Tag: timber

Beautiful, eco-friendly oak flooring that won’t break the bank

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 13, 2015
No Comments on Beautiful, eco-friendly oak flooring that won’t break the bank

I am extremely anti-carpet, so timber floorboards have long-held my heart. Yet there’s no denying they don’t often come cheap. So that’s where Kustom Timber step in.

A young, dynamic flooring business based in Port Melbourne, Kustom Timber were founded on the desire to produce beautifully crafted European oak flooring, at affordable prices. With an emphasis on expert quality-service and environmental awareness, friends and owners, Tristan Tiller and Mark Chaz, manage the whole process themselves, giving their clients the best possible price. “We manage the design and manufacturing process right from start to finish using only premium quality materials and state of the art production processes,” explains Tristan. “We don’t deal with any agents or middle men, so we are able to offer the best prices to our clients. We really believe that beautiful floors should be within everyone’s reach, not overpriced and inaccessible.”

150212_KT_Flinders_2764_Web1600px — Vintage Smoked finish. Wide boards 220x2200mm

Using timber sourced from renewable FSC certified forests (FSC is an international network that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests), for the duo, it is important all their timber is produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards… though of course, it has to look good too! “We want our floors to be innovative and well designed, interesting but not faddish,” says Tristan. “Our creative process begins with an idea of how to make a space we use daily more streamlined and functional, whilst improving the aesthetic.”

Albert St Project — Scandinavian finish. Parquetry 150x900mm

With a vast array of colours, lengths and widths on offer, their floorboards are pre-finished in the factory, meaning there is no sanding, polishing or coating required on site. This allows for some amazing products, including their Scandinavian finish in parquetry, which they recently installed in a renovated Port Melbourne heritage cottage (above) and their White Wash finish, which they used in a collaboration with Rebecca Judd. “We worked together with Rebecca Judd on season two of her online series, The Style School. We did the floors in the Mentone apartment she renovated with stylist Julia Green. We used White Wash, which worked perfectly to open up the small space of the beach side apartment.”

Style School: White Wash finish. Planks 190x1900mm — Style School: White Wash finish. 190x1900mm planks

Now in business for over two years, Kustom Timber recently opened a warehouse-style showroom in Port Melbourne, where they’re able to showcase their extensive flooring range. “It’s a space that we can invite our customers to be inspired,” explain Tristan. “Where they can see how the products look against furniture and artwork, just as it would in their own home or development. It’s a dream come true.”

For more information.

Tags design, European oak, European oak flooring, flooring, interiors, Kustom Timber, Mark Chaz, oak flooring, timber, timber flooring, Tristan Tiller

Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

6 ideas for outdoor timber screening projects

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 3, 2015
No Comments on 6 ideas for outdoor timber screening projects

The addition of timber screening is a smart, simple and relatively quick way to create inviting lifestyle zones outside. Along with the practical benefits of providing privacy and shade, screening can also add visual interest to an outdoor design scheme.

But first what is timber screening? Timber screening is the vertical application of timber decking boards, typically, with a gap between boards to allow light and breezes to filter through, maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment. As an organic material, timber screening integrates seamlessly with landscaping and provides a link between natural and built environments. Australian hardwoods are a popular choice for screening, as they suit a range of landscapes.

Below Boral share six ideas for timber screening projects:

1. Frame barbecue and dining areas, or reading nooks with seating, with timber screening to create separate and sheltered spaces.

2. Disguise unsightly walls, fences or neighbours’ sheds with the addition of timber screening built to size.

3. Use timber screening as a base for a feature wall to display herbs or potted colour.

4. Position timber screening alongside a north-facing home office, nursery or bedroom window to help minimise excess sunlight and keep the room cooler in summer.

5. Maintain privacy by adding timber screening in outdoor areas that are overlooked by neighbouring properties or can be seen from the street.

6. Incorporate timber screening into landscape design. It can provide protection while plants are still growing and a natural backdrop as plants reach full height.

For more information visit Boral.

Tags boral, decking, design, interiors, landscaping, outdoor, screening, timber, timber screening

Competitions Designers

The winners of the 2015 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 28, 2015
No Comments on The winners of the 2015 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards

From an imaginative children’s playground and waterfront library to a tiny cabin perched atop rugged Victorian cliffs, the winners of the sixth annual Intergrain Timber Vision Awards are creative, diverse and visionary.

1Jqtzrpcg2ZO4QT4czoTIscIGv-BkDruQP7P5qDaww8 — The Library at The Dock

Faced with 124 exceptional entries, a panel of esteemed judges chose winners across five categories including: commercial interior, commercial exterior, residential interior, residential exterior, and this year’s new category – public space. Each winner received a $2,000 cash prize and Intergrain product to the value of $3,000.

3suWrrWHvVSRgLVebH2_tJfQTPp3Es8BGwiEG0m1Jn8 — The Library at The Dock

The overall winner (and also taking home the commercial interior award) was Clare Design for The Library at The Dock. Located in Melbourne, the project was celebrated by the judges for utilising timber to its fullest, from surface to structure. The result is a quality public building that is “both timeless and modern”.

IrjYpl_shAc9vEmSBjrHOqozxC2kiBg6dbacLrHTrRI — Lagoon House

Another standout was the residential interior award, which was won by Taylor and Hinds Architects for Tasmania’s Lagoon House. The judges commented on the “ability of the design to gently bring the inside out” and were impressed by a use of timber that is “so solid and delicate, simple and beautiful.”

8Piy6ZXAAH4m3c60P7ZKxgabMmY4JOYgqP-ADlJELTQ — Jubilee Playground

The public space award won by Sue Barnsley Design for Jubilee Playground is also worthy of mention. Situated in Sydney’s Glebe, the use of timber is not only educational, but “stylistic, free and with a sense of adventure”, such as the handcrafted, pod-like cubby house hidden within a fig tree.

For more information visit Intergrain’s website.

Tags 2015 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards, commercial, design, intergrain, Intergrain Timber Vision Awards, interiors, public space, residential, timber, Timber Vision Awards

Designers Furniture Interviews

Bespoke furniture made from salvaged and found items

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 15, 2015
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A fourth generation carpenter and a plastic surgery nurse (with a knack for finding secondhand gems), Nik Kulas and Olivia Prescott are the masterminds behind new kid on the block, The Savage & Scott.

Offering bespoke industrial furniture made from items salvaged and found; there might be one piece made or there might be 10, but there will never be a million! “The Savage & Scott furniture is limited and custom-made, each piece coming with a personalised name tag and number,” explains Nik. “We see something in what is aged and we see value in what is discarded.”

Having always valued well-made, one-off-pieces, looking back it seems only natural that Nik became a designer. “A while back my mum had bought a mass-produced bookcase which I put together for her again and again as it fell apart. It sat awkwardly in a gap that it didn’t quite fill. So I decided to custom make a bookcase to fit the space.”

Loved by himself and his mum, Nik, who spent the day working for Boeing building aircrafts, started to spend his nights crafting furniture. After a year of juggling both, he was ready to turn his labour of love into a business. And inspired by Olivia’s eye for design and their regular trips to secondhand markets, The Savage & Scott was born.

[contextly_sidebar id=”FCgWACkecZj6WXCnVJg3dHaw1gvDzabU”]Using steel and reclaimed timber to create unique, modern furniture with old-world class, the construction process varies but the aim of making quality products remains. “The design process can be on the fly on the workshop floor if I’m trying to get something out of my mind and into the world,” says Nik.” But then engaging with clients we like to sit down and get as much information as we can about them, their home and what they are trying to achieve and then we hit the drawing board.”

Hoping to expand from their Melbourne workshop to an accompanying showroom and online store, no amount of growth will have them deviate from their goal: of producing one-of-a-kind pieces that each have a story to tell. “All our materials have a story. From a door used to being slammed shut to a machine that lived in a factory collecting dust, the beauty of each product is in its history and its future.”

For more information.

Tags design, furniture, melbourne, Nik Kulas, Olivia Prescott, reclaimed timber, The Savage & Scott, timber, timber furniture

Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Cabot make it easy to get the stylish matt look that lasts

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 13, 2015
No Comments on Cabot make it easy to get the stylish matt look that lasts

Cabot have added an all-new matt finish to their popular CFP Water Based range, providing homeowners with an easy way to get the natural timber look without sacrificing durability.

Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is an easy-to-apply clear flooring polyurethane, which provides incredibly durable and hardwearing protection for timber floors.

Suitable for all interior timber, parquetry and cork flooring, Cabot’s CFP Water Based is perfect for those areas exposed to scuffing and high traffic, such as hallways, kitchens and living areas; delivering exceptional resistance to stains and scratches.

Like the sheen and gloss finishes already available, Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is fast and easy to apply, without the need for sanding on pre-coated timber floors. It’s low odour and quick to dry, allowing users to recoat after only three hours and get the job done in less than a day. And because the water-based finish is non-yellowing, the floors will look their beautiful best for longer.

Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is available from leading hardware stores in 1l, 4l and 10l cans. For more product information, how-to guides and stockists, visit their website.

Tags Cabot, Cabot’s CFP Water Based, Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt, CFP Water Based, design, flooring, interiors, matt, timber, timber flooring, timber floors

Furniture

A bench, coffee table, hiding place and display case in one!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 2, 2015
No Comments on A bench, coffee table, hiding place and display case in one!

Let’s face it, most of us are guilty of reading trashy mags every now and then. Whether it’s celebrity gossip or TV guides it’s safe to say you don’t want the whole world seeing them. Rather you’d probably prefer people to think you’re an avid reader of The Economist or Time or basically anything more highbrow! So… how to enjoy both? Introducing the Pinch Bench by Sawdust Bureau in limited edition Blond. This beautifully designed bench has been pinched on one side allowing for the perfect, shadowy place to stash away any unsightly magazines. Meanwhile, at the other end of the bench, embedded brass strips provide the ideal location to hang and display the latest copy of your more ‘civilised’ reads!

Made from reclaimed Jarrah, Victorian Ash, concrete core and brushed aluminium/brass strips, the bench seats three people and can also double as a coffee table. Each piece is stamped with an edition number and maker’s mark, with only 49 pieces being made.

Sawdust Bureau are a young, Melbourne-based company, specialising in the design and fabrication of low-volume, high quality, bespoke and customisable furniture made from 100% Australian timber.

For more information.

Tags design, furniture, interiors, pinch bench, Sawdust Bureau, timber, timber furniture

Art Homewares

Copper&Co’s bright and beautiful timber homewares

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 28, 2015
No Comments on Copper&Co’s bright and beautiful timber homewares

Working as a makeup artist by day and a homewares designer by night, Ashlea Cooney often jokes about how different her two gigs are. “One moment my canvas is a beautiful face and it’s all very glamorous and the next, I’m covered in sawdust and paint!” But that said, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

With her own homewares brand, Copper&Co, Ashlea creates timber coasters, placemats, serving planks and wall art; an idea she arrived at after brainstorming ideas on what had never been done before. “When I started Copper&Co, painted pots were all the rage and I thought, I want to do that! I wanted to recreate something that most people had in their homes but weren’t that excited by. I knew I wanted to work with wood and the first pieces I made were the coasters. I hadn’t seen anything like them out there and there’s nothing like that feeling of creating something original and unique. Such a buzz!”

Loving timber for the fact, “you never know what you might get,” Ashlea uses all types, depending on what’s on hand at the time. “It’s lovely working with such a beautiful and natural product. I use many different types of wood, but I must say I do love pine for its light colour, which helps the colours of the paint pop!”

Having always enjoyed painting, Ashlea uses bright colours and graphic designs to transform bare timber into original pieces of art that you can put to good use. All handmade, the design process may seem simple, but a lot of time and effort goes into each ware. “Once the wood is picked out, it’s then cut into the different sizes depending on the product. After that, each piece gets sanded by hand and sealed. I then come up with my designs and paint them by hand. Once that’s complete, each piece is signed and sealed for the final time and ready for sale. I take a lot of pride in creating quality items!”

Shop online.

Tags art, Ashlea Cooney, coasters, Copper&Co, dinnerware, homewares, placemats, serving planks, tableware, timber, wall art

Art Designers Homewares Styling

New Spring/Summer accessories collection from BoConcept

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 10, 2015
1 Comment on New Spring/Summer accessories collection from BoConcept

The new Spring Summer 2015/16 accessories collection from BoConcept draws on nature to bring an earthy yet sophisticated feel inside the home. “Nature creates a calm yet strong foundation for this season’s accessory collection which features natural materials such as stone, concrete, terracotta, marble and dark and light timbers,” says Eliza Williams, BoConcept marketing manager.

While mostly tone on tone, the collection contains flashes of gold and copper to keep things interesting. “Metallics are still hot and bring glamour and sophistication to our homes and they also pair beautifully with contrasting natural textures,” says Eliza. The metallic collection, which includes a chic copper and gold pendant range, draws heavily on Art Deco influences.

The brand’s new art collection features photographs of the ocean and animals in muted tones while their new living range includes some fab Scandinavian inspired functional accessories – a chic dustpan and brush set and marble and gold clock are both highlights.

Of particular note is the brass skateboarding bulldog – this playful little number treads a fine kitsch line but is a guaranteed conversation starter.

See more online.

Tags accessories, boconcept, brass, concrete, copper, danish design, design, homewares, interior, interiors, marble, minimalism, styling, timber

Homewares

Copper and marble still reign in latest Country Road homewares

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 7, 2015
No Comments on Copper and marble still reign in latest Country Road homewares

Copper, timber and marble: it seems this winning combination of colours and textures is going nowhere fast in homewares. Country Road are certainly still confident of their longevity judging by their latest gorgeous homewares drop, in store and online from today (Friday).

It’s all about sophisticated simplicity this spring. A pared back aesthetic focuses on beautiful sculptural pieces and cool tones balanced with copper and natural textures of wood and marble. Geometric handmade items like decorative metal cubes add a graphic measure to the home.

Scandinavian-inspired folded wooden trays are elegant and functional. Dinnerware features in Airforce blue and is complemented by black gloss bakeware and sculptural copper-plated serving utensils. Striped napery with metallic foil tips and neon highlights bring about a spring mood.

Cushions and throws (surely one of the brand’s real strengths) add interest in modern prints and textures. Monochrome patterns mix with tonal patchwork, with black mesh cushions balanced by grey marle throws. Offering a ‘70s feel is deep indigo quilted denim, while woven knit throws and cushions in lemon, pale pink and dove tie the colour palette together.

In soft charcoal and sea tones, linen bedding is key as the weather warms. Fluoro stitching and trims liven muted tones and natural textures. Tactile white covers and tessellated sheet sets in lemon or grey make for perfect layering options.

For kids, colour and print take a vibrant and bold turn. Playful sheet sets are offered in spring yellow and patchwork print. Silhouetted animal patterns introduce fresh shades of deep green and raspberry. Hints of denim and grey marle act as a stylish, grounding complement to a spring-fresh mix of prints.

Shop online

Tags august, concrete, copper, country road, country road home, cushions, homewares, marble, metallic, neon, shopping, timber

Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews

Peter McManus on making timber furniture from Victoria’s most iconic sites

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 6, 2015
No Comments on Peter McManus on making timber furniture from Victoria’s most iconic sites

After spending his formative years working in commercial construction with his father and older brother, Peter McManus began to feel restless. Booking a one way ticket to Bangkok, he set off on a life changing adventure, determined to foster new ideas and form a fresh foundation from which to reinvent himself.

He returned, eventually, with a desire to earn his living as a musician! However, after giving it a decent shot, it became obvious that it wasn’t for him (though he does tell me he still sings in a band called Stax on soul Revue!). So Peter decided to back off the music and refocus on his other passion, working with wood… and thank goodness he did!

Beginning Yard Furniture, formally known as Reclaimed Timber Furniture, four years ago, it began in a small workshop in his backyard; where he’d make pieces for friends, family and of course his own home. Today, however, is a much different story, with Peter’s new Melbourne location consisting of a showroom, workshop and storage space.

Creating high-end quality furniture, he is committed to breathing new life into ex-structural, recycled timbers; often working with raw sawn beams demolished from some of Victoria’s most iconic sites, such as Abbotsford Honda factory, Alphington Paper Mill and recently the Del Monti Suits Factory, Preston.

[contextly_sidebar id=”kdmYlp2kmE6ZURxCqZ3QUlalzldeWeGo”]So to say Peter is a fan of timber, well that’s the understatement of the century! ” What do I love about timber? How much time do you have?! I love timber because it gives me so much variety in texture, tone and density. Every piece is different and it’s also therapeutic in the same way being in nature is. I source the timber from various places: scrap yards, salvage yards, demolition sites or demolition companies. I try to acquire large quantities as it allows me to get familiar with a batch of timber, thus being able to replicate a piece that we display.”

Creating all types of high-end interior furniture, from tables to bed suites to entertainment units, Yard Furniture create a staple collection, as well as custom pieces. “We do get commissioned to make one offs, which are usually a design collaboration with the client, or some clients will bring their own design to us. That said, I always like to put my own little twist on anything I make!”

Neptune Sofa setting1

Yet putting his own spin on things is not exclusive to furniture, with Peter having recently transformed a run down factory on the fringe of Preston’s industrial precinct, into a beautiful, spacious 220 square metre showroom. “Our showroom has been a massive operation, one of the biggest projects I’ve undertaken. It was all closed in with a large steel mezzanine, so we demolished the mezzanine then punched a big opening in the front wall making a very attractive shop front and spacious showroom.”

Now in the process of filling the showroom with stock, Yard Furniture is stocking not just their own furniture, but homewares from local designers and artisans. “Our policy on the homewares that we stock is that our suppliers are local or nationally based. We are currently stocking ceramic’s from Lheme & Celeste, wire pot stands from Ivy Muse, soy candles from Darling Mockingbird, stock chairs from Feelgood Designs and linen from Aura. We are also offering our showroom space to be a gallery for artists to exhibit their creations.”

For more information.

Tags aura, darling mockingbird, Feelgood Designs, furniture, handmade furniture, ivy muse, Lheme & Celeste, Peter McManus, timber, timber furniture, yard, Yard Furniture

Design DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping

Upcycling how-to: the retro revamp of a sideboard

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 3, 2015
No Comments on Upcycling how-to: the retro revamp of a sideboard

Darren Palmer’s updated flooring range for Carpet Court

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 24, 2015
No Comments on Darren Palmer’s updated flooring range for Carpet Court

Taking a well deserved break is clearly a notion Darren Palmer doesn’t abide by! With the interior designer and The Block and Reno Rumble judge collaborating once again with Carpet Court in the expansion of his flooring range – Provincial Lane.

All influenced by Darren’s own design taste, the recent additions include new timber flooring options and carpet collections in a range of budgets, materials and styles.

“The right flooring choice will set the design tone for any space,” explains Darren. “That’s why I always favour top quality, designer options when managing my own projects or coordinating product for my Provincial Lane collection. The newest additions are no exception, providing homeowners and renovators with high quality looks they love.”

The range includes Charming, which sits strong as an entry-level carpet collection, with soft-to-touch texture, while Talisa Springs provides added warmth as a wool-blend for simple elegance and extra comfort. The 100% wool additions include Creekwood, Montana Sands and Bakers Creek – all popular choices on The Block this season with interesting textured loop piles in trending neutral tones.

Darren’s Stained Oak timber flooring collection also receives an on-point refresh with this season’s popular hue of grey. Responding to increased demand for quality timber flooring, Darren and Carpet Court launched the Stained Oak option back in 2014. Inspired by nature, the nutty coloured collection has since doubled, with four further colour additions.

Overall, the new carpet and timber collections feature varying grey tones, light creamy options and dark stormy hues. For colour fanatics, a bright butternut stained timber adds vibrancy to a space while the blue additions provide a subtle colour boost. The new collections stay true to the signature grey-based undertone of the entire Provincial Lane range, with carefully selected texture additions a priority.

For more information.

Tags carpet, carpet court, darren palmer, flooring, provincial lane, reno rumble, the block, timber

DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping

Intergrain’s revolutionary phone app will change the way you renovate

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 21, 2015
No Comments on Intergrain’s revolutionary phone app will change the way you renovate

As timber continues to be an iconic feature in the Australian home, leading wood care company Intergrain have launched a revolutionary new iPhone and Android app, allowing DIYers and professionals alike to preview finishes before a project has even started.

The first-of-its kind in the Australian DIY market, the app aims to change the way renovators plan for furniture, flooring and decking projects, with timber finishes able to be selected and tested virtually. The app’s ‘visualiser’ function allows you to choose from different types of timber or upload a photo of your own timber to see how an Intergrain finish will transform it.

“This revolutionary app from Intergrain arms consumers with the confidence to select the highest performing finishes early on in the project planning phase,” explains Intergrain brand manager James Fisher. “The new app also allows users to estimate the amount of product required, save different visualised colours and easily share their timber project vision with friends and family at the click of the button, making the entire process simple from start to finish.”

The new Intergrain Timber Finishes app can be downloaded for free by visiting the Apple iTunes store or Google Play.

For more information.

Tags design, diy, home improvement, intergrain, interiors, iphone, iphone app, phone, reno, renovating, timber, timber finishes

Designers Furniture Interviews

Bombora: beautiful and eco-conscious recycled timber furniture

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 14, 2015
No Comments on Bombora: beautiful and eco-conscious recycled timber furniture

Working as a firefighter, Luke Collins began Bombora Custom Furniture initially as a hobby. Using the beautiful recycled timber he had accumulated from his local Victorian timber yard, he spent every spare moment designing and crafting.

Selling his first piece (a dining table) on Gumtree, inquiries immediately started coming in for custom pieces and word of mouth quickly got around. Six years on, and Bombora have become synonymous with bespoke timber furniture and timeless designs, which honour the beauty of natural wood.

With a collection that includes everything from dining tables and TV cabinets, to bed frames, couches and outdoor decor, the aesthetic is influenced by Nordic furniture, modern architecture and 70s design. Oozing clean lines and a simplistic, contemporary base, for Bombora functionality and longevity are of the utmost importance.

[contextly_sidebar id=”MnEtLoqYxl5cqGuPBtsX4KOCGVEmWw4u”]”It is very important to us to minimise our impact on the environment by using recycled timbers, natural finishes and a quality of construction and design that will ensure our furniture is passed on to the next generation rather than into hard rubbish,” explains Alison Collins, head of marketing and Luke’s wife. “Providing our customers with excellent customer service is also a priority for us, which is why each piece is made to order to our clients’ specifications to ensure that it is perfect for their tastes and their homes.”

Whether a client picks one of their portfolio designs or Luke crafts them something completely unique, all pieces are made to the clients’ exact requirements from dimensions and functionality to timber preferences.

Predominantly using recycled Messmate timber, a species of Eucalyptus local to the southern Australian states, Bombora love it for both environmental and aesthetic reasons. “We love this timber from an environmental standpoint because being locally sourced it is readily available and requires very little resources to convert it from its old state to a furniture ready state and very few travel miles. From an aesthetic point of view, it is a beautiful timber. It has a wide variety of different tones from creams to medium browns with interesting grain patterns and frequent sap lines. Each piece is distinctive and creates very unique looking furniture.”

All Bombora furniture is protected using a natural oil and wax finish, which produces a silky soft feel and natural look. The finish enhances the beauty of the wood, whilst also making it durable, hard-wearing and easy to maintain. For more information.

Tags Bombora, Bombora Custom Furniture, custom furniture, design, furniture, gumtree, Luke Collins, melbourne, recycled timber, recycled timber furniture, timber, timber furniture

Designers Furniture Homewares

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

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 8, 2015
No Comments on Jen’s favourites from the Mark Tuckey + Cotton On range

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

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

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

Shop the entire range online.

[contextly_sidebar id=”EkU3dgZj3RQRnDN6ajCEm6vw24XFRxjj”]

Tags collaboration, cotton on, cushions, homewares, linen, louella tuckey, mark tuckey, palm beach, sydney, timber, typo

Designers Furniture Interviews

Scandi-inspired timber and marble furniture designed in Melbourne

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 3, 2015
5 Comments on Scandi-inspired timber and marble furniture designed in Melbourne

Inspired by the Scandinavian mantra ‘Buy once, buy well,’ online furniture business Harpers Project, was born.

With a love of the clean raw timber used in Scandinavian furniture and the timeless versatility of marble favoured by the Europeans, Harpers Project decided to create a range of marble furniture and raw timber pieces that reflected current furniture trends. “We are a lifestyle brand that was created to bring people a collaboration of cutting edge timber and marble pieces that bring life to interior spaces,” explains Nathan Jackson, director of sales and marketing. “We use 100% authentic marble across the entire collection and all the timber we use stems from Hardwood, made in an eco-friendly manner.”

All designed in Melbourne, the family run business began in 2014 with the goal of bringing aspirational designs into the homes of people — much like themselves — who could previously not afford them. Selling everything from coffee tables and dining chairs to sofas and stools, the furniture is raw, natural, minimal and one-of-a-kind. “We believe that each piece has its own unique characteristics that can only come from handmade furniture,” says Nathan. “Proudly, our furniture is not mass-produced in large factories. It is all delicately handmade by highly experienced carpenters.”

Gaining inspiration from everything — from nature through to fashion — the design process is constantly evolving. “For us the design process starts from the moment we wake up and never really ends. We gain inspiration from the natural elements of life and aspects of fashion and use that to develop pieces that are versatile enough to fit into different design spaces. Once our designs are sketched we follow them through the entire process right up until they are delivered to our customers.”

Currently working on a new collection, it will be launching online next month. However until then, you can shop their current pieces online, with all their products being shipped nationwide in Australia, Untied States and Singapore.

Shop online.

Tags design, furniture, Harpers Project, interiors, marble, marble furniture, melbourne, scandi design, scandinavian design, scandinavian furniture, timber, timber furniture

Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews

Industrial furniture makers fifteenthirtyeight on starting their business by accident

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 29, 2015
No Comments on Industrial furniture makers fifteenthirtyeight on starting their business by accident

After a fruitless search for a coffee table that didn’t hurt their eyes or make them use allen keys(!), couple Kitty Danger and Al Barras decided to take matters into their own hands, literally.

wuyYIa3rbvWoyu_Zue2EOlm8ar881Jc21uos_SmJlw8,aFJMW-gMpN1tSVfAIaeT8eW1l7LzNQLhCYp8qFSQwio,ZGZHACC4BXcPo6SciXpAtEcl-nj-Yi5xgnaPko9W16M — Al and Kitty

“We spent a Sunday in the workshop and created something that we thought was pretty cool,” says Kitty. “Once we finished we uploaded it onto Instagram and we were inundated with requests for orders. Et voila fifteenthirtyeight was immaculately conceived.”

Creating industrial furniture and home decor, they predominantly use steel (their name actually reflects the melting point of iron — 1538 degrees) for its industrial aesthetic and strength. Also dabbling in brass, copper, glass, marble, timber and concrete, they try to keep all their materials within that minimal and industrial feel, not forgetting that little bit of luxe!

[contextly_sidebar id=”KxdwwXBvJjMmC4i7MeMfbMSWM90rxxT1″]With their range expanding almost weekly, they currently have coffee tables, side consoles, stools and plant hangers in production, all made by hand in their Brisbane studio. Only doing small runs of each design, they also spend a lot of time on bespoke pieces for commissions. “Having the ability to produce pieces from start to finish in-house means that we can work closely with our fab private and commercial clients to make some pretty awesome one-off pieces,” explains Kitty. “This also allows us the time to work on some exciting new designs and some bigger pieces… hello beds and couches!”

Prior to launching fifteenthirtyeight late last year, Kitty spent her time working in construction and PR (what can’t this woman do?!) and Al worked as a qualified mechanic in the film and TV industry. Now, having both jumped head first into furniture design, Kitty is happy to say her building experience still comes in useful. “Al is a welding wizard and can fabricate literally anything, but luckily I still know my way around power tools, which comes in handy in the studio!”

Inspired by sculptural art and mid-century lines, the duo put great emphasis on creating beautiful angles, lines and shadows. “When we’re designing we start with a sketch and a rough idea of what we want to achieve. However, this usually changes when we make the prototype and see the angles come to life, so sometimes the finished product is amazingly different to the idea we started with. In terms of production, we cut each piece and weld or braze the base together. Then it’s polished or powder coated and fitted with glass, marble, timber or concrete, packaged up and shipped to its new home.”

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