Categories
Design Dining Homewares Kitchens Shopping Styling

Enamel kitchenware is back: Our picks of the retro trend

With its retro good looks, it’s easy to see why enamel kitchenware has made it back onto our tabletops. Typically made from powdered glass bonded onto steel, enamel is lightweight, easy to clean, hardwearing and usually dishwasher and oven safe too. And while vintage pieces can be found in secondhand stores, the latest line-up of new enamel kitchenware is proving hard to resist.

Kip & Co: Durable, versatile and available in a gorgeous array of colours, this range is great for outdoor entertaining and you could even take it camping if you’re that way inclined! Starting from $21.

Kip & Co
Kip & Co

Kmart enamel grey/bronze bowl: Part of a larger enamel range, this bronze rimmed number is a steal for just $5.

Kmart

Mind Pop enamel range: Available in multiple colours, these canisters, bowls, trays, cups and more are hand painted, meaning no two are alike. They’re dishwasher, freezer and oven safe, perfect for picnics, kids or at home! From $35.

Bornn enamelware: Handmade by Turkish artisans and ripe for heirloom status, we love this range’s pretty marble design. There’s serving trays, mugs, tumblers, bowls and baking dishes in the collection. From $29.95.

Bornn enamelware
Bornn enamelware

Falcon enamelware: Originally sold in the 19th century, as a safe alternative to the toxic materials found in kitchen products, enamelware is a great option for those looking for a healthy cooking alternative. This huge collection features everything from cups to colanders and baking trays and starts from $6.95.

Falcon colander
Categories
Design Designers Homewares Living Room Styling

Unexpected homewares trend: Style your home with body part decor!

Body part decor. There, I said it. It sounds rather macabre but it’s a trend that’s been percolating for a while now and seems to have reached a crescendo of late. From hands to faces, legs and bottoms, no body part is off limits in this statement-making look that is perfect for adding a little something extra and unexpected to a space.

Jones & Co. nude collection: From buns to boobs and seated yoga poses, this fun range is ideal for adding a little cheek (no pun intended) to your shelfie. From $40.

Decor House hand sculptures: Available in ‘rock on,’ ‘ok’ and ‘high five’ hand gestures, these gold finishes ceramic hands are perfect for a touch of rock and roll. $79.90.

Jonathan Adler Dora Maar condiment bowl: Part of a wider collection celebrating Picasso’s muse Dora Maar, this little bowl (below centre) is perfect for a pop of the surreal. $104.

Vavavoom hand planter: A set of hands placed as if embracing a warm mug of tea, this design works as a pot plant but the rubber stopper allows it to be used in a variety of other ways. It’s available in black and white. $49.

House of Orange printed faces lampshade: Classic with quirk, I’ve been coveting this monochrome piece for a while now. Purchased separately, it pairs perfectly with a black or white base. $179.

Decor House Roman head planters: We’ve brought you Greek busts before but it’s a trend that shows no sign of abating. While available in many iterations including candles and sculptures, we’re rather taken with these planters. $79.90.

Decor House

Tim Neve Faces cushion: Part of the ‘Muse’ textile collection, this gorgeous cushion is hand screen printed on 100 percent Belgian flax linen. $146.

Categories
Bathrooms Design Homewares Shopping

Towels Australia: Style your bathroom with these colourful new finds

While there are plenty of lovely plain and neutral bathroom towels around, it’s the brightly coloured, boldly textured or patterned ones that pack the biggest design punch. The perfect way to update your bathroom in an on-trend way, our latest towel finds have us desperately making room in our linen cupboards.

Sage & Clare: The brand famous for its Nudie Rudie bath mats has expanded the range to include Nudie Rudie towels and a gorgeous range of lightweight and absorbent cotton waffle towels in a stylish check. We love! From $45.

Sage & Clare

Adairs: Mass homewares retailer Adairs can always be relied upon for an interesting towel that won’t break the bank. Its new Turkish cotton towel range (available in raspberry and seagrass) is ideal for a texture injection while the Daisy design is pretty as a picture. From $9.99.

Turkish cotton bath towel in raspberry
The Daisy towel range comes in this gorgeous green as well as a soft pink

Kip & Co: The brand synonymous with bold prints and bright colour seems the perfect choice for those seeking a splash of fun in the bathroom. We love its new hand loomed 100 per cent cotton Turkish towels (in stripes and a multi-coloured pebble design) as well as the cotton terry spotted design that comes in pink/pale cream and a stunning lilac and orange marmalade combination. From $25.

Kip & Co towels
Kip & Co
Rose and white striped bath towel
Kip & Co
Sahara pebbles bath towel

Castle & Things: Rachel Castle has brought her inimitable style into the bathroom with a bright and sunny range of towels including one that sports an on-trend scallop detail. With a colour range that spans dusty blue, raspberry, toffee and sherbet, these towels are almost delectable enough to eat. From $79.

Castle towels
Castle and Things

Miss April Towels: Founded by Britt Hurrell, who received a Turkish towel for Christmas a few years ago and promptly became obsessed, Miss April Towels stocks a fabulous range of towels made by artisans and small family businesses across Turkey. From $89.

Miss April towels
Miss April towels
Categories
Art Design Designers Homewares Shopping

Our homewares picks from this weekend’s online Finders Keepers

Following on from the success of its last online event, and after two successful post-COVID comeback events in Brisbane and Sydney, Finders Keepers is back online this week with its winter market. Fans are invited to cruise the curated virtual aisles of the unique 24/7 marketplace, and snag dedicated event-only specials from the comfort of their couch.

From homewares to art, ceramics to slow fashion and many one-of-a-kinds, the market is a unique opportunity for conscious consumers to throw their support behind small creative businesses in Australia; particularly those impacted by lockdowns.

Australia’s largest curated marketplace of makers and designers, Finders Keepers has long been recognised as a great way to discover emerging and established design talent from across the country. See below for a sneak peak and our top picks from the June market.

TS Makers
Handmade in Sydney by a husband and wife team with carpentry and design backgrounds, TS Makers is creates lovely, minimal homewares. All of the pieces are made from reclaimed Australian timbers, including jarrah, mahogany, spotted gum and Queensland maple. The brand’s core range of hardwood serving boards and trivets features a seventies-inspired squiggle design, an arch and abstract shapes.

Tinker by printink studio
A colour-fuelled Australian made lifestyle range, this brand spans homewares, linen tableware, fashion accessories and organic toddler and baby wear. We like the bold, bright and distinctive prints that are each developed from hand drawn designs before being meticulously screen printed by hand.

Indelible Designs
Handmade in Melbourne, Indelible Designs make functional ceramic pieces using both wheel thrown and hand built methods. Featuring gorgeous retro-inspired designs and colours, these one-off wares have that unique and nostalgic handmade feel.

Ivy & Wood
Handcrafted in Brisbane, this range of small-batch candles and home fragrance products is made with natural soy wax that is biodegradable, sustainable and free from pesticides and animal products. Ivy & Wood also uses lead-free wicks, pure essential oils and gorgeous vintage-style, reusable mason jars.

The Finders Keepers June Online Market 
This Friday 18 to Sunday 20 June
Shop online

Categories
Design Furniture Interviews Shopping

Australia’s first end to end, pre-loved designer furniture marketplace

With the market for pre-loved designer fashion goods enjoying a COVID-led boom, it was only a matter of time before we saw the same thing happen in the interiors realm. Enter Collécte, Australia’s first end to end marketplace for pre-owned, authentic designer furniture. The brainchild of interior designer Melissa Giuffrida, the online platform was set up to service what Melissa says is a real need for a dedicated marketplace for pre-owned, authentic designer pieces.

Collécte founder Melissa Giuffrida

“With the flooding of cheap replicas and low-quality pieces in the market (on other platforms), consumers are confused and don’t know if they are buying real or fake or quality goods. Collécte is committed to selling pre-owned authentic designer furniture where items can be bought and sold with confidence,” says Melissa who has a real desire to support the livelihoods of designers and says that every piece on Collécte is guaranteed authentic.

Ligne Roset chairs
The Ligne Roset Curule chair is one of Melissa’s design favourites

Her motivation to set up the platform was also underpinned by Australia’s rather concerning furniture consumption habits that see our major cities dispose of approximately 50,000 tonnes of low-quality furniture annually. “The Australian consumer has not been offered viable options on how to deal with the issue of replica furniture in the past. The online market is confusing for consumers to know what they are buying. Is the pre-owned piece real or fake? Collécte was created to solve this problem for consumers.”

The environmental impact that fast furniture poses, is becoming more and more important for consumers too. “People are much more aware of the environment and the amount of furniture that ends up in landfill. I think we are all starting to focus on quality and long-term use rather than cheaper furniture that is useless after a few years,” says Melissa.

Kartell chairs
Kartell chairs

The platform can be used easily by sellers and buyers alike. Sellers follow a simple three-step process to list a product before it gets sent to Melissa for approval while buyers can browse the marketplace, message sellers, negotiate prices, and make offers on products. Shipping and payments are organised through Collécte and local pick-up is offered where possible.

“As the marketplace is set up to be fully automated, I have kept sellers’ commissions low which means buyers will benefit from more competitive pricing. Most pieces are 50-to-70 per cent off the retail price. There are some items that are basically brand new that are 15-to-20 percent off,” says Melissa.

Moroso Klara chair
Moroso Klara chair

As for the most popular pieces on the site, Melissa explains that the most iconic designer items are the ones that sell most swiftly. Popular items include the Arflex Strips Sofa, USM units and Tufty-Time Sofas. “These pieces will usually sell within one to two days of listing,” says Melissa who cites the Flos Arco floor lamp, DCW Editions Mantis Wall lights and Ligne Roset Curule chairs as some of her most coveted pieces.

The DCW Mantis wall light is one of the most popular pieces on the site
The DCW Editions Mantis wall light is one of the most popular pieces on the site

And while even pre-owned these pieces don’t come cheap, Melissa explains that buying low-quality pieces equates to replacing that product 10 times or more compared to investing in an authentic piece that will last a lifetime. 

“When considering the investment over a lifetime, buying quality offers a much better outcome. Not only do you experience the joy of authentic design, but you also support the designers of the product and the environment. I have always had a passion for authentic design, and Collécte has allowed me to create a place where authentic design can be enjoyed by all.” 

Shop online

Photography: Kate Collingwood

Categories
Shopping

These rugs are are ethical, eco friendly, and look incredible!

Adelaide family business, Natural Flooring, have launched a new online arm, Natural Rugs Australia. “Our rugs are designed to counteract today’s throwaway culture and stand the test of time,” says co owner Catriona Morgan. “In a world of fast fashion, product quality and durability can be low. The natural fibres we use for our rugs are incredibly tough and perfect for high transit areas of your house. Some of our Natural Floors customers have had our rugs for 15 years and they still look great.” 

Natural Rugs uses fibres sourced from sustainable village industries throughout India and China. Jute, seagrass, sisal, coir and wool fibres are derived from naturally occurring, recyclable sources such as coconut husks, vegetable fibres, plants, and animal textiles.

The rugs are cut from reams of these natural fibre materials and stitched to shape. All rugs are proudly assembled in their Adelaide warehouse. “All of our rugs are handcrafted, so you know they’ll stand the test of time, as we’ve given them attention to detail, care and precision that a machine couldn’t.”

Though Natural Rugs is a new brand, the team behind it have over 30 years’ experience in handcrafted flooring.

Their handcrafted, beautiful and sustainable rugs are available for delivery nationwide. Investing in a rug can be a big decision, so they provide free rug samples and free 30-day returns for change of mind.

What’s more, our readers can get 10% off using the code NRIA10%OFF

For more information & to shop online.

Categories
Bedrooms Designers Homewares Parenting Shopping

Brisbane mum turns handwoven baby baskets into million dollar business

When Skye Donaldson, owner of the ethical brand The Young Folk Collective, was pregnant with her first child, she didn’t know searching for an elusive natural product would completely change the direction of her family’s lives. Her search for a natural newborn sleep space led her to Ghana in West Africa.

“I had stumbled upon weavers in Bolgatanga, home of the classic Bolga market baskets. Having used these baskets, I knew the material (elephant grass) was extremely high quality – ideal for a baby basket,” Skye explains. “When talking to family and friends, it became clear that this gap in the market was real and could transform into a business.”

The Moses Basket and Stand

Taking a leap of faith, she and husband James invested their modest savings of $5000, and The Young Folk Collective was born. This move proved a highly successful one, selling out of their first collection within days. “We were overwhelmed by the immediate response,” Skye says. 

Fast forward four years, and the company is now a successful family run business, with a large selection of products, handmade by artisans around the globe and an annual turnover of well over a million dollars and growing.

The baby change basket

Their baby baskets are safe, ethical, and look gorgeous. With many of us looking to bring natural elements into our homes, their elephant grass items are a perfect choice. Plus, you don’t have to hide them away once your baby moves into a new bed. Their signature baby baskets grow with your child, functional as a sleep basket, a doll cot, or a unique storage space.

“Our pieces have become a huge hit for those who love aesthetics,” Skye says. “Our baskets are the storage solution that people don’t need to hide.”

Quality craftsmanship is another cornerstone of The Young Folk Collective. “As each piece is handmade, with unique characteristics, they really are a functional piece of art for your home,” Skye adds. “We feel there has been a major shift in people searching for authentic products, with a real story behind them.”

The play mat in Into The Ocean

Their offerings have expanded to include play mats. Skye found that many play mats on the market were too cartoonish to fit into a main living space, and that others sacrificed the bold and contrasting colours that promote childhood cognitive development. The Young Folk Collective’s mats are designed with both form and function in mind, so both you and your children can enjoy their play space.

“Our playmats fit harmoniously into your existing decor, complimenting your style, rather than clashing with it.”

Skye and her family, with one of their Moses baskets

Skye believes in providing a heartfelt customer experience. “To this day, I still hand write thank you notes for every order. This is usually late into the night after our children are in bed,” she says. “In recent times, the world has come to appreciate the important things in life more. Being able to work together alongside my husband while raising our children has been invaluable.”

For more information.

Categories
Bedrooms Design Furniture Homewares Living Room Shopping Styling

Freedom autumn/winter ’21 homewares have strong 70s vibe

With a colour palette of khaki and amber, and a materials palette of cord, wicker and smoked glass, there’s no denying Freedom’s new autumn/winter ’21 collection has a strong 1970′s feel. Filled with artisanal details, rich earthy hues, organic shapes and lovely textured fabrics, the carefully curated range is made to mix and match. Here are our top picks.

Studio glassware: Made from fluted glass in smokey quartz and amber shades, the delicate Studio glassware range is comprised of tumblers, a champagne glass, carafe set and bowl. It’s seen here with the brand’s complementary amber toned Fusion glassware. From $24.95.

Freedom glassware
“Dinnerware doesn’t have to be matchy matchy. Winter is more eclectic and fun so we’ve curated an offer where you can blend different tableware,” says Freedom head of homewares Christie Maartensz.

Atticus cushion: A dark earthy green with a quilted grid-like design, we love the moody feel of this versatile cushion. $44.95.

Freedom Atticus cushion

Mesa coverlet: This textured coverlet is quite the chameleon. Dress it up or down and use it throughout the year – just layer it up with a doona in winter and use it solo when temperatures rise. From $249.

Freedom Mesa coverlet

Palazzo pouffe: Made from a gorgeous toffee coloured velvet, this is ideal for extra seating while bringing a cosy winter feel. $169.

Freedom Palazzo pouffe

Dome table lamp in brushed brass: Borrowing heavily from the iconic Attolo lamp, this little beauty is a much more affordably priced $179 and it comes in chrome too.

Freedom lamp

Cosh floor lamp: A sculptural black metal lamp, this one has serious presence. It’s also available in white. $149.

Freedom Cosh floor lamp

Mirrors: The new mirror line-up has a very textural feel. Their frame materials range from cane to wicker, rattan and rope making them ideal for a coastal abode. From $249.

Harlem pitcher and cereal bowl: Available in mid pink and this gorgeous olive green, the new Harlem ceramic range will elevate any table setting. From $12.95.

Harlem range
Categories
Furniture Shopping

From stadium sets to stylish Scandi furniture: IsoKing’s new range

Over a 48-hour period last March, major events staging company Stagekings lost 98% of their business due to restrictions on mass gatherings in the wake of COVID-19.

Their plan to survive the pandemic took them from manufacturing sets and stages for events like the Commonwealth Games, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Ninja Warrior, to manufacturing furniture for Australia’s new stay-at-home workforce. After all, they already had the right team, tools, and equipment for the job. In one day, they designed a single desk, which became the key offering of their new brand, IsoKing.

Helmed by Jeremy Fleming and designed by Mick Jessop, IsoKing’s range proved an instant hit with customers and within four weeks, they had managed to sell 4,500 pieces of furniture, more than double their staff and save the company from the brink of financial ruin. One year on, their new venture is thriving, and they are ready to launch a complete range of home furniture.

“The IsoKing desk is what we thought would save us when COVID hit, or at least keep us busy, and it certainly did that,” says Jeremy. “With restrictions easing, the set design and production work for Stagekings has come back, but IsoKing saved us and turned into a really viable long-term business that we love working on.”

IsoKing At Home is their new, ultra-modern furniture range, initially launching with six unique pieces, all available online. The sleek Scandi style that drove their home office range continues in their full range of permanent home furniture. Think chic coffee tables, modular bookshelves, and striking bed bases.

“For us it’s always been about making something really special with that wow factor,” Jeremy explains. “Simplicity and function has always been key to our design, and this is really evident in the new IsoKing At Home range.”

Aside from the smart design and durability, part of IsoKing’s success has been the affordability of their range and the speed of delivery once purchased online. Plus, all pieces are made using sustainably sourced local birch ply, with easy, no-tools assembly.

Not forgetting their roots in the live entertainment industry, IsoKing donates a percentage of all furniture sold to Support Act’s COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. To date, they have raised $90,000 for music industry workers affected by the pandemic.

For more information and to shop online.

Categories
Art Homewares Shopping Styling

Mother’s Day gifts under $100 for your interiors-loving mum

While a beautiful bunch of flowers or breakfast in bed is always well received on Mother’s Day, something new for the home is pretty high on the list for interiors-loving mums. Here’s our affordable top 10 and they all come in under $100.

Neos Candlestudio David bust candle: A fun, sorbet hued iteration of the Greek bust trend, these candles are simply too pretty to light. $96.

Wolf and Badger

Sage & Clare Yolandi cotton legging: Perfect for mum’s that like to wear their favourite interior prints, these gorgeous leggings are perfect for lazing around the house and beyond. $79.

Sage & Clare leggings

Indigo Love Collectors Flemington acrylic jug: Made from BPA-free acrylic, this jug is ideal for creating a fabulous backyard tablescape. It is part of a much larger table top set. $45.

Indigo Love collectors

Everbloome Gigi bouquet: Yes real blooms are beautiful but these ones will last for many, many years. We love the combo of hydrangea, gypsophila and billy buttons. $99.

Everbloome florals

Greenhouse Interiors Fievre art tote bag: Made from 100% flax linen and available in a variety of gorgeous prints, this hold-all is one for the art-loving mum. $59.

Greenhouse Interiors bag

Matisse Cutout pink poster and frame: Inspired by Henri Matisse, this print (and the rest of the collection) has a timeless, almost retro feel. We love the splash of pink. $75.90.

Matisse print

Castle & Things Botanical velvet pillowcase: These floral emblazoned velvet pillowcase slips prove that the inimitable Rachel Castle cannot put a stylish foot wrong. The colours are glorious. $79.

Rachel Castle cushions

Ferm Living Ripple champagne saucer (set of two): While not exactly new to the market, these are a modern classic for a reason. Mum will feel instantly stylish sipping from such delicate, fluted glass. $61.80.

Ferm Living champagne saucers

Typo Paint by Numbers: One for the crafty mums, this ‘paint by numbers’ set is an ideal weekend project. The set includes a pre-printed canvas (with natural ready-to-hang frame) plus a set of acrylic paints and two paintbrushes. $29.99.

Cotton On art

House of Nunu Double Trouble cup set in forest green: Available in a variety of gorgeous hues including mustard, amber and this gorgeous green, this cup’s double walled glass ensures optimal insulation for tea, coffee or cold drinks. $69.95.

Categories
Bedrooms Homewares Living Room Shopping Styling

Winter throw blankets: Eight of the best!

Whether draped across a sofa or along the bottom of a bed, a throw is not only a practical home styling item but they can look amazing too. From more delicate fringed iterations to bold, chunky knits, here’s our pick of the new season’s best blankets.

Slowdown Studio Perry blanket: The work of Melbourne based textile designer Claire Ritchie, this woven blanket is a stunner. $360.

Slowdown Studio throw

Adairs Tottori mustard throw: Available in charcoal, dusty pink and the gorgeous mustard shade pictured, this cotton throw is ideal for when you need a light extra layer. $89.99.

Adairs throw

West Elm Marled basketweave throw: Fair trade certified, this multi-knit hand loomed throw has a fabulous chunky aesthetic. $119.

West Elm throw

Sage & Clare Oceane knit blanket: Featuring one of Sage & Clare’s iconic hand-drawn floral designs in new-season colours, we love the bohemian feel of this unique blanket. $199.

Sage & Clare throw

Linen House Liza Orchid throw: Smoke-grey chenille stripes atop a lilac background with contrast yellow tassels? The combo shouldn’t work but we think it really does! $129.99.

Linen House throw

Target Livia textured throw: Perfect for extra warmth or for pure styling, this throw has a fun, tribal feel and great price tag. $49.

Target throw

Kip & Co Honey Rhubarb chunky knit blanket: Comprised of a gorgeous colour trio of pink, mustard and cream, this statement making blanket is on our must-have list this season. $250.

Kip & Co throw

IKEA RÅVAROR throw: 100 per cent wool, this neutral jacquard woven throw has a decorative pattern that is visible on both sides. We like the simple spot design. $89.

IKEA throw
Categories
Design Homewares Kitchens Shopping Styling

8 useful kitchen items that are stylish enough to leave out on the bench

Perhaps you live in an apartment, or your kitchen doesn’t have enough storage, but an entirely clutter-free kitchen bench just isn’t a reality for many people these days. So it helps that kitchen items just keep getting more stylish; here’s our favourite bench top-approved wares.

Menu salt and pepper grinders: A cult item for good reason reason, these grinder sets are discreetly shaped like a bottle and come in a variety of gorgeous colours making them perfect for bench top display. $149.95.

IKEA SUNNERSTA kitchen organiser set: If you’re someone that likes all of their high rotation kitchen items in one spot then this kitchen caddy is for you. $27.95.

IKEA Sunnersta kitchen organiser

Bloomingville wood kitchen roll holder: Paper towel storage has never looked so stylish. $31.

Bloomingville kitchen roll holder

Designstuff The Frame dish rack with removable utensil holder: The perfect solution when kitchen bench space is at a premium, this dish washing rack can be put away when not in use. Made from powder coated iron, with an anti-rust treatment, the rack includes includes two removable cutlery baskets and a dedicated glassware section. It’s available in black and white. $89.

Dish rack

West Elm marble cookbook stand: Made from solid marble, this stylish stand is the perfect thing to hold your recipe whether it’s on a tablet or in a cookbook. $59.

West Elm cookbook stand

Eva Solo toolbox: Whether you need a place to put your cooking utensils or scrubbing brushes, these chic storage containers make fabulous kitchen organisation. We like the oak timber handle. From $69.

Eva Solo kitchen storage

Ecology Staples Foundry set of 3 canisters: We love the retro feel of these food stage jars. The labels make for efficient use too. $39.95.

Kitchen storage jars

Country Road Demm spoon rest: This stoneware number is a very stylish spot to place your utensils mid-cooking. $12.95.

Categories
Dining Furniture

Round-table trend: The best & most stylish!

When it comes to dining tables, rectangular iterations have been the gold standard for a very long time which is why it’s so nice to see the arrival of so many stylish round options. From timber to concrete, marble and more, there’s a ’roundie’ to suit any taste.

Coco Republic Cubix dining table: Available in two sizes (1.2 metre and 1.6 metre diameter) in emerald marble or travertine, this gorgeous roundie is a true statement piece. $6295.

Coco Republic Cubix dining table

West Elm Silhouette pedestal marble round dining table: A sculptural design with a small footprint, this chic table combines a brass metal base with a solid variegated marble top. From $2199.

West Elm table

The Wood Room Bell table: Designed by celebrated architectural practice Richards Stanisich, the stunning curves of this handcrafted timber table are a thing of true beauty. Designed for practical seating, the base won’t interfere with your dining chairs. From $17,490.

Woodroom Bell table

Freedom Miro dining table: Crafted from white concrete, this table features a round top supported by a stylishly sculptural pedestal base. $1999.

Freedom Miro dining table

Beeline Design Ridge dining table: Made in Melbourne and available in a range of colours as well as timber and veneer options, it’s the corrugated base that sets this piece apart. Featuring a crimson hued base and a Carrara marble top, we love this iteration. From $5879.

Beeline Design table

GlobeWest Classique round dining table: Available in three sizes and four finishes (matte dark oak, natural ash, white grain ash and mocha ash), this table features a single large pillar that grounds it to the floor. From $2760.

Globewest dining table

Coco Republic Anchorage concrete dining table: Bold and sculptural, this concrete table has a lustrous smooth finish. It would look equally stylish on a terrace or in the dining room. We love its ample forms. From $2825.

Coco Republic Anchorage dining table

House of Orange Pillar dining table: Available in natural, black and white, it’s the ribbed timber column base that takes this piece up a notch. From $2995.

Categories
Design Furniture Homewares Shopping

IKEA: What’s new for April

While temperatures are dropping and we are very much in the throes of autumn, the latest IKEA arrivals are a rather light and bright affair. From a new coffee table that is set to become a cult classic, to a fabulous rattan dining chair and some fun textiles, here are our picks from the April drop.

BORGEBY coffee table: This birch veneer beauty is perfect for small spaces. While it’s only 70 centimetres in diameter, the clever storage underneath more than makes up for its diminutive size. $149.

IKEA Borgery coffee table

TVINGSTRUP rug: Designed by Indian weaver K.C. Maura, known for his inspiring hand-crafted designs, this reversible 100 per cent wool flatwoven rug combines an abstract feel with lovely earthy tones. The design is handmade in India, in organised weaving centres with good working conditions and fair wages, making it an ethical buy too. $149. 

IKEA Tvingstrup

PÅDRAG vase: The perfect way to dip into the fluted glass trend with minimal damage to the hip pocket. It’s designed to look beautiful with or without flowers. $2.

Padrag vase

FRÖJERED kitchen fronts: The brand’s first bamboo kitchen front, these minimally designed drawer fronts are made from responsibly sourced bamboo and are super hard wearing. $40.

IKEA Frojered

VOXLÖV chair: Made from bamboo and twisted paper cord, this chair is not only fabulous looking but it’s environmentally friendly too. We predict it will be a massive hit. $119.

IKEA VOXLOV

PIMPERNÖT quilt cover and two pillowcases: Made from 80 per cent cotton derived from sustainable sources, and 20 per cent viscose, we love this design’s colour palette and bold, geometric pattern. $35.

Pimpernot quilt

VITKLÖVER quilt cover and pillowcase: Inspired by swimming pool tiles, we love the crisp, cool feel of this bedding. It’s got a blue base on one side and white on the other. From $25.

Categories
Design Homewares Styling

Wall hooks: 10 of the most good looking and useful!

No longer just a purely utilitarian solution, the humble wall hook has had a serious glow-up over the last few years. From brass to wood and rattan to hand-carved and hand-painted, these are our favourite picks.

norsuHOME solid brass wall hook/knob: Designed in-house, these 100 per cent solid brass hooks come in a gorgeous matte finish for a modern luxe feel. $45 each.

Norsu hooks

Lucie Kaas Sketch wall hooks: Made from solid oak, hand painted and sealed in hard wearing non-toxic varnish, these gorgeous hooks have an abundance of personality. We love! $42 each.

Simple Form wall hooks

Pineapple Traders brass Shaka hook: The ideal complement to a coastal home, this super fun brass hook is inspired by the Hawaiian hand gesture of the Shaka. It’s available in sculpture and key ring form too. $42.95.

Pineapple Traders hook

West Elm Mid-Century hook rack (white): A stylish option for the hallway, we love the antique brass detail on these mid-century inspired coat racks. From $119.

West Elm

Zakkia terrazzo hooks: Available in black, snow, rose and seashell, these versatile hooks are perfect for the wall or you could even use them to up cycle a cupboard or chest of drawers. $56.

Zakkia hooks

Scandiluxe Luxe scoop hook: Available in American oak and walnut timbers, this stylish brass trimmed hook is perfect for organising a bedroom, bathroom, laundry or entry. $35.95.

Scandiluxe hook

Ferm Living Animal hand-carved hooks: One for the kids, these whimsical, safari themed hand-painted hooks look fabulous with or without something hanging from them. $39 each.

Ferm Living animal hooks

Aura three hook wall hanger: Combining metal and rattan, this bohemian number would look fabulous in a seaside home or an inner-city apartment. We like its eclectic feel. $34.95.

Aura three hook wall hanger

Oliver Thom Kolor line hooks: Available in three sizes and a rainbow of colours, these delicate, minimal hooks look graphic and playful on the wall. They’re great for hanging towels or keys. From $40.

Oliver Thom hooks

Muuto The Dots set of five: A modern classic, for good reason, these Scandinavian hooks can be arranged on the wall in any pattern. They’re available in an array of colours. $185.

Muuto wall hooks
Categories
Homewares Shopping

Every cushion you need from one online store

During the first Melbourne lockdown, the two founders of Hommey were moving house, when they noticed that there was nowhere to easily choose from a large range of quality, affordable pillows online. They decided to fill the gap by creating their cushion brand.

“Our goal is to position ourselves as the one-stop cushion shop,” says Hommey’s Justin Kestelman, “all without the premium price tag.”

Hommey offers dozens of colours, shapes and fabric options, ranging from bright yellow boucle to natural linen.

“What makes us even more unique is our quality of inner cushion,” he adds, explaining that the process of creating it took three months and nearly 30 prototypes! The end result is a unique blend of down and hollow fibres that promises to hold its shape. “Nobody wants a pancake cushion!”

Knowing some people are nervous to buy online, they offer 30-day returns if you’re not happy with your choice. And if you’re one of many people who struggle to put cushion combos together, you can even opt for one of their packs, like the one below.

“Since launching in December 2020, we’ve had amazing traction here in Australia and have just launched into New Zealand,” Justin says. “We are exploring the UK and USA as we speak.

“In short, we’re making cushions cool, desirable, relatable and slightly aspirational.”

See for yourself and shop online.

Categories
Bedrooms Designers Shopping

Autumn bed linen trends: Our favourite new bedding

With temperatures starting to drop, we’re rather excited about the potential for bedroom restyling – out with summer’s light fabrics and colours and in with a much more autumnal vibe. With key colours including tobacco, navy, lilac and sage, this year’s autumn/winter looks are all about sumptuous texture.

L&M Home: Released recently, the brand’s new Massimo collection won’t win many awards for pushing the envelope but boy is it luxe. Comprised of soft cotton quilted in a linear design, this design would suit just about any interior style. Pair it with tobacco toned velvet cushions for a crisp autumn look.

L&M Home
L&M Home

Castle and Things: Rachel Castle’s latest collection features more of her iconic spots and stripes but this time with an autumn/winter colour update.

“We wanted our new autumn/winter range to squeal ‘snuggle’ factor, warmth with a twist and grown up but cosy. So, we’ve got little buttery spots and big cloudy stripes with the cosiest new butterscotch floral. This season tells our signature story – strictly edited modern classics with a cheeky little wink,” says Rachel Castle.

Photo: Lisa Cohen
The gorgeous new butterscotch floral (Photo: Lisa Cohen)
Rachel Castle
The aqua stripe looks fabulous paired with the tobacco spot (photo: Lisa Cohen)

Aura Home: Available in navy and caramel, Aura’s new Maya chenille quilt cover draws inspiration from the old and the new. Made from 100 per cent pure cotton for, we love its textural, bohemian vibe.

Aura Home

Kip & Co: Titled ‘Magic Happens,’ the autumn Kip & Co. collection has plenty for the maximalists and for those who favour a more subdued aesthetic. And while there are myriad florals, texture abounds with cotton velvet, French linen, soft cotton, chunky blanket knits, and waffle fabrics rounding out the range.

Kip & Co.

Linen House: Constructed from fine cotton voile, and trimmed with frayed rustic edges, the new Elysian bedding from Linen House gets our tick of approval. We’re particularly fond of the on-trend orchid/lilac and eucalyptus colour ways.

The brand’s new Della design is much bolder – a hand-painted, gestural leaf design features in 1970’s inspired hues.

Elysian in orchid
Linen House Della
The bold Della design has a retro feel
Linen House bedding
Elysian in eucalyptus
Categories
Bedrooms Design Homewares Interviews Shopping Styling

Kip & Co.’s new autumn collection is big on texture

While there’s plenty for maximalists in the new Kip & Co. range ‘Magic Happens,’ the collection is brimming with options for those who favour a more subdued aesthetic. The brand’s autumn collection has a focus on incorporating chunky texture into the home and not just the bold pattern we’ve come to expect from the brand.

Kip & Co
Kip & Co.’s signature velvet and linen bedding is back in several fabulous new colour ways

“With tactile fabrics like cotton velvet, French linen, soft cotton, chunky blanket knits, and waffle, the range is a reminder of the importance of touch, and the beauty in slowing things down,” says Kip & Co co-founder Alex McCabe.

This large scale graphic check would look great on a child or adult’s bed

The new collection features pretty new velvet and linen shades (hello nude!) as well as some seriously gorgeous chunky knit throws that look both stylish and snuggly. Other standout pieces (that would look equally at home on the couch or the bed) include the gorgeous harlequin print ‘Iced Vovo’ throw as well as new shades of the brand’s signature tassel throws.  

Kip & Co chunky knit throw
The ‘Honey Rhubarb’ chunky knit throw is a standout piece in the range
Kip & Co
The new ‘Iced Vovo’ throw, velvet Monstera cushion in shrimp and classic linen in ‘Laurel Green’ are rather delicious too.

“You can include colour and texture – it doesn’t have to be all about the print. Sometimes it’s about adding a textural element without going the full maximalist hog,” says Kip & Co. marketing coordinator Amy Clarke who suggests starting with a plain linen or velvet and building the look from there. 

Kip & Co

“The collection is an ode to those moments of magic amidst the mayhem – the wonder of a rainbow, the twinkle of the stars, the laughter of your best friend. We shot in an incredibly romantic old hotel, and if the walls could talk, they would’ve whispered stories of a simpler time,” says Alex.

Kip & Co
The beautiful kids’ ‘Speckle Candy’ print could almost pass as a neutral and would layer up nicely too.
Kip & Co
The new cushion line-up includes striped velvets and a new bolster shape. We love the new large pink check bed linen too.

The latest tableware range features cutlery, table cloths, aprons and napkins in a fabulous array of new prints designed to make staying home a bit more joyful. “In the kitchen, we’re embracing the golden era of dining in. Our beautiful tableware and cutlery collection celebrates the joy of a home cooked meal, with a feeling of festivity and fun,” says Alex.

Kip & Co
The ‘Pollen’ linen table cloth and napkin are styled with jewel napkin rings from the range.

Favourite collection prints have been turned into apparel – there’s leggings, tees, sweaters and a series of absolutely stunning cardigans. “We are so excited to intro our new hero – the big knitted cardigan is a must-have wardrobe essential,” says Alex.

Kip & Co cardigan
What a stunning cardigan!

Maximalists never fear though, you are very much catered for. From whimsical florals and foliage, to a fabulous Greek God inspired print, there’s plenty to feast your eyes on.

Kip & Co
One for print lovers, the ‘Greek God’ bedding is pretty divine

Shop online