PROFILE

Coming home

MY NANA USED to say that buying a house won’t bring you happiness, but turning it into a home certainly will. So when my husband and I built our fi rst home, we didn’t run to the local big-box retailer to fi ll it with Scandi-inspired fl at-packed furniture. Instead, we turned to retro pieces and vintage items that would inspire and delight.

Our home is our sanctuary and many of us fi nd true joy in fi lling our abodes with sentimental pieces that evoke a sense of wonder and calmness. But where do you start on this treasure hunt? Your fi rst stop should be The Shed (which is relocating from Forest Glen to Palmwoods in late June this year).

Owners Geoff and Dianna Ryan are lucky enough to be surrounded by stunning pieces all day long. From a cherry blossom-inspired Venetian glass fl oor lamp to a delicate dinner set, handwoven rugs and vintage wooden chairs, they have it all, paired effortlessly with some new pieces for all you modernists out there.

Dianna grew up around antiques with her parents owning an auction house throughout her childhood. Being surrounded by unique pieces, each laden with their own history, taught Dianna to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating furniture and homewares from a time gone by.

Dianna turned her passion into a career, working as an interior designer before opening The Shed with her property developer husband Geoff, who brings a love of art, jewellery and antiques to the business.

You may already know The Shed from their former location in Forest Glen, but this ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of treasures has a new home and one with an exterior that perfectly complements the interior. The old railway storage sheds in

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Palmwoods are the perfect home for the eclectic blend of kooky, quirky and designer pieces that fi ll this incredible space.

“We looked around for a year before we found our new location,” Dianna says. “The railway stores are so full of charm and have such amazing energy. It is the perfect place for us.”

A short wander through The Shed reveals a huge array of treasures from religious icons from the 18th century to glittering crystal glassware, vintage record players and so much more. From the roof to the walls and the lanolin-stained fl oorboards, the building alone is steeped in history and it feels like a cocoon for all of these historical pieces that make up The Shed.

Now, following their move to a bigger location, Geoff and Dianna will expand The Shed to be more than a unique retail experience but also a dining destination for locals and visitors.

“Part of the railway stores’ charm is the tracks and there is a balcony that runs the length of the building. There will be lots of space for dining out there and guests can have a drink as they watch the trains come through,” Dianna reveals.

“Palmwoods is a popular locale with so many people wanting to move out of built-up areas. It is such a charming town, so this is a great location for us. We are excited to join its unique offerings.”

Geoff and Dianna are also so excited about the move that they have even sold their long-time family home and have bought acreage in Palmwoods. Dianna says it is important for them to live where they work and to support other local businesses in their community.

At the core of The Shed’s ethos is sustainability. Geoff and Dianna are passionate about the environment and want to educate consumers on the fi nite natural resources available and why it is so important to repair, repurpose and recycle everything we bring into our homes.

“We are all about reusing what we already have,” Dianna says. “There are so many amazing pieces that already exist, ready for us to continue their journey.

“Everything we stock is hand-chosen by us and it is up-market and comes from all over the world. It is always good quality so people can buy a designer piece at a fraction of the price while keeping sustainability alive. Vintage furniture is always so much nicer, anyway.

“We are proud to offer a more sustainable option for a healthier environment, and it’s also back on-trend. I’ve seen Ralph Lauren campaigns with old radios used in the styling. These pieces are back in style and it is great to see.”

As Geoff explains, often in times of uncertainty, people will want to surround themselves with the familiar, things that remind them of the past. Repurposed pieces and antique furniture is a way to bring that sense of “steady” to your home and create a place you can feel comfortable, safe and inspired.

If you’re reading this while sitting in your lounge room and you fi nd yourself uninspired by your surroundings, maybe it’s

“We looked around for a year before we found our new location. The railway stores are so full of charm and have such amazing energy. ”

time to turn your house into a home and start the hunt for vintage, retro and quirky pieces that speak to you. Geoff and Dianna can help you fi nd the perfect decor or furniture items to bring your space to life, plus a few extra things that will delight you.

Not only is buying vintage a beautiful way to add personality to your home, but it’s also sustainable and one of the best ways to get a designer look without costing the earth. You will also boast a one-of-a-kind interior that is sure to spark envy in your guests while you relish the good feels of doing your bit for the environment.

The Shed’s new location is 3-5 Main Street, Palmwoods, which will be opening in late June 2021. Check the website for details. 5479 6603 or theshedsca.com.au