The bar cart has never been so cool. Not only does it serve the obvious purpose of storing all your favourite drinks and associated cocktail-making and wine-pouring glassware and tools, it also looks seriously chic. We love the retro vibe of the bar cart, harking back to a time when people really made an occasion of stopping for a good drink. And the best news? You have a chance to win one in next month’s 7 Vignettes challenge, sponsored by our friends at Pottery Barn.
The Tristan Bar Cart, worth more than $500, would work well in almost any interior. We particularly love its round shape and neat compact size. Oh, and it’s hand finished in an antique brass colour. We can’t get enough of gold accents in the home.
So, get prepping for 1 August, when the challenge starts on Instagram, with the following prompts/themes. If you don’t know how it works, go here to find out more. As they say, you gotta be in it to win it!
The main overall prize is the bar cart, worth $534, and one runner-up will receive a $50 Pottery Barn voucher. There’s also seven daily theme prizes in the form of a small Malta Brass Lantern.
Pottery Barn has stores in Bondi and Chatswood in NSW, Perth in WA, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in QLD, Melbourne’s Chadstone in VIC and a Canberra outlet in the ACT. You can also shop online.
If you’re one of those people who has already started their Christmas shopping, well done to you! If you’re one of those people who finished it last month, I hate you! You make me feel bad! Seriously, every year I am so disorganised and I think it’s a reflection of our busy lives that everything becomes last minute and stressful. Remember when Christmas shopping was a fun, festive activity you looked forward to? It was an event! Although I’m the first person to praise the convenience of ecommerce, it’s time to bring back some of that enjoyable gift-buying experience. And Sydney’s Chatswood Chase Sydney is a great place to be inspired!
Sebastian and I ready to hit the shops!
Having always lived on the north side of the bridge, I’ve been shopping at the Chase for years. But in the last 12 months, as an interiors addict, it’s become even more inviting, with the addition of furniture and homewares brands like Kartell and Incy Interiors (as a mum, they and Pottery Barn Kids are my go-tos for Sebastian’s nursery) and Wheel and Barrow, not to mention the American mega brands west elm, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma (enough to get even me baking!). So level 2 has become a favourite place to spend time. What I love about Chatswood Chase is they have many stores which are unique to Sydney’s north side, making it a real destination for something a little different. Also worth mentioning, the homewares section in Country Road is huge!
Let’s face it though, these days we want more than just a great range of stores from our shopping centre experience. We want a nice lunch, easy parking, great baby change facilities and even somewhere to stop for a glass of wine, rest our weary feet and compare purchases with our girlfriends at the end.
Looking festive in store at west elm
On the subject of wine, I was delighted to find that Mosman favourite Burnt Orange has opened a second cafe restaurant on level 1 which is a really special place to eat or have a coffee. Away from the main food court and surrounded by fashion stores, it’s a peaceful spot and the cakes are amazing (we tested them for you). Did I mention they’re licensed and serve afternoon tea? All under a glass ceiling so it’s nice and sunny and brings the outside in (or you can choose a shaded area if you prefer).
Husbands can be bribed to come shopping with coffee and cake (at Burnt Orange)
If you’re after something more substantial, we have to recommend you head to Mrs Mi, the first one in Australia, from Taste of Shanghai Group. This is relaxed eating, in a restaurant off the lower ground food court, but the food is of a very high standard. Let’s face it, if you’re going to offer dumplings and noodles somewhere like Chatswood, you need to know what you’re doing as competition is stiff!
There’s a reason people were queuing out of the door when Damian and I arrived with Sebastian (prams can be left outside), and not just the fun robotic chef assisting with making the fresh noodles (they were so good!) in the window! Our lunch was delicious! I’m not one for fried chicken but theirs is something else, and my favourite had to be the pork wontons in red chilli oil. This is not your typical food court experience. Top tip: order the cherry tomatoes in plum juice (sounds wrong but it’s so right!) and have one in between each course to cleanse your palette!
Damian, Sebastian and I enjoyed lunch at Mrs Mi
During the Christmas period, there’s plenty happening at the shopping centre to enhance your experience and make it more leisurely and less stressful. Why not consider using the $12 valet parking, taking advantage of free gift wrapping or treating yourself to a well deserved facial or blow dry (for the office Christmas party) once you’ve ticked everyone off your gift list? There are plenty of options including Biiu Day Spa, and Luc Espace.
Now, we all know shopping with kids (and husbands sometimes…) in tow can be, well, challenging. Chatswood Chase can help in this respect. Not only did we discover a fantastic play area near Pottery Barn Kids where you can even draw on a giant interactive screen, there’s currently Stay Play Shop until Christmas Eve on level 2 where you can leave your little ones for up to two hours ($5 per half-hour, per child) to enjoy crafty activities with fully trained staff. The baby change facilities (on all 4 levels) are some of the best we’ve seen (and this has become very important to us recently!) with great changing and feeding areas. You can even watch your child in the play area within baby change on a TV screen while you’re in the parents’ toilet! These little things make a big difference!
Sebastian enjoys the play area with Daddy
There’s plenty more to get you in the festive spirit. Get your kids’ Santa photos on the lower ground floor, pick up your All I Want For Christmas Guide for gift-buying inspiration, get your gifts wrapped for you up until Christmas Eve, or buy a special edition gift card for the person who has everything, illustrated by Sally Spratt of The Lust List with a donation going to Make-A-Wish Australia for every one sold.
And before I sign off, my top four shops to buy tree decorations at the Chase, clockwise from top left are: Pottery Barn, west elm, Bed Bath N Table and Country Road.
With Christmas less than a month away(!), your Christmas tree is well on its way to going up. But rather than decorating it with your regular one-coloured baubles, add some personality with 10 of the best decorations around.
Trim your tree with West Elm’s playful Baby Penguin Bottle Brush Ornament ($14) handcrafted from natural fibres and complete with its own warm earmuffs!
All the warmth and glow of traditional Christmas festivity is brought to life in the Luxe Matte Gold Leaf Spray. Pure indulgence and elegance, place in the tree or alternatively use throughout the home, as part of a centrepiece or as gift wrap. Designed by Vue and available at Myer it retails for $14.99.
This set of eight Christmas Wishes Hanging Decorations from Hard To Find contain wishes tucked up inside for all to see. Each glass vial has a touch of festive glamour with a rose gold trim around the base. Available for $40 they are designed by Bread & Jam.
Bring traditional charm to your Christmas tree with this beautiful hanging glass bauble ornament, which features an intricate glitter design of stars and intersecting circles. Available from David Jones the Christmas Shop Starry Sky Bauble retails for $14.95.Decorate your Christmas tree with Villeroy & Boch’s set of four porcelain Nostalgic Snowmen Ornaments. Complete with red ribbons ready for hanging, they retails for $49.95.
Adopt a slightly bohemian approach to your festive celebration with the Feather Wreath Mini ($19.95) from Freedom. The cool white feathers get a flash of bling thanks to the sporadic gold-dipped detailing that puts the luxe in boho luxe.
Each Urchin Tree Decoration contains two sliced shells and three urchins. All species have been sourced from sustainable or renewable resources and are not threatened or protected. Available from Simply Shells for $8.95.
Designed, lasercut and handmade in Australia from recycled plywood, the Wooden Reindeer ($12) is available from Scoops Design.
Crafted of blown glass and painted by hand, Pottery Barn’s Seahorse Ornament ($9) sparkles with beautiful details from head to tail.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!
With more and more of us living in small inner city dwellings, never has storage been so important. But rather than hide away all your family heirlooms and childhood collections, display them on one of these seven gorgeous wall shelves. Prices start from as low as $25!
Bride & Wolfe’s original Oak Hardwood Circle Shelf has a classic warmth and beauty that will add a degree of elegance to your home. Using traditional bentwood techniques that date back to the 1890’s, they bend solid lengths of SFC certified hardwood slowly with steam to build a timeless, hand-created heirloom. Designed and made in Australia, it is available in two sizes and four finishes, with prices starting at $420.
Display books, photos, cookware and more with West Elm’s Marble Shelving. Express your design style by pairing with the statement Star Burst Brackets. Set includes one solid shelf and two brackets for $179.
The String System is a multiple award-winning design that continues to grow in popularity. A lightweight and flexible storage system that is constructed of side panels and shelves, it is easy to mount and move creating various combinations, depths, and frame functions. String Pocket ($375) is the mini sized String System, perfect for small storage needs or for creating joint modules in your own unique design. Available from Great Dane, there are a variety of colours and finishes on offer.
Pottery Barn’s modular Fruit Crate Shelving ($239) is fitted with hooks, shelves and rails, and is designed to add the storage you need, right where you want it. Choose one or more (image below shows four) to mix and match. The interior is hand painted in antique ivory, with the exterior hand finished in mango wood.
Available in three sizes, prices for the Oak Wall Floating Shelf from Curious Grace start at $155. Made from oak timber veneer, it is beautiful and simple, letting the objects do the talking.
The Peggy Pegboard from Plyroom has been designed with simplicity, practicality and functionality in mind. Made from birch plywood, the moulded plywood construction is composed of multiple layers of birch for strength without the extra weight. Available in three finishes, prices start at $195.
Create your own unique solution for storage and display with Ikea’s VALJE Wall Cabinets. The cabinets are sold individually, in three sizes, and you can get doors or drawers too. Put one on your wall or as many as you like, arranged the way you want. Assembly is quick and easy, thanks to the wedge dowel that clicks into the pre-drilled holes. Prices start at $25.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!
Mirrors can completely transform a room — from brightening up dark corners and creating the illusion of space to adding style and drama to a once boring interior. Below we’ve rounded up nine mirrors for every taste and budget.
Arguably the most replicated mirror on the market, the original Adnet Mirror by Gubi is the epitome of luxury. Designed in the ’50s, the distinctive, round leather mirror with equestrian-inspired detailing, comes in three sizes and three strap colours (black, olive or brown). Available from Cult, prices start from $1,020.
Coming in a range of colours and shapes (rectangle, round and geo) the minimalist and modern Flynn Mirror embodies simplicity at its best. Made from wood and featuring a soft painted matte finish it is available from Curious Grace for $385.
A mirrored work of art, West Elm’s deco-inspired Faceted Mirror ($349) features 10 facets to help reflect more light, making it perfect for creating the illusion of space in smaller rooms, corners and hallways.
Add a modern, chic touch with Country Road’s large rectangular Jani Mirror ($149). Made from solid Ash with a fine bevel front, it’s a practical and stylish way to update any space.
Reminiscent of Moroccan archways, the Moroccan Arch Bone Inlay Mirror has a stunning frame made from ethically sourced, natural camel-bone inlay pieces. Designed by artisans in the magical region of Rajasthan, India, each piece has been handcrafted in a process that can take weeks. On sale for $649 it is available from Zohi Interiors.
Create a character-filled interior with the too cute Delicious Pear Mirror. With a gold-rimmed edge it makes a lovely finishing touch to kids and adults room alike. Also available in apple shape, it retails for $159.99 from Freedom.
The Eagan Multi-Panel Mirror ($218.40) from Pottery Barn features nine mirrors that are each bevelled. Made from an iron metal frame with a bronze finish and enhanced with metal rosettes, it can be mounted vertically or horizontally, for two looks.
The Press Mirror designed by Tim Webber is made from copper with an inset mirror and a pressed detail at four points around the circle. It is available in five colours and has a keyhole on the back for hanging flush to the wall. Available from Hunting For George for $488.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add.
I think a lot of us are guilty of never printing our photos. Nowadays, our treasured memories live on our phone or computer, rather than on our walls or mantle-piece. But in my opinion, that needs to change. Below are eight beautiful and affordable frames that will hopefully convince you to take a trip down to your local developer. Because if they can’t, there’s no hope for you!
Available in four sizes and three timber finishes (black, white and ash), the Zavier Frame from Neural Instinct is a contemporary classic. With prices starting from $29.95, style on its own, in a group or as part of a wall collage.
Bang on trend, the Erla Frame ($44.95) in gorgeous marble print is simple and chic. Available from Country Road in one size (5×7), it comes in both black and white.
No need to mess with matting and easel backings, the Acrylic + Metal Frames from West Elm stand upright when wedged into the metal gold finish bases. Simply place your picture between the acrylic front and the back piece. Available in horizontal and vertical (10×15) for $39 a piece.
Made from timber, the Tilda Frames from Milk & Sugar represent classic simplicity at its best. Available in five sizes and two finishes (raw and white), the double frame takes two 4×6 inch photos and is on sale for $17.50.Discounted for $20.89, the Zahli Frame from Freedom has a strong Moroccan influence. Available in one size (5×7) its simple black and white colour palette lets your picture do the talking.
Contoured to look like thick rope in shiny silver plate, the Rope Frames from Pottery Barn have designer style. Available in three sizes, prices range from $29-to-$49.
The handmade Bone Inlay Mid Grey Chevron Photo Frame by Royal Hamam is made from quality bone for superior durability. Sourced as a recycled product with the assurance that no animals were killed for their bone, it is made by hand in India. Available from Zanui for $64.95, it comes in two sizes.
The depth of the Hooked Shadow Box Frame and the pre-placed hooks make it possible to hang bits and pieces inside, whilst also able to be used as a regular photo frame. Hang photos, trinkets or jewellery with the 10 gold hooks, one metre of jute twine and 10 mini wooden pegs. Available from Typo in one size (12×12), it retails for $24.99 and comes in vintage and natural wood.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!
When you think about classic, all-American interior design, chances are you think of the utterly dreamy interiors from films such as It’s Complicated (that kitchen!) or Something’s Gotta Give (that Hamptons house!) or perhaps you (like me) love the quintessentially English cottage from The Holiday. Those films were the work of filmmaker Nancy Meyers, who has garnered at least as many fans for her lovably flawed characters as her legendary room sets.
[contextly_sidebar id=”dH9T6apLy4FexCLo8dRk3PDDx0jA9CEZ”]Her latest work, The Intern, hits cinemas this week, and at first glance it’s clear the interiors are going to live up to fans’ expectations. Protagonist Jules (played by Anne Hathaway) runs an online fashion start-up and her young, energetic style is reflected in both her converted-factory office and her Brooklyn brownstone home, which she shares with her young family.
Even though the New York interiors in this film are worlds apart from the breezy Hamptons beach house in Something’s Gotta Give or the LA mansion and English cottage in The Holiday, they all share something special. So exactly how do you sum up this Nancy Meyers look? Well, it’s the same kind of layered, casual, glamorous-yet-effortless aesthetic which has made Pottery Barn a household name in the US and beyond. And now you too can achieve the look in your home thanks to Pottery Barn and its family of brands here in Australia: Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma and west elm.
Jules’s Brooklyn Brownstone Kitchen
The Intern, Jules’ house, Brooklyn NY (Warner Bros.)
The Intern, starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, is in cinemas on 1 October. For a chance of winning one of 10 double-passes to the film, complete the entry form below by 5pm Sydney time this Friday 2 October 2015.
Think about how much time you and your family (and pets) spend lounging in the living room. At least a couple of hours every day – so that’s a lot of couch time! Needless to say, buying a sofa is a big decision and definitely not something you want to get wrong.
Usually your space will dictate the size and configuration you choose – for example, one three-seater plus two armchairs, or one large sectional taking up a whole corner. And your personal taste will determine whether you’re partial to a traditional tufted Chesterfield or a more contemporary, clean-lined style.
But the biggest dilemma for most people is deciding on the upholstery. So many of us dream of a particular look but forgo that for “something practical” instead. But there’s no need to compromise. Pottery Barn is here to dispel a few common myths about fabric and leather sofas:
Myth 1. Leather is a no-go for homes with kids and pets
This is such a fallacy! Yes it’s luxurious, but great-quality leather is also family-friendly and very forgiving – in fact it’s one of the few materials that keeps getting better looking with wear and age. Each subtle scuff, scratch and burnish mark only adds to its character, creating a patina that’s beautiful and unique. Look for leather sofas that are aniline-dyed, meaning their rich colour carries through and through.
Myth 2. White or light-coloured fabrics are impossible to keep clean
One word: Slipcovered. Many sofa slipcovers are washable in your home washing machine. So, like your favourite white shirt, the white sofa of your dreams is not only achievable, it’s a classic that is sure to be well-loved and lived in for many years to come. The secret to keeping your cover looking great after a wash is to fit it back on the sofa it while it’s still a little bit damp, and let it dry thoroughly to shape.
Myth 3. Leather will feel too “cold” and unapproachable in my casual, cosy room
Everybody dreams of a sofa they can sink into, one that envelops them like a warm hug. Don’t overlook leather for possessing this charm. Just like a beautiful designer handbag, a great quality leather sofa gets more buttery and beautiful every day. Burnished for a smooth, polished look and feel, each piece becomes softer and softer over time. And when you’re talking about shades of decadent chocolaty browns or delicious honeyed tans, the leather effect is irresistible.
Myth 4. Upholstered fabrics are too delicate for a family lifestyle
This might be true for some fabrics, sure. For example, sofas upholstered in fine silk blends or luxurious pure linen are best left to formal sitting rooms and less regular use. But there are plenty of fabrics especially designed to stand up to the rigours of real life.
The ultimate lesson here is to buy once, buy well, and choose what you truly love – and you’ll love it every day for so many years to come.
Finally, it’s Queensland’s turn! The American super brands Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm are opening in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on 1 October 2015 and stylist Kara Rosenlund is leading the fun celebrations!
“Recognised globally for its unique sophistication and style, Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Australia. As such, our global expansion will continue with three stores opening in Fortitude Valley, amidst a hive of activity already established,” said Ron Young, Senior Vice President of Global, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “At the heart of our brands – Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm – is unique design, exceptional customer service, and a calendar of in-store experiences for our customers.”
Kara Rosenlund
Staffed by 90 full-time and part-time employees, the three home furnishings stores will sit side-by-side at street level occupying 2,310 square metres of retail space.
Local photographer and stylist Kara will bring her inimitable flair to the stores’ opening day celebrations as guest host. “I’m thrilled West Elm, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids have chosen our city of Brisbane for their new stores,” she said. “This will give Brisbane the chance to shop and experience retail and dedicated service on another level, something we haven’t had the opportunity to be engaged in before now. It is a very exciting time to be shopping in Brisbane.”
A line-up of local, creative collaborations will coincide with the stores’ opening day celebrations:
In partnership with Brisbane designer and letterer Jasmine Dowling, West Elm is offering its first 300 customers an exclusive limited-edition tote bag (minimum spend $50, while stocks last).
Pottery Barn customers are invited to enjoy a coffee and decadent bespoke cookie created by local baker The Sugar Hit while they explore the store. There will also be kid-friendly cookies and babycinos on offer for the little ones.
Pottery Barn Kids is hosting a fun crafting event for young customers making paper rosettes and mini badges, led by Brisbane stylist Kara Hynes (AKA Lulu Lucky).
The Brisbane stores are in Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. currently operates stores for Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids & West Elm in Bondi Junction and Chatswood (NSW), Chadstone (VIC), and Perth (WA). The Bondi Junction, Chatswood and Chadstone locations are also home to Williams-Sonoma stores, including a dedicated Williams-Sonoma Cooking School in Bondi Junction. There is also a standalone West Elm store in South Yarra (VIC), plus a multi-brand outlet in Fyshwick (ACT). All brands ship across Australia via their online stores.
Not sure if you’re having a boy or girl? Or maybe you just want to create a nursery that expresses your home style without the colour clichés? Good news – it doesn’t have to be bland neutral to be gender neutral! Pottery Barn Kids offers this simple five-step plan to your perfect gender-neutral nursery.
1. Identify your style
Modern and streamlined or classic and traditional? The furniture you choose is the most important decision you’ll make in your nursery, not least because it will be your biggest investment. Take clues from the rest of your home – if your living room is filled with mid-century design, then you might want to reconsider that French country-inspired nursery! And don’t forget, the colour of the furniture will become the basis of room’s colour palette, so consider that when you’re choosing between breezy Hamptons-style white or rich dark timber.
2. Choose a theme
Finding a theme for your nursery will make it feel cohesive and whole. And it’s far easier to pull an accent colour from a pattern of bed linen you like than to find a pattern that will work in with an existing colour palette. Animals, sea life and the alphabet are all good themes for a gender-neutral nursery. Alternatively, you could avoid a motif altogether and anchor the room around a colour like yellow, grey or aqua, using geometric patterns such as stripes or chevron to bring interest.
3. Complete your colour palette
Now’s a good time to pull together a mood board of the colours that you’ve chosen for the space: include the current wall colour, floor colour, furniture colour(s) and your chosen bed linen. That soft aqua shade found in the bedding pattern might be just the ticket for a fresh new wall colour. Or maybe the existing floorboards are a little too pale for the rest of the furniture? Consider a large rug in your chosen theme and palette to instantly bring the room together with minimal effort.
4. Add accessories that round out the space
If you’ve decided to stick to that gender-neutral, preppy-chic classic combination of grey and white (a Pottery Barn Kids favourite!), add interest with plenty of texture – think embroidered quilts, needlework cushions and ruffle curtains. Other small touches, such as wicker storage baskets and table lamps in coordinating colours, will also help polish your nursery’s overall look.
Adding personal touches to the nursery is a great way to prepare for your baby’s arrival. It’s so easy to add warmth and personality without defining the space as a boy’s or girl’s room. Display old family photos, cherished toys and books from your own childhood to add character and history to the room. Incorporate the first letter of your last name as an element of the decor; consider stencilling it on the wall or framing it to hang over the cot. Once you bring your baby home, add items with his or her name, like a monogrammed quilt and large white wooden letters over the change table. For a more whimsical take, spell out the name with wooden blocks on a shelf or alphabet cards propped on a photo rail.
–For more inspiration, head to www.potterybarnkids.com.au or contact your local store for a free interior design consultation. There’s no obligation to purchase and if you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, a design specialist will even come to your home to measure your space, discuss colour schemes and find ways to make it all come together.
With more and more people working from home, it’s never been more important to have an organised, tranquil and beautiful home office. Here are our top 8 desks, that are sure to meet all your needs.
With it’s white-on-wood palette and affordable price ($249.95), the Active Computer Desk from Huali (and available at Zanui), is contemporary, bright and just that little bit different.
If classic and white is your style, you can’t go past the Bedford range from Pottery Barn. This small version is $1,039 and should last you years.
Looking for a little laptop table for your study nook rather than a full-size desk? We think IKEA’s great value, compact, solid timber NORRASEN ($119) is the ideal option.
The very retro Mid-Century Acorn Desk in Acorn from West Elm ($799) has a generous tabletop and three drawers. Made from FSC-certified timber, this desk is no wallflower.
Jen has this large desk in her home office and everyone asks where it’s from. I can tell you it’s the Stationers Trestle Desk from Freedom ($449). What it lacks in drawers it more than makes up for in surface area! Even better, minimal assembly involved!
With a secret compartment ideal for tablet and laptop use, the timber Pod Lift Top Desk from Domayne is characterised by clean yet innovative design. Crafted from Australian mixed hardwood, giving it a rich and warm look, the price is available upon request.
Having been on The Block and Reno Rumble, Retrojan’s Isabella desk ($529) has had more than her 15 minutes of fame. With simple Scandi looks and three drawers, this is a very safe bet, whether it’s for the home office or a teenager’s bedroom.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add.
There’s no doubt about it: a great bed will not only give you a great night’s sleep but also (and we’re all about the looks) look fantastic too. Pick well and invest wisely we say, and buy something which will last you several years. Here are 10 of mine and Jen’s faves and they’re a varied bunch!
The rose gold Eden bed by Incy Interiors ($999 for queen size) is both classical and timeless. Expertly crafted from sturdy and strong metal we absolutely LOVE it. You will have seen this one in countless magazines!
Another one from Incy Interiors (because we just can’t go past it), the clean simple lines of this new take on the Four-Poster bed (a design collaboration with stylist Megan Morton, from $1,299 for queen size) really make for something unique. Now you just have to pick your colour (custom available)!
I’ve seen the Bailey Bed from Green Cathedral in person, so I can attest it’s an absolute stunner! Constructed from American oak (in either natural oak, ebony or whitewash finish) and beautiful Shibori-dyed leather hides (available in a range of patterns or most Pantone colours), you really have the utmost flexibility when it comes to the design. Available in limited release, prices start fro, $3,099 for a queen. It’s not cheap but it’s not just any old mass-produced bed either.
Upholstered in a feather grey fabric, the Mod Upholstered Bed ($999 for queen size) from West Elm features a slim silhouette, angled solid wood legs and welted details along the corners.
Of course, you can add a bedhead to your existing bed to make it a showstopper and while upholstered bedheads are now nothing new, we think the options at Heatherly Designs are stunning. Our latest favourite is the Lincoln, with the option of horizontal or vertical lines and your choice of fabric. Price dependent on size and fabric. They also sell upholstered bed bases.
Another great bedhead option is the Maddison from BedNest. Glamorous, strong and more than a little bit sassy, the angled, tapered side wings are studded in either antique brass or silver. Stunning in plain velvet or a geometric pattern, there are a magnitude of fabric and size options available (price dependent on choice).
While we’re talking bedheads, Mexsii’s are works of art and not for the faint hearted. The Nomadic Heart is my favourite. How cool is it?! Price on application. Custom options available.
Upholstered isn’t for everyone and some people love good old fashioned timber. Perhaps not surprisingly, you can find the traditional style Ashby Sleigh Bed at Pottery Barn, in rustic pine or rustic mahogany. From $1,974 for queen size.The Asta Bed by Blockheads Alisa and Lysandra beautifully combines the rawness of timber and the softness of fabric to create a contemporary and sophisticated look and feel. Available from Forty Winks in four colourways, the queen size retails for $2,199.
Australian online-only business Sonno, have a small but great value range of simple upholstered beds. Queen size from $499.
What kind of bed have you got? Which of these is your favourite?
San Francisco-based Ken Fulk is more than just a designer. Renowned for his layered interiors and his over-the-top parties, his work extends beyond residential and commercial interiors to architecture, branding, graphic design and special events.
And now Ken is adding another weapon to his arsenal, collaborating with Pottery Barn on their first designer furniture collection. “Though other companies have presented themselves, it didn’t feel right until Pottery Barn came to me,” explains Ken. “While Pottery Barn is this iconic American company, at their heart they are storytellers, as am I.”
With pieces for the living room, bedroom, bar and beyond, the furniture has high style, a sense of whimsy and an adventurous spirit. “These pieces are designed to help the customer bring a bit of magic home,” says Ken. “In my experience as a designer, people love the look and feel of rich interiors but aren’t always sure how to achieve it – so this collection gives them access.”
Inspired by his love of entertaining, his three big hairy wonderful beasts (golden retrievers!) and his daily rituals and special moments, Ken has a deep belief that furniture and homewares are not to be looked at, but to be lived on. “My Pottery Barn collection encompasses the notion that things really do need to be able to be lived on, to be enjoyed and not be set aside. We’ve designed pieces that are great looking, smart and chic, but importantly, durable.”
With the collection creating the look and feel of a collected, curated life well lived, pieces range from the heroic quilted leather sectional sofa and cast iron alligator side table to the animal-inspired rugs, cushions and wall hooks and, let’s not forget, some very special retriever-inspired barware! “My golden retrievers are at the centre of my life so naturally you see them make an appearance throughout the collection. For that reason, my favourite piece would have to be the silver retriever ice bucket – it also makes a great vase for flowers or the perfect treat jar.”
The Ken Fulk Collection for Pottery Barn will be available mid-September. For more information.
On 16 July, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will open three stores on Hay Street, Perth for iconic home furnishings brands Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. The openings at 635 Hay Street Mall will be their first Western Australian stores.
APL PHOTOGRAPHY – www.aplphotography.com.au
The three stores will sit side-by-side at street level, occupying a total of 1,878 square metres of retail space staffed by 100 full-time and part-time employees.
“Western Australia is globally recognised for its desirable lifestyle and high standard of living and we are excited to continue our global expansion by opening three stores in the thriving city of Perth,” said Ron Young, Senior Vice President of Global, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “We look forward to sharing our exceptional home furnishings, unique in-store experiences and outstanding customer service with local shoppers.”
APL PHOTOGRAPHY – www.aplphotography.com.au
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates stores for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Bondi Junction, Chatswood Chase and Chadstone Shopping Centre, a standalone West Elm store on Chapel Street and a multi-brand store in Canberra Outlet Centre. All four brands ship across Australia via their online stores.
Those who call Brisbane and Perth home, listen up! North American retail giant, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., will be opening six additional stores later this year.
Opening on Hay Street in Perth and in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, the locations will see the three home furnishings brands: Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm, showcased together via inter-connecting stores.
Providing signature services including the free in-home design service (where customers can consult with design specialists at no charge), the unique in-store experience will offer outstanding customer service to a growing Australian audience.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. opened its first Australian stores of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in May 2013 and currently operates 13 stores in the following locations: Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction; Chatswood Chase; Chadstone Shopping Centre and Chapel Street, South Yarra. All four brands ship across Australia via their online stores: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm.
This time next week, US retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc will open four stores in Chadstone Shopping Centre for iconic kitchen and home furnishings brands Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. Just in time for Christmas, and we all know nobody makes as big of a deal of the holiday season as the Americans!
They’ll be the first Melbourne-based stores for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, and the second for West Elm. The stores will sit side-by-side on the lower level in the west mall. In a global first, they will be interconnected, allowing shoppers to move easily between stores and shop across all four brands. An interiors addict’s dream!
Occupying a total of 2,505 square metres of retail space, this will be the company’s biggest retail footprint in Australia. The four stores will employ 140 full-time and part-time staff.
“Melbourne’s vibrant culinary and design culture is globally recognised and we are excited to continue our global expansion by opening four stores in this thriving city in time for the Christmas season,” said Ron Young, senior vice president of Global, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “We look forward to sharing our exceptional home furnishings, unique in-store experiences and outstanding customer service with local shoppers.”
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates all four brands at Bondi Junction and Chatswood Chase in Sydney and Chadstone Shopping Centre, a standalone West Elm store on Chapel Street, Melbourne, and a multi-brand store in Canberra Outlet Centre. All four brands ship across Australia via eCommerce sites: williams-sonoma.com.au, potterybarn.com.au, potterybarnkids.com.au and westelm.com.au.
A variety of events will take place from 10am on opening day (18 November) with appearances by The Block’s Michael and Carlene, Chyka Keebaugh from Real Housewives of Melbourne and Sally Obermeder from The Daily Edition. From 6 to 10pm, all shoppers are invited to an opening day Christmas party with fare from the Williams-Sonoma kitchen including mulled wine and peppermint bark candy. Shoppers will receive an exclusive discount card for Christmas shopping valid between November 22 and December 31, 2014.
The following weekend, the stores are teaming up with Gelato Messina to create a limited-edition gelato collection. The Home-Sweet-Home Signature Series features four bespoke creations designed to match the individual personalities of each iconic brand and celebrate the Christmas season. The individually handcrafted gelato will be offered between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November to shoppers who sign up to receive special offers and information about new arrivals from the brands via email. The gelato will be distributed from the Williams-Sonoma Christmas Gelato Garden outside David Jones on the lower level while stocks last.
As a north of the bridge girl and West Elm’s biggest fan (or so I tell myself) I am beyond excited that West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Williams-Sonoma all opened their doors in Sydney’s Chatswood Chase yesterday and I have some of the very first photos to share with you.
West Elm:
Pottery Barn:
I chatted to Michelle Hummel, vice president of global merchandising for the Pottery Barn brands, who was over from the States for the opening. She told me Australians have well and truly embraced the mega brands, owned by Williams-Sonoma Inc: “There’s a lot of similarity between the American and Australian lifestyle in that we all love to entertain and decorate our homes. Australians have really embraced our stores and our products, which are designed in house and exclusive to us, and this has certainly impacted our decision to open more stores.”
The first four stores opened in Bondi Junction, followed by Chapel Street in Melbourne and now Chatswood. All four will also open at the Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne later this year.
Michelle said it was exciting to see the brands living and breathing so far from home. “We spent a lot of time learning the local market before we opened and we are thrilled to be a part of the energy and style this area is so well known for. We are always exploring opportunities to expand our business further in Australia. Our Chadstone stores will be especially unique in that they are the first store globally where all the brands are inter-connected, allowing shoppers to move freely between stores without having to exit into the mall.”
Pottery Barn’s Michelle Hummel
While a lot of research has gone into the Australian market, the shopping experience has not been too “Australianised” with the goal to provide similar products to the American stores but on a seasonally relevant timetable. “We aim to recreate the high level of customer service and inspiring in-store experience we are known for in North America,” Michelle says. “We also love connecting with what’s culturally relevant to our Australian customers through collaborating with local brands and artists. For example, when we opened our West Elm store in Bondi Junction, we worked with artists Maricor and Maricar Manolo to design a bespoke tote bag. We did the same with Bonnie and Neil when we opened the West Elm store in Chapel Street.”
They’re partnering with Gelato Messina at this week’s openings, with celebrations and free ice cream continuing into the weekend.
In terms of what the retailers are offering our marketplace that wasn’t here before, Michelle says their exclusive product is what makes them unique. “Almost all of our products for Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm are designed in house by our product development teams who travel the world in search of inspiration and trends. At Williams-Sonoma, we offer a mix of carefully curated and exclusive products that bring people together around food. Our service offering is very compelling too with special resources like free design services.
“Store experience is another point of differentiation. From inspiring displays to hiring associates who are truly excited by interior design and entertaining at home, we’re able to deliver a great level of service to customers. We’re also able to offer shoppers depth and variety by situating all four brands near each other in Chatswood Chase and under the same roof at Bondi Junction. There’s something for everyone!”
I’m doing a Q&A with stylist Jason Grant at his book signing at West Elm Chatswood this Saturday from 12 noon until 2pm. Come along and say hi! More details.
I am so, so excited! Not only are West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Williams Sonoma opening their second Sydney stores (on “my” side of the bridge!) in just over a week, but I’ll also be there helping stylist Mr Jason Grant celebrate the launch of his second book, Holiday at Home. We’d love you to come and join us for a book signing and I’ll be doing a Q&A with Jason too. Did I mention there’ll be ice cream? More on that later…
Stylist and author Jason Grant
As part of its global expansion, America’s Williams-Sonoma Inc is opening stores for all four brands in Chatswood Chase on Thursday 28 August. Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn will be located on level one of the shopping centre, with Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm located on level two. The four stores will occupy a combined retail space of 1,716 square metres and employ more than 100 full-time, part-time and casual staff.
“We are excited to continue our global expansion in Australia at Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre,” said Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to sharing our exceptional home furnishings along with unique in-store experiences and outstanding customer service with customers on Sydney’s North Shore who want to decorate, entertain and live well.”
I can’t believe it’s been more than a year since Williams-Sonoma, Inc. opened its first Australian stores in Bondi Junction in May 2013. A Melbourne West Elm store followed in Chapel Street, South Yarra in September 2013. A further four stores for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm will open in Chadstone Shopping Centre, Melbourne later this year. Watch this space for more details on that opening!
While the Chatswood Chase stores open a week tomorrow on Thursday 28 August, there’ll be plenty of special events taking part over the first weekend of trading, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August:
Mr Jason Grant book signing and interview
Holiday at Home, out in September, published by Hardie Grant
Come and meet well-known stylist and blogger Mr Jason Grant when he unveils his second coffee table book Holiday at Home. I will be interviewing him about the book and would love to see you there! There’ll also be a chance to buy the book and get it signed by Jason. All are welcome to this free event.
When: 12pm to 2pm on Saturday 30 August.
Where: West Elm store on level two, Chatswood Chase.
Gelato Messina collaboration
In celebration of the Chatswood Chase store openings, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has collaborated with Gelato Messina to create a limited edition gelato collection. The ‘Welcome Home’ collection features four bespoke creations designed to match the individual personalities of each iconic brand:
Williams-Sonoma Choc-Chuck Cone Reminiscent of Williams-Sonoma founder Chuck-Williams’ favourite flavour, this handmade waffle cone is filled with creamy Madagascan vanilla gelato then dipped in berry callebaut and 70% cacao chocolate.
West Elm NY Ice Cream Sandwich Brooklyn-inspired Fair Trade espresso coffee gelato sandwiched between chewy white chocolate and macadamia cookies
Pottery Barn Welcome Home Gelato Warming and comforting, this lightly spiced apple gelato is fused with an almond crunch and butterscotch swirl
Pottery Barn Kids Fairy Bread Popsicles Velvety bread and butter gelato is coated in white chocolate ganache then dipped in hundreds and thousands
The individually handcrafted gelatos will be offered to customers as a gift with purchase (while stocks last) on Saturday 30 August, distributed from the Williams-Sonoma Gelato Cart outside the Williams-Sonoma store on level one.
Golden ticket giveaway
A Golden Ticket will be hidden in a shopping bag at each of the new Chatswood Chase stores. Simply be one of the first 200 people to make a purchase in any store for your chance to find one. Golden Ticket winners will receive a $100 gift voucher to spend at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm or Williams-Sonoma. One of these Golden Tickets will also grant access to a cooking class for two at the Williams-Sonoma Sydney Cooking School in Bondi Junction.
Room makeover competition
To celebrate the opening of the new stores in Chatswood Chase, one lucky shopper will win $2,000 to spend at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma. For your chance to win, head online. Competition ends on 30 September 2014.
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