Tag: dalani

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Interiors Addict

The launch of The Home, Cleo photoshoot and a trip to Project 82

Wow, yesterday was a big one and I have the blisters to prove it. In the morning I visited Project 82 in Surry Hills, which is about to turn two! More on this later in the week but I thoroughly recommend a visit. They’re in Fitzroy Street (number 82, would you believe it?!). Then at lunchtime I was off to ACP in Park Street for a photoshoot for Cleo magazine. My story about how I took blogging full-time will be in the January issue (out in December). I had my hair and makeup done and it was lots of fun. Everyone was lovely and it wasn’t half as painful as I thought it would be. After all, I HATE having my photo taken! Then in the evening I stopped by the launch party for The Home (which used to be called Dalani) where it was great to catch up with Mr Jason Grant and hear all about his book, which is almost finished and out next year. THEN I met my girlfriends for dinner. PHEW. Today I’m just meeting my accountant…

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Interiors Addict

Friday online bargains!

Not that I’m suggesting any of my conscientious readers slack off at work on a Friday afternoon, but here is a little retail therapy for you in the homewares department!

First, Georg Jensen is having a three-day online sale. I’m seriously tempted by this award-winning Quack water jug at $69.95. It also comes in black.

Then check out the Kronbali sale at Dalani where you can pick up a juju feather hat on sale for as little as $120. But move quickly as some colours are already sold out.

Then there’s 20% off everything by Xavier & Me at Gallop Lifestyle but it ends at midnight TONIGHT. This indigo limited edition cushion is my pick.

And as a heads up, there’s a Pony Rider (one of my fave homewares brands) sale starting at Temple & Webster on Monday.

Don’t say I never give you anything and don’t accuse me of being a bad influence, I am simply helping you SAVE money! Jen x

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Interiors Addict

Dalani breakfast at Kitchen By Mike

Discount homewares and furniture site Dalani held a gorgeous breakfast for bloggers at the fabulous Kitchen by Mike earlier this week. We were blessed by sunshine, good company and great goodie bags! And did I mention how fantastic the food and coffee was? Thanks Dalani!

While I was there I had my first look around the amazing new Koskela showroom next door and a sneak peek at Megan Morton’s new Propery and soon-to-open Design School.

What a fabulous space all round for an interiors addict!

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Interiors Addict

Home Culture aims to have a personal touch for the everyday decorator

Today we share our interview with Kristina Thomas, founder and managing director of Home Culture, who says her brand is about more than just sales, it’s about showcasing the Aussie design community and appealing to time poor renovators and decorators who love a bargain.

What’s the story behind you setting up this business in Australia?

Creating Home Culture was inspired by many years of contemplating how I could combine my passion for everything related to the home (I mean everything, as I actually wanted to be an interior designer myself) and my love for finding a gem; that perfect piece at a great price.

My husband and I recently renovated an old Edwardian house (on a very limited budget) and experienced the challenge of shopping to furnish your home when you are time poor. Add a few kids in tow and convenience became a major factor.

Home Culture was also created to share my passion with others and raise awareness of some of the great brands and designers from Australia and internationally. When I saw the success of online companies overseas such as One King’s Lane in the US, I got really excited as this provided proof of concept in a way.

Essentially, I decided to be bold and convinced my husband to put some of our savings into creating what is now Home Culture; a meeting place for the likeminded where you can get that gem, at up to 70% off. Although there is still plenty of work to be done, I am delighted with the result and overwhelmed with the interest and the support. With over 3,500 people interacting with us daily on Facebook and a rapidly growing database of customers, it is an exciting time.

How would you sum up your site and its offering?

Home Culture aims to provide three major offerings:

  • A positive, interactive and informative experience for the customer;

  • A launching pad for young designers, decorators, stylists and brands;

  • And a marketing opportunity for the more established brands and interior designers, decorators and stylists.

I see Home Culture as a marketing platform for the decoration, design, home and giftware fields, rather than a clearance site that is dependent on pushing through large volumes of stock. As an example, we are currently featuring a new Melbourne-based business called Your Table Matters and our aim is to showcase the products (in this case pure linen table dressing) and raise awareness of a great local brand selling beautiful products. Unlike fashion, homeware, furniture and giftware brands are often not household names and we want to challenge this.

There are now three similar players in the market. Why are you the best/different?

Home Culture has very specific motivations to be a down to earth, personal and informative experience to appeal to everyone who has an interest in home décor and design. This translates in what we do and how we do it, for example:

  • Each item that is featured on Home Culture has been personally selected.

  • Our blog features top tips from interiors designers that include Greg Natale, Darren Palmer and Diane Bergeron on how to make your house beautiful.

  • We have a daily conversation with our members on Facebook about what is new in the field, what is hot and not so hot!

  • We have a ‘Refurbish Friday’ where we focus on one area of the house that might be in need of a revamp and how to tackle it.

  • And more recently we have started a Sunday Secret Sale where every Sunday we have one item for one day only offered at a steal price.

Home Culture has the customers, brands, designers, decorators and stylists at the centre, rather than the sales alone. It’s time that designers, decorators, stylists and homeware and furniture brands get some time in the spotlight. Look at how fashion designers, models and chefs have been embraced and recognised for their work (think of the craze called Masterchef).

Do you think there is space in the market for three websites like this?

Home Culture has already carved out a significant following and the level of engagement continues to grow. I believe there is a place for each of us if each party is offering something different and unique.

Do you think this is something the Australian consumer has been waiting for?

I believe so. I personally would have loved to be able to access little gems at up to 70% off online when I was renovating my house. More and more people are now comfortable buying on line and realising that it is convenient, fun and offers great savings. We have been operation for just about one month now and the interest received from the public has been strong with over 3,500 interacting with us on Facebook and thousands of members and growing everyday, there is clearly an interest out there.

What are your plans for the site in the next 6 months?

Over the next few months, we will build on what we have created so far, which involves offering more products at great prices but also engaging with the design community to allow our members to benefit not only from great prices but also to be inspired by what they see. It is an exciting time for Home Culture. So stay tuned and join our daily chat on Facebook and Twitter!

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Interiors Addict

Dalani claims to be the first, the biggest and with the best online magazine

Yesterday we talked about the three new Australian homewares sales sites offering you massive discounts on great brands. First up we spoke to Temple & Webster and today we share our interview with Dalani. Tomorrow you can read all about the third option, Home Culture.

What’s the story behind you setting up this business in Australia?

Dalani was founded by Delia Fischer, former editor of Germany’s Elle Decoration – the world’s best-selling interiors magazine. Delia’s objective was to create a sophisticated, inspirational shopping environment with a carefully curated selection of products. The result was Dalani, which has evolved into a portal to inspirational shopping across many continents. Dalani Australia is bringing this concept of enjoyable event shopping to the Australian market, with a website and magazine completely tailored to the Australian homemaker’s unique tastes. Our mission here is to make decorating a joyful experience.

How would you sum up your site and its offering?

Dalani offers a members-only shopping club and inspirational home and living magazine. We offer high-end homewares at 35-70% off. We sell everything from established, premium labels, to up-and-coming boutique brands. There is no limit to the diversity of products we offer – the only prerequisites are style, quality and taste. We offer everything from linen and tableware, to furniture, gourmet foods and designer baby shoes. Our online magazine provides inspiration and guidance on design and decoration. It has all the benefits of a print magazine and more, with interactive content, interviews and behind-the-scenes exclusives.

There are now three similar players in the market. Why are you the best/different?

In comparison to our competitors, we have a far greater volume of sales and products to choose from, we have an experienced team with a proven track record, we have staff dedicated to excellent customer service, and we have a beautiful, free online magazine for our members.

One major point of difference is that we were the first to open shop on Australian shores. Our first day live was Oct 24, with many months of planning and preparation beforehand. Dalani has been tried and tested overseas, and proven to be vastly popular with consumers – we are a professional operation meaning there are no hiccups for consumers.

As we are backed by a large, innovative company, we have strong buying power. Unlike other websites, we have many different sales running concurrently. While today (9 December 2011) Temple & Webster currently has four sales live and Home Culture three, we have 12 (a number set to grow). This means a wider range of options for consumers. With a constant flow of varied sales, our members can rely on us as their premium home and lifestyle resource.

Our magazine is unique. While other platforms offer blogs and forums, what we’re doing takes it to the next level; bringing the shopping environment together with an inspiring, quality publication. It’s not just an online store. We have an experienced editorial team, and a high-profile creative director. While the other platforms upload one or two posts per week, we have a minimum of five. We offer expert advice, book reviews, designer tips and exclusive features for our readers. We have a steady flow of expert contributors on board with Dalani, from designers, to authors, stylists and celebrity chefs. We are delivering high quality, creative content.

We also offer customers fantastic after-sales service, including beautiful packaging and easy returns. For Dalani, it’s about making shopping easy, fun and inspiring, saving consumers time, energy and money.

Do you think there is space in the market for three websites like this?

Absolutely. The fact that three new sites have launched just reinforces the fact that there was a hole in the Australian market. Dalani’s success overseas proves that event shopping is the way of the future, and Australia is latching on fast. While online shopping has become the norm for fashion and electronics, the format of a shopping club is brand new to the lifestyle arena. It’s the next logical step in retail, as we move away from the traditional experience of shopping, towards something more diverse, practical and convenient.

Besides, there’s no harm in healthy competition. Each website will evolve differently.

Do you think this is something the Australian consumer has been waiting for?

It is! Australian consumers have grown tired of trawling through hundreds, and often thousands of products, on traditional shopping websites. While sites like Asos have been a revolution for retail, the ‘shopping club’ takes the work out of shopping. Dalani is clean, simple and easy to navigate, with products that have been specially curated for our target market. With print media trending down and magazine readerships dwindling, the online magazine is welcome news to consumers. By pairing the two platforms together we are working in synergy with the Australian consumer’s changing needs.

What are your plans for the site in the next 6 months?

In six months’ time we will have more market-leading brands on board. Our magazine will be a well established style guide for consumers. We will have regular exclusives with unique designers, chefs, and other dominant personalities from the lifestyle world. We are also looking to increase member interactivity and make the whole experience a lot of fun for Dalani members.

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Interiors Addict

Dalani, Temple & Webster and Home Culture go head to head in battle of the online members-only homewares sale sites

Within a few days at the end of October, three members-only websites (Dalani, Home Culture and Temple & Webster) launched in Australia, offering high end homewares brands at up 70% off. They all announce new sales throughout the week.

It’s a new phenomenon for the Australian market and one that seems to be proving very popular with all three sites reporting growing memberships and sales. But is there room for three sites offering the same kind of thing?

Interiors Addict gave all three of them the chance to explain what they offer and why they stand out from the crowd. First up, we spoke to Victoria Baker, editor at Temple & Webster. She’s excited they’ll be selling authentic Eames chairs on the site next week and says there are lots of exciting plans just around the corner.


What’s the story behind you setting up this business in Australia?

That’s easy, we’re all Australian, so really it was the logical choice for us!

 

How would you sum up your site and its offering?

Temple & Webster is all about the home. Our aim is to inspire everyone to create beautiful spaces in their home with the best of Australian and international design, at significantly reduced prices compared to regular retail.

We provide our members with access to beautifully presented collections of authentic designer furniture, homewares, kitchenware, tableware, linen, art, decor, gifts and more from both well-known and up-and-coming Australian and international designers – all at up to 70% off RRP.

Under the banner of T&W Style Compass we also regularly feature hand-picked curated collections from leading design commentators, interior designers, stylists and the designers themselves – the first is a collection by David Heimann of Orson & Blake and we’ve already got a jam-packed schedule for 2012.

 

There are now three similar players in the market (Dalani, Home Culture and Temple & Webster). Why are you the best/different?

Ultimately it is the customer who decides who is best for them. That’s why we treat our customers like our best friends. We take care of every member as though they are a VIP (which they are!), whether they’re just browsing, or spending $5 or $5,000, the service and support they receive from Temple & Webster is always first class. We take the exactly the same approach with our suppliers as well.

Our fantastic team is completely dedicated to making the Temple & Webster experience the best we can for our members.  Everyone is involved in every aspect of our sales events, from production right through to packing boxes, and this means we’re incredibly responsive to the needs of our members.  

It’s this commitment to the highest quality service combined with our years of experience and our longstanding connections in the industry that allows Temple & Webster to present a range of products (and people) at amazing prices like no other brand can. We can’t wait for our Living Edge sale next week, featuring an authentic Eames lounge chair and ottoman!

 

Do you think there is space in the market for three websites like this?

Absolutely. And we expect to see even more entrants into this category. Healthy competition in this space is good for everyone, it drives innovation in all areas of the shopping experience from browsing, through to purchase, delivery and beyond.

 

Do you think this is something the Australian consumer has been waiting for?

Yes!  We’re amazed at how fast our membership is growing and we’ve had overwhelmingly positive responses to our sales events. Australians are tech savvy and smart about savings, so they have embraced online shopping wholeheartedly.  We’re offering an elegant, beautiful way to shop online for the home, at great prices.  That’s been a long time coming.

 

What are your plans for the site in the next 6 months?

You’ll have to wait and see! We’ve got something new planned in just about every area of the Temple & Webster experience. Let’s just say we can’t wait to get our new features in front of our members – and we’re not just talking about our website either… It’s such an exciting time and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge.  Of course we’ll continue to focus on sourcing great products at amazing prices and providing first-class service because that is the very essence of what we do.

Tomorrow, read what Dalani had to say…

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Interiors Addict

Now you all know Interiors Addict loves a bargain and new homewares site Dalani is pretty exciting i

Now you all know Interiors Addict loves a bargain and new homewares site Dalani is pretty exciting in that respect. This week I bought an awesome set of Murchison-Hume cleaning products (I’m a sucker for the pretty packaging, the lovely smell and the smug feeling I get from not using harsh chemicals, plus they actually work!) for almost half price. This stuff usually costs me a small fortune. Dalani is a new concept in online shopping, offering high end homewares brands at up to 70% off. I strongly suggest you sign up today to be kept up to date with their latest offers, which change every few days.

(That Murchison-Hume offer was so good it’s since sold out, but there’s a different Murchison-Hume set still available, as well as the cool slate noticeboard (pictured) place mats and serving tray from Heaven in Earth.)

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Interiors Addict

Did you know not one but TWO new online homewares stores have launched in Australia in the last coup

Did you know not one but TWO new online homewares stores have launched in Australia in the last couple of weeks? Check out Dalani and Homeculture for up to 70% off top brands.