Kmart is kicking the year off with a bang with its February home range. It features some of its best buys yet which is really saying something. Designed and developed by Kmart’s in-house design and buying team in Melbourne, the collection features a plethora of functional furnishings, on-trend textures and colourful home accent pieces including bedding, occasional chairs, rugs, decorative vases and more.
Kmart’s February home range features these lovely wares
“Our customers are constantly looking for new and affordable ways to refresh and update the spaces within their home and we are proud to be able to bring the latest home and décor trends from across the globe to Australia. This season, it’s about creating gentle, restful nooks within the home, whilst still injecting personality via pops of colour, unique textures and nostalgic shapes and angles,” says Kmart’s divisional merchandise manager Meryn Serong.
Kmart’s lovely new pot collection
There are excellent bedding options too
The range has been created around three key aesthetics (Timeless, Natural and Urban) and the prices start from just $5. The Timeless and Natural aesthetics are all about creating calm, cosy spaces and key pieces within those ranges feature ceramics in sculptural waves and curves as well as rattan, blonde timbers and fabrics like boucle and shearling. The Urban collection features black touches as well as bold coloured glassware.
We love this coloured glassware
Highlights from the range include the said coloured glassware which comes in $14 sets and provide endless tablescaping opportunities. There are fun new sculptural candles too and the new pot and vase line-up features some stellar designs.
The new towel line-up is pretty gorgeous
The candle range starts from $5
The brand’s popular DIY offering has been expanded also, reflecting the increasing popularity of upcycling and DIY renovating. Fix-up finds include a new range of statement handles perfect for transforming and elevating existing furniture pieces, as well as an array of versatile wall tiles.
There are plenty of great new lighting options too
Located less than two hours from Sydney, in the NSW Southern Highlands, Burrawang House is the latest luxury holiday home to hit the market and just in time for the festive season. Set on a parcel of land that is just over one acre in size, this Insta-worthy spot is giving us serious Cape Cod vibes and is the perfect rural retreat for design lovers.
“The beauty of Burrawang House is that it was built in 2022, but it brings in so many elements which make it feel like it’s been here forever, people feel instantly at home,” says Gabrielle Brewer, co-owner of the architecturally designed weatherboard home that sleeps 14 people making it ideal for large groups of family or friends.
The huge entertainers’ kitchen features a three-metre-long island bench, double Bertazzoni oven and cantilevered window which opens to the outside living room that has a recycled brick wood fireplace.
Kitchen
The large open plan living space features a towering cathedral roof design, oak floorboards, large oak dining table, and light streaming in through windows on all sides. There’s also an 18th Century Belgian mantle fireplace and huge L-shaped Jardan sofa in the lounge room.
Lounge room
The outdoor area is a highlight of the retreat with the nine-metre pool and eight-person spa an amazing spot to relax under the shade of the sun loungers on the sprawling pool deck.
Pool
“There are pergolas with recycled wood recovered from the Sydney Fish Markets, beautiful art collected over decades, antique furniture, bespoke joinery, lighting from the Montauk Company, Kate Spade, Paul Smith and Louis Poulsen and beautiful Armadillo rugs,” says Gabrielle.
Bedroom
The home sleeps 14 people and boasts five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms; the bedrooms include four king-sized bedrooms and a bunk room with six king single beds (all the bedrooms come with luxe linen). The house also has a games room, snooker and pool table, dart board and outside ping pong table to amuse guests.
Bunk room
And if you can prise yourself away from the property for just a few moments, there are national parks and forests right on the doorstep and the gorgeous Fitzroy Falls is just ten minutes away.
A renowned cool-climate wine region there are also 15 cellar doors in the area, antique shops, golf courses, open gardens, art galleries and excellent cafes and restaurants including the highly regarded Burrawang Village Hotel pub and Burrawang Village General Store Café. Established in 1865, the quaint picture-postcard village is a fabulous rural getaway.
Games room
Burrawang House is priced at $5,790 for two nights, for up to 14 people.
New insights from Pinterest have revealed that good things come in small packages, with Aussies looking to better utilise the spaces in their homes, with a 35% increase in searches for “space saving furniture”.
In this evolving economy, less is more and based on their searches, it seems many Aussies on Pinterest are being inspired to shift to a minimalist lifestyle. With people increasingly working from home, making the most of the available space has become more important than ever before. Pinterest insights show a 40% increase in searches for “apartment living” as Aussies search for inspiration to jazz up their compact living spaces.
If your home has been feeling stale with all the clutter, now’s your opportunity to find inspiration to transform every nook and cranny into something refreshing.
In the past four weeks, Pinterest has seen a:
55% increase in searches for “small playroom ideas”
35% increase in searches for “small bathroom interior”
30% increase in searches for “small pantry design ideas”
Whether you’re planning an easy and fun new project this spring or a complete living space revamp, Pinterest can be a great place for interior design inspiration.
Designed by Smac Studio’s Shona McElroy, this semi-detached/duplex house is in Sydney’s Dover Heights and is home to a busy young family that loves to entertain. A relatively small home, the recently renovated abode manages to fit in four bedrooms, two bathrooms, storage and several entertaining areas without compromising on style.
Lounge, dining and bar
“The brief was very relaxed. They wanted it to feel really welcoming and calming and like a sanctuary and also to reflect their family. They have three young daughters and a little girl dog too so it was a very feminine energy! The owner is really drawn to things that are quite glam, but she also wanted the home to feel quite calm,” says Shona.
Bar
The owners have a large family and spend a lot of time entertaining, so Shona included details such as a big bench seat across from the kitchen – perfect for perching on at parties. “For a small house, it has a lot of entertaining capacity,” says Shona.
Sentimental items are showcased in large shelves above the kitchen and in the niche next to the kitchen bench seat. “The have some beautiful ornamental items that they like to showcase. They also like to collect pretty items when they goes overseas.”
Kitchen bench seat
The open plan kitchen features shaker style cabinet doors and a curved island bench made from Palladian marble. “We loved the idea of an interesting stone profile on the bench, and then we ribbed the underside,” says Shona. There’s also a hidden pantry, concealed by pocket sliding doors, which houses a variety of appliances and extra storage.
Kitchen
The ensuite is a luxurious space that combines bronze framed mirrors that work to make the space feel larger, Murano glass wall sconces, sheer curtains and a double vanity trough sink carved out of stone. “That beautiful stone had all the pink and bronze tones through it. It’s a very harmonious, functional and really gorgeous place to be.”
Ensuite
Master bedroom
The bespoke dressing table was designed to evoke memories of the owner’s grandmother
Another standout space is the powder room which features a blush hued stone, Venetian plaster, panelled mirrors and a beautiful Spence & Lyda pendant light. “I always like to pack a punch with the powder room. I think it’s somewhere where you can have the most fun in the house. And I think it should be a real reflection of the overall design of your house and what you want your guests to experience.”
TH Brown has been reissuing its most beloved pieces and now is the time for the popular Rondo Pouffe Table suite to find a home once again in living, lounge and playrooms across the Australia. Established in 1911, TH Brown is Australia’s oldest operating furniture brand. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Peter Brown, son of TH Brown, designed iconic Mid Century Modern furniture which captured the mood and imagination of homeowners and stylists throughout Australia.
Rondo Coffee Table (multi-colour) with Pouffe
One piece that rapidly developed a cult following at the time and has since become a highly desired and sought-after item in the auction market is the Rondo Pouffe Table (also known as the Fondue, Propeller or Pouffe Table). The classic small table suite consisted of a round, glass-topped occasional table resting on a beautifully shaped solid ash frame. Three distinctive, almond-shaped pouffe seats elegantly nestle underneath, providing additional seating when needed.
The exquisite joinery is what makes this table so unique, using rare techniques. Utilising a hub and spoke design, the result is a three-way starburst of woodgrain which radiates out, creating a visual masterpiece. The oval-shaped legs are crafted in solid timber using hand-turned pieces that cradle the inner frame, using biscuit joints to dramatic effect.
Rondo Coffee Table – clear frame
Simon Brown, managing director at TH Brown and son of Rondo Coffee Table designer Peter Brown, says: “It was a design piece that resonated with so many people back in the day. It was used in the most glamorous of cocktail settings right through to childrens playrooms.”
Rondo Set in dark ash and black
“We’re thrilled to be able to remake this design once again, manufactured by the same South Australian craftsman who produced it back in the 70s. Due to its smaller size and shape, the Rondo is a setting that can easily be moved about in household environments and it’s available in a wide range of upholstery options. We envisage that this beautiful piece will be handed down through the generations. Which is what we aspire to be the case with all our items.”
Simon Brown with Rondo Coffee Tables
Being a classic Australian brand, TH Brown have stayed committed to Australian manufacturing and supporting local business. The glass top for the Rondo will be supplied in a customer’s specific location via a network of national glass suppliers.
TH Brown has a limited supply of this design that will be available for pre-Christmas delivery, so make sure to get in quick if you are looking to purchase one of the iconic tables. The full Rondo Pouffe’ Table Suite has a starting price of $2,500. Each TH Brown piece of furniture is individually numbered and comes with a 10-year warranty and a certificate of authenticity.
After launching just four years ago, the upwards trajectory of homewares start-up Mustard Made continues apace with the brand having officially launched into Europe, its fourth global market. The creation of sisters Becca Stern and Jess Grey, Mustard Made has grown into a multi-million dollar global brand since its inception, and the brand has now sold lockers in over 35 countries, and employs a team of 21 people.
“Initially, Brexit put our European expansion plans on hold as it became too hard to ship from the UK to our European customers, so it’s great to finally be in that market,” says Mustard Made creative director Becca Stern of the brand’s new European website and Slovakian warehouse which allows it to ship from Europe to Europe. “We can now offer our customers much faster, more predictable delivery and great customer service,” says Becca who explains that, so far, their best-selling European region is Germany.
Mustard Made sisters Becca Stern and Jessica Grey
The Mustard Made business idea emerged after Becca became obsessed with vintage lockers – she would salvage them from the roadside and began customising them with shelving and more. “Our first colours were based off a pink and green vintage locker that I found,” says Becca who launched the brand with six colours and now offers 11 fabulous hues.
The six Mustard Made locker styles
And while the brand started with just two locker styles, they now offer five different iterations including ‘The Twinny’ which is wardrobe sized. “Going up to that size was a big step for us. The Twinny is great for kids’ rooms as its fits absolutely everything a child needs with space for bedding too. It been our most popular style in the US, perhaps because the houses are bigger,” says Becca who reveals that the brand’s sales have just surpassed $1.5 million dollars in the US market where most orders are shipped to New York, LA and Texas.
‘The Twinny’ in the brand’s newest ‘poppy’ colour way
Not bad for a small, family run business that now employs Becca and Jess’ husbands too. “Having our husbands on board has been profoundly game changing. Jess and I wouldn’t have necessarily been able to take the business this far with just the two us,” says Becca who explains that the sisters juggle the demands of the business while taking care of their children (Becca has three children and Jess has one) alongside their respective partners.
Interestingly, Becca is based here in Australia (Newcastle) and Jess lives in the girls’ hometown of London. “I look after the creative side as well as Australia and New Zealand whereas the European and US markets are managed from the UK,” says Becca.
‘The Midi’ is another popular style
When launching the business, Becca never imagined its incredible success having incorrectly assumed that most customers would be make a one-time purchase. “One of the most pleasant surprises is that the product is addictive. We thought we wouldn’t have repeat customers, but we were so wrong. When you buy a locker and realise how practical they are, how much you can fit in them and how cool they look, you will buy another one.”
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Australia’s increasingly unpredictable weather patterns mean durable outdoor furniture is a must. BROSA have announced their largest outdoor collection featuring design-led and durable pieces. Drawing inspiration from dreamy summer holiday destinations from around the world, it’s also designed for the way Australians live.
Corsica armchair, $599
Holiday inspiration is seen in the names of BROSA’s pieces such as Merida, Corsica, Sicilia, Portofino, Cali, Maui and Lisbon. Customers can pick their favourite destination and bring it to their backyard.
Mixing a diverse range of materials and textures, the collection detail looks to impress. Made using materials like solid acacia, a natural wood perfect for outdoor furniture due to its dense, weather and moisture-resistant properties, and powder-coated steel and aluminium. BROSA’s outdoor range has been curated to stand the test of time.
Outdoor Mediterranean Sicilia ArmchairOutdoor Mediterranean Portofino Patio Set
BROSA’s head of buying, Beth Finckhsays: “We’re thrilled to launch an outdoor collection designed for every Australian home. We’ve expanded the width of the collection immensely so we can explore a truly varied range of design aesthetics, sizes, and price points, so there’s something for everyone.
“From the contemporary curves of Maui, to the European inspired classic Portofino in black and white stripes, the collection will enable people to create an outdoor space with just as much style and detail as their interiors.”
Outdoor Mediterranean Corsica Dining Bundle
BROSA aims to give customers the chance to create an outdoor entertaining space which can transform their backyard, courtyard or deck into a summer holiday destination.
Maui Outdoor Dining Table and Dining Chair
BROSA say the furniture is very affordable for its quality with the Maui 6-seater outdoor dining set for example (seen above), priced at $2,499.
Like many women, it was motherhood that proved a turning point for Sydney furniture maker Katie Stafford. After a long career in advertising, where she made TV and radio commercials, it was the birth of her son that gave her pause. “Motherhood certainly puts life into perspective, and I stopped respecting what I was putting out into the world to be honest. I’ve always liked making things, but I wanted more than just a crafty side hustle,” says Katie who subsequently began exploring other options.
Katie Stafford in her Sydney workshop
After her husband suggested furniture making as a possible career path, Katie investigated studying and eventually settled on a three-year TAFE course that required a one day per week commitment. She was still working three days a week in advertising and looking after her son one day a week, so it was quite the juggle.
“I hadn’t ever picked up power tools, so it was daunting. Plus, at TAFE, it was a sea of 17-year-old boys and me wondering what on earth I was doing there. But I kept turning up and slowly it started to make sense, and slowly I started to love it.”
After finishing the course, she went on to work for the furniture company Mr & Mrs White and it was at this time that she decided to quit advertising all together. “Working for Mr & Mrs White was a really good training ground, but it was a lot of pressure too as their furniture isn’t cheap,” says Katie who lasted eight months before a company restructure encouraged her to go out on her own. After securing a workshop space in Brookvale, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Katie launched Girl & Grain and has been working on furniture commissions ever since.
A recent furniture commission
Creating only solid timber furniture, mostly in American Oak and American Walnut, Katie’s customers are drawn to her minimalist aesthetic. “I like very soft curves and I like the materials to speak for themselves. I guess I aim for beauty and simplicity but simple doesn’t mean easy – my designs are thoughtful and considered.”
A beautiful stool crafted by Katie
An organic extension of the business, Katie recently launched workshops and “make and mingle” classes for women. “Furniture making is very male dominated and I don’t know any other women that do what I do so it’s nice to throw the doors open and welcome women into the space,” says Katie, who has found the experience to be very fulfilling in both a personal and business sense.
One of Girl & Grain’s popular workshops
“With COVID, everyone is hungry for connection. Women think they’re coming to a woodworking class, but they leave with a connection to themselves and one other. I thought I was just offering woodworking classes too but I’m getting so much out of it.”
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With consumers increasingly concerned about their eco-footprint it makes sense that we’re seeing more and more enviro-focussed interiors companies arise. And the latest one to enter the market is the furniture maker E9 Design which has just opened its first showroom in Sydney’s Alexandria.
“I wanted to create a furniture company and manufacturing process where environmental responsibility was built in from the start – to create products than were born green – rather than trying to re-engineer existing or traditional methods,” says founder Steven Higgs who has had a long career in the Australian furniture industry.
Flux modular sofa
After two years of research and development, Steven and his team have created a novel furniture manufacturing process that is evidenced in the brand’s debut range of modular lounges. Made from 97% recyclable materials, the sofas are made in Sydney and are designed to be truly recyclable when the time comes to move them on – by not permanently fixing together ‘unlike’ materials, each sofa’s components are easily dismantled and can be sorted for recycling down the line.
“But I wanted to create beautiful and comfortable furniture also; furniture that simply ‘works’ as you really need it to, that makes things a little bit easier, and that fits our Australian spaces and lifestyles. Plus, you can feel good, because you know that it isn’t going to end up it landfill.”
Eclipse modular sofa
The E9 Design manufacturing process uses digital technology to precision cut a steel frame from a single length of steel and form it into complex shapes. Further, each sofa has a unique seating system that utilises steel springs, high resilience, comfortable foams and tailored, removable covers. The unique manufacturing system allows for the creation of almost any shape while minimising material wastage and facilitating efficient customisation.
Locus modular sofa
“With designers, architects and design enthusiasts looking to create a unique look and a perfect fit for their spaces, our system means that we can respond quickly and efficiently. For example, if you love our Ethos Plus sofa, but you’d like the length to be 100mm longer than the standard sizing, and want a different height leg, we can do that. And your sofa won’t travel the world and take six months to a year to get to you.”
The Early Settler design evolution continues with the brand’s latest line-up featuring more than a passing nod to the 60’s and 70’s. From geometric rugs to rattan and velvet, there’s something for everyone in the fun, eclectic range.
Oaklyn grey and gold oval rug 250x150cm: Striking geometric prints and sumptuous cut piles make floor coverings a focal point and functional artwork this winter. This one is sure to be a talking point. $699.
Nora bone inlay desk: The Early Settler bone inlay range is hand crafted from ethically sourced buffalo bones in India using an ancient technique. This piece is perfect for a home office. $1199.
Roba three-seat boucle sofa in copper: As evidenced by the recent Milan Furniture Fair, curves are still very much on trend. This sofa is available in four colours in boucle and velvet fabrications. $2999.
Lloyd TV unit: Good-looking mid-century lines aside (the raised panelling is a highlight), this TV unit is crafted from sustainably sourced mango wood making for a guilt-free purchase. $649.
Boston armchair teal: Available in five colour ways including this sumptuous blue velvet, this armchair is part of a wider range that includes matching sofas and an ottoman. $1099.
Romina Geo curved rug 300 x 240cm: Whether in the living room, bedroom or home office, this geometric themed rug adds a layer of sunshine and retro flair. $1799.
Nora bone inlay side table: Featuring a repetitive pattern in bold monochrome, this side table is quite the statement piece. $599.
Adena curved ottoman pink muse: Upholstered in soft-touch velvet, it’s the organic curved shape that drew us to this piece. It’s makes excellent extra seating when guests are visiting. $249
Rattan oval three wall hook: This cute little rattan number has a solid 70’s vibe and would look perfect in a coastal interior. $49.
Swirl round side table: This slick monochrome side table would work just as easily beside a bed as it would a sofa. The iron base is also available in black oak veneer. $329
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A glorious Sydney Harbour garden featuring King Living furniture
While outdoor spaces are often overlooked in winter, they can be wonderful places to entertain and enjoy in the cooler months. In fact, with clever design, an outdoor garden can improve the functionality of your home all year round and it’s something that horticulturalist, landscaper and stylist Adam Robinson is well versed in.
“Everyone feels better in nature. If we can have that daily check in with nature, even in winter, it can heighten cortisol levels and help with your mental wellbeing,” says Adam. Whether it’s entertaining in the evening or enjoying a coffee on a terrace, clever garden design can allow you to take full advantage of an unused garden or balcony when the temperature cools.
A glorious Sydney Harbour garden featuring King Living furniture
While the words ‘winter’ and ‘sun’ often don’t belong in the same sentence, it’s important to utilise natural light when designing an outdoor lounge or dining area and lush plants help to really finish a space. A fire pit is a great way to create a warm and inviting outdoor area and they work well as a centrepiece too.
Outdoor expert Adam Robinson
Square metreage is a big factor in designing an outdoor space also – a smaller space may force you to choose between lounging and dining whereas a larger space will permit both. On this front, Adam recommends choosing versatile, multi-functional furniture pieces that work in different ways to help give you more options.
King Living Olive outdoor table with Luna outdoor dining chairs
Adam’s top tips for winter and spring garden design
You don’t want your garden to become a burden so think about the size of your lawn and how much time you’ll need to spend maintaining it.
Place your furniture on paving pads to blur the lines between the hard and soft elements in the garden. Plus, you don’t need to mow under the furniture, giving you more time to enjoy the space.
In smaller spaces, avoid chunky furniture and instead choose furniture that breathes in the space.
Deciduous trees are a great option as they provide shade in summer and let the sun in during winter. But, like lawns, they do require maintenance when they drop their leaves in autumn. Evergreen shrubs are a good, lower maintenance alternative.
When choosing fabrics for your outdoor furniture, we usually go with plain fabrics. It’s not as obvious if they fade in the sun as it would be with a patterned fabric.
In an industry dominated by men, the female property developer is a bit of a rarity which is why we were interested to hear about Charlie Pachula of Charlie’s Interiors. With a background in construction, Sydney based Charlie not only renovates and builds homes, but she fully furnishes them with ethically sourced, sustainable products before they hit the market.
Charlie’s recent Kingsford development which is now her family home
Charlie’s interest in sustainability was first piqued in 2007 after the birth of her first child – becoming a mother awakened her to the value in living more in tune with the environment and adopting a ‘whole life cycle’ approach to her business and life.
“Ultimately it was a trip to Northern India, where I immersed myself in manufacturing, visiting cottage industry manufacturers and artisans in small villages, that I came back to Australia with the idea of designing, developing and furnishing considered luxury family homes incorporating sustainable materials and design, and ethically sourced furniture and homewares,” says Charlie Pachula.
Charlie’s Kingsford development
Her first foray into property development was a fully furnished four-bedroom home in Kingsford that features an array of eco-friendly features such as eco decking, passive windows and recycled, insulated external wall cladding. But after furnishing it with individually sourced artisan furnishings and homewares, Charlie couldn’t bring herself to sell it and decided to turn it into her family home.
Kingsford kitchen
Currently on the market, Charlie’s latest development is located just 300 metres from Maroubra Beach, and it showcases the same eco-friendly approach as her Kingsford home. With three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, two living areas, a dining room, and a designer kitchen, the property features striking jet-black wood floors and lofty, cathedral ceilings.
Maroubra kitchen
Original art works from Jai Vasicek and Johnny K, Papaya linen sofas, marble and wood side tables, artisanal Italian ceramics, a hand-crafted wooden statue and Brazilian crystal pendant lights are just some of the home’s eclectic highlights.
Maroubra lounge room
Where possible, the furniture, homewares and artwork featured in both properties have been sourced from cottage industry manufacturers, local craft makers and artisans in Australia and abroad; from village weavers in the Italian hills to roadside potters in the Indian lowlands. The overall aesthetic has a bit of a world-traveller vibe and, if you’re keen on it you can purchase Charlie’s wares online or from her Maboubra bricks and mortar store.
It’s just under two weeks before the much-anticipated Décor + Design and Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) kicks off at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Running from 14-to-17 July, the show will showcase more than 250 brands alongside a host of interesting events including the Seminar Series, VIVID Design Awards, Avenue of Design and the Design Matters National Sustainability Hub.
The number one trade event for the design and furniture industry, the event will showcase the latest in furniture, soft furnishings, lighting, textiles and art. The 2022 line-up includes an array of exhibitors including Cromwell, Warwick Fabrics, Wisteria Design, Houe, Tantra, LaForma Australia, James Stewart Furniture, Vetro Furniture, LaGrolla, Satara, AC Stone, Dixie Cummings, Master Pacific, Himolla, HTL, Furnx Home Interiors, M Lily, M Design, Vivin Imports and more.
“This industry is all about the senses and experiencing products in real life – something we’ve all sorely missed over the past couple of years! Many long term and exciting new exhibitors will be showcasing classic and contemporary styles and launching new products at the 2022 show,” says the event director Chris May.
Avenue of Design A new feature, the Avenue of Design promises to be a highlight. Curated by Tigger Hall and Lucinda Kimpton, supported by sponsors The English Tapware Company and Cocolea, the Avenue of Design will feature a beautiful series of vignettes from prominent interior designers including Melissa Balzan Design, Tigger Hall Design, Kimpton Interiors, Justin Bishop, JAM Interiors, Camilla Molders Design, Collette Dinnigan, Julian Ronchi and Maine House Interiors.
Collette Dinnigan is part of this year’s Avenue of Design and Seminar Series
Seminar Series: A masterclass in Australian design This year’s Seminar Series at Décor + Design has an impressive line-up of Australian talent delivering ‘A Masterclass in Australian Design.’ David Flack, Collette Dinnigan, David Hicks, Jamie Durie, Shaynna Blaze, Cameron Kimber, Adelaide Bragg, Jason Grant, Anna Spiro, Georgia Ezra (in conversation with our very own Jen Bishop) and more will grace the stage in what is likely to be a very popular seminar series.
Design Matters National Sustainability Hub Shining a spotlight on eco-friendly design, furniture and recycled materials, step inside the Design Matters National Sustainability Hub to check out the latest in sustainability. The hub will showcase eco-friendly building materials, biophilic beauty and on-demand, sustainable interior/building design education webinars.
Exhibitors include M + Co Living, Satara and AC Stone, as well as the Design Matters’ national partner WoodSolutions. There will be networking sessions at the hub on Thursday 14 July and Friday 15 July at 12.30pm also.
AC Stone is one of the exhibitors at the Design Matters National Sustainability Hub
VIVID Design Awards 2022 marks the 19th anniversary of the VIVID Design Awards which is curated by Latitude Group and sponsored by Laminex, Dulux, Showroom by Bowens, Artichoke, Design Institute of Australia, Houzz and the Authentic Design Alliance.
VIVID will once again cover an array of categories including Furniture Design, Lighting Design, Object Design, Concept Design, the ADA Award of Merit, the VIVID 2022 Judges Choice Award and the Houzz People’s Choice Award. The awards celebrate emerging talent and will be judged by a panel of prominent industry figures.
2021 VIVID Design Awards
Decor + Design 2022/Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC.
As regular readers know, we love a good before and after around here and the latest one to hit our inbox is a series of spaces overhauled by furniture retailer BROSA. The brand has redesigned two luxury accommodation spaces in Sydney – a cosy, one-bedroom pad in Darlinghurst and a three-bedroom sky loft that features sweeping views of city landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
BEFORE bedroom (sky loft)AFTER bedroom (sky loft)
Overhauled by the BROSA Style Team, the spaces were transformed with everything from fresh paint to new fixtures and plenty of fabulous final touches. BROSA worked with Tint Paint and sourced gorgeous linens from I Love Linen to complete the looks.
The sky loft renovation featured tired tan leather sofas paired with dated occasional chairs and coffee tables. Its new monochrome palette includes an array of textures including trending ivory toned boucle. The fabric is showcased in BROSA’s gorgeous Ada Swivel Accent Chair.
BEFORE living (Sky Loft)
AFTER living (Sky Loft). The BROSA Ada Swivel Accent Chair (right) is a fabulous addition to the space.
The sky loft master bedroom was similarly transformed. Heavy dark timber was replaced with chic black and a lovely monochrome look overall. The team also painted out the timber feature ceiling.
BEFORE bedroomAFTER bedroom. An all-white ceiling updates the look.
In nearby Darlinghurst, the BROSA team employed similar techniques to overhaul a one-bedroom apartment. Dated timber furniture was updated with a fully upholstered bed (in a crowd-pleasing neutral fabric shade) that was then paired with simple black and white bedsides and a set of chic black lamps. A large indoor plant and a pair of neutral, graphic art prints finish the new look.
BEFORE bedroom (Darlinghurst apartment)AFTER bedroom (Darlinghurst)
Shop the look
If you love these looks, not only is the sky loft available for rent but you can purchase all of the BROSA makeover products here.
Located in Melbourne’s iconic beachside suburb of St Kilda, this double story Victorian terrace was restored to its former grandeur recently by Melanie Beyond Architecture and Design. “We aimed to provide our clients with a functional home that honoured its 19th century bones while also drawing reference from the client’s passion for Parisian décor,” says Melanie Beynon of the stunning abode that features beautiful, luxe materials and detailing but is practical enough for family living.
Living room
Upon passing through the home’s grand Victorian entry, the owners’ love of blue is plain to see. A highlight space, the lavish front sitting room is painted in a gorgeous blue shade – it’s the perfect complement to the room’s original marble fireplace and antique crystal chandelier. The room is beautifully furnished and accessorised with a mix of pieces from Gubi, Coco Republic, Kartell, Mondoluce and House of Orange.
Formal sitting room
Entry
The heart of the home, the rear of the ground floor was reworked to include kitchen, dining and living zones with new expansive steel-framed doors and windows opening to the garden. “This communal space is refined in form, function and materiality to facilitate optimal family living. The kitchen is outfitted with customised tapware and high-end equipment to accent the carte blanche space,” says Melanie.
Kitchen
A feature Volker Haug pendant light hangs over a large porcelain-clad island bench that is offset by soft grey cabinetry – a separate bar area is the perfect spot for entertaining guests. New parquetry oak flooring and an integrated gas fireplace adds warmth and comfort to the shared space.
Dining and bar area
Navy carpet leads from the entry up the remastered original staircase – the master bedroom is a highlight upstairs. “The palatial master suite bathroom is the feature of the first floor, boasting a spacious light-filled volume with high ceilings, restored fireplace, double shower and a double vanity accented with indigo blue joinery,” says Melanie. Custom polished nickel tapware and brass detailing complete the scene.
Bathroom
“This project proved to be a true collaboration between our client’s personal aspirations, our architectural interpretation, and the builder’s realisation. Through this rounded approach we believe this monumental Victorian home has reached its full living potential and can sit proud amongst its heritage neighbours.”
Victorian terrace renovation makes excellent use of laneway
Located in Melbourne’s inner south, this stylish, split-level Victorian terrace house was renovated and extended recently with Subtract Architecture steering…
With Australian property prices still sky-high, many of us have abandoned the quarter-acre dream in favour of apartment living. And when it comes to the art of apartment living, interior designer, media personality and Interiors Addict fave Neale Whitaker has lots of fabulous, practical advice. From creating discrete zones to selecting supersized furniture and artwork (controversial, I know!), Neale has lots of great apartment styling tips – many of which he explored when creating this Melbourne apartment in conjunction with KING and Mirvac.
Neale Whitaker in the Melbourne apartment that he styled recently
Upsize furniture & artwork With many people downsizing from larger homes into apartments, Neale says that many people wrongly assume they must scale everything down and fill the space with smaller pieces. “This creates a doll’s house effect where because everything is smaller, it creates the illusion that the space is smaller. To create a feeling of space, it’s far better to upsize and have fewer pieces overall,” says Neale.
For instance, rather than opting for a two-seater in the apartment pictured, Neale chose a 2.5-seater as well as an occasional chair, ottoman and set of two complementary coffee tables from KING. “This apartment really isn’t that big but choosing larger pieces made it feel that way,” says Neale.
Lounge room
And this idea holds for art and mirrors too – upsizing both not only draws the eye up but makes a space feel instantly larger. “Basically, when in doubt, go bigger as it will allow a small space to feel like a large one,” says Neale.
Create distinct zones Whether you live in a house or apartment, most of us are familiar with open plan living and understand the pressure to create specific living zones – this tension is amplified with apartment living but Neale has some practical solutions.
“In this apartment I used contrasting rugs to delineate the dining and living zones, but I also like to use room dividers where possible,” says Neale. The designer used the KING Vertio wall unit as part of the design – in this case it was wall mounted but the design can be used as a freestanding room divider. “A room divider creates distinct zones within an open plan area while giving you extra storage and display areas too,” says Neale.
The KING Vertio unit can be seen on the left. Artwork by Kerry Armstrong.
Multifunctionality “With people spending much more time at home, all of us are seeking greater functionality from our houses and furniture items that double up are at a premium,” says Neale who explains that this is even more pressing when living in an apartment. Great multi-tasking furniture items include the aforementioned room divider as well as gas-lift storage beds. “KING has some great sofas and desks with built-in phone chargers too,” says Neale.
Neale included a multipurpose study nook in a recess in the apartment’s hallway.
Embrace the full colour palette – not just neutrals When it comes to your colour and materials palette, don’t assume that you must revert to white and bright. In this apartment, Neale chose a medley of colours inspired by the Australian landscape – rusty red, terracotta, greens and brown.
“There’s a lot of rules about compact spaces that don’t necessarily make a lot of sense. You don’t need to limit yourself to neutrals and blonde wood to make things feel bigger,” says Neale who used dark timber and a moody contrast wall in this apartment also – neither of which made it feel smaller.
The master bedroom features a moody contrast wall. Artwork by Daniel Butterworth.
The master bedroom’s contrast wall is painted in a Porter’s Paint tone that sits somewhere between dark grey and dark brown. “Again, it’s counterintuitive but that dark tone really made the room pop.”
“I see our pieces as not just furniture but sculptural pieces and talking points. Our furniture is not for everybody, but I’m not interested in creating pieces for everyone either,” says Byron Georgouras of Sydney’s Alpha Modern. Originally kicking off as a vintage furniture restoration business, in a full circle move, Byron now designs an original range inspired by the same pieces. And, when you look at the Alpha Modern range as a collective, the new pieces sit very harmoniously with the old.
Inside the Alpha Modern Alexandria studio where vintage reupholstered pieces mix with new designs
“We definitely put a more contemporary slant on the older pieces and a vintage slant on the new ones,” says Byron who explains that 50% of the pieces are restoration works and 50% are brand new. Alpha Modern’s latest series is the Puff collection which is a great example of how vintage designer pieces inform what they do now.
Byron in the studio. A series of Puff occasional chairs can be seen on the rack behind.
“My background is in the music industry, events and brand activation. I used to do a lot of the Smirnoff tents at Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass,” says Byron who came to Alpha Modern when his events career stalled due to the pandemic. But besides creating spaces and experiences, Byron has always collected designer furniture, sculptures and artwork and happened to grow up sailing and working on timber boats too – an experience that put him in good stead in the furniture restoration business.
“Fundamentally there’s not that much of a difference between restoring a timber sailing boat and a mid-century lounge. You must strip both back, refinish them and repair the joinery,” he says.
Sustainability is an important part of the business too and Alpha Modern uses sustainable Australian timbers, non-toxic products and locally sourced fabrics where possible. “We’re very conscious of our imprint and that’s a big thing for us – it’s a part of our DNA,” says Byron who sources primarily Scandinavian and Italian vintage pieces, often through clients that are looking to change up their interiors.
The brand’s Angelis range is truly unique – it uses brightly coloured 1960s vintage Italian wedding tapestries for the seat upholstery combined with a curved sofa design. “There was a custom that Italian newlyweds would be given a beautiful velvet tapestry as a family heirloom. They are essentially a bedspread, but they never got used and were often put away boxed in cupboards,” says Byron who sources the tapestries from Italy before giving them a new lease of life.
The beautiful Angelis sofa features a vintage Italian tapestry on the seat
“Overall, all I’d say our aesthetic is one of maximalism in a modernist world. We use bright pops of playful colour and work with textiles that are bold and exciting but we also pay tribute to classic forms.”
Not long after I had my first child, and moved into my first house, I purchased two relatively expensive sofas to mark the occasion. Mid-century in style, said sofas looked fabulous but as time kicked on, I realised that tailored lines aside, the fabric choice was totally unsuitable for life with a young family. Rookie error, right?
And after spending a small fortune having the sofas cleaned every six months, I concluded that our next set would be a much more family friendly affair. Not only was I seeking a much hardier fabric choice, but I was also after a sofa with removable covers and one that was stylish too. Tall order you say? Enter, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa.
Me enjoying my new Lounge Lovers sofas. The painting is by the talented Elle Campbell.
A modern yet timeless design, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa boasts the sort of clean lines that complement just about any interior as well as stylishly proportioned, tapered legs. Available in four standard colours (a creamy linen, pale grey, mid grey and ivory) as well as a variety of custom hues ranging from terracotta to forest green and dusty pink, the fabrics are designed to withstand the rough and tumble of family life. It’s certainly something I can attest to as my young trio give this set a workout on the daily.
The tapered oak leg finishes the look
But ultimately the big selling point for me was the design’s removable covers – I love that I can take the covers off and have them cleaned. Not only does this make the sofas super practical but the other great thing about removable covers is that you can purchase an extra set when you’re looking for a lounge room refresh. I’m thinking I might even try a deep green next winter.
The covers attach to the frame via super strong velcro.
Good looks aside, the sofas also deliver on the comfort front. Boasting deep seats that enable both sitting and snoozing, the sofas’ foam seat cushions are wrapped in a feathery fibre mix. The result is a plush yet firm feel – you can really sink into the cushions, but they spring back ensuring that each sofa holds its shape. Having originally had quite a tailored sofa, this was important to me.
As for the different shapes and sizes within the Hampton range, there are a variety of options to choose from depending on your lounge room. Fully customisable, the Hampton is available in two, three and four seat iterations as well as a chaise and corner sofa option. There’s also a matching occasional chair and ottoman if you’d rather a sofa and two occasional chairs for instance.
And in these tricky COVID-induced times, where it’s not unusual to hear of six-month waits for furniture, Lounge Lovers hold a variety of Hamptons sofas in stock for immediate purchase – another plus in my book.
Me rather chuffed with my new sofas
Overall, the Hampton has proven a great choice for my family – and that’s before you even consider its comfort, customisation options and relatively affordable price tag.
*The Lounge Lovers Hamptons sofa starts at $1,999 for a two-seater.
