Tag: fabric

Serena Dugan textiles and wallpaper now available in Australia

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 16, 2022
No Comments on Serena Dugan textiles and wallpaper now available in Australia

Serena Dugan Studio textiles and wallpaper

With almost one million Instagram followers, there’s obviously something very appealing about the aesthetic of California based artist and textile designer Serena Dugan of home and lifestyle brand Serena & Lily. It’s something that the designer capitalised on when she launched her eponymous collection Serena Dugan Studio in the US in 2020 and Australian fans can now access it too. Available in Sydney and Melbourne through Tigger Hall Design, the textile and wallpaper range has a bit of a globetrotting vibe with inspiration drawn from exotic locations across the world.

“When painting, I explore the themes of shape, rhythm, and colour relationships. My textiles further these ideas by translating them into pattern form. Print, through fabrics and wall coverings, offers impact to a space that’s indelible and mood-altering. Given my background in art, design, interiors, and psychology, I find this allure irresistible,” says Serena Dugan.

An extension of Serena’s work as an artist and painter, the Serena Dugan Studio collection includes 13 fabric patterns available in multiple colour ways as well as a large wallpaper collection available in paper and grass cloth.

Serena Dugan studio fabric — Serena Dugan Studio ‘Veneto’ fabric

“When envisioning the first textile collection under my own studio, I gathered imagery that inspired me, without bias or intention. It was a new exercise for me; without a defined brand to design into, customers to please, or a business to drive, what was I compelled by?” says Serena.

Serena draws inspiration from her travels and other cultures and ideas with designs such as ‘Capri,’ ‘Cassis’ and ‘Bahia’ in the mix with new collection of block printed Indian-inspired fabrics being added this year too.

Serena Dugan Studio wallpaper — Serena Dugan Studio ‘Bahia’ wallpaper

Serena’s ‘Sumba’ print Sumba draws inspiration from traditional Balinese matchstick shades, wanting to be linear, but always appearing slightly imperfect. “To capture this look, I created a chevron pattern that borrows these qualities, while incorporating a bit of the matchstick,” says Serena.

“Capri was inspired by an Italian mid-century botanical sketch, which I have kept in my inspiration file for many years. The sketch captured the vibrancy and musicality of Italy. My take is modern but feminine, with a strong rhythm and emphasis on shape, honouring both its inspiration and the Italian town for which it’s named,” says Serena of the bold design that would look fabulous as an accent cushion on a couch.

'Capri' in Prussian Blue — ‘Capri’ in Prussian Blue

Shop Serena Dugan Studio

Australian hand-drawn textiles inspired by nature & Picasso

“I love being in the outdoors, and I think that interiors need to feel connected to the outside world, so I want…

Tags design, fabric, interior design, interiors, interios, Serena & Lily, Serena Dugan Studio, wallpaper

Design

Florence Broadhurst fabric finally available online

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 12, 2019
No Comments on Florence Broadhurst fabric finally available online

Sponsored by Florence Broadhurst Fabrics

Is there any Australian more deserving of the term textile design icon than Florence Broadhurst? I’d suggest not. Amazingly ahead of her time, the late Florence’s designs are as popular as ever–both here and overseas–but for the first time ever, her fabrics are now available directly to the consumer. And what’s more, online!

Her extensive library of some 500 textile and wallpaper designs has been in the hands of numerous licensees since her mysterious murder in 1977. Now Florence Broadhurst Fabrics have carefully curated 20 of the best, both well known like Japanese Floral and Cockatoos, and previously unseen (how exciting!) for their launch to the public.

Recovered IKEA pouffe in Japanese Floral by Claudia Chan Shaw and velvet cushion and curtain in Japanese Bamboo by Richelle Langdon of Oliver Myles Interiors

Whether for upholstery, soft furnishings or sewing projects, you can now order the designs on your choice of base cloths and colour ways. They’ve all been brought right up to date through colour and cutting edge digital printing expertise. And if you’re not sure, you can order large samples online and have a play at home.

Acoustic art by yours truly in Halftone Clouds

I’d heard of Florence Broadhurst before I moved here from the UK 11 years ago but actually had no idea that she was Australian until I became a Sydneysider and started learning more about design! Her designs are so incredibly well known and loved by people of all ages. So it was a real honour to be asked to take part in a campaign to celebrate the launch of ‘FloBro’ to the masses! Myself and six other women in design were asked to take our pick from 20 designs and 187 colour ways and decide what to make with them.

Room divider in Stained Glass by Little Red Industries and tablecloth in Innocence by Jessi Eve Interiors

C laudia Chan Shaw; Natasha Dickins (Little Red Industries); Jessi Eve (Jessi Eve Interiors); Richelle Langdon (Oliver Myles Interiors); Georgie Leckey (Heatherly Design) and Kate Malfroy (Rapt Upholstery) also chose fabrics to transform into beautiful upholstery and home decor, as show in these images. Jessi pulled everything everything together with her magical styling powers to create such a beautiful showcase.

All these items could be yours, as they’re being auctioned on eBay from Thursday (13 June 2019, which happens to be Sewing Machine Day!) for a week to raise money for The Beauty Bank. Everything starts at 99cents so make sure you check it out online. The Beauty Bank is a fantastic charity that provides essential toiletries and small gifts to those who have fled domestic violence or other hardship; the little luxuries we all often take for granted.

Tags Ebay auction, fabric, flobro, florence broadhurst, florence broadhurst fabrics, halftone clouds, innocence, Japanese bamboo, japanese floral, textiles

Designers Expert Tips Homewares Styling

Get expert advice at Designers Guild next month

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 29, 2018
No Comments on Get expert advice at Designers Guild next month

Australian hand-drawn textiles inspired by nature & Picasso

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 28, 2017
1 Comment on Australian hand-drawn textiles inspired by nature & Picasso

“I love being in the outdoors, and I think that interiors need to feel connected to the outside world, so I want to bring nature in,” says Studio Onethirty designer Sarah Kalidis of her bold, organic aesthetic. An interior designer by trade, Sarah worked in the design industry for a decade before the birth of her daughter prompted a change in career direction.

“I have always been interested in drawing and textural elements, and I have a love for all things handmade. After having my little girl in 2015, I decided to follow my creative passion and turn my love of design into a range of textiles, homewares and furniture, all made in Australia,” says Sarah who cites Modernist design and Picasso as strong influences. “I have always loved the free and expressive work of Pablo Picasso, and he has certainly influenced this current collection with the likes of Maya, Paloma and Claude.”

‘Alpha 03’ stool upholstered in ‘Paloma’ fabric, inspired by Picasso

Sydney-based, Sarah’s current (and debut!) collection was created during the spring of 2016. “Summer was just in sight. I spent many days immersed in the sunshine and the outdoors – nature’s beautiful colours certainly influenced my paintings and drawings. The warmer months are all about freeness and rebirth, with bright colours adorning the natural landscape and fashion too!” says Sarah.

With respect to her design process, Sarah gets right back to basics before conceptualising each piece. “Each one of my textile designs are based on my original drawings. I love watching the transition from pencil to paper, through to upholstery fabric for furniture,” says Sarah.

All of Sarah’s designs start as hand-drawn illustrations

The designer’s furniture pieces are strongly influenced by mid-century design, the Alpha Terrazzo furniture range a highlight. “It’s a unique range of concrete furniture that can be customised to suit many applications. I have a lot of fun sourcing the beautiful marble and limestone that is used for the extra-large aggregate, and each piece is a one-off beauty!”

“I have a few other favourite pieces. The Katse Bench, which is beautifully crafted out of American Walnut and paired with Maya seat cushions, is such a fun piece and is influenced by mid-century design and some of my favourite colours. Its name ‘Katse’ means sit in Greek, which is perfect!” says Sarah.

Shop online

Tags australian made, colour, cushions, design, fabric, furniture, homewares, sarah kalidis, studio onethirty, sydney, textiles

Interviews

Thrifty find: Heavily discounted European designer fabrics

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 24, 2017
No Comments on Thrifty find: Heavily discounted European designer fabrics

With forty years in the textile and upholstery trades, Portuguese born husband and wife team Carlos and Fernanda Rodrigues certainly know how to spot a quality fabric. “An upholsterer by trade, I was fortunate enough to work with the best antique dealers in Australia including Country Trader,” says Carlos who recently hatched a plant to bring high-end European fabrics direct to the consumer at heavily reduced prices, through his new business Provincial Fabric House.

“Basically, through my years in the industry and my contacts I’m able to source high-end fabrics that are discounted due to over-production or simply because they are end-of run,” says Carlos of the fabrics he sources from European mills, some of which have been in operation for over 200 years. “These mills have been making fabrics for French royalty and have evolved into very modern mills that meet a variety of demands for a global customer base. Rather than just supplying Europe, due to online, they’re now supplying markets all around the world constantly,” says Carlos of the mills based in France, Spain, Portugal and Germany.

But just what is the saving? “Well for example, you might purchase a fine quality Spanish linen through an interior designer for $200-$275 per metre but we are able to retail it directly to the consumer for $55 per metre,” says Carlos of the range that includes humble ticking right through to lush velvets and damask.

Carlos’ fabric knowledge is obviously extensive, as evidenced by his contracts with Sydney heritage properties Kirribilli House and Vaucluse House. Basically, he’s the go-to for both properties when they have a textile dilemma or something needs replacing. And it’s this knowledge that serves his customers well as he’s on hand to recommend how a fabric will work in different applications. “Through years of experience we know how a fabric will hang as a curtain, how it will work on an ottoman and we can make recommendations accordingly,” says Carlos whose Bowral-based workshop makes curtains and cushions to order too.

With no minimum purchase, customers can also request samples online. “The European product is superior – once people touch it and receive their fabric in the mail that’s when you can tell the difference. The Chinese fabrics are cheap but the quality is not there,” says Carlos.

Photography: Antonio Mendes (shot on location at Centennial Vineyards)

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Tags curtains, cushions, european fabric, fabric, Provincial Fabric House, textiles, upholstery

Designers Homewares

The history of decorating with Marimekko

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 8, 2015
1 Comment on The history of decorating with Marimekko

By Julie-Ann Bigava

The name Marimekko has been synonymous with striking fabrics since 1949. Viljo Ratia and his wife Armi Ratia founded Printex, a small textile printing company in Helsinki, Finland. A woman of vision, Armi saw a big future for quality textiles and bold designs. She commissioned promising young artists to produce bold, colourful and hard-wearing fabrics for Printex.

In the 1950s, the bold prints were much admired but people did not quite know how to use them. They were too ‘out there’. The colours and designs were quite radical for the times but Armi was undaunted: the company staged a fashion show, with clothes designed by a well-known designer using the unusual fabrics.

Everything sold. On the day. And that was the start of Marimekko.

Be bold!

Marimekko fabrics are perfect for soft furnishings, particularly curtains. Made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen, they are hard-wearing and easy to launder with a little care.

We love the story of how the Lokki design came about as the artist observed the broad folds in a curtain drawn across a sunlit window, with the shadow-lines resembling waves on the water. This has become one of Marimekko’s best-known designs. Below is an example of curtains made out of Lokki fabric.

Scandinavian design is known for its clean, fresh, minimal lines. It is often abstract but always warm and inviting, never cold. The bright colours inspired by the outdoors and nature make any room feel homely and welcoming. Table linen, bed linen and big soft cushions of all sizes can transform the look and feel of any room with a minimum of effort.

Marimekko designs don’t stop at fabrics. There is also a range of crockery and tableware with typically vivid designs. The Siirtolapuutarha print is used here on mugs and bowls as well as on fabrics. It depicts the abundance of an urban garden.

Marimekko fabrics are famous for their durability and extra wide widths, hence the fabrics functionality can be extended to home decor projects for your home that are prone to wear and tear. For example, have a look the irresistible bunch below…

The top cover is in the well known Unikko red. This classic was created in 1964, after Marimekko founder Armi publicly proclaimed a ban on flowers in Marimekko prints. Artist Maija Isola defied the order and designed a whole collection of floral patterns that were so fresh and unique that Armi ended up taking eight of them (thank goodness Maija was a rebel!). One of those Armi accepted was Unikko, the future icon of icons, now in several delightful, new shades.

Creations are not limited to curtains, cushions and table linen. Let your imagination run!

— Julie-Ann is the owner of Yulki’s Home Décor, the go-to place for fabrics, ideas, inspiration or to indulge your love for great design.

Tags armi ratia, bed linen, cushions, decorating, design, fabric, homewares, marimekko, soft furnishings, table linen, Viljo Ratia

Expert Tips Furniture

Leather or fabric sofa: how to choose which is best for you

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 22, 2015
2 Comments on Leather or fabric sofa: how to choose which is best for you

Leather or fabric, which sofa are you?

Think about how much time you and your family (and pets) spend lounging in the living room. At least a couple of hours every day – so that’s a lot of couch time! Needless to say, buying a sofa is a big decision and definitely not something you want to get wrong.

Usually your space will dictate the size and configuration you choose – for example, one three-seater plus two armchairs, or one large sectional taking up a whole corner. And your personal taste will determine whether you’re partial to a traditional tufted Chesterfield or a more contemporary, clean-lined style.

But the biggest dilemma for most people is deciding on the upholstery. So many of us dream of a particular look but forgo that for “something practical” instead. But there’s no need to compromise. Pottery Barn is here to dispel a few common myths about fabric and leather sofas:

Myth 1. Leather is a no-go for homes with kids and pets

This is such a fallacy! Yes it’s luxurious, but great-quality leather is also family-friendly and very forgiving – in fact it’s one of the few materials that keeps getting better looking with wear and age. Each subtle scuff, scratch and burnish mark only adds to its character, creating a patina that’s beautiful and unique. Look for leather sofas that are aniline-dyed, meaning their rich colour carries through and through.

Myth 2. White or light-coloured fabrics are impossible to keep clean

One word: Slipcovered. Many sofa slipcovers are washable in your home washing machine. So, like your favourite white shirt, the white sofa of your dreams is not only achievable, it’s a classic that is sure to be well-loved and lived in for many years to come. The secret to keeping your cover looking great after a wash is to fit it back on the sofa it while it’s still a little bit damp, and let it dry thoroughly to shape.

Myth 3. Leather will feel too “cold” and unapproachable in my casual, cosy room

Everybody dreams of a sofa they can sink into, one that envelops them like a warm hug. Don’t overlook leather for possessing this charm. Just like a beautiful designer handbag, a great quality leather sofa gets more buttery and beautiful every day. Burnished for a smooth, polished look and feel, each piece becomes softer and softer over time. And when you’re talking about shades of decadent chocolaty browns or delicious honeyed tans, the leather effect is irresistible.

Myth 4. Upholstered fabrics are too delicate for a family lifestyle

This might be true for some fabrics, sure. For example, sofas upholstered in fine silk blends or luxurious pure linen are best left to formal sitting rooms and less regular use. But there are plenty of fabrics especially designed to stand up to the rigours of real life.

The ultimate lesson here is to buy once, buy well, and choose what you truly love – and you’ll love it every day for so many years to come.

–See more Pottery Barn sofas here or contact one of their design specialists for free one-on-one advice about the perfect sofa for your family.

Tags couch, fabric, furniture, interiors, leather, living room, lounge, modular, pottery barn, sofa, three seater, two-seater

Designers Homewares

Walter G: two friends turning their grief into beautiful textiles

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 31, 2015
No Comments on Walter G: two friends turning their grief into beautiful textiles

After experiencing the sad passing of their grandfathers at the same time, Genevieve Fennel and Lauren Bennett decided to leave the jobs they hated and start following their passion.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Genevieve and Lauren

Both adoring textiles and with a stint in India under their belts, the best friends decided to launch textile business Walter G, a nod to their late grandfathers, Walter and George.

Fusing together the traditional art of hand block printing and natural dying with contemporary designs, Walter G offers a range of fabrics, cushions, table linen, lighting, aprons and tea towels that are timeless and relaxed. “Walter G’s range of artisanal textiles channel the relaxed vibe of coastal living, through pattern, fresh colour, texture and nostalgia. Timeless in both design and palette, they are designed to be mixed and matched to elevate an interior with both style and comfort.”

Using a majority of natural fabrics like linens and hand-woven cottons, all their products are 100% hand block printed, using either natural or environmentally friendly dyes and pigments; something the girls are very passionate about. “This is the kind of stuff that we love to put in our own homes – rustic, cosy, natural and pattern packed. There is just something about things that are made by hand, once you get accustomed to them, you can never go back to factory made.”

Their latest range Made in Japan, which is being launched during today’s Life Instyle, takes the rustic, cosy and natural feel the girls love so much and injects into it a Japanese-inspired edge. “We took a lot of inspiration from traditional Japanese kimono designs that we found in old Japanese woodblock paintings as well as old pieces of kimono fabrics that we have collected over the years. We have used a really rustic, neutral palette with a few hints of fresh citrus for summer. We are a little obsessed with citrus and grey/taupe at the moment. And of course our staple, indigo — the king of all colours. We have specifically made our table linen range quite indigo-heavy as they just wash out so beautifully, like an old pair of jeans!”

Photography by Nikki To

Shop online.

Tags aprons, coastal living, cushions, fabric, Genevieve Fennel, homewares, Lauren Bennett, lighting, table linen, tea towels, textiles, walter g

Homewares Styling

Tim Neve’s fabric, wallpaper and cushion range for Sparkk

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 29, 2015
No Comments on Tim Neve’s fabric, wallpaper and cushion range for Sparkk

Taking inspiration from what he knows best, beach-loving stylist Tim Neve has released a debut fabric, wallpaper and cushion collection in collaboration with renowned Sydney design studio Sparkk.

Featuring 11 coastal-inspired patterns across 30 colourways, inspiration came from Tim’s favourite styling props: sea-worn ropes and nets, vintage maps and nautical signal flags.

From the on-trend geometric motifs of Alpha Delta to the watercolour hues of Mermania, the designs mix traditional hand drawings with vintage illustrations and computer-generated patterns.

Colour is also not forgotten, with serene nautical blues, deep indigos and watery aquas juxtaposed against sizzling sunshine tones, the perfect backdrop as we head into spring and summer.

The wallpapers and fabrics collection is available at Sparkk and the cushion collection at Sparkk Shop and Tim Neve Shop.

Tags Alpha Delta, coastal, coastal decorating, coastal theme, cushion, fabric, Mermania, nautical, sparkk, sparkk shop, styling, stylist, tim neve, tim neve shop, wallpaper

Furniture Homewares

Missoni Home’s exclusive collection for leading boutique Amara

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 15, 2015
No Comments on Missoni Home’s exclusive collection for leading boutique Amara

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, leading international online boutique Amara have launched an exclusive range of products by Missoni Home.

The Missoni Home for Amara collection consists of poufs and cushions in fabrics from the Missoni Home archive. Each fabric has been selected especially for Amara and will add a greater depth to the already extensive selection of Missoni Home products they stock. “Missoni Home is a firm favourite of Amara’s,” explains Amara’s creative director Sam Hood. “We have a fabulous relationship with the brand so it seemed like a natural move to produce an exclusive selection with them. When better to launch than the year of our milestone!”

Each design takes inspiration from the natural surroundings, such as the varied Italian landscape and gardens. The much loved flower motifs, Passiflora and Kandahar, also take new shape as poufs, alongside the striped Reno and jewel motif Rouen, both new introductions for 2015.

The focus for the cushions is texture, from the delicate sheer fabrics Masal and Paramount, to the knitted Ridley and Rocco in signature monochrome and multicolour tones. Also included is a limited edition cushion Roxas, designed especially for Amara, which features a beautiful and refined print.

The Missoni Home for Amara range also includes three exclusively designed beach bags. Each has been made using towelling fabric from Missoni Home’s existing collection of iconic zig zag prints. Perfect for all beach essentials, these lined bags are large enough to fit everything you may need for a fun-filled day.

Shop online.

Tags Amara, cushions, design, fabric, home, homewares, interiors, missoni, missoni home, Missoni Home for Amara, poufs, sam hood, textiles

Homewares

Online shopping fix: Tkozi

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 29, 2015
No Comments on Online shopping fix: Tkozi

Selling a mixture of vintage products, as well as wares she has designed herself, Zona Butt’s e-boutique Tkozi is an amalgamation of the traditional and rich culture of her homeland of Pakistan and the modern and diverse culture of Australia.

The result is an eclectic range of timeless products, which as a rule are all one-offs. “I mainly do one-offs to preserve the integrity of the design,” explains Zona. “I somehow think mass producing my designs would be cheating on them. So even if they are similar products they won’t be exactly the same and will always have their own personality and character.”

Inspired by her mother Fozi, whose nickname is Tkozi, she was the woman who taught Zona how important a good tea cozy was in making a common evening tea that much more memorable. Taking that idea, Zona hopes to source and create products that don’t just make your house look pretty, but enrich your home and life with an age-old history, a spirit and a rich culture.

Shop online.

Tags cushions, design, fabric, handmade, homewares, interiors, one-offs, pakistan, tkozi, vintage, vintage homewares, zona butt

Furniture Homewares

Beautiful textiles inspired by the nomadic tribes of Africa

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 28, 2015
2 Comments on Beautiful textiles inspired by the nomadic tribes of Africa

Inspired by the diverse cultures of Africa, Mokum’s latest luxury textiles collection, Nomad, reflects its love of indigenous cultures and nomadic tribes.

With a range of upholstery and drapery fabrics, the collection mixes plush chenille, bold patterned jacquards, subtle earthy linen blends and sophisticated jute embroidery.

The namesake of the collection, Nomad, is a graphic motif woven in a faux needle point construction. Fully reversible, it is incredibly flexible.

The collection also includes Berba, a heavy weight chenille jacquard fabric; Kuba Velvet, which pays homage to traditional Kuba cloths; Madagascar, a glamorous chevron; Tribe, a dramatic and practical statement upholstery; and Zebra, a modern take on the perennial Zebra skin.

The Nomad collection invites you to take a global journey via its sophisticated textiles, woven by the finest mills from around the world.

For more information.

Tags design, drapery, fabric, interiors, mokum, nomad, textiles, upholstery

Homewares

Utopia Goods’ annual pop-up Sydney sale not to be missed

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 1, 2015
No Comments on Utopia Goods’ annual pop-up Sydney sale not to be missed

For those of you who are just too impatient to wait for the postman (that has to be the worst thing about online shopping, right?!), you can now pop into Utopia Goods’ temporary store in Sydney’s Bondi Junction.

And what’s even better, from 3 to 16 May, their handcrafted homewares will be on sale, with 20-to-50% off all stock, including limited edition fabrics, cushions, bed linen, tableware and accessories.

The pop-up store will also allow local fans the opportunity to snap up Utopia Goods’ signature hand-illustrated prints, referencing Australia’s native bush flora and fauna in their full technicolour glory. Some of the best buys of the sale will be the contemporary Crimson Rosella printed quilts in 100% cotton — with a co-ordinating Vermicular Squiggle on the flip side — for $190 each and the languorous Laughing Kookaburra print splayed across a range of duvets, sheets sets and pillowcases in a rhapsody of rainbow hues (available in single, queen and king sizes) from $110.

Also available are tablet cases in Mountain Fern and Flannel Heath (perfect gift material) and kaleidoscope coloured makeup pouches and backpacks (ideal for shaking up the usual pallor-palette of weekender luggage), all at 50% off original prices.

The pop-up store, at 240 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, is open until 16 May. Opening times are 9.30am-to-5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am-to-4pm Saturday and 11am-to-3pm Sunday.

For more information.

Tags bed linen, bondi junction, cushions, fabric, handcrafted homewares, handmade, homewares, pop-up sale, sale, sydney, sydney sale, tableware, textiles, utopia goods

Homewares

Ink & Spindle’s new range inspired by native Australiana, with a twist!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 15, 2015
No Comments on Ink & Spindle’s new range inspired by native Australiana, with a twist!

This season, Melbourne textiles studio Ink & Spindle have not only introduced a new product range but a whole new colour palette.

With the new colour palette still reflecting their love of native Australiana — but with a twist — the hues are fresh and bright, inspired by the likes of the blush pink Murray River salt, the bluestone of Melbourne’s lane ways and the yellow of a cockatoo’s feathers.

With a range of readymade homewares on offer, they have created both new cushions ($77) and a new large floor cushion design ($140), available to purchase alongside other homewares direct from their online store. However, for those who prefer more of a DIY route, their prints are also available to purchase by the metre.

All Ink & Spindle textiles feature original designs, hand printed in their studio in Kensington, Melbourne using only sustainable and fair trade natural base cloths and inks that are water-based and solvent-free. All readymade products are handmade either by the Ink & Spindle team or by local makers.

Shop Online.

Tags australiana, design, fabric, homewares, ink & spindle, interiors, readymade homewares, textiles, textiles studio

Designers Homewares

New monochrome geometric fabric from Kingdom Home

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date February 18, 2015
2 Comments on New monochrome geometric fabric from Kingdom Home

Kingdom Home’s latest fabric collection Mono Geo celebrates the interaction between black and white and shadow and light.

Almost like optical illusions, the geometric, commercially graded fabric collection comes in eight patterns. Highlights include Palazzo which is a modern geometric design inspired by Italian mosaic art and sculptural designs and Oslo, which is influenced by the tones and shades of pale grey, crisp white and dramatic black found in the Norwegian winter landscape. Each design is sophisticated and unique.

Mono Geo is digital sublimation printed on high performance fire rated contract fabric and is flexible in application.

For more information.

Tags black and white, digital sublimation, dye sublimation, fabric, kingdom home, Mono Geo, Norwegian Winter landscape, optical illusion, oslo, palazzo, screen printed, shadow and light

Furniture Homewares Kids Rooms

Ink & Spindle branch out into ready-made homewares

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 2, 2014
1 Comment on Ink & Spindle branch out into ready-made homewares

Known for selling their beautiful textiles by the metre, this Christmas Ink & Spindle have branched into ready-made homewares, releasing a small collection of pyramid floor cushions for kids, ottomans and cushions.

“We get a lot of enquiries from people who love our designs but don’t necessarily have the time, skills or tools required to turn fabric by-the-metre into something special for their home,” explains co-founder Caitlin Klooger. “While we are very proud to supply our fabric to lots of other makers, we wanted to expand our own range to include more ready-made pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional.”

All their homewares are made with ethically sourced, natural textiles that have been hand printed with original Ink & Spindle designs, with the end result being pieces that are affordable, durable and hand washable.

With Caitlin and her co-founder Lara Cameron being mother’s themselves, durability and beauty were a must, with their pyramid cushions offering an option for kids furniture that doesn’t have to be hidden away! “We both love finding pieces that are kid-centric yet still interesting, beautiful to have around, well made and – perhaps most importantly, machine washable,” says Caitlin. “Our aim was to create something that you’d be proud to keep in your living room, rather than be hidden away when visitors came, or banished to the bedroom or playroom.”

Inspired by a love for Australia’s native flora and fauna, as well as the energy of Ink & Spindle’s hometown of Melbourne, their designs aim to have inherent longevity, rather than following current design or fashion trends too closely.

As with all Ink & Spindle textiles, the pieces in the new range have been made according to the highest standards of sustainability and ethics, including using only sustainable and fair trade base cloths and water based, solvent free inks.

Shop online.

Tags bean bags, cushions, design, fabric, homewares, ink & spindle, interiors, kids homewares, ottomans, pyramid cushions, textiles

Homewares

New brand Kingdom Home offers beautiful wallpaper and fabric

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 20, 2014
2 Comments on New brand Kingdom Home offers beautiful wallpaper and fabric

Specialising in wallpaper and fabric design, new Sydney based studio Kingdom Home, offers custom surface designs with a unique point of difference.

Created by designer and illustrator Kenneth King, each collection is original and engaging, with closer inspection showing every design to have a hidden twist concealed within the visual pattern.

The wallpaper collection is commercial graded, fire-rated and eco-friendly, printed on specialised biodegradable metallic paper with production methods including screen, digital and sublimation printing. The collection includes the wonderfully named The Golden Age, Calligraphica and Toile De Jouy, available in rolls of 10 metres, with various widths.

The fabric collection is also of superior quality being hand screen-printed on pure cotton canvas or sublimation printed on high performance fire-rated fabric.

For more information.

Tags custom, design, fabric, homewares, interiors, kenneth king, kingdom home, surface designs, wallpaper

Bedrooms Homewares Kitchens

Beautiful, hand tufted linen from Europe (via Melbourne)

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 19, 2014

Before I was given a pillow case by Hale Mercantile Co. I had never slept on linen before. To be honest, I hadn’t really given it a second’s thought. I had grown up with cotton sheets and I was happy. Well, ‘was’ being the key word, because since using my beautiful deep purple pillow case (the colour is as good as the feel) I have become wholeheartedly converted!

The ladies behind Melbourne’s Hale Mercantile Co. are Sharon Patsiotis and Siobhan Beaney, who decided to design their own linen range after finding that true European household linen was limited in Australia. When searching for the secret to making superior linen that met their standards for texture, softness, colour and durability, they discovered that luxury linen is best made from individually dyed fine linen yarns.

While most linen today is piece-dyed in an effort to contain costs, they were determined to find the perfect yarn that would offer colour beyond compare. It had to maintain the integrity of its colours and have the strength that they yearned for. So, fulfilling their desire for quality, Hale Mercantile Co. yarns are spun from flax sourced from France and by craftsmen based in Latvia.

It’s a true European linen range lavished in culture, tradition, pride and centuries of craftsmanship. Designed to be relaxed in nature and easy care, the entire range is grown, spun, dyed, woven and sewn in Europe. With beautiful hand-tufted edges that create a unique finish, Hale Mercantile Co. linen has been prewashed and pre-shrunk to ensure the product retains its integrity from the first wash.

With accessories for the bedroom, bathroom, living and kitchen, you can purchase their linen at their Abbotsford showroom, online, or from one of their many stockists. For more information visit their website here.

(Jen’s in love with their macaron cushions, coming soon!)

Tags bed linen, bedroom, cushions, design, fabric, hale mercantile co, homewares, interiors, kitchen, linen, living, textiles