It’s no secret that we absolutely love what Aussie designers are doing in the world of bed linen! So much so that a few weeks ago we showcased our top 10 best places to buy Australian-made bed linen online. But today it’s all about the kids! So check out the amazing kids’ linen brands below, where you’ll find something to suit every little one, from classic bedding, to colourful, to just plain crazy!
This always popular post has been updated for 2022.
If you’re after a bit of 1970’s inspired colour and print in your child’s room then Sage & Clare is the place to hit up. Featuring clashing prints, gorgeous quilt covers, embroidery, pom poms and a host of fabulous mix and match cushions, the range allows you to create a layered and original kids’ bedroom look with a touch of the bohemian.
2014 saw the girls at Kip & Co branch into kids and cot linen and the line has been a huge success. The brand’s anything goes approach sees designs include fairies, monsters, checks and more and we love their motto: “We’re not trying to be the sophisticated kids bedding company, or even the cute or the pretty, we just want to make a spunky, fun kids bedding range.”
Sack Me! has three goals: to be fun, stylish and gender-neutral. Hitting the nail on the head for all three, their range is all about food, bringing about that friendly familiarity to kids and kids-at-heart.
Rachel Castle is the queen of fun yet stylish bed linen and we love the way that she mixes and matches her fabulous prints that are designed by hand in her Sydney studio. From spotty sheets to beautiful floral designs, as well as beautiful complementary cushions, Castle is all about whimsical colour pops making it perfect for kids’ rooms.
High-quality linen bedding in a range of beautiful full-bodied colours, Cultiver is the perfect alternative for parents tired of garish colours and clunky bed designs. With a selection of their range available in single sizes, their bedding is sophisticated and promises to last the test of time.
This beautiful, retro inspired bedding brand isn’t just for adults with single sizes available too. From leopard print to gingham floral patterns and more, the range is created in 100 per cent French flax linen and the brand also produces a lovely line-up of cushions to complete the look.
For a personal touch, you can’t go past the Little Willow Vintage range of personalised embroidered cushions. Each pure linen pillow is hand stitched and features a contrasting oatmeal linen backing and is filled with an eco insert made from recycled plastics. They make a lovely gift.
A stalwart of the Aussie bed linen scene, the Linen House kids’ bedding offering just keeps getting better. From on-trend prints and colours to matching novelty cushions, there’s plenty within the range to build up the layers in your child’s room. And in a welcome move for many parents (who are tired of the standard pink or blue!) the brand’s latest range is designed to be gender neutral.
Established in 1967, Sheridan bed linen has been adorning Aussie kids’ beds for a very long time and its quality has remained. From stars to stripes, quilting and sorbet-hued designs, the range is perfect for those that favour a more classic children’s room aesthetic.
From animal prints to plains and a smorgasbord of licensed designs (think Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Star Wars and more), the Pottery Barn Kids bed linen range has something for everybody. The brand also does bed skirts and plush children’s comforters too.
We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know who you’d add!
Previously known as Linen & Moore, L&M Home was founded in 2000 and its bedding range has a focus on natural materials rich in texture and character. More of a forever purchase, the linen becomes softer with time and use, as does the soft hand-loomed cotton. And while the range features plenty of trend-based colours, it’s the classic stripes and textured pieces that are perfect for that chic, timeless aesthetic.
We just love Rachel Castle’s fun but sophisticated linen range, mastering mix and match and making bright colour acceptably grown up. You’re probably familiar with her spotty sheets, velvet penny round cushions and limited edition screen printed tea towels, which get snapped up and framed as affordable art. Castle’s all about pops of colour and a bit of whimsy.
On the website you’ll also find beach towels, bags, sweatshirts, Rachel’s original artwork and prints and more. I have countless grey linen doona covers and my castle one is my fave. So much so I have now actually worn it out from years of washing and use!
It’s the linen Jen currently has on her bed (a mix of rosa and mint ticking stripes, if you’re interested, and yes, pink and green should always be seen!). LinenMe only manufacture bed linen from 100% European stonewashed linen which is strong and supple, getting better with each use and wash. They say investing in a top quality European linen product is an investment in longevity. Their range of colours (especially for the stripe lovers!) is huge and as well as sheets. covers and pillowcases, they also sell table linen, throws, cushions, robes and much more!
Launched in 2013, I Love Linen started as just bed linen and has expanded to include table linen, homewares, towels and more. When it comes to your bedroom textiles, you’ll find pure cotton and linen, organic bamboo, cushions, mattress toppers and more. Whether you’re after on-trend crumpled plain linen or crisp, white, hotel style sheets, it’s a great one-stop-shop! We love the mix of plains and patterns and layering extras like valances and pillowcases too – all great quality and at very reasonable prices.
The brand’s ‘3D Bundle Curator’ tool is a great feature of the site – you can build an entire bedroom look from the fitted sheet to the quilt cover and more. The tool gives you a visual which shows exactly how the selection will look on your bed.
Launched in Melbourne in 2012, Kip&Co was founded by sisters Kate Heppell and Hayley Pannekoecke and best buddy Alex McCabe. Their bold designs and trademark giant tassel throws have become cult bestsellers and they do a great limited edition collaboration too! Collection after collection, year after year, we love this brand more and more.
What started as a bright, colourful bedding brand, quickly expanded into a vibrant lifestyle brand, as the girls brought their fun and stylish aesthetic to products for every corner of the home, and every member of the family. Now with a global following, Kip&Co continues to be inspired by the girls’ simple passion for interiors that are full of joy, laughter and the colour of life.
Aura Home is now a very established brand, sold online as well as in the likes of Myer. Founded in 2000 by Tracie Ellis, and inspired by years of global meandering, they design everything in Melbourne, and while we seen many trends come and go, they believe it’s their forward-looking approach that sets them apart. They’ve evolved from muted, earthy tones to extravagant colour, and then to subtle pastels. We think they have just the right amount of pattern and texture these days!
They’ve expanded to sell things such as rugs, ceramics, towels and more, and now have a beautiful concept store in Malvern too. I’m a fan of their ticking stripes and tie-closure Maison quilt covers.
Another great small Aussie linen brand for high quality, classic, muted linen. They believe in products that last, great customer service and only use European flax linen. Founder Nicolle Sullivan believes using beautiful things in our everyday life can make us feel happier. Agreed! They also sell table linen, throws, cushions, robes and more. Shipping is free on every order and the brand offers free returns too.
Just another plain linen brand? Maybe! But In the Sac gets top marks for branding, packaging and colour choices! Great quality, great colours (and lovely stripes) and free shipping worldwide.
Of course, no Australian linen roundup is complete without Sheridan! People will tell you how the sheets they received as a wedding gift are still going strong, decades on! And I find their sheets just feel amazing too! Cotton, silk, linen, plain, patterned, modern, classic, colourful, from 250 to 1200 threadcount and everything in between, they have it all! Founded in 1967, Sheridan is a household name synonymous with quality (you’ll find them in Qantas first class, no less). In recent years they’ve done some great collaborations too. I find it’s a great place to buy bed covers (or coverlets) which can be tricky to find in Australia.
“We’re proud to design prints that unexpectedly and expertly clash with one another,” says Sage x Clare’s designer Phoebe Bell. From Moroccan stars to statement animal prints, hand drawn florals, handmade embroidery and 1970’s inspired colours and textures, this brand is one for the maximalists. Expert at the mix and match, we love how the brand’s sheet sets, quilt covers and cushions create a playful Bohemian vibe in the bedroom.
Not the first place you’d expect to find fabulous bed linen but we like to think of it as a hidden gem. From florals to checks, plain and abstract designs, the line-up is strong but the prices are reasonable. For example, the 100% linen duvet cover below is priced at $200 which is a steal in our books! With waffle blankets, down duvet covers, pillows and more available, it really is a one-stop bedding shop.
Featuring collaborations with contemporary Australian artists, the Greenhouse Interiors bedding range comes in limited edition, highly covetable, prints. The art embellished range is designed to be mixed and matched with all of the pieces available to purchase separately. The range’s 100 per cent cotton art emblazoned bed covers are always a sell-out.
Another clever purveyor of mix and match bed linen, Melbourne’s Sheet Society don’t believe in being forced to buy bed sheets in sets; all of its items are available for individual sale making the brand a great choice for a bespoke look. Specialising in bed sheets that are trend-driven in terms of colours, designs and fabrics, the brand’s core products are made from luxurious long-stable Eden Cotton and French flax Eve linen but there’s boucle, corduroy and waffle options too. Invisible zips, extra wide elastic, a deep pillow fold and a folded top edge are all standard features.
This VIC-based brand do luxury linen “without the la di da” and pride themselves on keeping it real! “We are not your typical linen brand and we don’t get all fancy pants on our customers, we just want to give them the best night’s sleep, night after night,” says founder Nikki Cap. They specialise in only 100% premium pure French linen. “Quite simply, it’s damn good!”
This gorgeous bedding brand has a distinct retro vibe. There’s leopard print, gingham, floral patterns and more, all created in 100 per cent French flax linen. The brand also produces gorgeous napery and cushions as well as a lovely line-up of matching apparel.
Home for the last 29 years, Sheridan’s head designer Mark Travers has just listed his one-bedroom garden apartment in Sydney’s Woollahra which is great news for interiors voyeurs like us! Set in a Victorian manor, Mark is hard pressed to explain his favourite thing about the light-filled, open plan home that’s set amid lush gardens. “It’s the feeling of space. Of volume and light. It’s the calmness and serenity. The property certainly had a wow factor from the moment we first walked in.”
As head of design for Sheridan, the interiors reveal eclectic taste, myriad artworks and a life well travelled. “Colour is my hobby, so we have used colour in nearly every room to add emotion and a real visual dimension. The high ceilings and large wall spaces allowed us to showcase and rearrange our eclectic collection of art and sculpture. We constantly move pieces around to give each piece a different focus and change the feeling inside the apartment,” says Mark who lives in the home with wife Irene, who worked at Sotheby’s for many years as a jewellery specialist.
Lounge
“Over the years we have made changes to the interior but were mindful not to spoil the first impressions we had,” says Mark who explains that the apartment offers the couple what can only be described as an enviable lifestyle. “We walk to morning coffee at Parterre Gardens and walk to movies at the mall. There’s plenty of great shopping and a variety of food in Queen Street,” says Mark.
Dining
“We have great neighbours from all walks of life, from students to professionals, and we have grown to be very close friends with all the people in our building. We have coffee mornings, we exchange magazines and papers, we discuss films we have seen and give recommendations. And we also babysit as it’s a real community vibe here.”
Bedroom
But perhaps the most highly-prized aspect of the home is the glorious surrounding gardens. “We have had some amazing parties here with anything up to 60 people standing. It is a wonderful space when the doors are open, and the weather is mild. The courtyard is great for summer dinner parties.”
The glorious garden
The one-bedroom apartment goes to auction on 11 April 2019 with a price guide of circa $1.4 million.
The relationship between Sheridan and the Sydney Opera House is one that stretches back almost 50 years but their latest collaboration is perhaps their most beautiful. Sheridan founder Claudio Alcorso was the founding chairperson of Opera Australia in 1971, which brought the first opera singers from Italy to perform on the Opera House stage. Recently the Sheridan design team were invited to tour the World Heritage listed site and the new collection is the end result.
The ‘Dancing’ quilt cover was inspired by the artistic programmes held at the venue
To celebrate the two iconic Australian brands’ shared history, the Sheridan design team toured the building’s rehearsal rooms, theatres and halls while learning about its construction and the materials used throughout. Inspired by the architecture of the building, the art on its stages and the natural landscape of Bennelong Point, the Sheridan team then hand-painted and sketched the designs that comprise the range.
The ‘Arc’ quilt cover features an architecturally-inspired all-over pattern reflecting the iconic sails of the Opera House
“It has been a rare privilege to collaborate on a range which celebrates one of Australia’s greatest cultural and design icons. This truly original collection has been designed to reflect the continuing energy, evolution and vibrancy of this famous landmark,” says Joanna Ross, Sheridan general manager.
The ‘Dancing’ quilt cover
“Sheridan’s artistry, quality craftsmanship and shared history of championing the arts made our collaboration a natural fit, resulting in a beautifully crafted and truly inspired collection. By creating unique, bespoke pieces that celebrate the style, beauty and innovation of the building itself, our visitors can take a piece of the Opera House home with them,” says Miriam O’Rourke, head of strategic development at the Sydney Opera House.
The ‘Concerto’ cushion
The eight piece collection features three bed designs, three artworks and two cushions. The ‘Arc’ quilt cover features an architecturally-inspired all-over pattern inspired by the iconic sails of the Opera House while the ‘Dancing’ quilt cover features a hand-painted abstract expressionist design inspired by the artistic programmes held at the venue. The ‘Sketch’ quilt cover features a delicate, hand-drawn, monochrome floral pattern inspired by the flora of Bennelong Point.
As a child of the eighties, the work of Ken Done is indelibly stamped on my memory. One of our first artists to venture into the design realm, Ken’s work is quintessentially Australian and it’s being spotlighted once again as part of Sheridan’s 50 year celebrations.
‘Saturday Sailing’ bed linen
The artist has a solid history with the bedding company – his 1987 collaboration with Sheridan turned both brands into international household names and represented a trailblazing moment in the home and lifestyle space by bringing vibrant art and colour into the home.
Ken Done in his studio
“Wherever you are in the world, there’s always something about the Australian light. There’s something about the sharpness of it, something about the clarity of it, something about the colours of Australia,” says Ken. And the range is certainly colourful.
‘Sunday Sailing’ cushion
A contemporary take on Ken’s original collaboration with the brand, the new collection features a limited-edition series of quilt covers, cushions and a beach towel too. The pieces showcase Ken’s signature painterly brush strokes and use of vibrant colour and they’ll form part of Sheridan’s upcoming Spring/Summer 2017 collection.
‘Antarctica’ bed linen
The ‘Saturday Sailing’ quilt cover design conjures a glorious day on Sydney Harbour – think sail boats, and abstract lashings of colour. Digitally printed onto 100 per cent cotton sateen, the design is a replication of one of Ken’s most recent works.
‘Sunday Sailing’ beach towel
The ‘Antarctica’ quilt cover is Ken’s take on the glacial landscape complete with explorers and penguins side by side. It was inspired by a recent trip that he made to the world’s southernmost tip – after which he came home and painted ‘Penguins and People III, 2015’ which forms the basis of the print.
‘Aquarium’ cushion
The ‘Aquarium’ cushion draws on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef for inspiration with tropical fish depicted in the abstract. The print is a digitally printed replica of his original 1994 painting ‘Jade Sea II.’
The perfect antidote to monochrome interiors, the range practically sings summer.
Part of their 50-year celebrations, iconic Australian linen house Sheridan has expanded its range to include a variety of furniture and lifestyle products plus several ‘Sheridan Studio’ concept stores throughout the country.
Sheridan Studio store
“We are proud to announce the Sheridan Studio retail concept which sees Sheridan expand our home lifestyle range. We have created a unique collection of homewares and Australian-made furniture pieces that are curated and uniquely crafted exclusive to Sheridan. These items are available to purchase at our new stores as well as online,” says group general manager Paul Gould.
The brand’s new offering includes furniture and wall art
The Sheridan Studio concept combines the brand’s existing soft furnishing and textile ranges with the new lifestyle offering inside much larger retail spaces. In what promises to be a one-stop interior shop, you’ll be able to find beds and other furniture, wall art, rugs, bathroom accessories, coffee table books, wallpaper and other home décor.
“The concept was to create a full lifestyle offering, featuring beautiful, quality, curated pieces from around the world to complement our extensive homewares range. Sheridan Studio was created to appeal to a broader audience. We wanted to offer our existing customers more, whilst also introducing new customers to the brand,” says general manager of design Jo Jaggs.
Wallpaper forms part of the new range
As for her favourite pieces from the new collection, Jo is particularly fond of the wall art. “All our textile designs from our bedding and accessories are created by hand in Sydney in our design studio and some of these prints were re-interpreted and made into unique wall art,” says Jo.
“Also, our extensive collection of throws and cushions are superbly soft and versatile. The range was inspired by a desire to bring our ‘beautiful Australian living’ vision throughout the entire home, as we continue to look to our unique Australian landscape for inspiration.”
The Sheridan Studio concept is currently found at Melbourne’s Highpoint, Sydney’s Belrose and Queensland’s Indoorpilly but will roll out nationally across Australia in 2017.
Noted for its vibrant colour, texture and incredible quality of light, the unique Western Australian landscape was the inspiration behind Sheridan’s Drift collection of painterly bed linen. Awash with blues from sapphire to cerulean and pastel hues, the range also conjures the sparkling Mediterranean.
Sheridan’s ‘Lake Cave’ design
The Sheridan design team (including in-house artists and designers) travelled to Australia’s west coast to immerse themselves in the landscape and create a range that is supposed to inspire peaceful rest.
With its hand-painted, watercolour design and use of blue (the deep cobalt is particularly stunning) our favourite pick from the new collection is the ‘Lake Cave’ range. Like art for your bed, we love the abstract, painterly feel of this design – the print reminds us of an aerial view of where the ocean meets the land.
‘Lake Cave’ design
The bolder, more abstract ‘Valetta’ design is pretty gorgeous t0o – it’s a touch more masculine. Printed on 100 percent cotton sateen, the design’s background of crisp white is complemented by super-sized brushstrokes of midnight blue.
Sheridan’s ‘Valletta’ design
A more traditional design, ‘Winthrop’ is a soft, pastel floral featuring sand, white and pale blue tones made out of a woven Jacquard.
Celebrated interior stylist and author Megan Morton has used the latest dusty pink and purple Sheridan range to illustrate her unique colour theory.
The stylist’s ‘Three Degrees of Colour’ theory not only supports the range, but it’s a great method for anyone to employ when using colour in the home. Basically, you need to consider the room and adjust the levels of colour accordingly, whether it be the ‘accent a little, ‘enhance some more,’ or the ‘immerse yourself in colour’ approach.
“A beautiful home works when all the rooms and spaces have a holding palette – tones that hold them together beautifully. You can then use a little amount of your chosen colour in one room, be slightly more heavy handed in another and go fuller strength in another without the fear of over-colouring,” says Megan.
For example, given its functionality, a bathroom usually only requires a touch of colour and towels will usually provide this. The lounge room, however, requires that bit more – think layers of coloured and textured cushions on the sofa. The bedroom is the perfect space in which to go full-tilt with your chosen colour – think a feature wall and complementary cushions on the bed.
“Your instinct needs to play a part which is why colour palettes are such a hard one to copy from a Pinterest image,” says Megan, who always considers the entire space before starting on a project. “When it comes to the use of colour, you must consider the floor and wall tones as well as the external elements should the room enjoy windows looking outward. Rooms are never just four walls and a roof – they frame the outside world.
“My colour theory works across all tones in the same way that eyeshadow application works. Sometimes you only need a little, sometimes a bit more and some occasions require a lot! Ultimately though, you should always consider the room’s mood, tone and usage.”
Australian bedding icon Sheridan has stepped up its baby and kids offering this year with a big expansion to its existing ranges.
Aside from the usual bedding, you can also snare clothing, homewares, decorations, toys and even a super cute teepee – a first for the brand.
Featuring hooded towels, onesies and pram blankets, the baby range is inspired by classic Australian imagery – think lambs, echidnas and bumble bees.
We think the lamb wall decal set is particularly cute for a nursery.
There are plenty of great styling options for older kids too – think nautical styling for boys and whimsical butterfly motifs for girls.
We love a statement cushion and the range has these in spades – the butterfly, star and sailboat are our favourites.
Check out this fabulous sailboat cushion — a great final addition to a boy’s room.
A standout piece, the Grounds Quilt Cover features a hand drawn illustration of Tasmania’s bustling Salamanca Place and a lovely story written on the reverse. Pair it with nautical themed bunting or a bold star cushion.
Inspired by a design trip to Tasmania, the home of Sheridan’s founder Claudio Alcorso, the Autumn/Winter ‘16 collection Beyond the Surface, features beautiful designs, raw textures and uncompromising luxury.
Often referred to as the ‘The Natural State’, an untouched and solitary beauty, Tasmania’s one-of-a-kind landscapes were transformed into intricate illustrations, etchings and watercolour paintings that through digitisation create a balance of contemporary yet classic weaves and timeless prints.
From bedroom to bathroom, top of table and beyond, Sheridan takes inspiration from the possibilities of our great Australian landscape. Key seasonal colours include blush and heather tones, levels of sand, gold, greys and silvers, as well as saturated pacific blues and aquamarines.
New for this season, Nashe, is Sheridan’s first ever 100% stonewashed cotton sheet collection. Crafted to the most premium standards, Nashe is contemporary sheeting which has been stonewashed and treated to enhance the feeling of pure cotton. This collection also sees a significantly expanded linen offering, allowing customers to experience ‘linen at every level’ with a collection of 100% linen to suit every home and aesthetic from relaxed and rumpled, to polished, detailed and intricate.
The expansive collection continues with new decorative cushions and throws, bath, body and home fragrance products, towels, table linen, loungewear, kids clothing and personalisation across the majority of the range.
The Autumn/Winter ’16 collection will be available at Sheridan boutiques, David Jones, selected specialty retailers and online from February 2016.
An iconic Australian brand, Sheridan is synonymous with superior quality and timeless design. Whether it’s a grandmother, brother or neighbour that you’re looking to buy a present for, Sheridan’s enduring and broad appeal makes it the ideal stop to sort out your Christmas gift list. Here are our top 10 picks this festive season.
Wategos beach towel
Named after an iconic Australian beachside getaway, the Wategos beach towel features on-trend woven Turkish cotton, tassels and a personalisation option too. Add a name or initials for a truly original gift.
Riedle Bay Sarong
An ideal gift for someone you don’t know that well. From the beach to the plane or as a throw on the couch, the Riedle Bay Sarong is very much multi-purpose.
Wardell Travel Set
Perfect for the intrepid traveller in your life, the Wardell travel set is a stylish and practical gift that will never date.
Bath towels
Sheridan’s classic bath towels are so enduring they often get passed down generations which is no small achievement in this disposable age! Available in many crowd-pleasing shades, these are a no-brainer gift.
Albie Hooded Baby Towel
The perfect present for the little person in your life, this super soft terry towelling hooded bath towel is fast-drying and transitions nicely from beach to pool.
Candle
Scented candles are universally adored and they’re the ideal gift to take to a friend’s house over the festive season – you’d spend more on flowers and a candle will last much longer.
Watson beach bag
Perfect for the beach-lover in your life, this beauty is big enough to store a towel, sunscreen and flip flops. Plus, it’s reversible too.
Beach escape hand gift set
An ideal gift for the person that has everything – beautiful hand wash and lotion never goes astray.
Bath robe
Equal parts cuddly and luxurious, spoil your mum with a brand-spanking bath robe for a fail-safe choice.
Eltham toiletry bag
There isn’t a family member that wouldn’t enjoy the Eltham toiletry bag – it’s size makes it great for a weekend getaway.
See Sheridan for more festive buys and to shop online.
It’s the stylist’s secret everyone wants to know: how to make your bed look that perfect blend of luxuriously comfortable but not too ‘done’. Well, lucky for you, we have the answers for you today. Check out this great video tutorial from linen giants Sheridan and you’ll soon be making your relaxed-looking bed like a pro!
Do you sleep in linen? I have plenty of it in my own (extensive!) bedding collection and I love the texture of its slight crumple. I just love that relaxed look. The bed in the video has been made with Sheridan’s Abbotson range, which features linen flat and fitted sheets, quilt covers, bed covers and pillowcases. It was launched in 2011 and has fast become a bestseller.
There’s a range of colours so it’s up to you if you want to go more matchy-matchy or mix things up with some contrast; perhaps a dark sheet and pillowcases under a crisp white quilt. The barely blue Breeze is a fresh new colourway for this year.
While linen is known for looking more casual, there’s something so luxurious about those natural fibres. And this being Sheridan, you’re getting some pretty top notch textile! After researching linens from all over the world for a number of years, they developed their own with fibres sourced from Belgium. The thickness of the yarn was considered and countless fibres tested to arrive at the final product years later.
To the unconverted, linen has a reputation for feeling a little bit scratchy, so they made sure theirs was the softest. What I love about linen is how it gets better and softer with every wash, which is why I invested in mine last year!
How do YOU make YOUR bed? Do you love this look? Will you be trying it for yourself at home?
This season, Sheridan collaborated with renowned Australian stylist, Steve Cordony, and asked him to show us how to transform your home with hotel inspired luxury.
“The hotel luxe look is about checking into a lovely hotel and having crisp sheets and warm towels – so why shouldn’t we apply this to our everyday lives? As with everything, it’s the small details that make your space beautiful and more importantly make you feel special,” Steve says.
Hotel Luxury: three different ways.
“Structure is important when creating a hotel luxe bedroom. Clean crisp lines, and tailored pillows create a sense of elegance and formality. I love layering with European pillows, with standard in front and a smaller breakfast accent cushion in front. I love having a throw at the base of the bed and using a bed topper and deluxe feather and down quilt all create a luxuriously indulgent looking bed. Each look is about creating a contemporary, luxurious space that feels indulgent and super chic while remaining warm and inviting.”
Contemporary chic. Everyone knows hotel luxury begins with layering of high quality 1200 thread count sheeting. With Palais Luxe in Dove, I wanted to make sure the environment was light, airy and more feminine. I love using shades of grey and this particular tone of grey is warm but still contemporary. I kept the accessories monochromatic and accented with a touch of gold to give a hint of the unexpected.
Palais Lux 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95, Queen Flat and Fitted Sheet $269.95 in Dove, Lanham Silk Pillowcase in Snow $99.95.
Boutique style. The classic Millennia receives a boutique-hotel makeover in a new midnight tone. Deep navy is one of my favourite colours as it has so much depth and the subtle stripe pattern of the bed linen adds that touch of sophistication. I accented with a tonal colour palette of natural rattan on the bedhead, which gives great texture, aged brass, gold, mirror and chrome.
Millennia 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95, Queen Flat and Fitted Sheet $269.95 in Midnight.
Graphic and masculine. Anyone who knows me, knows I love black and white – it’s a classic and luxurious palette. For styling 1200 thread count Palais in Silver I wanted to create a graphic, more masculine look. Keeping the shapes strict and formal with accessories and furniture work perfectly with the structure and subtle pattern of the linen. Think Tom Ford meets Palm Beach.
Palais 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95 and Queen Flat Sheet $269.95 in Silver. Vachon wool throw in Smoke $249.95.
Create a sanctuary. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home. It is a sanctuary that should feel personal and comfortable and styled like any other room in the home. Simple ideas such as rolling or folding hand towels on a side table beside the bath with some fresh flowers and a scented candle adds an elegant touch. There is nothing more indulgent than monogramming and having personalised initials on your towels – it’s all about the details!
Palais Hand Towel $32.95 and Bath Towel $54.95 in Silver and French Blue, Personalisation additional $15.00.
Steve Cordony is one of Australia’s leading interior stylists, and Style Director At Large for Belle Magazine. We sit down with Steve to chat about interiors and design inspiration, his creative process and what beautiful Australian living means to him.
Image courtesy of Sheridan
Where do you look to for inspiration?
I love referencing fashion; I am constantly on style.com looking at the inspirations behind designer’s collections. Interiors and fashion go hand in hand, from looking at colour combinations to overall trends. I am also constantly travelling which is probably my biggest source of inspiration. I love visiting different countries and cultures and seeing how they interpret colour, style and textures. Blogs, magazines (I spend hours at my favourite newsagent on Oxford Street in Sydney!) and social media platforms, especially Instagram, which is like a constant scrolling feed of visual inspiration, are huge sources of inspiration.
Describe your personal aesthetic…
I would describe my personal aesthetic as modern luxe. As much as I would love to have my home look like an Armani Casa showroom in Italy, I also want it to feel warm and inviting. I love showcasing items from my travels, whether it’s fabric from Turkey that I have had made into cushions for the sofa, or beautiful brass lassi cups from India; these pieces add character and a personal touch which go beyond just looking good.
Describe what beautiful Australian living means to you…
For me, Australian living represents a relaxed sophistication and a strong sense of personality. It is important to create a space which represents you and your lifestyle.
Which key elements do you feel make a house a home?
It is so important to make a house feel like a home. Even if your space is ultra luxurious, it is crucial to have those small details which add a sense of personality and warmth. Items and photographs from travels or family heirlooms and memories are the best way to give your space a homely feel.
Tell us about your daily rituals…
[contextly_sidebar id=”sSDNwQ21GQWw7gt0X2ne6kZappWoFaMU”]The first thing I do (sometimes second after checking Instagram!) is make the bed – my mother would be shocked to hear this because I never did it when living at home! There’s nothing like jumping into a beautifully made and styled bed in the evening. My mood always dictates what I wear that day, so once I’ve chosen my clothes, it’s breakfast and then on to checking emails in the office or hitting the road sourcing for a client or a shoot. At the end of the day, my partner and I always try to have dinner at the table rather than vegging out in front of the TV on the sofa.
What elements in your home are quintessentially Australian?
I’ve grown up with Sheridan linen and towels and these were the first items I bought when I moved out of home! We have some beautiful artworks by artist Leila Jeffreys of native birds which are stunning and bring the outdoors in, in a contemporary way. I love having books throughout the home, and have so many on Australian design and architecture. I always have greenery or fresh flowers in beautiful Dinosaur Designs vases and vessels and there is, funnily enough, an Akubra lying around!
Which styling tips do you always apply when creating a beautiful space?
My ultimate styling go-to tip is keep it neutral and layer with accents. The starting point for any room is always choose one hero, whether it is a great rug, an artwork or bed linen, and build the room around this. It is also important to edit – restraint is key. When styling accessories, I always love to layer with books to give height to decorative items. Balance, whether it be asymmetrical or symmetrical, is key. Always stand back and look at what it is you’re creating – you will know if it feels right using your ‘design eye’!
Steve has collaborated with Sheridan to style their Spring/Summer 2015 hotel luxury at home range. See how he styles the look three ways on the blog tomorrow.
If ever a country’s lifestyle demanded a quick-dry towel, it was Australia’s, and premium home and lifestyle brand Sheridan have come to the rescue!
There’ll be no more damp and soggy thanks to its brand new Quick Dry Luxury Towel, featuring exclusive Nanospun technology. What’s that when it’s at home? It’s the latest innovation in towel craftmanship, developed following an extensive period of development and testing. And don’t worry, it doesn’t mean sacrificing a quality look and feel for something wafer thin either.
I think I’d better buy some because my husband is always telling me off for not hanging towels up properly so they don’t dry. I know, role reversal or what?!
This new technology spins extremely fine cotton yarns, allowing for a higher density weave with an incredibly lightweight feel. The result is a highly absorbent and exceptionally quick drying, lightweight towel with a luxuriously soft and plush feel, crafted for long lasting luxury.
“As the global market leader for towel innovation, we are proud to reveal our Quick Dry Luxury Towel Collection, incorporating the latest in technology and innovation. Saving time and energy, this towel is perfect for an active Australian lifestyle, and ideal for the whole family,” says Paul Gould, group general manager, Sheridan.
The collection is available in eight hues: Indigo, Graphite, Barley, Alpine, Silver, Orchid, White and Slate, and features a face washer, hand towel, queen towel, king towel and bath mat (that’s one bathroom item that could really benefit from drying quicker), ranging in price from $17.95-to-$84.95.
What’s more, the Quick Dry Luxury Towel is available for Sheridan’s Personalisation Service. Embroider names, nicknames or initials for just $15 in addition to product price. I love me a monogram!
Is this just an excuse to put pictures of half naked men on my blog? Probably. So shoot me!
The search is on for Sheridan’s next “Towel Man”. The linen brand is on the search to find a man with the same qualities as their towels – great looks, dependable, a big softie and a little bit luxurious.
When fashion meets interiors: the Sophie Hart interview
Whether it’s fashion, interiors or events, stylist extraordinaire and successful businesswoman Sophie Hart says the same principals apply. “My approach is really similar, whether it be a person or a room, they both need to be dressed.”
Self-titled “queen of the moodboard,” Sophie, who owns Sophie Hart Styling, always begins in the same way. “I usually start off with a massive reference source. I can never have too many options. This is because my style ethos is very organic and so is my styling process. Before I shoot fashion, I usually have a style guide in mind, but I do like to work organically on the day, getting the feel for what is going on around me – the photographer, the client and their brief and importantly the person I am styling. Once I have a feel for all of the elements and am inspired in that moment, the perfect solution comes naturally.
“Interiors are a little different. They start off the same way with moodboards and pulling lots of looks, but this is done with specific product images so the client has an almost identical reference of what I will be creating. It’s almost impossible to turn up to an interiors job with six beds and 20 lamps for example, so images are a go-go!”
Sophie has done work for Sheridan and was styling consultant on the Qantas First lounges at Sydney and Melbourne Airports. She says: “I think it’s really important to reflect a sense of your personal style in your own interior and fashion choices. It’s a direct reflection of you. I think the best work is the work that doesn’t look like it’s taken work to get to the end result. Accidentally perfect, I call it!”
On completing a business management course after high school, Sophie had itchy feet so she moved to London. She worked in various roles within production and advertising and enjoyed anything fast-paced and varied. “It was my last job at an interior design agency which surprised and inspired me,” said Sophie. “It gave me me an insight into how to apply my creative and professional and business skills into a styling career.” Inspired, she moved back to Australia.
“I started buying props for TV commercials then a producer friend offered me a low budget wardrobe styling job on a TV commercial. This was so much fun! I was able to fuse my sense of style and creativity into something that had me on my feet all day – it all rolled on naturally from there. I was offered a column for Sydney Sun Herald’s fashion and entertainment supplement S Magazine,chronicling the latest trends in fashion, interiors and beauty as well as weekly sales and bargains. It was right up my alley.”
Almost a year ago, Sophie and husband Chris bought a two-storey Victorian terrace in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, which hadn’t been renovated since the seventies. “It’s currently ‘Spanish Hacienda inspired’. It’s just wrong but has so much potential!” They’re planning a major renovation. “I want the place to reflect my style, which is essentially really warm, modern organic and eco-friendly,” she says. “Think exposed bricks, polished concrete and recycled timbers, all rich and moody in tone and texture. Oh, and a massive walk-in wardrobe!”
While Sophie, who really admires stylist Megan Morton, thinks the profession has become more recognised as a ‘real’ job, many still misunderstand it as just being about shopping and placing furniture. “There’s so much more to take into consideration. It’s a real people job. You need to be able to deal with a huge range of personalities. You’re constantly pitching yourself and your skills in order to get more clients and keep the ones you have happy. You have to be super organised and know how to problem solve at the drop of a hat. It’s actually really different from what you’d expect.”
While there are many talented freelance stylists in Australia, Sophie runs Sydney’s only styling house, with a styling associate, several assistants, an in-house costume designer and make-up artist. “All my staff start off as interns, the good ones get asked to stay and then everyone works their way up the SHS ladder: intern, junior styling assistant, styling assistant, senior styling assistant, styling associate, is the order everyone goes through. This structure works for me as the girls are all trained in my design style ethos and it also means that we share the same work ethic.
“We do a lot of work and it can be really high pressure and the hours are demanding. Hard work, dedication and commitment sprinkled with a little bit of obsession are what you need to succeed. Personality is more important than experience or natural ability. At the end of the day, if it’s a 10-hour one, as they usually are, I want to be surrounded by good sound team players that get it. I’m always on the lookout for the next perfect SHS team member.”
The best part of the job? “I love the creating. Looking at something, be it a body shape or a room, the ideas coming into my mind and making something wonderful. I love being my own boss and I love my team, they’re the best.” And the worst? “Running your own business and the obsession of the profession can rule your every waking hour. I’m super lucky to be happily married and have the support of a grounded, sensible husband who keeps me on track.”
