Categories
Furniture

Stylish entertainment units: Amy’s top picks

With the television often the focal point of the lounge room, finding something stylish to place it on can present quite the challenge. Traditionally, entertainment units have erred on the utilitarian side but there are some fabulous ones around if you know where to look.

Iniko Judalia entertainment unit: Aside from offering plenty of storage, including open cubby holes that are ideal for styling your favourite things, I like the way that this unit takes the focus off the television. $1159.

Globewest Willow woven entertainment unit: I love the earthiness of this piece and it features bang on-trend rattan. $2760.

Brosa Hertz entertainment unit: Available in white wash, sandy and dark brown, this unit looks far more high-end that its $699 price tag.

6ixty Adita entertainment unit: Made from solid American oak, the sliding doors on this piece are reversible featuring wood on one side, and white and grey paint on the other. It’s perfect for when you want a change of colour scheme. $1649.

Urban Couture Manly TV/Entertainment unit: Black ash veneer and a black powder-coated steel base make a perfect union. $1595.

Brosa Potter entertainment unit: Another one from Brosa, I love the chevron detail in this piece. $599.

Life Interiors Hendrix entertainment unit: Blonde wood (with vertical detailing) and black industrial style legs combine to create this elegant unit. $1319.

Zuster Embellish entertainment unit: I LOVE everything that Zuster create and this entertainment unit is no exception. There’s a tv hiding behind those central cupboards (the best!) and the mirror-backed adjustable shelves offer ample styling and storage options too. The only drawback is the price tag. $16,500.

Check out my top 10 concrete picks

Categories
Art Furniture Homewares

9 great mirrors, from aspirational Adnet to affordable Freedom

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.

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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.

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Minimal meets industrial with the Max Italian Carrara Marble and Black Powder Coated Steel Floor Mirror ($1,495) from Urban Couture. An absolute showstopper, this piece can also be customised for your home. We love how it’s happy to be casually propped against the wall.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add.

Categories
Designers Dining Furniture

10 non-replica dining chairs

Last week, a little tired of seeing so many replica Tolix stools at breakfast bars across the country, we put together a list of some great non-replica options. Readers loved it, so we thought we’d do the exact same thing for dining chairs. Below are 10 beautiful and unique chairs by some exceptional Aussie brands. Not a replica Eames DSW in sight! 

The modern and contemporary Xaria Dining Chair is designed with solid American Oak legs and a black powder coated steel wire frame seat. Retailing for $599 from Urban Couture, it is sure to give your dining room an air of designer luxe.

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On sale (that’s what we like to hear!) but for $844 (ah… there’s always a catch!), the Lopez Dining Chair from Jimmy Possum is individual and beautiful. With the pattern placement on the chair completely random, no two chairs are the same. Featuring a fully curved design all carved by hand, the frame is made from solid hardwood.0014458

Probably my favourite chair on the list (I know, big call!) the Scandinavian Dining Chair from Harpers Project is elegantly crafted by hand. Available in a range of seat colours and patterns, it retails for $300 and will be back in stock this January.

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At the bargain price of $119, the Fletcher Dining Chair from Freedom is chic and on trend. Coming in natural and charcoal, it is a subtle option for your dining room.

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An ideal modern dining chair, the Christof Chair from Curious Grace is made from polypropylene with varnished wooden Natural beech legs. Available in white and grey, it retails for $195.

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A luxurious addition to any dining table, the Fenwick Dining Chair ($449) from Barnaby Lane combines a blonde teak frame with a leather seat and back. Available in blush and tan, it also doubles as a gorgeous occasional chair for the bedroom or living space.

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A robust folding chair crafted from solid oak timber, the Storytellers Chair (left) from Nomi is perfect for the unexpected dinner guest, chit chats while fishing or ghost stories by the fire. Featuring a quirky wiggle in the frame to optimise comfort and efficient storing when folded, prices start at $249. It can also be customised in a wide range of colours.

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With a galvanised metal frame and linen upholstery, the Atlantic Dining Arm Chair provides that sought-after casual luxe aesthetic. Available from Max Sparrow, it retails for $695 (was $1,045!).

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Made entirely from sustainably forested European Birch ply, the Square Chair ($295) from Plyroom is timeless and versatile. Featuring a clean-lined structure and flexible upright backrest, it is perfect for any occasion.

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The Partridge Chair ($845) by DesignByThem, is a welcome addition to the Partridge range of humble, well-made timber furniture. Made from FSC White Ash timber, powder coated aluminium brackets and a galvanised steel backrest, custom finishes are also available.

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We hope you found this list useful. Let us know what you’d add!

Categories
Furniture

7 great armchairs for every aesthetic and budget

There’s really nothing quite like snuggling up in an armchair with a good book, a cup of tea and a luxurious throw. And these seven armchairs would be at the top of our list to do just that! 

Built to last, this Single Armchair in grey and white has a solid timber frame, steel sprung suspension system, high density foam seating and a fibre filled back cushion. Featuring clean and simple lines, it is available from Harpers Project for $799.

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Both industrial and glam, this modern Metal Frame Chair from West Elm comes in the most gorgeous dusky blush hue. With a blackened brass frame contrasted against luxurious, tailored cushions, it retails for $899.

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For $299, the POÄNG Rocking-chair from IKEA is resilient, comfortable and easy to clean (the cover is removable and machine-washable). Available in a large variety of colours and patterns, you can also add the POÄNG Footstool for extra comfort. Perfect as an affordable baby nursing chair too.

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Make a statement with the Andes Occasional Chair. This limited-edition piece features incredible fabric upholstery reminiscent of a stunning watercolour, which has been exclusively designed for Freedom. In storesthis month, it retails for $599.

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The Georg Anthracite High Back Armchair from Zanui boasts a wide seatback with curved frame and tidy button-detailing. Retailing for $549, it offers a classic style with a contemporary spirit.

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The Tamarama Armchair ($1,495) from Urban Couture is the epitome of luxury. With a frame handcrafted from solid elm hardwood and removable cushions made from washed natural Italian linen, it is available in both ash grey and white.

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This classic chair from Barnaby Lane is the perfect Scandi companion. With its light teak frame and thickly woven leather seat and back, the $699 Tanner Armchair can be custom-made in a variety of teak shades and leather colours.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

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Categories
Bedrooms Furniture

Interiors Addict’s 10 best bedsides

From retro and industrial to quirky and pretty, we have a bedside table for every style and every budget! 

This Mid-Century Bedside Table ($399) from West Elm borrows its slim legs, angled face and understated retro details from iconic ’50s and ’60s furniture silhouettes. With antique bronze finish knobs for an unexpectedly luxe twist, it is made from FSC-certified wood and is available in three colourways.

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I love, love, love the Componibili 3 Round bedside (front left in the image below) and you’ve probably seen it everywhere, with many stores having replicas! However, the original is still surprisingly affordable at $220. Coming in many colours and configurations, the 30-year-old design from Kartell is flexible, functional and practical.

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Designed by two of our favourite Blockheads, twins Alisa and Lysandra, the Asta Bedside Table for Forty Winks is Australian made but Scandinavian inspired. Part of a four-piece bedroom suite, but available individually for $749, it combines the rawness of timber with eye-catching rose gold detailing.

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Magazine rack-slash-bedside table, the unique Three Legged Magazine Stand features carefully shaped steel plates to create an angle to place magazines, while leaving a flat top surface with enough space for a drink. Available from Urban Couture and coming in both black and white, it retails for $349.

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I’m not normally one for bedside tables that don’t have any drawers (I can’t be the only one who accumulates mess that needs to be hidden?!), but if space is at a premium, these Kerr Stools ($289) in rose pink and black are a gorgeous option. Available from Barnaby Lane, they are made from iron and timber.

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The MUSKEN Bedside Table from IKEA is a total bargain, costing just $59. Sturdy, practical and working with most interiors, you can also purchase the matching wardrobe and drawers for the full look.

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The Swing Table ($279.95) by 6ixty is one-of-a-kind cool, with both colour accents (ash with grey, white, red or yellow) and natural wood tones. Practical too, it features an angled handle for easy moving and two storage drawers. It is available from Zanui.

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Made in Melbourne from Tasmanian Oak veneer and a powdercoated tube steel frame (in cloudy blue or soft white), the Oliver Side Table ($499) is minimal and versatile. Available from Hunting for George, there’s also a corresponding bed and bench if you want the whole set.

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This shimmery number is sure to make a statement, in either a gorgeous coppery bronze or luxe clear and smoke colour tints. Fitted with three drawers and featuring a classic square front, the Optical Bedside Table from Domayne is a real show stopper. Price available in store or upon request.

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Small spaces need great storage and the Rigby Sidetable ($400) from Milkcart delivers in spades. With a narrow footprint, but deep storage, it fits your iPad, magazines and remote with room to spare. Available in matte or gloss white laminate and sustainable timber with a Tassie Oak trim, you can also choose from a silver button, black knob, handmade leather pull or timber handle.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

Categories
Furniture Homewares

Urban Couture’s stunning marble mirror and shelves

Expanding on their existing Carrara marble range, Urban Couture’s new collection is stylish, practical and has me wanting everything!

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Featuring new rectangular and square marble trays, a steel and marble floor mirror (which I need, not want!), a black stained American Ash shelf and their favourite piece yet – the Carrara marble shelf; the range is all about giving customers design difference, a unique way of living and a complete sense of style.

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To date our Carrara marble range has been focused mainly on furniture pieces — namely coffee and side tables, so we wanted to expand on this to incorporate some home decor accessories,” explains co-founder Thomas Towhidi. “Our favourites are the floor mirror, which was designed by my partner Katriarna as we found it hard to source and locate any mirrors we liked locally. And to be completely honest, we desperately wanted one for our own home! Also I can’t go passed the marble shelf. It is distinctive in that we’ve moved away from the whole plywood theme, as we believe it’s been a bit overdone in the Australian retail industry.”

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As always, their inspirations are European based, in particular the Scandinavian and Italian design aesthetics and their affinity for all things natural, whether it be marble or timber. “We use only the highest quality of Carrara Italian marble quarried at the city of Carrara, the northernmost tip of modern-day Tuscany, Italy. Carrara marble is like a finger print. Being a natural stone there are no two pieces exactly the same, giving the customer an individual piece of invested design.”

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The marble trays are available now, with the mirror and shelves available for pre-order (for October delivery).

Shop online.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Free interiors advice at the Urban Couture popup at Moore Park

There are popups and there are popups. The new Urban Couture popup shop at Moore Park Supa Centa is not just any old popup, it’s gorgeous! And in addition, you can get a free design consultation if you stop by. It’s open until the end of January, seven days a week.

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Since opening earlier this month, the shop has been really popular. Urban Couture have recently started manufacturing their own furniture ranges, as well as stocking Danish brands like Muuto, Design House Stockholm, By Lassen, Kristina Krogh, Gubi and Skandinavisk. They’ve recently started selling products from Ferm Living and HK Living and in terms of Australian suppliers, you’ll find Kate & Kate, Bondi Wash, Harbour Outdoor and more.

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Urban Couture Popup Shop, Supa Centa Moore Park, Todman Avenue, Kensington NSW 2033. If you’re not in Sydney, read more about Urban Couture’s online offering.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Urban Couture’s new showroom offers one-on-one service without the snobbery

Sponsored by Urban Couture

There’s no question that the internet is increasingly a game changer for all industries, not least interiors. It’s amazing the products and services we can sell online these days. But despite having an innovative and digitally brilliant online model, new business Urban Couture realise that there are some people who still want to touch and feel! That’s why they’ve just opened this gorgeous warehouse space in Sydney’s Ultimo.

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“We decided to open the showroom as it became evident that although the majority of Australians are increasingly confident to buy furniture online, there is still the need for people to “try before they buy”– in relation to seeing and touching the products before they purchase. This is common with our big ticket items such as beds and sofas where clients really want to test the comfort,” says creative director Katriarna Rodgers, a stylist and graphic designer. “We also felt that it is important that we have a beautiful creative space where clients can visit us, be inspired and receive a one-on-one design service.”

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Online, Urban Couture is both a homewares and furniture store, a place to create your own moodboards with their free tool Couture Boards, and a place to get free e-decorating advice. Katriarna runs the business with Tom Towhidi who, with a background in accounting and law, looks after the logistics, legal and financial side of things.

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Katriarna and Tom

The showroom is a converted warehouse and former wool factory. It’s open to anyone, but Urban Couture have made it by appointment only so they can give everyone a specialised, one-on-one service. They hope to avoid the snobby and unfriendly feel of some high end showrooms and will even be offering customers a glass of wine or a cup of tea: “A process that in our opinion always helps you to relax and decide what it is that you really need!”

Katriarna believes it is thanks to shows like The Block and House Rules, and online inspiration from design blogs and Pinterest, that the general public are increasingly interested in interiors and excited to have a go themselves. While there is still a perception that professional design advice is only for the very wealthy, Urban Couture are trying to make it more accessible by offering free e-decorating to their online homewares customers. “E-decorating is simply an avenue for us to understand our clients’ needs, in order to deliver tailor made design and decoration which works for them and importantly, represents their personal style.”

“One of our goals is to make great international design more accessible to the consumer, no matter where you live or what your budget. We want to continue doing what we love by traveling the world and bringing new and inspiring furniture and homewares to Australia. We hope to play a big part in changing the perception of buying furniture and homewares online, by showing customers that choosing furniture and homewares for their homes can be simplified and enjoyable for them through effective and efficient customer service. Further, by offering a one stop shop and design service, we hope that customers will be in a position to enjoy the process, rather than being faced with the task of searching tirelessly around shopping malls on the weekends and wasting their valuable time.”

Shop online or make a showroom appointment.

Categories
Styling

Urban Couture offers free e-decorating service plus drag & drop DIY moodboards

New online destination Urban Couture is offering free e-decorating services to its customers and an innovative DIY moodboard tool.

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By using the site’s Couture Boards, you can select a template for a room or space to curate and style the interiors by literally dragging and dropping from a huge selection of products. Using “share” tools, you can then communicate the designs through your social media networks, creating interactive mood boards and inviting friends and members of the design community to interact, while also viewing other people’s styled spaces for inspiration.

Visitors to the site can even get a free e-decorating session from founder and interior stylist, Katriarna Rodgers. Urban Couture is also an online store for homewares and furniture, stocking brands like MCM House (their exclusive online stockists), Xavier & Me, NUD Lighting, Oscar & Lulu and Billy Heckenberg.