“As a family of five, we have been travelling to Indonesia for the past 16 years. We fell in love with the people and culture, as well as the beautifully crafted furniture and homewares,” says Sydneysider Louise Maloney who, after years of filling containers with Bali wares for personal use, set up online furniture and homewares business ELSIAN Home last year.
The range of affordable, and unique furniture and accessories is curated by Louise alongside her interior designer daughter Eliza. The Northern Beaches based family recently built a new home and furnished the entire abode with custom pieces sourced in Bali, which is when the idea for the business really took flight. “The positive feedback from family and friends encouraged me to create ELSIAN Home,” says Louise.
ELSIAN Home Annika rattan side table
The Maloney family in Bali (Eliza is on the left and Louise is in the middle at the back)
Louise has established many relationships with Bali locals over her years travelling there – the contacts are reliable, trusted and have enabled her to access quality pieces from premium suppliers. “My main contact, who sources things for us, is very particular. He has taken me to visit artisans that create things exclusively for American designers. There’s some amazing stuff up there,” says Louise who explains that she travels off the tourist beat to find the more unusual wares.
Sourcing for product in Bali
The impact of COVID on Bali, is another reason that Louise decided to start the business in the middle of a pandemic. “We have made a lot of Balinese friends over our years travelling there too and I really wanted to support them during COVID,” says Louise who explains that Balinese furniture manufacturers have been hit hard during the pandemic. Freight costs have gone up exponentially too which is having an impact on prices. “It’s unfortunate all round,” says Louise.
ELSIAN Home Adasa candle set
ELSIAN Home Todd Stripe side table
An extension of the homewares and furniture offering, ELSIAN Home also offer a full interior design consulting service that is managed by Eliza. “She’s very talented and is currently contracting to AZB Creative while running her own business Eliza Madison Designs,” says Louise. Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, ELSIAN Home offers a full design, styling and furnishing service including full spatial planning.
Jane and Ash’s vision for their dream home was simple – create a fresh, family home inspired by coastal blue elements and their travels to Bali with natural weave details. And interior designer Tara Daniels of Oliv Studios embraced the challenge!
The project, which took over a year to complete, is located in the suburb of Hemmant. Once merely bushland approximately 20 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, it is now an up-and-coming inner-city gem. Built by Burbank Homes, the house is tucked away down a long driveway, enhancing its retreat vibe.
With their second child on the way, Jane and Ash handed Tara the reigns. She selected all the hard materials, including the gorgeous Cosentino Calacatta stone benchtop, plus the window furnishingsand a comprehensive joinery and furniture package. This gave the couple the confidence to move in with style and settle straight into life as a family of four.
Tara’s business mantra revolves around helping clients create luxurious and beautiful spaces where they can escape the chaos of everyday life. She aims to embrace the comforts of the home to create spaces where they can reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.
Thanks to Covid lockdowns, the hardest part was securing joiners and handling extended delivery timeframes to complete the project. But they got there in the end!
New Hunter Valley display homes reflect regional popularity
Sponsored by Metricon Homes There’s no denying that regional areas have seen a boost in popularity since the emergence of COVID-19. Coupled with the housing affordability crisis in the capital…
The stunning 'Te Kahu' is located in New Zealand's south island
One of the best things about going on holiday is the chance to stay somewhere fabulous that you could never afford to own outright. Am I right? And the desire to stay in a home that is a destination in itself is reflected in the launch of Airbnb Luxe which promises to make personal and bespoke travel more accessible to everyone via its portfolio of more than 2,000 luxury homes across the globe.
This Bondi Beach penthouse is just one of the properties on offer
The spectacular view from the Bondi Beach penthouse
The launch is in direct response to consumer demand with the number of high-end Airbnb bookings (listings worth at least $1,000 per night) increasing by more than 60 per cent in 2018. Whether it’s premium materials, rare features, chef-grade appliances or homes with multiple bathrooms that accommodate large groups, the Airbnb Luxe properties have to pass strict evaluation across 300+ criteria. And given each booking provides access to a dedicated 24/7 trip designer (ensuring the trip is tailored to your unique needs), the new offering transcends mere aesthetics.
‘Eagle Retreat’ is located by the beach in Casuarina, NSW
“Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination,” says Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder, CEO and head of community.
‘Sky Loft’ has views of the Sydney skyline
After booking an Airbnb Luxe property, the trip designer ensures a smooth check-in experience and can arrange anything from local experiences and activities to childcare, a private chef, an in-house massage therapist or even personal training.
The stunning ‘Te Kahu’ is located in New Zealand’s south island
‘Te Kahu’
“With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel,” says Brian.
‘Villa Belong Dua’ is located in Bali
Outside of Australia, the properties include award-winning homes in New Zealand and South Africa, French castles and historic Tuscan villas. You can even stay in the Jamaican villa where Ian Fleming wrote his famous spy novels!
Whether you’re a stylist, designer or property stager, stylist and property expert Naomi Findlay’s brand new Bali buying trip promises to deliver access to fabulous artisanal homewares, furniture and accessories coupled with rest and relaxation too.
“I’ve been going to Bali to run retreats for stylists and designers for five years now. Slowly I’ve been researching and working on great suppliers of amazing homewares. These are an alternative, cheaper option and can be customised for your individual style. Plus, the trip itself is relaxing, rejuvenating and Bali is a place I go to align my body and mind to accelerate my business,” says Naomi.
Naomi Findlay
With the interiors market full of lots of the same items, it can be hard to distinguish your offering from the next stylist or designer which is where the trip comes in. “I want to help other home stagers offer their clients bespoke and unique options. This means more success for them, as they are able to cut costs and experience great networking and business building too,” says Naomi who has built up a treasure trove of connections over the many years she has spent travelling to the island.
Artisanal wares found on Naomi’s last Bali trip
Interesting chairs make up just some of the Bali furniture mix
From cushions to lighting, chairs and ceramics there’s plenty to be found throughout the trip’s five days of product sourcing. Attendees can expect planned tours to Naomi’s favourite design haunts and she’s even organised secure and easy shipping to get your items home courtesy of a local coordinator who will facilitate and manage deliveries, storage and shipping via a local freight forwarder.
More Bali finds
The trip’s other inclusions include daily breakfast, dinner, yoga and massages and all while staying at the lovely Hotel Komune. “It’s an amazing organic resort on the volcanic surf coast,” says Naomi.
Not a bad view after a day’s work!
Naomi Findlay’s Bali buying trip
$3,500 per person (+GST), or five instalments of $700 (+GST), not including flights.
While a permanent holiday is out of the reach of most Aussies, plenty of us are doing our best to recreate travel experiences in our backyards according to the latest research. The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that our most popular backyard designs are inspired by the popular holiday hotspots of Bali, Japan and America’s Hamptons.
“Aussies love to holiday abroad. In the past, photos and souvenirs were enough, but more than ever we’re bringing back inspiration and styling ideas for the home. It can be surprisingly cost effective to recreate your favourite holiday destination in your yard to enjoy all year round,” says landscaping expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador Jason Hodges.
Japanese Zen inspired garden
Japan The Japanese Zen garden is a popular backyard choice. Beloved by minimalists and those looking for calm (the Japanese love to meditate), key features include manicured landscapes, ambient water features, deep greenery, low maintenance plants, gravel, stepping stones and feature rocks. In fact, the Japanese position rocks of various shapes and sizes around the garden to symbolise mountains and natural water elements – as a bonus, they add texture, depth and layers to a space. Combine them with rich greenery and a pond or water feature for instant tranquility.
The Japanese Zen garden is ideal for those wanting a private retreat that encourages disconnection from technology too. And arguably, the best thing about this style of garden is that it’s super low maintenance.
Bali
The immense popularity of the Indonesian island as an Australian holiday spot means the Bali villa aesthetic has crept into our backyards. Design signatures include heavily landscaped gardens with lush tropical natives, private plunge pools and paved alfresco areas for outdoor entertaining.
Balinese inspired garden
From tropical plants to water features, pools, ornaments and a Bali hut, you can incorporate as many elements as you like. Greenery is paramount with leafy plants essential and Jason has some alternative suggestions to Balinese natives. “Agave plants add a bold and rich look, whilst plants such as cordylines, crotons and frangipanis help to bring the tropical picture to life,” says Jason.
“Bamboo screens, trellis or brushwood are great options for adding texture to the backyard and double as a privacy screen until all the plants have fully grown also,” says Jason.
Hamptons
Compared to the Balinese garden, Hamptons inspired backyards are relatively new in Australia. And while property prices often preclude the large expanses of green that characterise the look, you can still create it within the confines of smaller spaces such a courtyard, pool area or alfresco room. Structured details including borders, hedging and layers are central to the look that is often completed with chic outdoor furniture.
Hamptons style front yard
“For lush green turf invest in some new Sir Walter or if you’ve already got lawn, create a beautiful leafy outlook with sculpted hedges. Buxus balls are great and will allow you to create different heights and levels in your garden. For classic flowers, think hydrangeas, orchids and gardenias,” says Jason. Hedging is a non-negotiable and not only does it delineate areas in the yard it offers privacy too.
Stylist Heidi Albertiri from The Life Style Edit shares what to buy in homewares mecca Bali.
We have all heard of the must go places to visit whilst in Bali and there are many. In the world of interiors and styling, Bali has definitely made its mark with its contribution to beautiful interior pieces and spaces.
When faced with the plethora of wares that are on offer in Bali, it’s good to know just what things you should be honing in on. As an interior stylist, Bali to me is interiors heaven. I have heart palpitations when I see the wares on offer!
The trick to shopping in Bali is to take a closer look; once you see through the layers of the not-so-hot, there are hidden gems to be found.
I always make sure I travel light when I head to Bali and my first stop is generally the local flea market to grab a few floaty kaftans, which I tend to lie in for most of the trip. You can use the extra room in your luggage for a few select homewares!
My hit list of what to buy when in Bali
Cushions: I love the variety and different styles in Bali. Purchase without the inserts and they flat pack perfectly. The variation of styles is fantastic and you will always find something to match your own personal style.
Photo: Kim Soo
Photo: Bungalow Living
Beaded bowls, baskets and trays:I love handmade beaded bowls. They are the perfect size to bring home and you can buy them singularly or in a set. Everywhere you go you will find little baskets, trays and storage boxes. They are the perfect little addition to your vignettes at home and come in various sizes. Fill them with your smalls when packing to save room.
Photo: Kim Soo
Ceramics:There are a few ceramics stores in Bai and they are a must visit on my trips. I always love buying a piece to add to my collection at home. From little jugs to bowls, I always find one piece that captures my heart.
Photo: The Lifestyle Edit
Last but definitely not least, I always make sure I leave with a beautiful item of clothing. With so many wonderful fashion designers calling Bali home, it is easy to discover some wonderful new items to add to the wardrobe.
Photo: The Lifestyle Edit
But wait!
When returning home, I always declare everything I have at Customs. It is so important due to the different materials they use in Bali. I have never had a problem bringing my goodies back but it always better to be safe than sorry.
–If you have always wanted to go shopping in Bali for homewares and fashion but just don’t know where to start, you can join the team from The Life Style Edit on their shopping and design tours. The next ones are 3-to-11 June or 4-to-12 October 2017.
It’s that time of year where we start reflecting on the year almost gone and contemplating the year almost upon us. And quite frankly, if you’re anything like me, high on the agenda for the new year is wondering where in the world (literally) 2017 will take you. Well, interiors addicts, may I suggest you add Bali to the top of your 2017 travel list, and pronto. For the culture, sunshine, scenery and the adorable people, absolutely. But also for the plentiful homewares shopping that you simply must feast your eyes on.
Need some convincing? Ok, sit back and allow me to tempt your inner shopaholic, who admittedly may be a tad weary from those pre-Christmas sales. I write this on location in Bali. Well, where better to collate a Bali buyer’s guide for you than Bali?
I’m almost three weeks into a month long trip. Think Eat, Pray, Love meets Interior Design Diaries. Being your own boss certainly has its benefits when you ask for a month off. I asked. She said yes! And, before she could change her mind, the plane ticket was booked.
With the exception of a backpacker stint in Kuta many many years ago, this is my first ‘real’ visit to Bali. And very quickly I had an appreciation for the magic of this island. A place where endless beauty and ritual can’t help but awaken your senses to a another way of life. Bali and the balinese seem to just ooze creativity. My camera has never been out of hands as I constantly capture a beautiful carved door here, or a colourful explosion there. It’s just so pretty, and lush! Instagram addicts will love it (guilty as charged!).
So, where better than amongst so much beauty, for an interior decorator stylist to travel solo for a big dose of inspiration…and shopping?
UBUD
When I could could drag myself away from the magic that was Trinity Gardens where I was staying, I managed to do quite a bit of shopping in Ubud.
Trinity Gardens
OH (no website yet) – I spotted ‘OH’ while scooting up Money Forest Road one day and knew I had to visit. The store itself is beautiful; pristine white walls and concrete floors and I can only imagine OH must be short for “Oh, I’ll have one of everything please,” such is the selection of beautiful homewares on display. In keeping with the brand, there is lots of black and white and so if monochromatic is your thing, then so too is OH.
OH
Jl RAYA ANDONG is the road leading in and out of Ubud and both sides of the street are lined with stores selling furniture, crafts and homewares. Think shells, pendants, wall hangings and more. It feels like it goes on forever and may also feel a little overwhelming. It can also, I’m told, be a bit hit or miss. Luckily for me, Susanna, the creative genius and interior designer responsible for my beautiful accommodation, led me there on scooter one day and we did a quick recce of the ‘go to’ stores she’d discovered after years of research! This involved me taking a photo of the store and then retracing our steps to stop at those recommended stores and a few others which took my fancy! It was fun.
Feel free to bargain although the prices are already so reasonable and if you’re buying in volume, of course there are always deals to be had. I eventually had to accept defeat when my scooter handles could carry no more!
Another way to to do it though is to hire a driver for the afternoon and ask them to stop at the places that take your fancy from the road. Go forth and explore! Remember to take cash, oh and a bottle of water. A good shopper always hydrates!
CLOTH Owned and run by Australia designer Carina Yulianto, Cloth is also a must visit when your Bali travels take you to Ubud. And the good news is it’s on the same street (Jl. Ray Andong). An abundance of beautiful cushions, tie-dye floor mats and hand woven cotton throws, to name but a few products you can expect to enjoy. Cloth’s philosophy is to support the time honoured traditional production of the skilled craftspeople of Indonesia, supporting their trade and giving back to the community. It was here that I bought some beautiful carved out coconut tealight holders but to be honest, had I not been restricted by my scooter, I could have bought much much more.
CLOTH
CANGGU
Next, my travels took me to Canggu, a destination popular with surfers but, of course, it was not the surf I was chasing…
BUNGALOW LIVING Cushions, homewares, bags, Bungalow Living has it all. A beautifully curated homewares selection displayed rather perfectly in a store that you might get lost in for some time. I managed to spend over a million in here. Indonesian Rupiah I may add, not dollars, but very easily done nonetheless! Purchases included some great little brass pineapple hooks (IDR 80,000/AUD $8).
Bungalow Living
BILLIE’S Another cute little lifestyle shop on the same street (Jln Pantai Berawa) that you might like to swing past is Billie’s. They had a rather lovely display of wooden homewares, including a pineapple-shaped chopping board if pineapples are you thing (clearly they’re mine!) and a range of their own body product which looked and smelled divine.
CANGGU MARKET On the last Saturday of every month, Old Man’s (worth a visit for a sunset Bintang) hosts a market where island creatives come to sell their handicrafts as well as vintage clothing, jewellery and more. I was rather chuffed to find it fell on the first Saturday of my Canggu stay and I must say, I really loved it. It was here that I bought one of my favourite purchases of my trip (so far!) – a handcrafted macrame wall hanging for a steal at $15. Sold direct by the lovely Balinese man who makes them, who also spent some time with me, explaining his craft as I eagerly asked questions and delighted in his skills.
CAFE CULTURE In between shopping, I can often be found playing the role of digital nomad in one of Bali’s many impressive eateries, chomping on some organic fare and sipping on a kombucha. The interior of some of these cafes and restaurants is worth the trip alone. It’s easy to see why creatives from across the globe head here for just that. Hmm, I wonder if I could make this a yearly trip…
Laura’s purchases
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags. Oh and pack an empty bag too, something tells me you might need it!
After studying architecture, sculpture and set design, Rory Unite found himself working in the movie industry as a special effects artist – not your typical route to furniture design. “I started in Jim Henson’s creature shop on the production of Farscape, then went on to the Matrix, Star Wars episodes 1,2 and 3, Superman, Narnia, Peter Pan and The Great Gatsby. During this time, I renovated my in-laws’ house up in Palm Beach which gave me the opportunity to create all the furniture which basically started my design practice,” says Rory, who then set up a small workshop on Sydney’s northern beaches before Andrew Goldsmith, owner of the Boathouse restaurants, discovered him.
Rory Unite in his Java workshop
“I started making all of the Boathouse signage and then designed a range of furniture for them. As Andrew’s business expanded, I started looking in Indonesia for workshops to help create the volume of product he required. During this period, I met many great craftsmen and started to realise that the best way to work with them was to create my own workshop and employ them all under one roof.
“Australian designers making product offshore is a pretty standard routine these days. The difference for me is that I have made the decision to set up my own workshop in Java in order to maintain the quality and consistency of my designs. As a maker, it is very important for me to be integrated within the workshop environment in order to drive the culture of our brand,” says Rory, who travels to Australia regularly for client meetings but spends most of his time in Indonesia at the workshop and with his family.
The Omni bracket
Setting up a business in Java wasn’t without challenge – the cultural gap in particular. “I come from a very different world from the guys I work with. The glue that binds us is making and designing together. There are universal truths in making an object that manage to bring us together. It’s such a fascinating journey. When I started my exploration in Java I knew nothing of the language or the people. It was very daunting. It was amazing how we were able to connect through the creation of a chair! It seems ridiculous, but the process of making together transcended all our differences,” says Rory.
One of the designer’s most notable creations is the Omni bracket which emerged from the need to create flat pack furniture. “One of the great challenges in making furniture are the joints. By making the main connection joint a universal joining device, not only are we able to flat pack for efficient shipping but the joint itself inspires multiple connection possibilities, creating a constant stream of design ideas.” Rory says the bracket is inspired by the numerous metal factories in Java. “We design and produce all our own hardware with these metal workshops. Being around all this machinery capable of creating almost anything in metal is very inspiring.”
You can find Rory’s designs in Sydney at the Boathouse venues (Palm Beach, Shelley Beach and Balmoral) and Sibella Court’s Society Inc. Warehouse in St Peters.
After a 10-year career in the corporate world, Demian Carey Gibbins decided to dramatically change direction. Feeling like he was living for his job, he made the decision to take action, to search for significance and make his life count. So without anything lined up, he handed in his resignation (much to his boss’ surprise!) and returned to his childhood love: painting.
“Since I resigned in January 2014, I have spent several months painting, made it to the semi finals of the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with a painting of celebrated musician Jon Hume and coordinated a successful exhibition of reformed Bali 9 ringleader Myuran Sukumaran’s paintings in Melbourne with Ben Quilty and Julian McMahon. I also travelled a lot, meeting interesting people (including Myuran) and being creatively inspired.”
Aspects of Jon Hume
What immediately stands out when Demian reflects on his first year as a full-time artist is his collaboration with Myuran. Working as the exhibition and event manager for last year’s exhibit, Paintings from Kerobokan Prison – By Myuran Sukumaran, the experience was something Demian was originally hesitant to get involved in. “When I first got asked if I’d like to help run a show for this man on death row, who has been convicted and was guilty of trying to smuggle heroin, there was obviously a sense of hesitation. So I had to think about it. I started researching art rehabilitation, especially in respect to prisons, and I was blown away by what a worthwhile endeavour it was. So I quickly changed my mind and got involved.”
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s portrait by Myuran Sukumaran
For Demian, it also became apparent how amazing the effects of art rehabilitation had been on Myuran, getting to watch him work up close and personal in the Bali prison. “Before he was moved (to the execution site) he was running art therapy classes for the other inmates. He’s very motivated, focused on being productive, making himself useful and giving other people purpose. Then you add to that – and this is what really tipped it for me — his art is incredible. I’ve got a couple of his works on my walls.”
Looming Violet
Alongside managing Myuran’s exhibition, Demian is also in the midst of preparing for his own show, which will open on 12 June in a pop-up space at Mirvac’s soon-to-open Array development in Melbourne’s Docklands. “My upcoming show will be a culmination of two years’ hard work. Inspired by the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met, it will showcase a considerable amount of work.”
NYC
Specialising in landscapes and portraiture, Demian’s central focus is perspective and texture — he even encourages people to touch his paintings! Inspired by impressionist and post-impressionist artists, his body of work, at first glance, may not seem all that cohesive. “A comment from some people is that my work is quite diverse. But I guess for me, I paint cities because I live in the city and cities have had a really significant impact on me. However, for me the thing that is most memorable about the cities I’ve visited is the people I’ve met, so that’s where the relationship between my landscapes and portraiture comes in. And you’ll definitely see it in my show!”
People have always spoken highly of Bali for homewares shopping and I thought it would be worth a look. But to be honest, it was never too high on my radar due to all the speculation about Bali in the media. But let me tell you, it’s a lot safer than we’re made to believe and it’s well worth more than just a look. I’m considering making it an annual expedition!
I’m not sure if my level of excitement was due to fact I was finally going on a holiday or the sheer fact that I was an instant millionaire once I exchanged some money. But the range of homewares on offer far exceeded what I ever expected and the prices were just the icing on the cake!
I only had five days to relax by the pool drinking cocktails. Let’s be honest, I was there to shop and boy was I on a mission to fit everything in from my 10-page long itinerary! Instead of running around like a crazy person (like I did) trying to see every single décor piece Bali has to offer, I’ve compiled a ‘best of’ homewares shopping guide to Bali for you. But first, you will need somewhere to stay.
Bali Dyana Villas, Two Bedroom Villa
The place to be is Seminyak and we stayed at the Bali Dyana Villas which was in a great location. We could walk to loads of shops and restaurants and were only a 10-minute walk to the beach. Ok, now onto the important stuff, HOMEWARES! Most of the homewares stores in Seminyak are sort of grouped together which makes navigating between them a whole lot easier.
If you want to stay out of the hussle and bustle and a gated community is more your thing, then Nusa Dua is a good choice. It’s around half an hour’s drive from Seminyak. There’s not much shopping out there but you will certainly get the opportunity to relax. Totally off topic from homewares, but if you’re a foodie like me, you need to check out the buffet at the Mulia Hotel at Nusa Dua (it’s lifechanging).
Clockwise from top left: Kody & Co, Kody & Co, Hobo & White Peacock
Feather & Find has loads of homewares and fashion, they have a great selection of colourful cushion covers to liven up your space. Think neon painted buddha heads, modern art, painted bulls and colourful beanbags at Kody & Ko. I found out their gorgeous paintings aren’t in fact originals, but if you’re into replicas you can pick one up for a steal! Hobo is the brainchild of Anna Pretty who arrived in Bali in 2009. She has loads of interior design experience with bigwigs like Philippe Starck, Wedgewood, Tom Dixon, Zara Home and Habitat and decided to strike out on her own by opening her own homewares and furniture brand. It is well worth the visit and is reasonably priced with a great range. White Peacock stocks a range of fashion and homewares. Think pineapples, pillows, peacock chairs, boho and beach vibes.
Seminyak Markets, Feather and Find, Kody & Co, Hobo and White Peacock are all within walking distance of each other. While you’re here, I found the best markets to be the ones at Seminyak Square in the car park where you will be able to pick up an assortment of homewares and clothes on the cheap. There are also loads of cool clothing boutiques along the street like Natasha Gann.
Carga
Carga was hands down one of my favourite stores of the whole trip. You can’t bargain but the prices are very reasonable and still way cheaper than Australia for what’s on offer. Bathe delivers a lively collection of homewares and stylish accessories to complement their line of handmade paraffin and paraben-free soaps and daily bath/grooming products for men, women and children. Carga and Bathe are right near the W Hotel which has a gorgeous interior and also has some shops in it (it seems very overpriced though compared to everything else in Bali) but having a cocktail there by the beach is well worth it!!
Mercedi
There is a strong French feel at Mercredi, where you can pick up some gorgeous cushions and throws. Their brightly coloured bedspreads are to die for! If you are after souvenirs, Balinese knickknacks or multiple floors of other random goodies, visit Geneva, which is just down the road from Mercredi.
Ubud
If you’re into artsy crafty homemade wares, it’s well worth the day trip to Ubud. It is about an hour away from Seminyak. I found loads of cool stores on the way to Ubud on the side of the road. We hired a driver to take us for the day in a nice air conditioned van and whenever we saw something that caught our eye, he would pull over and yes, this was by far a super lazy way to shop but hey, it was effective I found so many of my favourite items this way! The street stalls have the biggest range of shells, wood, lights, lanterns and statues.
Once you get to Ubud, if shopping is your thing, you’re in for a real treat. The sheer volume of arts and crafts, clothing, unique housewares and antiques available here is truly mind-boggling (don’t forget to bargain)! You can find pretty much anything you can dream of along the streets and at the Sukawati markets. There is even a Sacred Monkey Forest and you can even see the good doctor Ketut Liyer from Eat Pray Love!
Kuta
To be perfectly honest, Kuta didn’t impress me at all. I found it wasn’t as nice and didn’t feel as safe as Seminyak or the other places we went to. But they do have a fabric warehouse which is well worth the look called Alta Moda. They have a huge range of materials over three floors, which are sourced from around the world. The decision is yours to make whether you just buy their material or to have their tailor whip something up for you.
My Bali haul
Don’t take much with you, especially if you’re at a villa with a maid as they do your washing daily (this will also leave you more room in your case for homewares). I sort of set myself a limit and said you can bring back whatever you like, just no shipping containers! Well, not for my first visit anyway…
If you do happen to buy big ticket items that are too bulky for your luggage, Sourcing Bali will take care of all of your shipping needs and they have personal shopping helpers who will assist with negotiations, product selections, order placement, and payment.
Anyone know of any Interiors Addict Anonymous groups I can sign up at? Have you been to Bali before? What were your favourite homewares stores?
Kathryn is our girl on the ground in Melbourne, you can follow her design adventures on Instagram @thedesignrookie
When people think of Darwin it’s often red dirt and crocs and some backwards living – some people (admit it) might not have even heard of the place. However in recent years Darwin is coming into its own, with a bustling city, waterfront precinct and youth bursting with fresh ideas and eyes for new opportunities. Darwin is no longer the ‘city up north’ but one to show itself on the map as a landmark city with a style of its own.
The design culture in Darwin is as diverse as its people. Our conditions are harsh (they don’t call it going troppo for nothing) and because of recent events the budget strings pull especially tight. But seeing these elements as a benefit, even an inspiration, is what drives the eclectic style I like to call ‘Darwinian’.
When Nikki Freeman and Sam Bailey left on a whirlwind mini-break to Indonesia they didn’t realise they would come home with a new and exciting plan. What started out as a “frantic” four-day trip to Bali to source homewares and unique products for their own home renovations, ended as a business trip, and the idea for Two Girls and a Container was born.
Friends for 12 years, Nikki and Sam combined their interior design, art and home renovation experience and launched their online store early this year, with a focus on unique, interesting and eco-friendly products. Although the fateful trip was their first together, Nikki and Sam have been travelling to Indonesia for years to source products for their own homes.
Nikki says she had often thought about how she could bring unique materials and homewares back home for other Australians. “I’ve spent a lot of time over the years thinking of how to turn it into a business.”
I love Melbourne accessories designer Michaela Menichelli’s beautiful bags and bought one of her clutches last year. I’m so excited that she’s just launched into homewares with a cushion range.
What’s more they’re produced ethically in Bali, supporting local craftspeople who carve each piece by hand (hard to believe isn’t it?) so no two are exactly the same. Michaela is keen to challenge the popularity of cheap, mass produced accessories and offer something different, hand crafted and fashion forward. They really are fashion for your home. My name’s on a white one!
