Tag: mark tuckey

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Bedrooms Design Designers Homewares

Winter bed linen: The latest looks for layering

There’s no denying that winter is with us with plummeting temperatures seen across Australia in the last couple of weeks. So, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to bring you our edit of the latest winter bed linen including quilts and blankets that are perfect for cold weather layering.

Adairs x Mark Tuckey: “I never set out to have a luxury brand, it just went that way because I wanted to make quality product. It’s always been a dream that one day we could diversify and make it available to more people,” says Mark Tuckey of collaborations with Adairs. And while the latest drop is filled with lots of gorgeous furniture and homewares items, it’s the bedding that caught our eye. Designed with sustainability in mind, using hemp and organic cotton chambray, the range is classic without being boring, and features gorgeous earthy colours paired with light neutral tones and navy.

Mark Tuckey
Adairs x Mark Tuckey Hemp sheets in cedar, paired with the Hemp check throw in navy.Mar

As for hemp, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly plants available. Its natural insulating and wicking properties keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Grown without pesticides, it requires little water and prevents soil erosion with its strong network of roots. From $79.99.

Adairs x Mark Tuckey
Mark Tuckey Australian lambswool grey and navy blanket
Adairs x Mark Tuckey
Mark Tuckey Hemp check throw

Freedom: The latest Freedom bed linen features natural fabrics and lush textures ideal for layering and cocooning throughout winter. There’s jacquard, linen, bamboo, cotton, Turkish flannelette and Lyocel – a luxe blended linen and Tencel. “Our bed linen is effortlessly timeless; it’s all about unique fabrications instead of prints that swiftly become dated,” says Freedom head of homewares Christie Maartensz. 

The brand has identified the coverlet as a key winter bedding trend, due to its flexibility and layering properties. “The coverlet is a great layering option on top of a quilt cover but it can also be double-folded as a runner on the bed. Then in the summer months, coverlets can be simply layered with a flat sheet,” says Christie. From $150.

Freedom
Freedom Mesa bed coverlet and matching accessories.
Freedom Bambussa
Freedom Bambussa sheet set in buff
Freedom Bureneer bed linen
Freedom Bureneer bed linen

Hemp Gallery Australia: Once having existed more on the edges, hemp products have been in the spotlight of late and are becoming more and more mainstream. And you an understand why when you look at its environmentally sound properties, as outlined above. Created by a mother daughter duo, Hemp Gallery Australia produces a range of beautiful bed linen crafted from hemp including sheets, quilt covers and pillow cases.

Hemp Gallery
Hemp Gallery

L&M Home: A go-to brand for classic, stylish bedding, the latest range of blankets and throws from L&M Home are rather gorgeous and ideal for layering too. A standout from the collection, the Empire throw is hand loomed from wool and silk and features a beautiful scalloped design. From $194.

The Empire throw is available in blue and earth colour ways

The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Get our FREE eBook: 10 tips to fall back in love with your home This very popular post has been updated for 2020. I Love Linen Launched in 2013, I…
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Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews Shopping

Mark Tuckey x Adairs: The latest designer collab

I can’t remember Adairs ever collaborating with a male designer (can you?) which is what makes its latest partnership with renowned Australian furniture designer Mark Tuckey all the more special. A more masculine foray for the home brand, the collection is brimming with the designer’s stylishly simple furniture staples alongside earthy bed linen, soft furnishings and homewares.

Mark Tuckey X Adairs
The channel quilted grey quilt cover is shown here with an array of accessories from the range

The collection’s autumnal colour palette features slate grey, deep navy and burnt orange and there’s plenty of natural fibres with linen yarn and organic cotton featured too. The collection is a fabulous way to buy into the Mark Tuckey brand without breaking the bank.

We love this slatted timber side table
We love this slatted oak bedside table

The furniture line-up includes a headboard and bedside table featuring a simple slat design crafted from solid European oak. The Boston shelving is a collection highlight; it’s beautiful in its simplicity and, from the bedroom to the lounge room, would have multiple uses.

The 'Boston' shelving shown here with cushions and a throw from the range
The versatile ‘Boston’ shelving and ‘Jackson’ pot are shown here with cushions and a throw from the range

Accessories include a gorgeous table light (available in white or black) and the ‘Jackson’ pot which features Mark’s signature hourglass design shape. There’s also the ‘Byron’ woven basket which has a striking linear design; it’s available in satin black or a natural rattan finish.

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
Linen cushions with contrast trim are an enduring classic

The ‘Horizon’ canvas comes in two colour ways (blue or terracotta) and, housed in tinted concrete containers, the collection also includes stylish diffusers and candles with driftwood and sandalwood scents.

The 'Horizon' canvas shown with the white table lamp and slat oak two-drawer bedside table
The ‘Horizon’ canvas shown with the white table lamp and slatted oak two-drawer bedside table

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
Candles and diffusers

The soft furnishings are a collection highlight; there’s a five-colour towel collection, two vintage-look throw styles, gorgeous washed 100 per cent washed linen cushions and a wool blanket made from the finest Australian lambs’ wool.

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
What a gorgeous palette

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
Cushions and throws shown with the ‘Byron’ basket

The collection also includes a lovely kids range including polka dotted organic bedlinen (made from soft organic cotton), with oatmeal and clay tones on the reverse. Two cushion designs complement the children’s bedding – there’s a cute bunny or sleeping lion with chunky tassel mane. Printed storage baskets and square wall prints finish the look.

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
The lovely kids’ range

Mark Tuckey x Adairs
There’s nursery wares too

Shop the Mark Tuckey x Adairs collection | Mark Tuckey’s apartment furniture range

Categories
Designers Furniture Interviews

Mark Tuckey’s latest range is designed for apartment living

In great news for apartment-dwelling Mark Tuckey fans, his latest range has been designed just for them. In response to myriad customer requests, the brand’s new range features plenty of covetable pieces for compact spaces and we’re loving it. “We’re striving to create more furniture that suits a broader market – apartments are a good example. We have so many people in the store who live in an apartment and simply can’t fit the larger pieces in their homes, but they want the look and feel of what we do. We’re creating more choice for them, as the apartment living trend continues to grow,” says creative director Louella Tuckey.

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Bistro table – beautiful and compact

The Bistro table is a new, neat design that certainly fulfills the apartment brief.  “The Bistro table is our answer to continuous requests for small cafe tables,” says Louella. We love the the central detail on the top where the legs pop through and finish flush with the table top. “That detail gives it a point of difference, and adds the love.”

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Classic Round dining table – we’re loving the grey-wash finish

The Classic Round dining table is another piece that is ideal for apartment living. “This design has gone back to the more traditional tapered leg but in a contemporary context. We’re loving this one as it’s a really friendly little table,” says Louella.

Aside from its pared back simplicity, Mark Tuckey’s furniture is notable for its gorgeous timber finishes and his latest collection is no exception. A lover of American Oak, Mark has branched out into the world of pine recently and is experimenting with different finishes too. “We’ve been trying to play with oil finishes for quite a while and we’re getting a greyed-off effect that we’re loving. The colour really permeates the timber and the finish is quite matte so we’re feeling pretty happy with the results. The new Refectory table is in the ‘grey oil finish’ so it has a soft soft grey tone instead of the usual honey colour of standard oiled oak,” says Louella, who explains that the brand is experimenting with white and charcoal black finishes too.

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Basic Bed – we’re loving the use of pine

A stand-out in the range, the Basic Bed uses pine to great effect and boasts a beautifully simple design. “The Basic bed is a grown up version of the Basic daybed and it’s ticking all the boxes for me. The headboard is a good, solid simple structure that you can pop a glass of water up on. The foot doesn’t pop too far up above the mattress but gives the bed a finishing point visually. The bed also has lovely, beachy, simple side rails,” says Louella.

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Plinth sideboard

With its Scandinavian influences, the Plinth sideboard and entertainment unit is another noteworthy piece. “It sits back with the Plinth sofa, and though super simple, I feel like the proportions are really working. The sideboard is very much inspired by the proportions of the classic Danish sideboard that we’d all recognise from 1950’s Danish design, which I’m quite partial to,” says Louella.

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Refectory table

The brand is continuing with their Cotton On collaboration too – a project they are really enjoying. “Our homewares partnership with Cotton On continues happily and we have new ranges lined up ready to go. Lots of new product has just gone online and instore at the larger Cotton On stores, and we’re all looking at growing the range and the essence of the brand,” says Louella.

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Quadpod table

See here for more.

 

Categories
Bathrooms Designers Homewares Styling

Mark Tuckey + Cotton On Home take plush turn for autumn/winter

A combination of winter-weight fabrics and a sophisticated colour palette, Mark Tuckey’s latest Cotton On Home collection has a real luxe factor – it’s also less beachy than seasons past.

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“In designing the latest pieces we were inspired by the khaki and dark grey hues that were so prevalent at Maison Fair this past September, the army green especially has a warm earthiness that is so comforting for winter. I’m personally such a fan of these colours and always have been. I’m so glad that I was able to incorporate them into the latest range”, said Mark Tuckey creative director, Louella Tuckey.

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Tote bag in Army Eclipse, $29.95

Featuring seasonal updates of the core collection, we love the pops of on-trend army green and charcoal that feature on everything from large beanbag covers to tote bags – the giant spot motif is especially cool. As with the previous collection, tassels and fringing abound – the square Circus tassel cushion in charcoal, the rectangle tassel bathmat and the large knit cushion are all standouts in the range.

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Square Circus tassel cushion, $39.95

In keeping with the current trend for all things velvet, the range also features plenty of velvet cushions and a pricier limited edition velvet quilt that is available online only and in two colour ways – the collection’s signature blue and dark soot or charcoal. “Adding pops of colour through the velvet items in our living range makes it easy for our community to update their homes with these new season colours and fabrics, which really stand out when paired back with the more neutral products in the collection,” commented Louella.

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Velvet quilt in Caton, $199

And as with every other Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collaboration, the price point is super affordable and a great example of luxe for less. We’re predicting a sell-out.

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Rectangle tassel bathmat, $39.95

Shop online.

Categories
Designers Homewares Styling

Our top picks from the new Mark Tuckey + Cotton On Home range

Avalon Milk

This month sees the second collaboration for Mark Tuckey and Cotton On Home and the collection (like the last one) has the sort of easy, breezy vibe the designer is renowned for and all at great, affordable prices.

Avalon Milk

Avalon beach throw in salmon $59.95

“The summer/autumn range continues to support both Mark Tuckey and Cotton On’s commitment to quality and affordable homewares and we’re delighted to be able to share the new range of Cotton On Home products with our community,” says Mark Tuckey creative director, Louella Tuckey.

3 Mark Tuckey + Cotton On Squashy Storage Medium Salmon $24.95

Medium ‘Squashy Storage’ in salmon, $24.95

“The palette is soft and versatile with more neutrals, charcoals and whites as a foundation for our signature pops of colour. This ensures the pieces remain remain fresh and on-trend,” says Louella.

Pony Ottoman Grey

Pony ottoman in charcoal, $59.95

5 Mark Tuckey + Cotton On Zig Zag Cushion Caton $49.95

Caron zig zag cushion, $49.95

4 Mark Tuckey + Cotton On Stripe Slub Throw Charcoal Milk $69.95

Stripe slub throw in charcoal milk, $69.95

Shop here.

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Homewares

9 of the best throws and blankets

I have an ever-changing collection of throws on my couch and bed. I think at last count I had upward of 15, so clearly I’ve not really mastered the less is more thing. But to tempt my obsession further, I’ve put together a list of the 9 best throws and blankets. Enjoy! 

The Marcel Throw from Country Road combines graphic colour blocking with cosy texture in a reverse jersey cotton knit. It retails for $149.

country road throw

The bright striped Moroccan Wool and Cotton Pom Pom Blanket was made by Berber Weavers of the Atlas Mountain Region in Morocco. In traditional Moroccan style these blankets are extremely warm and contain natural variations adding to the already chic aesthetic. Use as a bed covering, folded at the base of a bed or draped over a piece of furniture to inject a sense of global style into any space. Available from Barefoot Gypsy for $285.

Bright Stripe Blanket Web

Lightweight and super soft, the 100% Egyptian cotton Throw Blanket ($230) from Sunday Ganim is perfect for lounging on the sofa or having a picnic in the park. The simple stripe with block trim pattern comes in three colourways, perfect for vibrant trans-seasonal layering.

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Milk & Sugar’s reversible Cross Black Knit is made from 100% cotton and is available in both throw and blanket size. Perfect for adding to your bed for that final touch or throwing over your couch or armchair on those cooler nights, prices start from $129.95.

milk & sugar

Hunting for George’s Outsider Cotton Blanket ($179), feature a simple, block print in four colourways, ranging from bright emerald greens to rich cornflower blues. 100% cotton, 100% awesome, it is designed for multi use — perfect as a single bed quilt, queen bed throw or couch snuggler.

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The Sea Tangle Linen Throw ($149) from Kate & Kate is beautifully screen printed on 100% linen. Use as a light-weight blanket, beach throw, table-cloth or picnic rug. Designed to fade, it comes in four colours.

kate & kate

This stunning contrasting Tassel Throw ($249) from Kip & Co brings a stylish European edge to the home. Featuring textured indigo or mustard cotton with over-sized fuscia or peach tassels, it is made from 100% cotton. Pre-order now for a December delivery.

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Featuring Aura’s renowned cross design, the Crosses Throw ($149) in orange poppy is knitted in high quality soft cotton. Reverse is the opposite design.

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From the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collaboration, the 100% cotton, charcoal Circus Tassel Blanket is the perfect addition to any sofa or bed. Hand knitted in India for superior quality and comfort, it retails for $139.95.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

Categories
Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Styling

Interior stylist Jason Grant’s favourite Sydney stores

Photo by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict

If there’s one thing we know our readers are just dying to know, it’s where stylists shop, so we asked Jason Grant to share his top retail spots in Sydney.

The Society Inc Warehouse by Sibella Court
Sibella has a style and eye like no other and her store is her in a nutshell — head here for all kinds of wonderful from my super stylist friend.
http://www.thesocietyinc.com.au
Mary Street, St Peters, NSW 2044

Photo by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict
Photo by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict

Chee Soon & Fitzgerald
The original small store — I love their mix of new and old, modern and vintage. Still one of my favourite stores.
http://www.cheesoonfitzgerald.com
173 Regent Street, Redfern, NSW 2016

Small Spaces
Sarah of Small Spaces offers a unique take on art and objects for the home with a focus on small spaces — lots of one of a kind design with a simple clean aesthetic.
http://www.small-spaces.com.au
674 Bourke Street, Redfern, NSW 2016

small spaces

Koskela
Sydney’s biggest showroom with a focus on local designs. Head here to see an amazing edit of local talent. http://www.koskela.com.au
1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery, NSW 2018

DEA store
A feast for the eyes with a focus on handmade and one of a kind. Head here for all kinds of things, especially lots of awesome tableware and ceramics with a wabi sabi (Japanese vibe in a not obvious way) slant.
http://www.thedeastore.com
146 Regent Street, Redfern, NSW 2016

Table Tonic
Louise offers a super cool edit of must-haves for your home. Head here for all kinds of the latest cool stuff.
http://www.tabletonic.com.au
Shop 6, 20 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach, NSW 2107

West Elm
My favourite major retailer, I can’t go here with out picking up some cool accessory to add to my home/props collection. Their modern aesthetic and good pricing win me over every time.
http://www.westelm.com.au
Bondi Junction and Chatswood Chase, Sydney

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Readers meet Darren Palmer at one of our events at West Elm Bondi Junction

Terrace Outdoor Living
A great edit of all things for the outdoors. Lots of cool accessories, plants and more.
http://www.terraceoutdoorliving.com.au
47 Queen Street, Woollahra, NSW 2025

Opus Design store
The new Opus two-level store offers a huge selection of home and giftwares with something for everyone.
http://opusdesign.com.au
354 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW 2021

Becker Minty
An awesome high end retailer with a chic edit for the home, and of course they stock Kelly Wearstler here in Australia.
http://www.beckerminty.com
7/81 Macleay Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011

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Mark Tuckey
Worth the drive to Avalon on the Northern Beaches, head here for their signature collection of locally made timber furniture.
http://www.marktuckey.com.au
303 Barrenjoey Road, Newport, NSW 2106

Coco Republic
This is more (big) showroom than store but they also stock another favourite USA designer/brand of mine, Jonathan Adler. Head here for his signature colourful and fun collection and any store than has a cafe (L’Americano Espresso Bar) as part of their business wins me over for a coffee pit stop!
http://www.cocorepublic.com.au
34 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015

Bludot
My favourite American furniture/design store in downtown Sydney, I love their modern design and fun attitude. Head here for affordable design. I love popping in and visiting the team for a laugh or ten. Their Toro chair is one of my favourite things at home.
http://www.bludot.com.au
1/69 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015

Jardan
Another Aussie favourite, head here for an awesome collection of locally made and designed furniture and homewares with neat clean lines and a modern aesthetic.
http://www.jardan.com.au
21 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery, NSW 2018

We hope you enjoyed this list. Which stores would you add?

Categories
Designers Furniture Homewares

Jen’s favourites from the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On range

We first heard about the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collab months ago and have been hotly anticipating it hitting stores. It’s now available in store and online so I thought I’d showcase my favourites. It’s a lovely range; casual, colourful, easy to mix and match and with a few shots of Tuckey’s trademark timber. It’s great value too and you’ll find pieces for your kitchen, living and bedrooms. Whether you love your neutrals or colours, you’re catered for!

Clockwise from top left: printed round cushion $34.95; linen cotton blend sheet set in queen (available in 4 block colours and distress washed) $149.95; set of two mugs $14.95 (available in 4 colours), round tassel bath mat $29.95.

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Clockwise from top left: harlequin knitted cushion $49.95; set of two canisters $39.95 (available in 3 colours);  queen reversible duvet set in scribbe stripe/charcoal $149.95 (also comes in 4 other designs); wooden bowl $79.95.

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Shop the entire range online.

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Categories
Homewares Interviews

Exclusive behind the scenes photos from the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collection

Mark and Louella

The hotly anticipated Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collection launches this Friday (read all about it here) and between you and me I can’t wait to get my hands on their beautifully designed, affordable pieces.

Mark and Louella
Mark and Louella

So to whet your appetite just that little bit more, we have all the behind the scenes photos from the collection’s inaugural photo shoot; where you can catch a glimpse of not just the homewares, but Mark and Louella Tuckey (of Mark Tuckey) in action.

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With the collection categorised by Eat, Drink, Relax, Store, Bathe and Sleep; everything is made with quality natural materials such as cotton, linen and timber. Marking Cotton On’s first foray into homewares, they had long wanted to collaborate with another brand, and furniture makers Mark Tuckey felt like a natural fit to everyone. “Cotton On knew of the Mark Tuckey brand since its early days and originally approached us to discuss store fit-outs but it quickly became a conversation about homewares,” explains Louella. “Cotton On had wanted to create a homewares brand for its adults’ business for some time and collaborating with another brand had always been on their radar.”

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With the concept of the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On collaboration being in line with Mark and Louella’s core business objective – to create products they love and want in their own home, they believe this new partnership echoes that same passion. “We’ve created an authentic and honest collection featuring a natural palette with pops of colour and a focus on good, clean design at exceptional prices. It’s similar to Mark Tuckey in the fact that everything has been designed here in Australia; the main difference is the more accessible price point. It’s really exciting to think that we’ll be introducing the Mark Tuckey brand to new customers and homes across the globe.”

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With so many products on offer from mugs and chopping blocks to bedding and bath mats, the biggest challenge for Louella is naming her favourite product. “My favourite product is the hand knitted Cable Blanket in natural cotton. But then I also love the wool Ottoman Bean Bag Cover and I love the fragrances we’ve developed for our Woodnote Candles. We have a smokey wood scent that I’m going to stock up on for home.”

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The collection will launch online this Friday and in select Cotton On stores from Wednesday 8 July.

Categories
Art Homewares Interviews

Rowena Martinich’s vibrant art popping up around the world

Rowena at work

Renowned for her use of radiant colour, Rowena Martinich’s vibrant abstract expressionist paintings can be seen around the world; from a school mural on the streets of New York City, to a 50-metre long work on a sea wall in Turkey.

Rowena at work
Rowena at work

With a background in fine arts and having run a gallery space in her former years, Rowena has long felt containing artworks within a gallery is riddled with limitations. Favouring public art for its ability to be accessible to all, but simultaneously enjoying smaller commissions for clients’ homes, Rowena’s practice is very diverse. “My practice encompasses studio based paintings and commissions, and public works in urban and regional Australia (as well as internationally),” explains Rowena. “I also work regularly with developers, architects and designers to create bespoke works for commercial and domestic spaces and I have been fortunate to collaborate with some great brands, such as Nike, Dulux and Mecca Cosmetica.”

Headland print
Headland print

[contextly_sidebar id=”C1HS0MpuIGhyCq5OHjgaogiZzVL3gb5B”]Having been practicing professionally for 10 years, Rowena works out of her studio on the Surf Coast in Victoria. Working on six paintings at any one time, the studio is covered with large canvases stapled directly to the walls. “I move from one painting to another as the layers are drying,” says Rowena. “My process is very fluid, practiced and intuitive. My abstract works are very colour responsive and the balance that I create within the pieces comes very naturally to me.”

The sea wall in Turkey - done in collaboration with husband, Geoffrey Carran
The sea wall in Turkey – done in collaboration with husband, Geoffrey Carran

Sea wall close up
Sea wall close up

However, when it comes to creating public art her process is quite different, often working directly on-site. “When I work on-site I’m mixing paint, climbing ladders and scaffolds and painting onto the wall. I use big brushes to form big marks, and sometimes use chemical sprayers to spray out continuous splattery lines. The other approach to public art is when I paint onto clear adhesive vinyl and install it onto glass building facades. These works are painted off-site and installed like a giant sticker.”

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While you’d think that would be enough to keep Rowena busy for a lifetime, she also creates limited edition giclee prints, textiles (derived from her paintings) and hand painted ceramics; all available through her and her husband’s boutique label, Martinich&Carran. In terms of her artworks, all commissions are available via Rowena herself, with her prints being stocked at Greenhouse Interiors and her originals through Koskela and Mark Tuckey.

For more information.

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Before & Afters Design DIY RENO ADDICT

Our Feast Watson Re-Love Project revealed!

Since April, I’ve been busy, transforming a tired timber table into a vibrant and unique designer piece, all in the name of charity. And now, I can finally show you the finished product!

Olivia Shead
Before and after

Like with any DIY project it came with its trials and tribulations (including our publisher Jen having her baby Seb half way through the design process… how selfish!) but I can now say it’s complete and I’m extremely happy with how it turned out.

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A special thanks to Sparkk for supplying us with a beautiful flamingo table runner

My table, along with my fellow designers’ pieces (such as two beds by furniture designer Mark Tuckey and a sideboard by stylist Steve Cordony), will now go up for auction. Running from Wednesday 8 July to Friday 17 July, all proceeds go to Salvos Stores.

Feast Watson Re-Love Project 2015 (all)
All the projects

While upcycling continues to grow in popularity, it seems it hasn’t quite extended to medium and large furniture pieces, with people (myself included) choosing to throw away tired pieces rather than consider their potential. The Re-Love Project shows just how a little TLC can inject personality into second-hand furniture and give it a new lease on life. I must say it’s certainly changed my outlook on DIY!

To find out more information about the project or for inspiration for an up-cycling project you can complete at home, visit the Feast Watson website. 

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Design DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping

Upcycling for a cause: our Feast Watson Re-Love Project entry

Over the past month, I’ve been getting my DIY on at Interiors Addict and Reno Addict HQ. It’s involved a lot of firsts, the most frightening being that of using an electric sander! However, I can happily inform you that all body parts remain intact!

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Olivia on the tools!

However, the reason for doing this hasn’t been my want for a new job (I’ll stick to writing, thank you very much!). Rather, I, along with seven other design personalities, have been upcycling for a cause, as part of the Feast Watson Re-Love Project.

Now in its third consecutive year, the project sees a range of pre-loved timber furniture items given a new lease of life, as they are transformed into unique statement pieces. I’m upcycling a table, but that’s all I can tell you at the moment! Once the pieces are completed, each designer’s creation will be available for sale on eBay from 8 to 17 July, with all proceeds donated to the Salvos Stores.

There’s some very impressive people taking part (I’d be lying if I said I didn’t completely freak out when I found out who!) including iconic furniture designer and maker, Mark Tuckey, leading interior and event stylist, Steve Cordony and Real Living editor-in-chief, Deb Bibby!

In the lead-up to the items being available for sale you can follow each designer’s progress, or find inspiration for an upcycling project at Feast Watson’s website. Also follow our sneak peeks on our Instagram and Feast Watson’s Instagram using the hashtag #Feastwastonrelove2015.

Categories
Bedrooms Kids Rooms Styling

Stylist Aimee Tarulli’s big boy room for toddler son Leo

We’ve brought you a lot of nursery and kids room inspiration lately, but what better than an interior stylist’s real life project for her very own little man? With a new baby due in May, Aimee Tarulli needed to create a ‘big boy room’ for her son Leo, two.

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“When I’m designing rooms for children, I really like them not be too gender or age specific,” she says. “I think a kids space should just be really cool and include lots of things that evoke their imagination and interest . I’m so happy with this room as it’s really suitable for Leo now being two, but will also see him right through to those teen years, when I’m sure he’ll want to put up Hawks footy posters instead (thanks Dad!).”

The bed was an important decision and prompted by Aimee’s love of choosing minimal contemporary furniture pieces that will last the test of time, then adding lots of colour through accessories and art. “The Biscuit bed in lime washed ply from Mark Tuckey was an easy choice. This is my favourite bed for kids, whether it’s a boy or a girl. It’s just so simple and natural and something they can’t get sick of! A king single is also the way to go to ensure lots of room for reading together at night and again, it will see them through until they need to go up to a queen.”

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Aimee dressed the bed in dreamy pale blue and grey linen from Cultiver to balance out all the colour and pattern happening in the room. “It needed to just be really soft and subtle. The coverlet is from Urban Home Republic and doubles as a heavyweight doona cover. The quirky mix of cushions are from Norsu (lion), Ourlieu (evil eye) and Leo and Bella (glow in the dark ghost!).

“I choose the matching bedside also from Mark Tuckey as I just loved the open shelf for books at the bottom and the square shape meant books and a lamp sat nicely on the top, as opposed to a round stool where it’s sometimes hard to get everything on top easily. A handmade twin hunter tribe from A Boy Named Aaron sits above the bed and is a sculptural piece that adds another element. The lamp is from Bungalow Trading Co.

“Leo is really into dinosaurs at the moment and I came across this amazing original vintage poster from The Galerie. I absolutely fell in love with it and I was lucky enough that Michelle at The Galarie was able to source it for me. It’s really the hero of the room and makes such an impact to the space. I just love that it’s so unique and not seen everywhere. It’s such a cool piece and one that we’ll all love forever.”

When decorating spaces, Aimee always aims to find unique products that really make them someone’s own. “I love to find out more about my clients and what they like so I can ensure I am designing a space that really connects with them and is unique.”

Leo’s other love is books and the Ubabub clear Perspex Booksee shelves are a fun way to display them. “The low shelves mean Leo can reach the books easily and they’re a magnet for him.” To create a comfy reading nook, Aimee found the perfect floor cushion from Into The Fold. “This cushion is called Big Maude and is so lush and comfy and means we can cuddle up and read stories together. I paired this with some really cool cushions from Jai Vasicek.”

Taking inspiration from some diamond bunting she had, Aimee had diamond shapes painted on the wall that wrap around the corner (painted by Christopher Watterston, who paints the Dulux colour campaigns). “This just adds interest to an otherwise white corner of the room and draws your eye down into the bookshelves. It’s quite the optical illusion as the angles change when you walk around the room,” says Aimee.

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Layout has also been carefully considered with the bed up against one wall to open up floor space for play. Aimee used a Down to the Woods felt ball rug on the floor and a Puku ottoman from Coco Flip. The Oeuf Mini Library in birch from The Secret Room is a great space for Leo to keep all his little dinosaurs and toys. “I’m sure in time it will become filled with Lego structures!”Above the shelf unit hangs a framed Rachel Castle tea towel (great affordable art!) and a small Emily Besser artwork sits on top next to a cluster of felt mushrooms amongst other nick knacks.

“I really love Leo’s new space and find myself sometimes just walking past and looking in. It’s a really cool place to be.”

Photography by Martina Gemmola.

Categories
Styling

Video: 7 creatives, 7 Christmas table styling ideas

Jason, you're making us hungry!

In need of a bit of last minute inspiration for styling your Christmas table on Wednesday?  I hope you enjoyed last week’s Tabletop Project posts where we brought you a different creative and their Christmas table ideas each day, in association with Mark Tuckey. This wrapup video brings all the inspiration together in one place. Enjoy!

The Table Top Project Mark Tuckey from www.shayneallen.com on Vimeo.

How will you be styling your Christmas table this year?

Categories
Dining Furniture Styling

The Tabletop Project day 7: Nadine Bush of Jamie Durie

Christmas is all about gathering together for a feast with your favourite people. Sydney furniture makers Mark Tuckey asked seven of their favourite creatives to create a Christmas table (Some are glitzy, some are glam, some are just plain dotty) and we’re sharing one with you each day this week.

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Nadine Bush is Group Creative Director at Jamie Durie. She used the Cavaletti dining table. “As a child, I loved to play under my family’s enormous dining table, turning it into a cubby by draping muslin mosquito netting over it (I grew up in Sri Lanka). My imagination would turn that cubby into anything my heart desired.

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“This is what I wanted to capture with Mark Tuckey’s Cavaletti table. Just as much action takes place under a dining table as above it, in reality, and more so during the magical time of Christmas! No matter what your style this Christmas, it will always look good on or under a Mark Tuckey table.”

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Mosquito net, blue parrot, paper garland and Tara and Luca’s outfits, all from mamapapa, Avalon. Hanging Christmas tree from Mr. Moss. Other props Nadine’s own.

Photography by Cameron Bloom.

THE TABLETOP PROJECT Nadine Bush from www.shayneallen.com on Vimeo.

Categories
Dining Furniture Styling

The Tabletop Project day 6: florist Holly Hipwell

Christmas is all about gathering together for a feast with your favourite people. Sydney furniture makers Mark Tuckey asked seven of their favourite creatives to create a Christmas table (Some are glitzy, some are glam, some are just plain dotty) and we’re sharing one with you each day this week.

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We love the work of super fun ‘chief flower enthusiast’ Holly Hipwell of The Flower Drum. “I was over the moon to be given the Loop dining table and my fave Egg Cup stools for The Tabletop Project, simply because the table is massive which means LOTS OF FLOWERS!

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“For me, Christmas isn’t just about one special day, it’s the Festivas! A whole month of summer sunshine, jasmine-filled nights, fun decorations, celebrating, dancing and of course, the turkey!

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“I love everything en masse — hand picking all of my favourite flowers and piling them up high. I think that’s why I love the Mark Tuckey products — beautiful hardwood, pine, Oregon and oak, all selected with the intention of making something pretty special and unique. I can never get enough of a good thing!

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“For my table I used in-season favourites – wild field roses, peonies and hydrangea atop a mirrored runner (used to amplify the florals) and colourful honeycomb lanterns in pop (non-Christmassy) colours. I’d also like to congratulate myself for flying those beautiful blue plates down from my mum’s place in Queensland without breaking them. I needed them because they matched my outfit. Thanks Mum!”

Photography by Cameron Bloom.

THE TABLE TOP PROJECT HOLLY HIPWELL from www.shayneallen.com on Vimeo.

Categories
Dining Expert Tips Furniture Styling

The Tabletop Project day 5: interior stylist Mr Jason Grant

Jason, you're making us hungry!

Christmas is all about gathering together for a feast with your favourite people. Sydney furniture makers Mark Tuckey asked seven of their favourite creatives to create a Christmas table (Some are glitzy, some are glam, some are just plain dotty) and we’re sharing one with you each day this week.

Jason and his dog, Sophia
Jason and his dog, Sophia

“Christmas for me is a time to relax and unwind, I like to keep things simple and not too Christmassy,” says Jason Grant, who styled the Painted Rail Dining Table.  “My Christmas table setting is like my own decorating style: relaxed, laidback and casual.

“Of course it’s colourful too with a touch of my two favourites — nautical stripes and a little bit of nature. I love incorporating nature into all things that I do and have used blue spruce, a type of pine, as my touch of Christmas as decoration on the table (from Pearson’s Florist). I love that it’s classic Christmas with a twist. I love to customise and to use what I already have. I made these paper placemats from some artist paper and some spare paint and used irregular brush strokes to create the stripes in my favourite shade blue.

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“I love combining timber with strong bright colours I think this is a very Australian style and a Christmas table setting is the perfect time to add a pop. I have used the Hay Kaleido trays from Yellow Bungalow. Beeswax candles Queen B are perfect for the table. I love scented candles but not at the dinner table. Candles always add a little magic. I love to serve my favourite prawns, pavlova (which I love to decorate at the table with summer berries) ginger beer and champagne. Remember to leave room for these and not overcrowd your table . I like a layered but streamlined style table.

Jason, you're making us hungry!
Jason, you’re making us hungry!

“Christmas for me is spent with family and friends, never too far from the beach.”

Check out Jason’s blog | Photography by Cameron Bloom.

THE TABLE TOP PROJECT Jason Grant from www.shayneallen.com on Vimeo.

Categories
Dining Styling

The Tabletop Project day 4: blogger Nikki Yazxhi of bellaMUMMA

Christmas is all about gathering together for a feast with your favourite people. Sydney furniture makers Mark Tuckey asked seven of their favourite creatives to create a Christmas table (Some are glitzy, some are glam, some are just plain dotty) and we’re sharing one with you each day this week.

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Beauty blogger Nikki chose the traditional looking Farmhouse Table but went for a look that wasn’t traditionally Christmassy. “I went for an over abundance of peonies (my faves, which are only around at Christmas time), pink reindeer and a glitter gold star theme.

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“I kept the peonies cut short so guests could see each other across the table, and scattered them down the entire length of the table in different sized vases. I tried to create ‘deconstructed bon-bons’ with super-cute crowns and star headbands, and little chocolate treats in the Uashmama bags, placed on everyone’s plate.

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“The serviettes were tied with baker’s twine and feature a little pink reindeer. And so I didn’t cover the amazing Mark Tuckey table, I made my ‘placemats’ using an outline of glitter washi tape.

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“Finally, to get all the senses going, I placed gorgeous Maison Blanche ‘Australian Christmas’ and ‘Buttered Popcorn’ candles down the middle of the table, which smelt amazing!”

Check out bellaMUMMA.

Photography by Cameron Bloom.

THE TABLE TOP PROJECT Nikki Yazxhi from www.shayneallen.com on Vimeo.