Christmas parties are upon us which signals the return of Secret Santa. Make yours a gift to remember with these fabulous homeware picks.
Project Ten Taverna zip medium tote: Not strictly a homewares piece but this one comes into the lifestyle category for sure. Use it to elevate your trip to the market. $29.95.
Robert Gordon Garden to Table candlestick: Packaged in a lovely gift box, this hand crafted range uses high fired stoneware with iron flecks for a truly artisanal feel. $29.95.
Sage & Clare Astrid tiny bowl: Available in a variety of gelato-hued colours, these little bowls are perfect for serving up salt flakes, holding olive pips or storing tiny trinkets. $24.
Typo Mystic Minded planter: Flower power made chic – add a trailing plant to really elevate the look. $24.95.
Kip&Co has launched its first ceramics collection in collaboration with the iconic Australian ceramicists Robert Gordon. The connection between the brands spans decades with the Kip&Co team having attended school with the Gordon children; the friendship was forged in a bushy country Victoria schoolyard in the 1990’s and has continued ever since.
“It was an idyllic upbringing in Berwick – surrounded by amazing Aussie bush and a truly creative close-knit community away from the rat race. It was a special, formative period for us all and I think if you look at where we’ve all ended up in our careers you can see the imprint of that way of life. We’ve continued to admire everything the Gordon’s have done and it’s a bloody delight to be working together now,” says Kip&Co’s Kate Heppell.
The Kip&Co x Robert Gordon features lots of fabulous tableware options
The range came about because, like all of us, the Kip&Co crew are rather obsessed with ceramics at the moment. Kate herself has dabbled in making them over the years and says that those experiences have given her serious respect for the craftmanship and skill required in the pursuit.
“But, as is often the way, the bulk of ceramic tableware plays in the safe neutrals space so, naturally we were excited to bring a little bit of our signature playful prints to the category,” says Kate. And when it came to choosing a partner to help the brand realise its dream, Robert Gordon was a natural fit.
The everyday dining collection includes stoneware plates, bowls, jugs and mugs; all of which are emblazoned with a series of maximalist inspired signature Kip&Co prints. “I’m mad on the plates and am very excited to get myself a big set. I can’t wait to use them during long lunches with friends where I can cook up a feast!” says Kate.
The bespoke vase collection is rather special too with only ten of each design available. “Each vase is designed by Kip&Co and hand painted by Kate Gordon, who has been been glazing pottery in her family business for over 30 years. The pouring process alone for these incredible vases takes an entire day and is done by hand at the Robert Gordon studio in Melbourne,” says Kate of the vases that are signed and numbered.
“We’ve continued to admire everything the Gordon’s have done and it’s a bloody delight to be working together now!”
Established in Victoria in 1945, Robert Gordon is something of a stalwart of the Australian homewares scene. In the 1980s, the business was taken from a small family run operation to new heights under the stewardship of Robert and Barbara Gordon. The business remains in the family with three of their four children running the current business that employs 50 people and spans retail (giftware), hospitality (supplying tableware to cafes and restaurants) and now interiors with the launch of the Robert Gordon Interiors Collection.
The new range features a gorgeous basin collection
With a background in architecture and fine art, Barbara and Robert’s son Bobby is the mastermind behind the new range. “I have a passion for interiors and worked as an architect for a while. I saw that we had the capability to make larger ceramic pieces and felt there was a gap in the Australian market for locally made ceramic basins and light fittings,” he says.
The stylish new collection encompasses five basin styles (available in eight different colours) as well as wall sconces and pendant lights. Bobby and his team did a lot of research and development into developing new shapes and used their existing knowledge to create larger ceramic objects. “The range is really unique in the market in that it is comprised of fully vitrified stoneware and is Australian made,” says Bobby who explains that most Australian bathroomware manufacturing has moved offshore.
The pearl wall sconce is a standout in the range
“It’s such a pleasure to make things on a bigger scale and to create something large and impactful for people’s homes,” says Bobby. The range has been very well received so far – the handmade nature of the product no doubt key to its success. “As a material, as opposed to things like concrete, ceramics are tried and tested and there is something so simple and trustworthy about them,” says Bobby.
The basins retail between $600 and $1,300 and the lighting from $190-to-$500. So, while not the cheapest on the market, the range is pretty affordable when you consider it is handmade locally. “The price point hasn’t been an issue at all so far, and we see this range as the really premium side of our business so it will be more expensive,” says Bobby.
Robert Gordon has certainly undertaken a style evolution over the last decade and while the brand’s offering is vast and encompasses many styles, the handmade element is what really sets it apart – it’s perhaps serendipitous that handmade ceramics are back in vogue.
“People in general have a greater appreciation of their home and space and what they are eating and drinking out of. The industry has gone back to the 80s with people wanting to do pottery classes and see how things are made. And with our pieces, when you pick them up or touch them, you can really feel the makers behind them.”
With open-plan living pretty much the new normal, and the kitchen one of the most high-traffic areas of the home, there’s increased focus on the benchtop. Aside from keeping clutter at bay, and adding in a smattering of fresh greenery, a lovely looking canister can be just the finishing touch that the kitchen needs. Here are our top 10 picks.
Orla Kiely multi stem storage jar: The Irish designer certainly has a signature style and a host of loyal fans who love her modern take on retro colours and motifs. $53.
Country Road Arlo canisters: Available in matte black and grey glass iterations, these timeless canisters would dress up any kitchen. From $24.95.
Marble Basics ‘The Essential Box’: While not the most affordable option, this all-purpose solid marble canister is a weighty, heirloom-worthy piece. $150.
With this unpredictable spring weather leaving you wondering whether outdoor lunches are a go ahead, why not invite some friends over and enjoy some afternoon tea with Australian Gourmet Traveller’s new tableware collection?
Designed in collaboration with Robert Gordon, the 8-piece collection is handmade in Australia by one of the last remaining production potteries and includes creamers, cake stands, platters and plates.
The pieces feature a unique lace-patterned embossing and display a unique matte finish, bleeding out in parts to make way for contrasting high-gloss highlights. Colours include vanilla, shortbread (taste buds are tingling), charcoal and sage.
“I believe the range will really resonate with our readers’ passion for entertaining; they can virtually recreate the pages of Gourmet Traveller on their dining table,” said editor Anthea Loucas.
The range is available exclusively at Domayne, with pieces starting from $30.
