australian market for locally made ceramic basins and light fittings,” he says.
The stylish new collection encompasses five basin styles (available in eight different colours) as well as wall sconces and pendant lights. Bobby and his team did a lot of research and development into developing new shapes and used their existing knowledge to create larger ceramic objects. “The range is really unique in the market in that it is comprised of fully vitrified stoneware and is Australian made,” says Bobby who explains that most Australian bathroomware manufacturing has moved offshore.
The pearl wall sconce is a standout in the range
“It’s such a pleasure to make things on a bigger scale and to create something large and impactful for people’s homes,” says Bobby. The range has been very well received so far – the handmade nature of the product no doubt key to its success. “As a material, as opposed to things like concrete, ceramics are tried and tested and there is something so simple and trustworthy about them,” says Bobby.
The basins retail between $600 and $1,300 and the lighting from $190-to-$500. So, while not the cheapest on the market, the range is pretty affordable when you consider it is handmade locally. “The price point hasn’t been an issue at all so far, and we see this range as the really premium side of our business so it will be more expensive,” says Bobby.
Robert Gordon has certainly undertaken a style evolution over the last decade and while the brand’s offering is vast and encompasses many styles, the handmade element is what really sets it apart – it’s perhaps serendipitous that handmade ceramics are back in vogue.
“People in general have a greater appreciation of their home and space and what they are eating and drinking out of. The industry has gone back to the 80s with people wanting to do pottery classes and see how things are made. And with our pieces, when you pick them up or touch them, you can really feel the makers behind them.”
When Bianca and Marcus Jowett established Perth-based online furniture and styling hub Granite Lane, they not only wanted to develop and curate their own furniture and homewares collection but to source locally while doing it. Seven years on – and as the pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people live, buy, and think, Aussie consumers are increasingly looking local.
Pieces from the Granite Lane collection
“Customers don’t want to be waiting nearly a year to receive their products and we don’t want them too either. We want to deliver their products and bring their design vision to life as quickly as possible,” says Bianca Jowett who found that being able to manufacture locally has meant her business hasn’t been affected by COVID-led supply chain issues.
Granite Lane custom designs (or source within Australia) their collection of sofas, armchairs, ottomans, and bed frames which is great news for consumers who are frustrated with ongoing furniture delays. “We’ve never really seen anything like what’s happening now. Consumers are buying furniture in record numbers, but the average delivery delays from a lot of retailers are staggering,” says Marcus Jowett, who manages Granite Lane’s supply chain.
The Granite Lane team
Marcus also explains the latest twist for furniture suppliers has seen factory closures in Vietnam due to COVID-19, meaning that furniture stores have seen lead times of up to 10-12 months when ordering products from overseas. By comparison, Granite Lane can offer a lead time of 8-10 weeks as well as full customisation.
“Also, we love that we can collaborate with our customers on the design of their sofa to match their space perfectly. Because we source locally, we can customise the sofa, ottoman, armchair and even bed instead of being stuck with a design that is pumped out of a factory,” says Bianca.
And while sourcing locally has had an expensive reputation in the past, when you add in pandemic-led delays and the rising cost of shipping containers, the cost difference is diminishing. “To source internationally you need to ship goods overseas and everybody’s fighting for space on the containers, so they’re bidding them up,” says Marcus who has always struggled with the comparison between a better-quality product made locally to that of something mass-produced.
“It’s evident that once you weigh up the cost of the sofa, the cost to the environment, the cost of the client’s time, and the cost of quality all outweigh the monetary value,” says Marcus.
Granite Lane has a gorgeous rug and mirror collection too
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)
From beanbags to designer sofas, the story of Freedom has reflected Australia’s own coming of age in furniture and homeware design. This year, the iconic Australian brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Freedom was an Australian retail pioneer, bringing design in-house well before other Australian furniture retailers. What started as one store selling outdoor and pine furniture in the colourful early 1980s, is now a household name. In 2021, Freedom has come full circle, once again designing and curating in-house to create beautiful products for our unique Australian lifestyle.
Freedom first opened its doors in 1981 in Sydney, and within a year, sales boomed. This success allowed Freedom to open its first Melbourne store in 1984, followed quickly by a new logo and a new look, resulting in sophisticated and stylish catalogues winning the brand a bunch of advertising awards.
Freedom’s progressive approach saw it develop its own in-house design capability in 1987 as well as forming arguably one of the first visual merchandising departments in Australia, challenging the stronghold European and American styles and fashions had on the Australian industry.
Visual merchandising became integral to Freedom’s philosophy, and as such the ‘casual living’ theme was born.
The late 90s were a time of expansion for Freedom – the company went public in 1996 and launched Freedom Kitchens. The following year, Freedom launched its first homewares store and by 1998, it had a store in every state.
In 1999, internationally recognised designer Ken Cato designed Freedom’s new logo and freedom.com.au went live, bringing the furniture retailer into the digital age. The early 2000s saw Freedom achieve a record of $400million in sales, with 80 stores, while in 2003, it began its hugely successful partnership with TV juggernaut The Block, which continues to this day.
2004 saw Freedom return to private ownership. It continued to lead the industry in 2006, launching new branding and embracing digital and social media as the core brand strategy, joining Facebook and Instagram in 2011.
In 2020, Freedom announced another rebrand, including the current crisp logo, renewing a focus on design creating a new, dedicated design and creative team to spearhead the transformation. In many ways returning to where it all began – designing and curating beautiful products inspired by our relaxed and contemporary Australian lifestyle.
A lot has happened in 40 years for this Australian retail success story.
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Following on from the success of its last online event, and after two successful post-COVID comeback events in Brisbane and Sydney, Finders Keepers is back online this week with its winter market. Fans are invited to cruise the curated virtual aisles of the unique 24/7 marketplace, and snag dedicated event-only specials from the comfort of their couch.
From homewares to art, ceramics to slow fashion and many one-of-a-kinds, the market is a unique opportunity for conscious consumers to throw their support behind small creative businesses in Australia; particularly those impacted by lockdowns.
Australia’s largest curated marketplace of makers and designers, Finders Keepers has long been recognised as a great way to discover emerging and established design talent from across the country. See below for a sneak peak and our top picks from the June market.
TS Makers Handmade in Sydney by a husband and wife team with carpentry and design backgrounds, TS Makers is creates lovely, minimal homewares. All of the pieces are made from reclaimed Australian timbers, including jarrah, mahogany, spotted gum and Queensland maple. The brand’s core range of hardwood serving boards and trivets features a seventies-inspired squiggle design, an arch and abstract shapes.
Tinker by printink studio A colour-fuelled Australian made lifestyle range, this brand spans homewares, linen tableware, fashion accessories and organic toddler and baby wear. We like the bold, bright and distinctive prints that are each developed from hand drawn designs before being meticulously screen printed by hand.
Indelible Designs Handmade in Melbourne, Indelible Designs make functional ceramic pieces using both wheel thrown and hand built methods. Featuring gorgeous retro-inspired designs and colours, these one-off wares have that unique and nostalgic handmade feel.
Ivy & Wood Handcrafted in Brisbane, this range of small-batch candles and home fragrance products is made with natural soy wax that is biodegradable, sustainable and free from pesticides and animal products. Ivy & Wood also uses lead-free wicks, pure essential oils and gorgeous vintage-style, reusable mason jars.
The Finders Keepers June Online Market This Friday 18 to Sunday 20 June Shop online
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Handmade furniture designer Jeremy Lee has built JDLee Furniture around the values of sustainable and high quality furniture. “Buying less is more when it comes to our impact on the environment,” he says. “Our focus has always been to produce beautiful furniture that is built to last.”
The brand’s new range, released this month, is an antidote to disposable mass market trends. “It feels really important to be giving life to any craft that is slowly becoming forgotten by way of larger automated workshops,” Jeremy adds.
Featuring intricate handwoven rattan and attractive joinery, each piece is designed with repairs in mind, so you won’t need to throw away your furniture if it ever becomes damaged.
JDLee Furniture are a small team of highly skilled craftspeople based in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Each piece they produce is designed and entirely handmade by the workshop. Their commitment to environmental sustainability extends from the sourcing of materials to the recycling of any wastage.
The coffee table book has been reimagined with Corner Block Studio’s unique new product, The Harness. Created by designer and engineer duo Natalie Lane and Leith Morriss, this unconventional ‘frame’ turns your books, magazines and records into artworks. Clever, huh?
“People have a strong connection with their book and record collection.” said co-founder Natalie Lane. “The Harness gets them out of storage and onto your walls.”
Our books and music say so much about who we are, and The Harness brings those collections into the open. Whether you want to display your all time favourite album or your novel of the month, The Harness’ adjustable and durable design accommodates anything from a wide hardback to a thin, single sleeve LP.
With a focus on sustainable materials, The Harness is made using sustainable cotton thread and vegan plant leather. It is an evolution from their existing range of art frames, which are handcrafted from sustainable Australian timbers.
Corner Block Studio are launching The Harness via crowdfunding platform Kickstarter today. By backing the Kickstarter, you could be one of the first people to own The Harness, as well as benefiting from early bird prices starting at $19.
The COVID-19 ripple effect continues to be felt across many industries and while it has been devastating in many ways, it’s not been without silver linings – especially when it comes to the Aussie sofa industry.
Faced with even longer than normal lead times for imported sofas, plus an increasing desire to order a custom design, many consumers are choosing to buy local ensuring they get exactly what they want and within a speedy timeframe too.
The locally made Contents ID Mia modular sofa is stunning in forest green
Contents ID Sydney based Contents ID has found its customer base is increasingly searching for locally made products (due to faster availability than imported goods) and a desire to support Australian businesses. The bespoke factor is a huge pull too.
“Buying a locally made product gives you the benefit of ordering something custom as no two spaces are the same. There’s greater flexibility in regards to size, design, and upholstery options as well as a smaller lead time when compared to overseas imports,” says owner Andrew Algar.
Contents ID’s Cypress three-seat sofa
The pandemic has also resulted in a lack of available shipping containers resulting in an international freight system that is often moving at glacial speed. “Having the manufacturing a short drive away means you have more control of the lead times with the local pieces and a further hand in the Australian economy too.”
Crafted Established in 2015, for Sydney furniture company Crafted, the decision to offer locally made products comes from a desire to place the customer at the centre of the creative process.
“Our ethos is all about offering the best possible experience when co-creating furniture with us and we have found the only way to truly do that is to make our products locally. This gives our customers a significant place in the process of crafting their perfect lounge or bed, as well as allowing us to deliver our products much faster than imports and at a higher quality,” says owner Justin Burden.
Jen’s lovely Crafted sofa lives near her kitchen
The business currently has a product lead time of roughly eight weeks for a fully customised product, which compares to a 26-week wait for an import. “Of course, some people need a lounge right now and aren’t able to wait. For those customers we offer a limited stock range that can be ready in two to three weeks but doesn’t allow you to fully personalise your product as much,” Justin adds.
For Justin, there are many reasons for the appeal of locally made product. Not only do you get something that’s been crafted to your exact specifications (rather than a homogenous product), but the benefit to the community is many-fold. “Even before COVID, we were seeing a generation of customers questioning where things come from. Locally made is also better for the environment and keeps local manufacturing alive with unimaginable ripples of good that spread throughout your local community!”
Plush While the sofa company Plush do stock overseas products (mainly items that are difficult to source here), its Australian made ‘Sofa Boutique’ range allows customers to choose from a huge range of unique designs, configurations and textiles including fabric and leather. With stores across Australia, Plush has noticed there is a huge demand for bespoke sofas – especially from interior designers and customers looking for something unique.
The Plush Fifi sofa
The COVID19 effect has been felt in the business though, with demand outstripping supply. “It’s been a great boost for the industry, but this increased demand, coupled with the COVID restrictions has caused some challenges for all suppliers, both locally and overseas, to keep pace,” says Plush products manager Nicole Absalom, who explains that while buying locally won’t necessarily impact the speed of delivery, it’s certainly great for the economy.
“Buying Australian made, you are helping local businesses and supporting the Australian economy and jobs market which is a great thing. Plush directly employs over 200 staff across Australia and many more indirectly, like the Sofa Boutique team that manufacture in Sydney.”
The Plush Mia sofa bed is rather handy if you’ve an extra guest in the house
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There’s a new look at Freedom and I like it. A lot! There’s also a new energy to the recently refreshed furniture and homewares brand, which is soon to celebrate its 40th anniversary. And lucky us, we have a beautiful buffet to give way to one lucky reader. But more on that later…
Freedom’s new range on display at Sydney’s La Porte Space last week
I was recently lucky enough to get a preview of the forthcoming Autumn/Winter 2021 range. Much of the furniture’s already in stores, with homewares to follow from next month. I was struck by the beautiful muted earthy colour palette, textures, high quality and curves in all the right places! The collection feels timeless and like it would work in so many different styles of homes, and all very well together.
It certainly feels like a departure from the “old” Freedom; altogether classier, more unique and definitely covetable! Put me down for one of those tan leather lounge chairs! The towels and bed linen coming soon, as well as lighting, are real highlights. And the sofa range, in leather and fabric, looks a lot more expensive than it is (with some of it, alongside some dining tables and chairs, now made here in Australia).
Head of Homewares Christie Maartensz explained some of the key differences for the new Freedom, with new in-house designers working in collaboration with product development buyers.
Head of Homewares Christie Maartensz
“We can now develop unique products that carry the Freedom handwriting, following the same integrity end to end. We are designing and buying products from around the world; developing new techniques, fabrications and materials with makers, weavers and suppliers. We develop collections, not standalone pieces.”
She said this will make shopping and pulling together a look much easier for customers as the homewares and furniture complement each other, as well as being designed and curated specifically for the Australian lifestyle. It’s hoped customers will embrace a timeless, versatile look and pieces that last for years, rather than buying too much into trends and ‘fast homewares’.
“We want products that are easy to decorate with, can be versatile, living in multiple rooms and will have longevity in quality, design and colour. We have really considered how we live and how these collections need to work in our homes.”
Christie, who has more than 20 years’ experience in homewares, especially textiles, adds: “We hope to see customers engaging with our products in stores, feeling confident in pulling stories together as we have developed products to be part of families.” And while the quality has been elevated, the affordable price point remains, with Freedom proud to own their mid-range niche; neither bargain basement disposable pieces nor expensive designer.
With 15 categories in homewares, Christie says it’s hard to pick a favourite from her babies, but some things she can’t wait to take home are the Boca linacel bed linen range (“it’s all about textures and layering with heavier matelassé coverlets to complete the bed”) and the new Speckle Turkish cotton marl towels. “I’m equally excited about the Nesst coffee table and boucle Jervis sofa – beautiful!”
Christie adds: “There is a lot of great talent at Freedom and I am very grateful to be a part of the rebrand. We have an opportunity to really elevate a beautiful heritage brand and own the footprint; to be the one stop solution in furniture and homewares.”
For your chance of winning the beautiful whitewashed timber and rattan Callum buffet worth $1,699, please complete the form below by 5pm Sydney time on 11 March 2021. Open to Australian residents only. The winner will be announced within 7 days of the competition closing and the prize is not transferable.
You know they say you should live in a new home for a while before you do anything major? Because it’s only by living in it day to day and seeing how you use the space and how it works for you, that you’ll be informed to make the best decisions. And it’s so true, but let’s face it, we are impatient. Well, I certainly am!
Our L-shaped kitchen/dining has been a sticking point for us for the 3.5 years we’ve lived here. The kitchen part (renovated shortly after we moved in) is possibly my favourite space in the house so that side of the L, we had covered! The dining part however, was tricky! We’ve tried the dining table in two spots: right opposite the kitchen (let’s call that A!) and also further away by the French doors to the deck (let’s call that B!). When the dining table was in spot A, we had a credenza in spot B and vice versa. We finally realised the spot B by the back door was the best dining spot (and three tables later we have the right one!), but the credenza thing wasn’t quite right and mainly because it became a dumping ground for everything without a proper home. And having clutter opposite my beautiful, minimal kitchen? Not cool!
One day I just realised we needed a sofa there. I was thinking about how everyone naturally gravitates to this room when they come over. It has lovely light, the kitchen’s a nice space to be, it’s where the coffee is made and the drinks are poured and, as they say, the kitchen really is the heart of the home these days. But I couldn’t find quite the right one.
Enter Crafted Furniture, who make custom sofas right here in Sydney, and in only six-to-eight weeks, which is amazingly quick for a sofa these days, especially one made to your requirements.
We fell in love with the Slade Slipcover Sofa after having a good browse of their newest showroom in Paddington’s Oxford Street. Its clean lines (love that arm profile!) just made sense to me for the space, it not being a traditional living room. But the plump back cushions mean it’s still super comfy and frankly, the ideal spot for a nap! So, the sofa choice was pretty easy. The trickiest part was the colour because we could really have whatever we wanted.
I’m so glad that I went against my ‘play it safe’ tendancies to choose this gorgeous blue, because I would normally go for grey or my favourite navy (but I felt the latter would dominate the space too much). Speaking of which, I didn’t want the sofa to protrude out into the space, which is a thoroughfare to the dining table, too much, and I’m talking about the way the space felt, as well as the actual physical space. So we asked for ours to be made 10cm shallower than this model would usually be. It still looks beautifully generous but it fits the space perfectly. We had more space to play with but I feel it would have felt too overbearing had we not made this small change. The length was easy: I just wanted about 30cm of breathing space at either end.
Another prerequisite was removable covers, like we have in the living room and have proven to be a godsend, especially in a room where food is allowed (by default!). This linen and cotton slipcover lifts clean off and can be machine washed on cool but personally, I’ll be getting it dry cleaned when I need to.
The showroom experience was really enjoyable and helpful. They didn’t even mind our two little terrors running around! I think when you’re investing in a quality sofa it is a good idea to go and sit on it, and when you have the opportunity to make it any size to fit perfectly, and hundreds of fabrics to choose from, it’s great to get some expert advice. We saw lots of fabric samples in store but they then sent us our favourites in the mail so we could see them in the context of our room, against the paint colours etc.
Our kitchen opposite the sofa with laundry beyond
I knew I wanted a large artwork above the new sofa and couldn’t resist a new one from Melbourne artist Kirsten Jackson. We have one of her much more vibrant works in our living room which takes centre stage and always gets so many comments! This is a lot more subtle and I’ve tied it in with the lounge and broken up the blue by adding a couple of soft pink Eadie Lifestyle linen cushions. Then I decided the pink terrazzo stump in the living room looked just perfect here so brought it in. Do you ever do that? ‘Shop’ from what’s already in your home? I highly recommend it!
We are so thrilled with this new seating area in our home. What was just a spot for the credenza (which is now in the hallway so we haven’t lost the drawer storage) now feels like a whole additional room! It is already very well used and many sticky fingerprints have already been spot cleaned off it without any drama. Phew! This area also looks so damn pretty and the colours work so nicely with the kitchen and the art. I also feel so smug that we have finally worked out how to best use this slightly awkward space for our family and visitors!
Now please excuse me while I go and listen to a podcast with a cuppa on my new favourite couch…
Crafted Furniture have a 15% off sale on until the end of the month if you’re in the market for a sofa. Check them out online or visit their showrooms in Paddington, Crows Nest or Castle Hill.You can even arrange a consultation via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.
The owners of Crafted have over 20 years experience in the furniture business and they proudly make everything here in Australia. An additional benefit of this is you only wait an average six-to-eight weeks for your custom sofa. Crafted also work with The Sofa Project charity to help re-home your old sofa to someone in need.
Disclosure: We received a trade discount on our sofa.
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“We were constantly on the hunt for safe, affordable, toxic-free cleaning products that would not only make our home smell naturally fabulous but would actually work. We felt our sons, and pets, shouldn’t have to hold their breath in order to avoid absorbing chemicals every time we cleaned the family home,” says Jess Bragdon who, with this in mind, co-founded the Australian cleaning product brand Koala Eco.
Koala Eco founders Jess Bragdon and Paul Davidson
Launched in 2017, with the help of her co-founder husband Paul Davidson, the brand now boasts over 800 stockists across multiple countries with a US expansion next on the list. Not bad for a little Aussie start-up!
Made in Australia, Jess worked with a Sydney lab and chemists to formulate and develop the product line-up which encompasses everything from kitchen and floor cleaner to hand sanitiser, vegetable wash, bamboo cleaning brushes and more. Importantly, the range has been independently lab-tested and proven to have the capacity to kill 99.99 per cent of germs, viruses and bacteria which is obviously very important in times like these.
Packaged in 100 percent post-consumer-recycled plastic bottles, the products are free of synthetic fragrance and colouring, allergens and irritants and draw on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Australian native plants. “Species such as eucalyptus, lemon myrtle and peppermint have natural antiseptic and astringent qualities and have been harvested for millennia by Australia’s Indigenous people,” says Jess.
Essential oils are derived from the bark and leaves of native Australian trees and plants like Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon Scented Iron Bark, Lemon Myrtle, peppermint, lavender and rosemary. “We also use essential oil extracted from the peel of citrus species like grapefruit and mandarin.”
A personal favourite of mine, this product smells amazing!
“For example, Eucalyptus Australiana (which we use in our Stainless Steel + Chrome Cleaner) is a great antiseptic, while Mentha Piperata (Peppermint) is a natural insect repellent which is why we put it in our Glass + Window Cleaner, as well as several other products in our range. To these essential oils we add ingredients like vinegar, sugar-based biodegradable alcohol and bicarbonate soda, plant-derived solubilisers and surfactants, and purified water,” says Jess.
And aside from smelling fabulous, the products look rather gorgeous too which is no doubt due to Jess’ background. She once ran a floral design business with her twin sister Adrienne (in her native US), before meeting her Australian husband in New York City and making the move down under.
“Initially I lived in Perth where I worked at the cultural organisation FORM. I had the privilege of working with many designers, and also collecting some of their work,” says Jess who put her design eye to good use when creating the brand’s beautiful labels.
But in the biggest coup for the brand to date, it’s expanding into the US this year with a Californian office currently in set-up phase. “It’s been an ambition of ours from the beginning and the US business will run on the same principles as the Australian operation, with mail order and in stores too.” Jess will continue to develop new products from the couple’s Sydney base.
“The pandemic this year has made all of us realise good hygiene means so much more than cleanliness; it’s a way of helping to prevent spread of germs. When we clean and care for our homes with products made from natural ingredients, it’s a form of self-care that impacts not only on our physical, but also mental health.”
Jess’ best DIY home cleaning tips
Olive or coconut oil and lemon on an old cloth for polishing wooden furniture is a great natural option, and easily accessible from the pantry.
A few drops of essential oil in the bathroom sink, tub or toilet gives it a fresh aroma – try mandarin or eucalyptus.
Add old citrus peels to vinegar, baking soda and water for a natural cleaner for bench tops that is safe for your family.
While COVID-induced lockdown is slowly easing across the country, the time we’ve all been spending at home has given rise to a greater focus on keeping our living spaces healthy…
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.”
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.
Formantics
“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!”
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.”
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. “
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.”
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.”
To me, candles always needed to be two things: beautiful aesthetically and fabulous smelling! I’ve recently added a third requirement: non toxic. I hadn’t ever given much thought to what’s actually in a candle and I certainly didn’t think they could potentially be toxic. There’s a lot of conflicting research out there on the topic, but why not choose a cleaner option for yourself and your home if it’s available?
Here are my top 10 non-toxic candles and why I love them:
Vela de Cera A blend of fine fragrances and essential oils, made from coconut and soy wax handcrafted in Sydney with a 60-hour burn. Not only is it non toxic, it’s also good for the planet with biodegradable packaging made from 100% recycled materials. My pick is the Esencia De Sandalo. $75.
Lemon Canary Candles and crystals; need I say more?! I would have no hesitation in putting something this beautiful on my coffee table. Their candles are natural, handmade, cruelty-free, sustainable, biodegradable and just all round amazing. With their waxes coming from sustainable farming, they are a renewable resource that can be replaced at the same rate or faster than can be consumed without damaging the ecosystem. Candles bowls start from $129.
Maison Blanche I mean bonus points for being monochromatic, this one’s timeless. It also lasts longer with an 80-hour burn time. Meticulously designed and handmade in Sydney using only the highest quality plant-based ingredients. Large candles, $52.
Celia Loves Crafted in Melbourne from 100% natural soy wax and essential oil extracts. Each fragrance has a different arty label and they truly are ALL beautiful designs. Celia might love… so does Kathryn and so will you! Available in 40 or 80-hour burn times. Prices start at $24.95.
Hunter Candles Hand poured in bustling Newtown, Sydney, using Ecosoya wax, made using pure soy beans. The wax is biodegradable and free from pesticides, palm oil, petroleum and GMOs. Their candles use full fragrance, which is non-toxic and have a 40+ hour burn time. Large candle $45.
Mojo Candle Co Believe it or not these beautiful candles are made from reclaimed beer and wine bottles collected from wineries and restaurants from the Southern Highlands and Canberra! With most fragrances sounding like amazing cocktail combinations (take watermelon lemonade!), these are definitely on the list to try! 50+ hour burn time and $39.90.
Orchard St Each product has been naturopath-created to conjure a positively thriving state of body, mind and spirit; a ‘way of being’ aligned with the wisdom of nature. There are four scents available for the different elements earth, air, fire and water. With an 80+ hour burn time, they are an absolute steal for $48.
Haeckels This one is dedicated to our European followers. Made with a high quality woven cotton wick and eco-friendly soy wax in a thick glass surround and with a burn time of 40 hours. The glass is purposely designed to be reused once the candle is finished as a drinking vessel. Cool right? £55 each.
Salus Spa-inspired products and scents that are made in Australia with natural plant extracts, powerful botanicals, natural soy and 100% pure essential oils. 60-hour burn time. $40 each.
The Candle Library Each candle is made using 100% eco soy wax and their signature, custom fragrance oils. The candles are packaged in Australian manufactured boxes, made of paper that is 100% recycled from waste paper and is carbon neutral. Good for you, good for the planet, and good for your wallet at $45 each.
– Kathryn Bamford is a regular contributor, certified interiors addict and degree qualified interior designer & stylist. You can follow her projects and adventures on Instagram @kathryn_bamford.
It’s no secret that we’re massive fans of a stylish shelfie around here which is why the launch of PLANK wall-hung shelving has caught our eye. The creation of Melbourne visual merchandiser Anita Thorley, the Scandi-inspired, solid Tasmanian oak wall hung shelves are beautiful for their chic simplicity.
“Having worked on shelves for a lot of my merchandising life, I knew that not much existed between Bunnings industrial shelves and Poliform divine bespoke shelves,” says Anita who has had a long visual merchandising career working for large companies such as Sportsgirl, The Body Shop, The Swatch Group and Tiffany.
The PLANK shelving system
Anita always had a desire to launch her own product, and she first started toying with the shelving idea after assisting a retailer with the opening and merchandising of a furniture store in Melbourne. Faced with a dearth of shelving options, Anita and her builder husband made floating shelves for the opening and received a host of enquiries about them.
“They looked beautiful in the clean, stark space and particularly when merchandised with stunning products. Every week people asked if the shelving was for sale,” says Anita.
Before long, Anita started playing around with shelving designs and sizes, eventually settling on a simple design with smooth curved corners, that also happens to perfectly complement the natural timber trend. “The timber has such gorgeous colours in its natural grain. It’s a beautiful colour that suits all spaces,” says Anita of the solid Tasmanian oak that is finished with a light Scandinavian inspired lacquer.
Handmade in Melbourne and available in two sizes, 1.12metres long and 2.25 metres long, the former can hold up to 20kg while the latter can withstand 30kg. The shelves are ideal for the small spaces as they don’t take up any room on the floor; they can also be passed down within families and moved from house to house too. “Given they are solid timber, they are ‘forever furniture’ and won’t attribute to landfill either!”
PLANK founder Anita Thorley
The PLANK range is available online or at The Modern Furniture store which has locations in Brisbane, Melbourne and Bowral.
After growing up on a Victorian cattle farm and enjoying a successful career in construction, it was a stint in Europe that inspired Melbourne’s Nick McDonald to start his own furniture company, Made by Morgen. “A contemporary take on modernist design, my pieces are simple with an emphasis on clean detailing through a mix of traditional and modern joinery techniques,” says Nick.
“I spent some time post-school working numerous jobs and fell into construction. Having spent a decade in work that was challenging but didn’t nourish my creative side, something had to give. I’m not adverse to taking the odd risk so I decided to roll the dice, pack in my career in construction and go out on my own,” says Nick of the gamble that seems to have paid off.
Nick in his studio
“It’s been tough at times, but the satisfaction I derive from making furniture that represents my design ethos and work ethic is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be able to do what I do,” says Nick.
With his designs exhibiting more than a passing nod to Scandinavian design, it’s no surprise to hear that Nick has spent a fair bit of time living in Denmark. “After quitting my job in Melbourne, I spent the next year and a bit travelling and working in Europe for a bunch of different makers in London and Berlin but I spent most of my time in Denmark. I went overseas with no real plan and have always been drawn to Scandinavian design so I felt there was no better place to move,” says Nick.
“I was lucky enough to have a family friend who is a builder in a small village on the west coast of Denmark. I spent some time working with him but, as fate would have it, the company that hold the rights to reproduce furniture designer Finn Juhl’s collection were based in the neighbouring town of Ringkobing. I spent a lot of time in their factory soaking up everything about Danish design and their amazing attention to detail and skill,” says Nick who has huge affection for Juhl’s iconic 45 Chair.’ “The ’45 Chair was one of the first to break free of the current tradition for armchairs by freeing the upholstered areas from the wooden frame and it’s quite breathtaking,” says Nick.
When it comes to Nick’s favourite design from his own range, it is the first one he crafted. “The LIL bedside would be my favourite from the range as it was the first piece. It was originally designed and made for my friend and photographer Lillie Thompson, as I didn’t have the money to be able to pay for professional photographs so we worked out a little contra deal and the LIL was born.”
The LIL bedside table – Nick’s personal favourite
As for his company name, Morgen is Nick’s more casual moniker. “Morgen is the nickname that was given to me at a very early age by my father. The origins are unknown to me but it just stuck!”
We often look to Europe for furniture classics and with good reason. But some of the most recognisable and popular Mid Century designs were actually made right here in Australia. And after a 45-year hiatus, TH Brown have resumed production of their beautifully designed furniture, starting with their Danish Bar Stool and Martelle Bar Stool.
The Danish (left) and Martelle Bar Stools
A signature design of the 1960s, the TH Brown Danish Bar Stool became one of the most sought after Mid Century furniture pieces ever to be produced in this country. The originals have become heirlooms and are seen in many magazines, exhibitions and design showrooms around the world, including the South Australian Library.
The Adelaide furniture business was founded by Thomas Howard Brown in 1911. One of Australia’s most important furniture brands, it was known alongside contemporaries such as Parker, Featherston and Fler during the 50s, 60s and 70s. But it was Peter Brown who first introduced that unmistakable look in Australia. However, due to his being so attention-shy, he remains the unsung leader of timeless Australian Mid Century design.
In these days of mass-produced and same-old-same-old furniture, those who value buying well and buying once, will be delighted to get their hands on these new releases of a classic. Imagine the statement they could make at your breakfast bar! Just works of art!
Mid Century (also commonly called Mid Century Modern) style furniture, known for its fuss-free clean lines and smooth curves, is hugely popular in Australia. The beauty of it is its timelessness, meaning it’s easy to incorporate pieces into most decor and colour schemes. And it immediately screams (if quietly!) understated style.
A modern classic
Continuing the family tradition, the Danish Bar stool is once again being produced under the careful eye of third generation heir Simon Brown, and manufactured under licence to Workspace Commercial Furniture (formerly TH Brown Furniture P/L). Simon says: “It goes without saying that we would commence the relaunch of TH Brown’s back catalogue with the most unique and sought after product of all – the Danish Bar Stool. This stool was considered the gold standard of 1960s furniture design. Now, 45 years on, the stool holds its own as a beautiful, quintessentially modern piece.”
Danish bar stools
The Martelle Bar Stool, with its beautifully sculpted fixed seat, angled legs and hand-stitched upholstery, is also being relaunched. Like all great designs, it is as contemporary today as the day it was designed. Hand finished by expert craftsmen, it features a solid timber frame, the finest Italian leather and the highest quality materials.
“Australian furniture has left an indelible mark on lovers of fine design around the globe, along with a rich manufacturing heritage right here in South Australia. My father’s passion for design and quality were legendary, which is why I am so proud to see his designs back in production in the 21st Century,” Simon says.
Attention to detail
In line with the original TH Brown commitment to craftsmanship, each stool comes with a 10-year warranty and is individually numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity. They are hand finished to the same exacting standards of the original craftsmen.
Buy online, from $799 for the Martelle Bar Stool and from $1,129 for the Danish Bar Stool, at www.thbrown.com.au and select stockists.
Not many businesses can say they’ve been designing and hand making upholstered furniture in Australia for three decades but family business Molmic can. In a market crowded with cheap, mass produced imports, this Melbourne brand has proven that people are still prepared to pay for craftmanship, customisation and quality. And even better, they make everything right here.
When you consider their longevity, it’s amazing to learn that founders Molly and Michael (yup, you can guess where the name Molmic comes from now!) McMahon fell into furniture designing and manufacturing by chance. With the combination of her background in children’s clothing and his technical engineering skills, they wanted to create a business together which was completely new and challenging.
Molly went on to Melbourne’s Holmesglen College in the late eighties to complete her furniture and upholstery apprenticeship, standing out amongst teachers and peers not only as the only female, but as a mother of three with another one on the way, amongst a younger, male-dominated group. A dedicated student, she was awarded the inaugural Reginald Muir scholarship; a study trip abroad visiting some of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers.
Celebrating a landmark 30 years in business this year, Molmic is as much about family as it is furniture. Molly and Michael’s children Anna, Alex, Anthony and John are very much involved in the business, but they also employ a pool of more than 50 talented and loyal local craftspeople and admin staff, many of whom have been part of the team since day one.
Mol and Mic centre, with the next generations of their family
“Our values are inspired by and founded on family life,” says creative director Anna McRae. “We cherish moments of energy, lives of passion and generations of trust. Our designs, craftsmanship and care are founded on the purpose of what we make – furniture that assumes an integral place in people’s lives. Not only must Molmic pieces serve a functional purpose, we endeavour to give them a life of their own.
“For 30 years now we have been inspired to design the very best in sofas and living furniture. We are proudly committed to our Aussie heritage, continuing our commitment to designing and making our lounge furniture locally in Australia.”
And if there’s one furniture purchase you want to get right, it’s the sofa!
“Your sofa is the single most important investment you can make for your living/family room,” Anna says. “For different people, a couch is variously a holder of great promise, a source of relaxation, and a vault of fond memories.But ultimately, our customers tell us it’s the place they want to collapse at the end of the day.Sofas play an integral part in people’s lives.”
Molmic’s number one core value is to produce the most loved sofas in Australia by continually sharing their family passion for sustainable design quality and comfort. And they do this through an intimate understanding of their customer’s needs by personally interacting with them.
Co-founder Michael can still be found hands on in the factory
They’re true to that old saying “buy well and buy once,” with pieces built to last and be passed down. Remember when people actually used to do that?!
“Our furniture is not throwaway, the materials we use must be ethically sourced (where possible, locally) and meet Australia’s high industry standards,” says Anna. The company makes continuous efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and produce sustainable design, which is a rarity in today’s furniture world.
In 2014, they launched the Elegant Muse collection in collaboration with interior designer and TV host Shaynna Blaze.
The Molmic Sofa Gallery store-in-store concept, launched last year in partnership with select retailers, provides customers with a breadth of product on display, showcasing the latest the brand has to offer and treat customers to different colours, textures, designs, sizes and product knowledge, all in situ.
Molmic’s most popular designs today
Aston
This contemporary sofa is bestseller with its slimline timber plinth and wider arm design. Available in many sizes, modular pieces, chair and ottoman, allowing you to pick the configuration that best suits you and your living space.
Hudson
Timeless and designed to complement any living space, Hudson’s luxurious comfort wrap feather seating gives the ‘sink in and never leave’ feel.
Shona
Their most popular modular design, Shona is all about family living.With many combinations for the perfect fit in your home, it provides high back comfort and comfy seat cushioning.
Cypress
Their latest design provides the ultimate in relaxed seating comfort. Cypress was carefully conceived from a styling point of view to span the classical/modernist gap, allowing it to fit into any environment, regardless of the preferred decorating style. In a velvet it has a classic luxury feel, in a linen or brushed cotton, a much more casual and inviting look. Modular pieces have also been added to allow the customer to create the L-shape one-arm and chaise combinations, adding more flexibility.
Ally
Scandinavian inspired simplicity, designed to complement any living space with apartment living and open spaces in mind. Featuring Molmic Comfort Support seating for added resilience and durability.
Ally on display at the Molmic Sofa Gallery in Bendigo
Rydel
Padded, feather-filled cushions in soft texture chenille evoke the inviting sink-in style of 1970s lounge seating, whilst elegant thin shelter arms create a sleek touch.
The future looks bright for Molmic. “We are excited,” says Anna. “Our new generation leadership team will see fresh energy and ideas for the brand’s future direction, diversifying and growing the Molmic Sofa Gallery in stores, expanding our product offer and distribution, cementing our key national retailers and continuing to support local economy.” New trade showrooms for Sydney and Brisbane are also being planned.
Reed Gift Fairs is set to re-launch its annual September event in the form of The Retail Quarter, a modern twist on the traditional fair. And it’s just in time for your pre-Christmas inspiration and buying!
With four distinct floor districts – Abode, Galleria, Boutique and Runway – the event will set up at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre from 23 – 26 September, just in time for the festive season.
Abode will offer retailers the chance to explore the most on-trend furniture, interior, kitchen, dining – even body, bath and fragrance products will be on show. Galleria will sport an eclectic collection of gifts, stationary, toys and games, while Boutique shares an array of Australian-made, ethical, handcrafted and artisanal brands. As the name suggests, Runway will present opulence, indulgence and glamour with the latest in fashion, jewellery and accessories.
Future Classics Furniture
“Retailers have indicated what they are looking for from Reed Gift Fairs Sydney September, and we’ve listened. A total re-imagination, the Retail Quarter has been designed to offer an exciting new shopping experience to retailers, at one of the busiest times for the industry,” says event director Louisa Theobald.
Mediterranean Markets
It’s not all about the shopping either – Business of Christmas education sessions will delve into the latest changes within the industry and help retailers plan for one of their busiest periods. Industry experts will cover topics from social media planning and design-led trend forecasting, to immersive hands-on workshops to plan your best Christmas window display yet.
Then there’s the Tapas Bar, a contemporary eating experience in the centre of the show floor, perfect for a little time out.
