The Schmooze - Issue 2 by The Prop House

ONE HOUSE

ISSUE 2

THREE SISTERS

THE SCHMOOZE

2019

MAGAZINE

THE

The Wow Factor

ISSUE

CREATING A DESTINATION IN YOUR LOCAL CENTRE

Celebration

REIGNITE YOUR IMAGINATION

Sketches, saucy insider tips & the NÃN\ family inside ‘THE HOUSE’

30 YEARS OF

Fabulous WHY JANO IS AN EVENTS ICON

WELCOME

THE LOW DOWN

DIRECTOR'S LETTER

CONTENTS

Let’s return to celebration. I don’t just mean as an excuse to pop a bottle of champagne, (but let’s be honest we wouldn’t complain), I mean to return to a culture who takes pride in creating, crafting and curating.

THE SISTERS

30 YEARS OF FABULOUS

THE WOW FACTOR

TREND FORECAST

WHAT PROP ARE YOU?

KIDS PLAY SPACES

THE SEASON OF JOY

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING?

BEHIND THE SCENES

Let’s lift our eyes up from our screens and reignite our human desire for connection, let’s go back to socialising instead of infinite scrolling. I see the power of celebration everyday in this growing world of event styling. Celebrations become that moment in people’s calendars that boost their energy to get through the daily grind, a moment that brings connection and builds relationships. Whether it’s an 80th birthday celebration themed as a nostalgic nod to their youth or a prestigious awards ceremony, it has become an art to create a celebratory ambiance. I believe the survival of being a woman in business in Brisbane comes down to a few things: relationships, delivery and creativity. This year saw the anniversary of my 30 years in business (read more pg 4). My three businesses, The Prop House, VM+ and Christmas Decorations Brisbane all stemmed from observing that there was a desire in Brisbane for event styling, visual merchandising and designing innovative installations. All of which deliver connection, from managers and customers, employees and employers, friends and family, or client and consultant. Join us by indulging in our second issue of “The Schmooze”, as we delve into the minds behind our kids play space designers (pg 13), explore upcoming trends (pg 8) and learn from the experts p in event styling y g (pg 6). )

PS: In case you are wondering...

Schmooze

ONE HOUSE

ISSUE 1

THREE SISTERS

THE SCHMOOZE MAGAZINE

“IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DETAIL”

Issue 1

2018

THE SISTERS

ONE HOUSE

Three Sisters WORDS ROSIE SCHULZ

The Prop House is just that… a home to the three sisters; The Prop House, VM+ and Christmas Decorations Brisbane. Filled with all the various dynamics you would ﬁnd within any type of home, our house is choc-full of life, colour, strange corners and many personalities. What makes us different is our dynamic taste in props which have been collected and sourced to brighten up Brisbane’s events, galas, shopping centres and foyers. This is a home full of the anticipation of watching an event come to life, the delight in seeing designs becoming tangible, activations being activated and the joy and sparkle that Christmas brings.

THE PROP HOUSE

VM+

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BRISBANE

The oldest sister in the house has good taste in styling of luxe lunches, elegant soirées and romantic tepee weddings. Her eccentric side likes to emerge frequently in Alice in Wonderland parties, Arabian night dinners and vintage circus shindigs. Her bold taste transforms conference rooms and deluxe venues across South East Queensland.

With the personality traits of a middle sibling, VM+ (Visual Merchandising Plus More) is sociable, loyal and creative. Constantly on-trend, fashion and activation styling are her forte but this past year she has explored her inner-child through the dynamic designing of kids play spaces. You will always find her covered in glitter as she spends a lot of the year designing Christmas magic for shopping centres, public spaces and many corporate foyers in Brisbane.

The youngest sister is CDB (Christmas Decorations Brisbane). She’s an online shopping pro and loves to help with DIY decorating. Come October, her home is The Prop House showroom where a myriad of baubles cover trees and lights illuminate to welcome visitors as they search for the perfect Christmas decorations.

theprophouse.com.au @theprophouse_

vmplus.com.au @vmplus

christmasdecorationsbrisbane.com.au @christmasdecorationsbne

30 YEARS OF FABULOUS

PHOTOGRAPHY PPH H OTTOG HOT O G RRA OGR A PPH H Y DA DAVID D DAVID AVII D KE KELLY K KELLY LL LY CREATIVE CR C CREATIVE R EA ATI T I VE VE D DIRECTION DIRECTION IRR EEC C TI T I ON O N KA KATH K KATH ATH ATH HR ROSE ROSE OSSSE O E WORDS W WO WORDS ORD DS E ESHA ES ESHA SHA HA M MONISH MONISH ON NIISSH & & JANO JAN JA NO JANO O KOTZAS KO OT KOTZAS TZA ZAS

JANO “

What is the point of having a job or owning a business if you aren’t having a good time? I love my work work, I am very proud of what my businesses achieve every day, I love my team and I am extremely proud of The Prop House and its sisters,” said Kotzas. “I wanted to start something fresh and new, to have a business that makes people feel good. When I meet someone and they say with a sparkle in their eye “Yes, I know The Prop House – I love that place” – that makes me feel like a success.

When did you know what you wanted to do?... It wasn’t until I did a week of work experience as a window dresser with Sportsgirl when I was in grade 12 at school that I even realised that it was a thing. I quickly realised that I could make a creative difference quickly through VM. I think then after learning my trade I was ready to work for myself – I don’t think I was made to work for someone else. Who are your style influencers and why?... Sass and Bide is high on my list as far as local brands that shine and Prada on an international scale. S&B have a great aesthetic and the way they mix mediums in a casual but dressy way – love that! Prada is just SO fabulous in so many ways – the store in Soho, New York blew my mind when I first visited it – I just went up and down in the glass elevator for ages. What was your childhood like?... Blessed. My grandfather owned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and my Dad ran it so I was surrounded by business from an early age. I had my first job selling ice creams at 11 years old. I think being the youngest in the family (I have 2 older brothers) and the only girl, made me try harder to be recognised. I guess I have always been an overachiever…

”

Would you have done anything differently?... If I was to start in business today I would want a degree behind me – I basically started my first business when I was 19 and bullet proof - fearless & with no business plan. Apart from that, everything I have done has led me to where I am today, I’d change nothing. What is your favourite meal?... My mum makes the most amazing Yorkshire Puddings in the world – I would fight dragons to have them for dinner. Tonight. Mum?

Not many people know that I… Can burp the ABC… just kidding, I can’t do that. Ummm…I am an open book really, no secrets here. My wardrobe consists of…Too many clothes & shoes but I love them all. I am a hoarder of shoes, bags and clothes. Marie Kondo would have a field day in my wardrobe.

I find my creative energy…When I go for early morning walks – I find that I think best when I am walking. It energises me and lets fresh air & sunshine in.

I never thought I…Would be celebrating 30 years in business just before turning 50. When I started it was a thought, an idea, then after a while (and a heap of hard work) it became a successful business. Now I look back and think holy hell… how did I achieve that? I have met and worked with so many amazing, beautiful people, created some of the most memorable events and displays seen in these parts and had a tonne of fabulous experiences over my 30 years of running a business. And to be honest I still feel as passionately about what we (The Prop House, VM+ and CDB) do each and every day as I did when I started out on my own so I must be doing something right.

I keep fit by…I do a weekly Barre class which is amazing. I know it works because my arse hurts for days after!

My positive affirmation is… Be happy, be honest, work hard and have fun.

What was the last movie you watched?... Avengers End Game – it was fantastic, it closed so many Marvel doors beautifully. And yes, I cried. To unwind after a hard day’s work I like to... Drink wine, eat chips and play cards with my family.

THE WOW FACTOR

TIME TO

Celebrate

A PASSION FOR UNIQUE EVENT EXPERIENCES FUELS OUR ENTHUSIASM TO CREATE LEADING DESIGNS FOR OUR CLIENTS. WORDS RACHAEL EASTES STYLING THE PROP HOUSE

A A As event stylists, we are very lucky to work in such a fun and creative industry. With endless styles available, countless number of event types and budgets varying from $1,000 to $250,000, it’s really important to understand the full scope of works for a client before designing concepts. Here are my top tips to help you style your next function.

THE BRIEF Before you do anything, be sure you understand the scope of works your client is after. Often initial enquiries can hold very few details on the event. Don’t be afraid to push your client for more information! As a start, you will need to know: 1. Type of event - for example: sit down dinner, cocktail function, wedding, birthday party, expo 2. Number of guests 3. Venue 4. The key areas of styling they are after and the vibe they wish to achieve – for example: photo wall, stage styling, centrepieces, ceiling installation/fun, serious, dancing, etc. 5.

Budget

If details are still being worked out, make your client aware that your designs are based on set assumptions, whether that be the venue providing table cloths or that a ceiling height must be of 3.5mH to ﬁt curtain elements into the space.

THE WOW FACTOR

DESIGNING Be bold, be brave and go for it! Start big with your initial ideas and reﬁne your designs to suit your event and budget. Brainstorming is the fun part so make sure you enjoy researching trends and what new show-stopping ideas are sweeping through the event scene.

KNOW YOUR DESIGN PARAMETERS The biggest parameters I deal with are 1) venue restrictions and 2) budgets. 1. Venue restrictions and lift access will also determine what styling items can actually go into the function space. For instance, with a low ceiling and no hanging points, a ceiling installation is not possible. If a venue lift is 2m at the widest point, we can’t install large props like our Giraffe that stands at 2.4mH and comes in one piece.

2. Have realistic budgets for what you want, and vice versa. High quality products will cost so be sure to budget accordingly. Wanting to style a 500 pax Gala for $2,000 is not realistic. Break down the styling into sections to understand how much each piece will cost, and don’t forget to allocate money for labour.

COMMUNICATION Be clear with your client and ensure they know what your set up and designs entail – measurements, lead times to make custom products, etc. The aim is to meet and exceed their expectations when it’s time to install so keep them across all the details!

Contact our styling team: P 07 3555 8660 E styling@theprophouse.com.au

“

Be bold, be brave and go for it!

RACHAEL

”

F A & F. Property Launch. B. Ladies Who Lunch. C,D,E. Boho Wedding. G. Rachael Eastes

TREND FORECAST

“

You’ve always got to push yourself forward; you’ve always got to keep up with the trends or make your own trends. – Alexander McQueen

”

AW19: Animal Instincts

SS19: The Byron Bliss

Let’s cast our eye back to the 30’s for a moment (red lippy everywhere), now into the 70’s (a bit more flare) and we arrive in 2019, where once again the animal print is back. But did it ever leave? If you have an animal print item in your closet we could put money on it either being a silky leopard print skirt or a chunky oversized faux fur coat. Whatever the texture, stripes, spots and scales are here again. This season is a little more subdued than others, as taxidermy rooms are out and subtle spotted bedheads are in. Pair your choice of print with copper or gun metal grey. If you can’t quite commit to the animal skin, play with the hand-painted dot effect on cushions and wallpaper.

The rise of the earthy and organic tones has whirled in like a tornado. From linen to rattan, wooden furniture to mismatched leather accessories, we are calling this the Byron Bay trend. The most easterly-hippie-epicenter point of Australia brings us a trend of ethical fashion in muted earth tones of taupe, mocha and slate. The chilled vibes of the town can be sensed in the free form clothing, hand-crafted homewares and weather worn bags that have seen just the right about of sea and sunshine. Neutrals are the center of this trend with warm tans and coconut white taking the foundation, but don’t be afraid to throw in some Aegean blue or sage green.

X19: In The Spirit

X19: Forage For Foliage

Let’s party like Gatsby this Christmas. Inspired by the decadence of the 1920’s, the burgundy trend sees the glitz and glam of the 20’s reimagined with luxurious velvet ribbon, sparkling baubles and plush feathers. From mahogany to raspberry, this colour trend is all about the depth of tone. Compliment these tones with copper or put a modern spin on it with accents of baby pink and slate. Charcoal inflections will herald warmth and visions of nights by the fire. This trend is all about texture, with the velvet trend only picking up pace and bedazzling Christmas this year. Drape burgundy over seating arrangements, use in placemats and be sure to wear the colour yourself this merry season. Guests will be drawn to you with the red hue capturing the spirit of Christmas. Go further with accessories of gold and statement shoes. After all, “A Little party never killed nobody” …

All roads lead home at Christmas. We all know Christmas is about family and food, but who else loves dressing the tree and the table for a magical luncheon? This trend goes beyond the rustic countryside aesthetic to capture the delicate glass baubles that make you nostalgic for your childhood, the smell of pine and kitsch decorations that should have been donated but now reminisce a bygone era. We’re all about foraging for eucalyptus gum and celebrating Australia’s rustic environment. Natural timber decorations will be found throughout the home, on both the tree and table. Transform your outdoor setting with simple branches decorated in twinkling lights and vases filled with raw cotton stems. Add these elements to your gift wrapping by enveloping your presents in olive coloured ribbon with twigs and leaves sprouting out of brown paper secured with twine. We encourage you to rummage in the undergrowth for natural treasures. Complete the look with twinkling stars, glass baubles and earth toned embellishments.

WORDS ROSIE SCHULZ

Image credits: https://www.vmplus.com.au/2019-trends/

WHAT PROP ARE YOU?

WHAT’S YOUR

Prop Persona WORDS LEILA SWINBORNE

YOUR

perfect

WEEKEND WOULD BE:

a. Spent at the beach, of course.

YOUR

VW\OH

COULD BE DESCRIBED AS:

a. Togs and thongs, year-round. b. Sequins, sequins, sequins!

Surf's up! b. A boogie on the dance floor to all the hits. Girls just wanna have fun! c. Shopping, a four course dinner and some pampering - you know, just something casual. d. A long siesta in the sun. Simple.

GUHDP JOB IS:

a. Maybe a paramedic, or a

MOSTLY B’S:

You are a...

Reliable, helpful and calm, you have the ocean in your veins and courage in your heart! The jury is still out as to whether or not you are a secret party animal, as you're often known to end up 'in the drink'. A love of the outdoors and a cruisy vibe mean that people are automatically drawn to your whole...er...package...

Look at you glow! The centre of attention, you inspire a mood of fun no matter where you are. You have a knack for bringing people together, and reflecting others in a positive way. You have been known to make appearances at events ranging from ballrooms to techno rave parties - so long as there's some music and a dance floor, you hardly need anything more to have a good time!

DISCO BALL LL

favourite COLOUR IS:

a. Ocean blue b. Metallic silver c. Baby pink d. Sandy beige

YOUR

friends

DESCRIBE YOU AS:

a. Attentive, selfless, always looking out for others

b. Bright, fun, the life of the party c. Glamorous, on trend, but not as high maintenance as you think

d. Independent, resilient, a bit of a spiky exterior but lots of life flowing under the surface

MOSTLY D’S:

You are a...

Sweet, stylish and very ontrend, you love the glamorous life! A great conversation starter, you're a perfect fit for large social situations but also intimate gatherings. With a soft exterior but a strong grounding, you are more laid back than what people may expect!

Dry humour, sharp wit and a tough skin are the qualities you pride yourself on. However, look a little deeper and it's obvious that you are resourceful, adaptable and full of juice - some may even say you are 'succulent'. You also are very well travelled, with your extended family maybe even living in places like Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Africa. Remember to go easy on the hugging at the family reunions...

VELVET OTTOMAN

I'm aesaver lif

I'm atus cac

YOUR

MOSTLY C’S:

You are a...

LIFESAVER

volunteer firefighter. I'd do anything to help save lives. b. Easy. Cher's backup dancer c. An interior designer. d. What others would consider 'dry'. Lots of numbers and data, please.

Anything that shimmies and shakes. c. A little luxe, a little romantic #dreamy d. Sharp.

MOSTLY A’S:

YOUR

CACTUS

I'm atus cac

I GLVF'Rm a EDÀ

I R¿R'm an PD Q

lifeI'm a sav er Back row left to right: Russ, Rachael, Sydney, Kirsty, Leila, Jess, Arjuna. Front row left to right: Rosie, Jano, Heather, Jacqui, Lia, Krishna.

Prop Hire

ONE HOUSE

THREE SISTERS

theprophouse.com.au

KIDS PLAY SPACES

IT’S PLAY

7LPH

WORDS ROSIE SCHULZ DESIGN HEATHER DAVERN

entertainment and connection. The word ‘gram-able’ is “There is a passion in our office to design spaces that found over pages of brain storming paper as our designers’ encompass high quality finishes,” Heather says. At the explore the possibilities of the next best play element for same time, there has been no compromise for fun in these children to discover. These contemporary spaces are for play areas. With funhouse distortion mirrors making an the entire family, encouraging children to use their gross appearance, the team have discovered their inner-child motor skills while encouraging social interaction, problem through the design process. All ‘quality testing’, of course. This is the third one this year and the elements are becoming solving, creativity and exploration. The VM designer of With a primary purpose of engaging children with vibrant turf more complex, inspiring not only an aesthetic purpose, kids play and Christmas, Heather Davern, has seen the rise under-foot, ocean inspired ball pits and ride-on cars, there but encouraging cognitive learning. Countless quotes, and fall of retail in her 20+ years in the business. “It’s all is also a requirement for parents to dwell and return to the plans, digital artwork and fine tip pens lay scattered on a about how to get customers back into the shopping mall. space as a regular. As visual merchandisers, trends are on the desk ready to be revised once again. The creative process The rise of Instagram has evolved visual merchandising forefront of our minds. There has been a revival of ecological is essential in developing the result that will be installed from beautiful displays to creating ‘the shot’, so everyone importance, as the symbolism of getting back to nature is into a ready and waiting vacant tenancy in a Queensland can view your location through a curated feed.” “It’s just prevalent in each space. With natural timber found in fencing, shopping centre. With the rise in online shopping, it has been an excuse for us to pull up our sleeves and indulge in ceiling scapes and tree houses, the earthy tones bring warmth become imperative for shopping malls to increase their designing the next bigger and better thing”. into spaces which are classically white and detached from the customer engagement and dwell time. How do we do this? By transforming vacant tenancies into an adventurous Located just inland from the Gold Coast, this particular outside world. Soft green turf lies underfoot while wall to play area was inspired by the Gold Coast Hinterland. A ceiling graphics line the space and transport visitors. escape and destination. place of rainforests and Australian flora and fauna, it is As paint palette swatches and various timber finishes A time has come to re-think the shopping experience the perfect location that inspired the custom timber cubby overlay next to the samples of greenery on Heather’s desk, in Australia. The major draw card of department stores house, a rock-climbing wall shaped like a green tree frog, we look ahead to the next year of what might be in store has shifted to the new hook of cafes, play spaces and and many twinkling lights hanging through the medley for Australian play areas. As we study trends, browse for cinemas; focusing on experience and interaction. As a new of canopy greenery. Our designers are conscious of the innovative products and reignite our imaginations for childgeneration starts to dominate the main clientele found visual impact these play areas have in drawing in return like adventure, there is always one thing we come back to… in shopping centres, there is a new desire for more than customers. fun. Because what’s the point of a play area without squeals the staple chain stores. It is a generation that demands of laughter and seeing little faces illuminate with joy.

T’S AN EARLY MORNING IN THE OFFICE and the smell of coffee drifts through the doorway from the kitchen. The team are already busy sketching out the ﬁnal changes for the most recent kids play space activation.

Treetop Kids Play Space, Robina Shopping Centre

KIDS PLAY SPACES

ÂL P IUR ÂLV WR

CastleTown Shoppingworld, Townsville.

“

These contemporary spaces are for the entire family, encouraging children to use their gross motor skills while encouraging social interaction, problem solving, creativity and exploration. HEATHER

”

Pop-Up Kids Play Space, MarketPlace Warner

THE SEASON OF JOY

“

A LUXE GOLD, SILVER, AQUA AND ROSE GOLD COLOUR SCHEME WAS CHOSEN TO ENHANCE THE BEACHFRONT DINING PRECINCT AT SOUL BOARDWALK. THE OCEAN INSPIRED COLOUR PALETTE ADORNED GARLANDS, WREATHS AND VARIOUS SIZES OF CHRISTMAS TREES TO BRING A TROPICAL AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS TO SURFERS PARADISE.

” @VMPLUS 14

THE SEASON OF JOY

Our Corporate Christmas Stylists, Heather & Rosie, making Christmas extra special at Soul Boardwalk, Surfers Paradise. www.vmplus.com.au

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

DECK

ÂH +DÀV

FROM VISUALLY INSPIRING OUTDOOR DECORATION CONCEPTS AND STYLISH CORPORATE DISPLAYS TO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS FOR YOUR Dg`'͖ ¨`έ H ¯g <gͺ g a' ;g '¨' ¯ DHa< D H ` ͕ STYLING VM+ PHOTOGRAPHY DON'T SAY CHEESE

G A, B, C, D Valley Malls E, F,G. JLL Australia

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

Not just limited to the family living room, VM+ brings the whole community outdoors, with explosions of glitter, festive ambience and gorgeous trim. C

G A,B. Fish Lane C, D. Hope Island E,F,G. James Street

ASK THE EXPERTS

LEILA

ARJUNA

JEN

KRISTY

JESS

ROSIE

HEATHER

JACQUI

RUSS

KIM

RACHAEL

LIA KRISHNA

KIRSTY

18 SYDNEY

BEHIND THE SCENES

PROP

Builder WORDS LEILA SWINBORNE

NE OF THE MOST COMMONLY asked questions here at The Prop House is “do you have someone who makes these props?” And the answer is YES! Introducing our superstar Props Builder, Russ. A living legend among the team here, Russ takes on the monumental task of crafting custom props from scratch, revitalising tired props and building whole structures and ﬁtouts for our Visual Merchandising sisters – VM+. It seems like there wasn’t a time when his hard-working, knowledgeable and cheeky presence wasn’t felt at The Prop House – he is the bread and butter of our crew! A man of little words but lots of wisdom, Russ let us in on a short but sweet Q&A about his work experiences.

2XU ODWHVW FRÀHFWLRQV

Email us for your copy at sales@theprophouse.com.au

ONE HOUSE VMPLUS.COM.AU

THEPROPHOUSE.COM.AU

THREE SISTERS CHRISTMASDECORATIONSBRISBANE.COM.AU