Winkelen 2015 june book by Winkelen Magazine

Issue #13

ONLINE HOMEWARES MAGAZINE

elke ceramics

Raw natural art perfected by Elke Lucas

speakeasy co

Natural soy wax are the passion behind young Sydney duo

Nathan + Jac

olli ella A collection perfect for every childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space

Bespoke home furnishings collated into pre-styled packages by three interior stylists

VE O L m

TObedroo S L E ids

Playful geometric cardboard homewares from Kira Pan

COOL GREY: LOVE THE ELEGANT PALETTE

TYinavian k S M nd

OOte a Sca R S rea

oc KID wt o H

CONTENTS

FEATURES 10 NATHAN + JAC Bec Astrinakis, Jac Zarkovic-Cooney and Tammy Nathan have collated everything we love into pre-styled packages

20 HEATHERLY DESIGNS Grace your bedroom with these stylish upholstered bedheads. Georgie Leckey chats with us about the creation of Heatherly Designs

28 THE DHARMA DOOR

OUR COVER FORM MAKER THEFORMMAKER.COM Photography: Kae Creative, www.kaecreative.com

Natural raw appeal and beauty exudes from the exquisite range of artisan baskets designed Shannon Sheedy and handcrafted in Bangladesh

34 SPEAKEASY CO

40 CHILDREN’S ROOM STYLES TO LOVE Melissa Lee from Young Folk shows you how to create the perfect Scandinavian/ Nordic kids space

44 OLLI ELLA From modern nursing chairs to wool rugs, every piece in the Olli Ella collection is made for a child’s space and more. Chloe Brookman takes us behind the scenes.

48 ELKE CERAMICS Elke Lucas has perfected the art of sublime wheel thrown and slab built porcelain tableware which has a raw natural appeal

Amber vessels filled with natural soy wax are the passion behind this young Sydney duo.

REGULARS 54 COTTON ON + MARK TUCKEY A magical collabration between the iconic Australian brand Cotton On and interiors designer Mark Tuckey delivers a bespoke homewares range

60 FORM MAKER Geometric and playful cardboard homewares created with

stylish appeal by talented Interior Designer Kira Pan

66 IMOGEN STONE Sean Connolly and Tyneal Alexander turn slabs of stone and timber into handcrafted works of art

18, 33 Moodboard 6 We love 24 Insta finds 70 Business directory selection product pages PLUS Afeaturing cushions, lighting, art prints and more

FAVOURITE FINDS COAST CORONET MERINO BLANKETS The latest addition to our textiles collection. 100% Merino. Made in New Zealand. Dimensions: 200cm x 130cm Three colours (from top to bottom) Ink, Wheat, Dove Grey Stockist: www.coastnewzealand.com.au

CUPCAKE WALL HOOK Our cupcake wall hooks are made from wood and are available in a variety of colours with a gold cherry on top. Each one made by hand and each one unique. All hooks are sanded to a smooth finish and painted in water based painted in water based paint with more than 1 coat to ensure a quality finish. Each cupcake measures approx. 10cm to the highest point. Price: $18.00 Stockist: www.downthatlittlelane.com.au

SET OF 3 DECANTER CANDLES Sweet Pea & Jasmine, Blackcurrant & Nectarine, French Pear, Orange & Chilli Hand poured in Sydney using beeswax, soy & natural cotton wick. Beeswax when burnt releases negative ions purifying the air from toxins. Price: $120.00 Stockist: www.cleansewith benefits.com.au

SPARQ SOAPSTONE VODKA SHOOTERS WITH RUSTIC CADDY Serve your vodka in a way that will send a chill through your guests. These hand-crafted vodka shooters make a statement - you know good vodka. Simply pull the shooters from the freezer, pour the vodka, and enjoy a chilled shot. These shooters* come with a rustic wooden serving tray, making it easy and stylish to transport from kitchen to table. Price: $69.95 Stockist: www.beyondcool.com.au

NAVAJO CUSHION The Mint Navajo cushion has been lovingly hand printed on a gorgeous warm grey 100% natural linen fabric. Designed in London by Hollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, the collection showcases Native American influenced patterns printed on pastel linens to keep your house bang on trend. Price $65. Stockist: www.granitelane.com.au

SOLVEJ BABY TODDLER SWING MERINO WHITE They are designed without compromise for safety, durability, functionality and beauty. They are carefully crafted from naturally durable wood, top quality outdoor furniture canvas and yachting braid. Price: $220. Stockist: www.solvejswings.com

New collection from The Club of Odd Volumes, Deadbeat Club cushion. Stockist: www.theclubofoddvolumes.com

1] Gigi Bean Bag - Steel. Price $231. Stockist: www.furniturerunway.com.au 2] Menu Menu Flip Around Stool/Table Light Ash. Stockist: www.stemonline.com.au 3] Moroccan Cotton Pom Pom Blanket - Grey with White + Burgandy Stripe. Price $275. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au

CURATED NORDIC HOMEWARES 356 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC

norsu.com.au

@norsuinteriors #norsuinteriors

CONTRIBUTORS LEAH HALMAGYI

Leah from Onekind Design has created a stunning moodboard full of inspiration to get you going (see page 18). Leah loves colour, patterns and fabric designs. Onekind range is mostly made in Bali by a team of beautiful artisans who we work closely with to make magic. Traditionally screenprinted by hand, seeing our colours come to life in print is transfixing, every time. www.onekinddesign.com.au

JOIN US... Every month we deliver straight to your email box your free monthly Australian online homewares magazine which showcases some of the most incredible Aussie talents. Discover everything you wanted to know about your favourite designers or welcome some new ones into your world with our Q&A’s in every issue. From furniture designers to art and crafts there is something for everyone. All of this is available to you absolutely free and easy to read either through our website winkelenmagazine.com or view through issuu.com. Why not try the issuu app by downloading to your tablet and read your favourite magazine online. If your looking for great marketing opportunities for your business we can help with affordable rates to suit the small craftsperson complete with links through to your own website or social media sites. Contact advertising@winkelenmagazine.com for further details.

Subscribe for free at winkelenmagazine.com (we won’t bombard your email box) PRODUCT LINKS: See something you love and want to purchase it then simply click on the website link and go straight through to their store.

melissa lee

Melissa, an Interior stylist from Young Folk shares her insights into creating the perfect Scandinavian/Nordic inspired rooms for the kids. (see page 40) Melissa absolutely loves well-designed and stylish spaces for children to dream in play in and create in and her designs cover all ages from nurseries through to teenage retreats. www.youngfolkstore.com.au

MAXINE SMITH

Maxine from Barefooty Gypsy picks her top ten pieces at the moment in her gorgeous moodboard collection (see page 33) Barefoot Gypsy is devoted to the quest of the ‘beautiful piece’. Both an online retail store and wholesale supplier – we cannot say we limit ourselves to pieces from any one locality, instead we are on a perpetual quest to find the next beautiful piece – wherever that journey takes us around the globe. www.barefootgypsy.com.au

FREE EVERY MONTH FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@winkelenmagazine.com

WE ARE LOOKING FOR REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS If you are a stylist, retailer or designer and would like to contributor to Winkelen magazine we would love to hear from you. Please contact samantha@winkelenmagazine.com

NATHAN + JAC Bec Astrinakis, Jac Zarkovic-Cooney and Tammy Nathan have collated everything we love into pre-styled packages Tell us a bit about Nathan + Jac and how it was formed? The Nathan + Jac concept was conceived organically from our line of work as interior stylists. We have always had customers telling us that they know what they like but have no idea how to pull it together. From this we had the idea to take what we do as stylists and create looks that are accessible to everyone, not just those that can afford interior designers. Nathan + Jac collections are pre-styled packs, where the customer has the choice to buy an entire look, a smaller part of it or individual items. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly flexible to what the client needs and takes the hard work and time out of curating a cohesive look for the home.

How did your career begin? Our background has come from careers in fashion and media. For all of us it seemed like a natural progression into interiors. In conjunction with Nathan + Jac we also run our own busy interior, property and event styling businesses. Styling Properties www.stylingproperties.com.au Rebecca Ellie Studio www.stylingproperties.com.au Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous home wares from and how do you select the right item for your store? Nathan + Jac is a considered mix of high end and high street pieces! Our home styling packs are affordable but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really continued on next page >

STORE PROFILE

Photography:Eve Wilson Styling: Simone Haag Images courtesy of Nathan + Jac

The story behind our makers intrigues us and we definitely think it adds to the offering. < continued from previous page important to us that we also offer pieces that are unique, handmade or one-offs that you can’t find everywhere! We love discovering an up-and-coming artist or a ceramicist who’s making pottery out of her home studio. The story behind our makers intrigues us and we definitely think it adds to the offering. What do you love the most about having your own concept and online store? That we are creating something of value to people. We’re still blown away by the response we’ve received from our launch. Seeing our little idea grow after nearly two years of planning into a real business is very satisfying. Who are some of your favourite designers? For our launch we collaborated with Australian stylist Simone Haag to bring our Nathan + Jac looks together. Simone is an amazing editorial stylist with a great eye for colour and texture and she was a pleasure to work with. Her uncomplicated and approachable style aligned well with the Nathan + Jac ethos of bringing sophisticated yet accessible looks to market.

We adore the work of Greg Natale and David Hicks and their ability to create beautiful bespoke spaces using rich colour and texture. In the same measure, Rick Eckersely and his ability to create an urban oasis is pure genius. We are also huge fans of Melbourne lighting designer Christopher Boots and the glamour and sophistication his creations bring to a room. What do you consider to be a must have item in your home? For winter, it would definitely have to be a sheepskin or reindeer skin to create a comfortable layered look. They are so versatile; throw a skin on the floor, draped over a sofa or on the end of your bed. Velvet and leather cushions are also another must-have item and provide an easy and affordable way to refresh a room. What has been your biggest career highlight? So far, it would have to be launching Nathan + Jac! Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home? From the outset, it’s important to have a clear idea of the purpose of a room. How will you and your family use the space and what feeling do you want to create?

Photography:Eve Wilson Styling: Simone Haag Images courtesy of Nathan + Jac

It’s important to remember when decorating your home to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to add pieces and evolve the look over time. Will it be a room of rest and relaxation, or perhaps a place to gather as a family? Once you have identified the priorities and function of the room, then you are ready to begin styling. It’s important to remember when decorating your home to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to add pieces and evolve the look over time. Nathan + Jac accessory and room packs provide the final layer in decorating and are designed to allow you to refresh your look and stay on trend with artwork, accessories, cushions, and soft furnishings without having to fork out for big ticket items.

What do you foresee as the next big trend? We see a muted colour palette continue to dominate in 2016, with an emphasis on tone on tone, texture and material. Opulence and glamour will be reworked in a subtle and sophisticated way. Minimalism will continue to show restraint with linear shapes, metallic and a lots of white! Botanicals in the home will also continue to grow in popularity, as we seek to create a seamless experience between the indoors and outdoors. CONTACT: www.nathanjac.com.au esther@theprojectagency.com.au

PARIS RANGE This is a stunning range to add that touch of class to any bedroom, loungeroom or dining area. Available in both chrome and black and chrome and white colours. 9 light pendant (pictured) $629. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au

contemporary luxe

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1] Pirouette 8 Light Pendant in Chrome with Crystal. Price $495. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au 2] Ash-grey-European-Pillow-Sham-and-quilt. Price $245. Stockist: www.lifestylehomeandliving.com.au 3] X Mirror Side Table. Price $595. Stockist: www.decoratorscatalogue.com.au are still being printed exactly the same way after all these years! Price $165. Stockist: www.vintagenostalgia.com.au 4] Embleme glass bottle with silver stopper. Price $22.95. Stockist: www.thechicnest.com.au 5] Amore Mirror. A beautiful French period reproduction vintage dress mirror. Price POA. Stockist: www.vastinterior.com.au 6] Victoria Mirrored Hall Table. Price $469. Stockist: www.mirrorzonline.com.au 7] Mercer + Reid throw rug. Stockist: www.adairs.com.au 8] A Silver Beaded mirror with Mirror Frame. Price $229. Stockist: www.mirrorzonline.com.au 9] Excelsior 2 Light Close to Ceiling Chandelier in Glass/Chrome. Price $99.95. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au

MOODBOARD WITH LEAH HALMAGYI Leila Jeffreys ‘Cleo’ Peregrine Falcon 112 x 89cm from $2,750 unframed olsenirwin.com

ONEKIND DESIGN www.onekinddesign.com.au I love colour. I love pattern. I love fabric and design. I love something a little bit special and a little bit unique. A couple of years ago, there was a gap in the kids bedding market. Not much to chose from, nothing very interesting. Well, not anymore! That gap has been well and truly filled. Like, really filled. Filled to overflowing. And here we are, at Onekind HQ, dreaming up some uniqueness for your child, tween, teen and beyond. Designed by us, in Sydney, our range is mostly made in Bali by a team of beautiful artisans who we work closely with to make magic. Traditionally screenprinted by hand, seeing our colours come to life in print is transfixing, every time. Working with our production team can be a long process, because it has to be just right, but it’s part of what we love the most about putting our collection together. Collaboration, exchanging ideas, building something honest and good. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Mark Douglass Design Ivy Light Handblown Glass from $310 markdouglassdesign.com

de de ce Tom Dixon Accessories Cast Mini Jack Copper $160 dedeceplus.com/plus/ Mark Tuckey Locator Table Dark marktuckey.com.au Jardan Camper Sofa. jardan.com.au

Le Creuset French Press, $90 lecreuset.com.au

Shelley Panton Store Pottery Table Series Stoneware Pourers Tall 12cm $24, Short 8cm $18 Available in White or Cashmere. shop.shelleypanton.com

de de ce Tom Dixon Accessories Beat Vessel $1885.00 dedeceplus.com

Pampa Monte Monochrome #1 Hand woven, traditional flat weave, think thread, 260 x 202cm $2590. pampa.com.au

Cushion Cover 45cm - Denim. Perfect for a cuddle-up Sunday with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit or two. Price $38. Stockist: onekinddesign.com.au

Photography: Derek Swalwell

STORE PROFILE

HEATHERLY DESIGNS Grace your bedroom with these stylish upholstered bedheads. Georgie Leckey chats with us about the creation of Heatherly Designs Tell us a bit about Heatherly Designs? Heatherly Design offers custom made upholstered bedheads, beds, footstools and shoeboxes via our website and showroom on site at our workshop at Knoxfield. Tell us about yourself and your background? My mother always had the sewing machine on the dining table when I was a child. She was always sewing us clothes and I was always there by her side. I went on to do a Textile Merchandising course at RMIT and then started in the buying dept at Laura Ashley. From there, Georges of Collins St decorating dept was calling where I immersed myself in beautiful fabrics. Following this, my dream position came up at Wardlaw fabric house where I had the opportunity to work every day with fabric designers such as Designers Guild, Nina Campbell, Osborne and Little and Liberty. It was during this period I met a handsome farmer on a plane coming back from England

who I was later to marry and move to the country. What sparked you to create your business? With young children at my feet, I was desperate to get back into playing with fabrics. I had made upholstered bedheads for our home and friends from mothers group admired them and asked if I could make something similar for their own bedrooms. The staple gun was getting a good work out, my girlfriends were thrilled with the results and it planted the seed to launch a simple website with a few bedhead designs and fabrics to choose from. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? These days all our designs are made in our workshop in Melbourne by a team of upholsterers who have over 100 years experience in upholstery amongst them.... yes I am in good hands! Inspiration for our designs comes from many different avenues,

in particular our clients inspire us with their requests. With 24 designs now, we think we have all options covered but we always find we are custom making or “tweaking” existing designs often which is all positive as that is the beauty of offering a bespoke service. What do you love the most about having your own label? That we never have to say no to a client, that as the director of the brand, we can always push the boundaries in meeting crazy deadlines. Who are some of your favourite designers? Kit Kemp, Abigail Ahern and Tricia Guild. All of these designers are passionate about layering textures and pattern to create their signature styles. Kit Kemp once said “The most welcoming rooms are always those in which you can see and feel the character of the person who lives there.” Couldn’t agree with her more! continued on next page >

< continued from previous page What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Loving our Alessio bed in aged leather. Such a handsome stylish bed .... we were long overdue for launching a leather design. The wait has certainly been worth it with the response received thus far. What has been your biggest highlight? Many highlights but having our designs featured on the Block, House Rules and Reno Rumble is pretty special. What are your plans for the future? Plans for the future â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to maintain the level of customer service we offer whilst still growing each year, to eventually have a stockist in each capital city and finally to export to New Zealand. So many clients are waiting for us there. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? It is humbling to have created a business where not only myself but the whole team who work with me are passionate about what we do. They say you are only as good as your team working for you. I am lucky I have the dream team on board.

CONTACT: www.heatherlydesign.com.au

Photography: Derek Swalwell

INSTA FINDS There are so many great discoveries in this magical world of Instagram that we have to share our favs!

1] @tleafcollections – S W E E T // the delicious smells that come from @pfcandleco candles is simply amazing!! 2] @nookoandco – The Stay Posted hanger the ideal solution for mounting artwork, prints, posters, menus and much more. 3] @signedandnumbered – Greater Strength by Tasmanian-based artist Carmen Hannay. Exclusive to Signed & Numbered 4] @spielkkind – green apples. 5] @findinglouie How good is LOVE. ?? 6] @thethirdrow – Perfect pear wall-art from our store @pilipalapieces. I’d like to display these on the wall behind our dining table (1950’s flying duck style) as a reminder to eat more fruit... and less Lindt. 7] @leifshop – a little preview of our latest project (and first LEIF branded product ever!)...coming very soon! 8] @captainco.tasmania – Wild One. Wild Weather flag 9] @millyandeugene – Storage boxes don’t get much better than these beauties.

COOL GREY

Neutral Instinct focuses on minimal, modern, and mostly neutral in colour. Stocking brands including By Lassen, Menu, Design House Stockholm, Karlsson, Leff Amsterdam, Mud Australia, LA Bruket, Design By Them, Jennifer + Smith, Pony Rider and Building--Block. Photographer: Martina Gemmola Styling: Amanda Tiernan Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au

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10 1] Grey Cushion - Tri Weave 50x30. Price $69. Stockist: www.jasperandeve.com.au 2] Dark Grey Velvet Pillowcase by Kip and Co. Price $45. Stockist: www.cranmorehome.com.au 3] Chateau Grey Wool Rug by Hammer and Thread. Price $529. Stockist: www.upcyclestudio.com.au 4] Grey Hills Scatter Cushion. Price $49.90. Stockist: www.satara.com.au 5] Grey and White Ceramic Votive. Price $12. Stockist: www.thedesignhunter.com.au 6] Minimalistic Grey and White Wall Clock by IStime. Price $89.90. Stockist: www.thedesigngiftshop.com 7] Grey & Bone Chevron Inlay Rectangular Mirror. Price $845. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au 8] Harley Gloss Grey Round Side Table. Price $59.95. Stockist: www.zanui.com.au 9] Grey & Mother Of Pearl Inlay Large Round Tray. Price $479.95. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au 10] Grey Fur Cushion. Goatskin cushion in light grey. Price $165. Stockist: www.thedesignhunter.com.au

Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer

STORE PROFILE

THE DHARMA DOOR Natural raw appeal and beauty exudes from the exquisite range of artisan baskets designed Shannon Sheedy and handcrafted in Bangladesh Tell us a bit about The Dharma Door? The Dharma Door is a Fair Trade homewares business founded in 2004. My husband Mick and I run the business together and we wholesale to retail stores and sell online. We design an exclusive range of baskets and bags that bridge contemporary styling with time honoured traditional production methods. Artisans in Bangladesh source the best quality natural raw materials and carefully handcraft each piece for our customers. Our aim is to bring the highest quality designer Fair Trade homewares to an audience that values contemporary design. Tell us about yourself and your background? We live and work on a beautiful property in the Byron Bay hinterland where we really appreciate the connection with nature and community. I have a background in wine sales and early childhood teaching however it feels like I’ve been running The Dharma Door forever! What sparked you to create your business?

We lived in Nepal and India for year doing volunteer work. After seeing and experiencing life in villages, I soon realised that the most important thing to help people out of poverty is to give them a hand up through trade. By providing design and quality training, market opportunities, fair wages and more we are able to work towards mutually-beneficial sustainable trading relationships. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? After trawling through artisan backcatalogues and researching cultural traditions for handcraft techniques, I design each of our products and send the designs to our artisan partners in Bangladesh. Sometimes they nail it the first time and sometimes it takes some time … going back and forth until we feel confident that the design has been interpreted well and is suited to our customers. What inspires you in your designs? I am inspired by many things, especially

nature, however my designs are always based on the artisan’s skills and available raw materials. Marissa Mayer from Google once said “Creativity loves constraint” and this is certainly true for us. The challenge is in looking at a fibre or traditional craft technique with fresh eyes to design a product that is contemporary, viable and marketable to Australian and US customers. What do you love the most about having your own label? I love the opportunities and challenges that arise from running a small business and building an ethical brand. Over the past 11 years I have amassed a lot of knowledge about small business, connected with some amazing people and had so many interesting experiences. I find it incredibly rewarding...even those times when I feel like I’m flying by the seat of my pants with white knuckles! continued on next page >

Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer

< continued from previous page Who are some of your favourite designers? There are so many talented people in the world that this list would go on forever! Earthy, natural and textural will always captivate me and I love the work of many ceramicists, fibre artists, woodworkers, textile designers, sculptors and stonemasons. I also admire good architecture and landscape design. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? I’m really excited about our soon-to-released basket collections as we’ve added a touch of raw tan leather to our woven jute however our flagship collection of jute baskets will always be special to me. What has been your biggest highlight? We’re really proud to have won the Ethical Award in the Life InStyle GALA awards for the past two years, which is a wonderful confirmation of all the hard work we put into the combining product design, high quality and Fair Trade production. We were also finalists in the Ethical Entrepreneur Awards

last year. Ultimately, the highlights are seeing our designs come to life, observing the impact we’re having on our artisan partners lives and receiving positive feedback from our customers. What are your plans for the future? We will continue to evolve, grow and adapt as we have since 2004. We will also host our first Ethical Business Workshops in the Byron hinterland on 20th June. We love helping other people and with growing interest in ethical business we receive a lot requests to mentor new and existing business owners... and so the workshops idea was born! Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? The Dharma Door has a sister company in the US: www.thedharmadoorusa.com. They sell and distribute most of the products that I design, enabling us to create greater impact for our artisan partners and their communities in Bangladesh. CONTACT: www.thedharmadoor.com.au

Scandi Forest Winter print Size: 70x100cm Off white FSC marked paper, 170gsm Price: $89 www.jasperandeve.com.au

LOVE

MOODBOARD WITH MAXINE SMITH

BAREFOOT GYPSY www.barefootgypsy.com.au I decided over three years ago to harness my love of travel, interiors, fashion and culture, and with much hunting and gathering a business was born. Barefoot Gypsy is devoted to the quest of the ‘beautiful piece’. Both an online retail store and wholesale supplier – we cannot say we limit ourselves to pieces from any one locality, instead we are on a perpetual quest to find the next beautiful piece – wherever that journey takes us around the globe. We are committed to supporting local crafts and artisans sourcing old and new pieces, which resonate with us. We love the authenticity of the rare, the unique, and the original. Three ideas shape our collection; the ingredients we believe are intrinsic to finding pieces you will cherish for a lifetime. Our creed - fall in love with your choices, dream of a space you will always find yourself happy in and be free to try the unexpected. Love + dream + be free

Baskets. Fair Trade product from Kenya Price $120 www.greedilulu.com.au

Watertiger Turkish bread table Price $240 www.watertiger. com.au Malawi Chair Price $550 www.greedilulu.com

Beni Ourain Rug. From $1,300 www.barefootgypsy.com.au

Damesly Candle Price $49.95 www.damesfly.com.au

Design Twins, Royal Pot Handmade concrete pots Price $140. www.designtwins.com

Bamileke Stool Price $700 www.greedilulu.com.au

Moroccan Wool Pom Pom Blankets Price $300. 150cm x 250cm. www.barefootgypsy.com.au

Berber Cushion Price $160 www.barefootgypsy.com.au

STORE PROFILE

SPEAKEASY CO Amber vessels filled with natural soy wax are the passion behind this young Sydney duo. Katie Chrystal tells us their journey into candle making Tell us a bit about Speakeasy Co? Speakeasy Co. is small batch candle business that hand pours 100% soy wax into amber vessels. Our team of fun loving chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works hard in the studio making sure each little folk is ready to brighten up the days of our customers. Tell us about yourself and your background? My partner and I are both passionate about making things happen. We are big believers in dreaming but more importantly about really pushing to make those dreams a reality. I come from a background of both business and art direction and became obsessed with using these skills to do more of what makes me happy.

What sparked you to create your business? My beautiful boyfriend started a local market in Sydney, the Brewery Yard Markets. In a nutshell I fell in love with the concept of handcrafting something to sell at the markets. I met heaps of great people that were actually out there making something. I have a passion for solving problems creatively and watching things grow from just a little fun idea to something that people actually love. I thought if I combined my love for the arts and business, I could make something that I could truly be proud of. But mostly I just absolutely love candles! What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

We have beautiful amber glass vessels and we line them up in a row of 10 at a time. We then rest the wick in the glass and hold it between a wooden peg to ensure our flames burn in the centre. We then start the cook ensuring the ratios of wax to our fragrances are exact for consistency. Once brewed, we individually pour the scented wax into each vessel slowly. Next we wait for our little folks to set before adding the final labels, candle protectors, lids and little cotton bags. How do you create the different scents in your candles? First we do a lot of research into what people are wanting from their candle. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page We then dig a little deeper and have some crazy days in the studio where we toss all kind of fragrances into the boiler and see what comes out. I think the best way to learn is by doing and then changing things as you go. We make a lot of mess to get it right. What scents are currently available and which is your favourite? There are 6 scents available in our Speakeasy Co. range: Salted Caramel, Cinnamon & Vanilla, Lime & Coconut, Acai & Pomegranate, Citrus & Sage and Sandalwood. My favourite scent is definitely Sandalwood. It is quite a deep earthy scent that somehow allows me to feel more mindful. We also have some new scents coming out with some of the colabs we are doing. I would definitely look out for our Tobacco scent we do with Service Denim. What makes your candles stand out from the rest? If you could see the energy and love that goes behind each little pour, you would understand what makes us different.

We are big believers in making sure every candle is hand brewed, hand poured and hand packaged perfectly to ensure our customers have the best Speakeasy Co. experience. Also we think our aromatherapy inspired jars bring a great sense of serenity. What do you love the most about having your own label? There is something about a flame that adds a kind of peace to the room. I feel everything is just a little better when a candle is burning softly flickering with unpredictable movement. What I love most about the label, is that I know others share this feeling too. To know that the Speakeasy Co. team can be the little object that creates that feeling for others makes me pretty happy! Also, on a more personal level, it is pretty cool to spend my days at cafes either on my phone or laptop talking to stockists, suppliers and customers or in the studio pumping my favourite records and brewing our little folks.

CONTACT: www.speakeasyco.com.au

Icelandia by Megan Weston at Fenton and Fenton Promo shoot for Megan Weston’s upcoming exhibition “Icelandia” to be hosted by fenton&fenton. All products available from fenton&fenton. Styling: Ruth Welsby Photography: Mike Baker www.fentonandfenton.com.au

LOVE

Normans wall pockets. This versatile and decorative wall-mounted storage solution is suitable for any part of your home where extra storage space is needed. Price $25. Stockist: www.top3.com.au

UNDER $50 Fabulous pieces donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to break the bank

Recycled Paper and Palm Basket Price: $39.95. Stockist: www.oxfamshop.org.au

Affiche Plume Dawanda. Price: $15.90. Stockist: DaWanda

Dior Lattice Large Vase Price $20. Stockist: www. idecorateshop. com

Ribbed ceramic bowl by Emeraldandella. etsy.com Price $32. Stockist: Etsy

Zakkia Kub Gold Lacquer Box. Price $29. Stockist: www.zakkia.com.au

Zakkia Dot Vase Terracotta Round ceramic vase with a dot texture. Price $39. Stockist: www.zakkia.com.au

Amber Lab Jar - Coconut & Lemongrass by R2 Designs. Stockist: downthatlittlelane.com.au

Calm Cushion. Price $45. Stockist: stoolsandchairs.com.au

Wood Print hanging Bike by Mon Manabu. Price $39. Stockist: www.monmanabu.com.au

Boho Indian Wolf. Watercolour Illustration by Hello Pants. Price $30. Stockist: downthatlittlelane. com.au

CHILDREN’S ROOM STYLES TO LOVE SCANDINAVIAN/NORDIC WITH MELISSA LEE

Incorporate bold graphic patterns with fabrics, cushions and artwork. To soften the look, add a touch of warmth with some gorgeous wooden furniture or even a sheepskin rug. Image credit: Norsu Interiors. Photo by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Jacqui Moore & Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors

melissa lee

Melissa, an Interior stylist from Young Folk absolutely loves well-designed and stylish spaces for children to dream in play in and create in and her designs cover all ages from nurseries through to teenage retreats. www.youngfolkstore.com.au

The Scandinavian style interior trend is so popular right now and works equally as well for children’s rooms and nurseries as it does for gorgeous living rooms. Scandi style is uncluttered yet lived in, drawing together a mix of unique finds, stylishly offset against a clean blank background. The style appears effortless and can easily lend itself to colour themes you currently have in your home making it an easy update and a great flow with the rest of the house. Nurseries and children’s rooms can be beautiful effortless neutral, cool monochrome or even gorgeous soft pastels. There is no limit to the colour palettes you can have with this style. Getting it right means paring back and starting with a neutral paint, preferably

white or a soft grey and lots of it! My favourite thing about the Scandi style? It is beautifully refined but also warm and inviting which means the room can grow with your child and won’t need much redecorating as they get older. Top Design Tips on how to achieve the Scandi style: 1. Start with a white canvas: Think white walls even white floors. Bright white is the colour of choice in Scandinavian & Nordic design. Painted white floorboards are a simple and cost-effective way to create a Scandi kids room. 2. Geometry: Geometric patterns and designs are huge in the Scandinavian trend. You can introduce this through

For a quintessential Scandi look, opt for a black and white colour scheme with elements of wood. I love the black-and-white theme here, which allows the unusual touches in this room to really stand out and that black wall is so striking. The room is not cold with the gorgeous layers. Image credit: Norsu Interiors. Photo by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Jacqui Moore & Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors

Artwork, Fabrics, Lighting, and Decorative pieces. Adds an element of fun to your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. 3. Add a Splash of Colour: Scandinavian Design is known for being playful and fun. The colour can be bright pops or lovely muted tones. Add in Artwork and Prints, Cushions, Throws, Rugs and Decorative pieces. The canvas might be white, but the colour is bright in with these items to give the room a bit more warmth and play. Let your children help choose the pops of colour to use to give them a sense of importance in helping design their room. 4. Graphic & Typography: There is a strong presence of graphic prints and black and white typographic artworks in Scandinavian interior design. Think cool verses or extra large numbers and letters. Alphabets can be learnt with ease! 5. Something Wooden: It is rare that you will find a Scandinavian design without the feature of wood used. The wood helps to create a sense of warmth and organic texture in the home and helps balance the bright white base and stop it from being too cold. 6. Layered Textures: Mix it up and layer the natural textures. Think rugs, large knitted cushions, sheepskins, and luscious throws and blankets. 7. Let the Light In: Natural light is an important

inclusion in Nordic design. Keep window dressings refined and let the light in! Keep all light fixtures simple, modern and minimalistic. 8. Keep it Simple: In Nordic Design the key pieces of furniture must have clean and simple lines and must also be a neutral colour. Look for simple style beds and cots in natural woods. Remember that simplicity is the key, so bring your colours and textures through in the use of accessories.

Simplicity is key to Scandi interiors, and this monochrome bedroom keeps things restrained but still manages to make a big impact! The use of furniture pieces that are synonymous with the look such as the replica Eames DAW chair and the Componibili Modular for Kartell bedside plus Lego storage cubes help give it the scandi edge. Image credit: Young Folk. Photo by Richard Lee. Styling by Melissa Lee continued on next page >

These rooms all combine the core elements of Scandi style: muted colours and plenty of natural materials and textures with some more playful elements. I think you’ll agree they are the perfect rooms to encourage creativity and stimulate young minds! The Scandinavian & Nordic trend continues to provide endless inspiration for creating timeless, welcoming interiors, whatever your age. Have fun decorating your children’s rooms with this on-trend theme today.

Inject an instant dose of Nordic cool like this pared back boys room and nursery as seen in Channel 9’s Reno Rumble as designed by Carly and Leighton. I love the simple addition of the house bed, the simple colour palette and all of the little details. Image credit: Reno Rumble, Channel 9 Styling: Carly and Leighton

i inspired children’s décor & furniture: My favourite places to shop for Scand

Norsu Interiors

www.norsu.com.au; Simple Fo rm www.simpleform.com.au; Ply room www.plyroom.com.au By Nord hedgehog quilt cover (single size) Price $165. Stockist: norsu.com.au

Ava Cot + Junior Bed + Desk Price $1,774. Stockist: www.plyroom.com.au

A lovely little company - diy black letter banner. Price $19. Stockist: simpleform.com.au

Hello kitty lamp. Price $220. Stockist: simpleform.com.au

Studio Lisa Bengtsson Hugo Poster A3 Price $35.. Stockist: norsu.com.au

Neutral Instinct focuses on minimal, modern, and mostly neutral in colour. Photographer: Martina Gemmola Styling: Amanda Tiernan Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au

LOVE

Photography: Cinnamon Lane (cinnamonlane.com.au)

STORE PROFILE

OLLI ELLA From modern nursing chairs to wool rugs, every piece in the Olli Ella collection is made for a child’s space and more. Chloe Brookman takes us behind the scenes. Tell us a bit about Olli Ella Olli Ella is an Australian home décor brand that embraces ethical manufacturing and family-friendly designs. Started by my sister Olivia and me, we began designing and locally manufacturing nursing chairs just over four years ago in England, and since this time Olli Ella has grown and expanded into nursery bedding, home furnishings, textiles, rugs, and home décor, with factories in two continents. We manufacture in Australia and in England, as well as through Fair Trade partners in Nepal, India, and Vietnam. Tell us about yourself and your background? I am mama to two little boys and live with my family now in Sydney (we relocated from

London shortly after opening up our furniture manufacturing in Australia). My first foray into business was through starting a small art gallery in London with Olivia just over seven years ago – we were in our early 20’s and it’s still around today. What sparked you to create your business? It started a bit by accident, Olivia and I had designed a nursing chair and had it made locally when I was expecting my first little one. We had a lot of requests from expectant friends after the chair was made and realised that there was a need for high-quality, modern nursing chairs. We launched 6 months later with three nursing chair styles, and within a few months were stocked at Harrods. Things just grew and evolved from there.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces? A lot of skype, mood boards, sample making, and sketching. We work very closely with our manufacturers and the sampling process can take anywhere from 3-6 months on average, as a result we are designing collections sometimes 12 months in advance. Olivia and I have a very similar design aesthetic which makes decision making very easy – the challenge is reigning ourselves in because we both get very excited and tend to want to design 30 things at once, it’s interesting but I’ve learnt that design is as much about restraint as it is inspiration.

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Photography: Cinnamon Lane (cinnamonlane.com.au) < continued from previous page What inspires you in your designs? Our families, travel, flea markets and aspiration to live a wholesome, productive lives and be surrounded by beauty and seek adventure. What do you love the most about having your own label? Being able to work with someone who I love and admire, to be able to create products that excite me and inspire others, and to be able to spend so much time with my family. Who are some of your favourite designers? For home décor I can’t get enough of classics like designs by Eames and George Nelson and adore the work of graphic artist Sanna Annukka who designs for Marimekko. Beci Orpin’s amazing versatility and creativity is also a constant source of inspiration. But mostly, I’m forever floored by specialist artisans from Senegal who make incredible

hand-woven baskets, and weavers in the Atlas mountains who for centuries have made beautiful Beni Ourain rugs. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? I have a deep love affair with our new basket collection. It’s out of control. What has been your biggest highlight? The biggest highlight (and there have been so many) has been working with my sister, it’s been such an adventure so far and I can’t wait to see what the future brings. What are your plans for the future? We are growing our collection and launching some exciting new products over the coming 12 months – stay tuned! CONTACT: www.olliella.com.au

STORE PROFILE

ELKE CERAMICS Elke Lucas has perfected the art of sublime wheel thrown and slab built porcelain tableware which has a raw natural appeal Tell us a bit about your business? Elke Lucas Ceramics is a small studio pottery near the beach in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast where I make my wheel thrown and slab built porcelain tableware. I love beauty in simplicity and one of my guidelines, as a ceramicist is to allow the elegant shapes and the Australian porcelain to shine through. My goal is to produce pots that have a natural sophistication and a beautiful quiet presence. Tell us about yourself and your background? I was born in a small village nestled deep in the Black Forest in Germany. Art wasn’t part of my upbringing but when I left school I did an apprenticeship in architectural draughting and the precision and creative design aspect of that trade really appealed to me. After my apprenticeship I spread my wings and travelled the world spending time living in the US, Canada, Ireland and Chile. After a few adventures and life changing experiences I settled in England where I

ended up marrying into a family of potters on the North Devon coast. I was soon roped into the family business making slip decorated earthenware inspired by the strong ceramic tradition in that area. What sparked you to create your business? After many years away from ceramics due to our emigration to New Zealand, having children and then moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2009 - I finally decided I needed to play with clay again. I missed it and I still had unfulfilled dreams of working with porcelain so finally I made the jump and launched myself back into the world of clay – it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Nothing happens in a hurry when working with clay – from preparing the clay for wheel throwing, to shaping it on the wheel, turning the pots to shape the foot rings and to

refine the shapes. Then there is the drying process and the decoration – each step is uniquely different with its own challenges and pleasures. After the pots are completely dry they go into a bisque firing where they are fired slowly to around 1020c. The next step is to glaze the pieces. They go back into the kiln for another firing that will take them to a temperature of 1280C – the cooling off period in the kiln itself takes over 24 hours. Then we come to the most exiting time in the potter’s cycle of making which is the cracking of the kiln to see the results – the expectation always feels a bit like Christmas morning. What inspires you in your designs? My greatest inspiration has always been the late Dame Lucie Rie – a studio potter who worked in London between the 30’s to the early 90’s. I also pore over my old studio pottery books that we’ve collected over the years. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Japanese pottery and its artistic yet functional aesthetic is such a love of mine. Recently I have been inspired by a trip to Cornwall in the UK with selective visits to Studio potteries and some incredible ancient porcelain in the Brisbane Art Gallery. However inspiration comes from my surrounding most of all. The walks on the beach and through the national parks, colours you encounter as you sit and watch, shapes that catch your eye and people that seem to trigger ideas when chatting over a cuppa. What do you love the most about having your own label? My husband and I always had a tendency to live a lifestyle where we could work our own hours – it suits us to choose when to start, when to finish, when you want to push something hard or take some time off. Our boys are growing up but even in their teens it’s been important to be around when they need us and to make the most of the time

while they are still at home with us as a family. Who are some of your favourite designers? I recently found a fabulous clothing designer Gosyma on the Sunshine Coast who designed me my first ever designer jacket – I love her work, it’s so unique. The other designer I love is Willowynn who makes soft sculptures – foxes, owls, whales and other wonderful creatures that remind me of my childhood.

printed and displayed in such a public arena.

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? I’m rather excited about my new ‘Flinders Range’ – still in the early stages of release with more to come over the weeks and months. It’s a new range of warm earthy coloured glazes with a matt finish that feels so smooth and organic.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? I love making ceramics and the idea of people using and drawing pleasure from my work is such a joy to me. It’s a simple thing at its heart and I am determined to keep it that way. In order to keep it authentic, creative and interesting for myself it might mean that the business stays small and intimate in its makeup but at the same time this means that I won’t ever loose the joy of making pottery.

What has been your biggest highlight? Over the last year or so I’ve had so many features in home magazines and food magazines which has been the most rewarding experience to see your work

What are your plans for the future? Pottery is a really organic process that seems to have a life of it’s own in terms of creative direction – often the new directions come out of the process of making rather than sitting down and planning so I’m excited to see where my pottery will grow creatively. How it will look remains a mystery even to me at this stage.

CONTACT: www.elkelucasceramics.com

Norsu Interiors Collection - Pastel Laundry Norsu laundry collection. ferm LIVING leather clothes hanger Enter mirror By Wirth Leather coat hanger Barnaby Lane folding stool StyledL Jacqui Moore and Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors Photography: Lisa Cohen photography. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au

LOVE

GET THE LOOK Complete your living space with one of these great pieces

1] Arbour cake stand in natural. Price $159.50. Stockist: www.top3.com.au 2] Frayed Cushion - Natural/Faded Black. 40 x 40cm. Price $75. Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au 3] Flamingo Zesty Pendant Lampshade. Price $310. Stockist: www.retroprintrevival.bigcartel.com 4] Mountaineer Ottoman. Take a wanderlustful journey or better yet throw your feet up instead. Price $229. Stockist: www.thewoodsfolk.com.au 5] Space Plate No.2. The Space Plate is the perfect way to display your kitchen creations. Price $97. Stockist: www.sandsmade.com 6] Tom Dixon Scented Candle London Large. Stockist: www.stemonline.com.au

pretty touches

The Bottle Vase series are inspired by plastic trash from the waters of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This series is made by Middle Kingdom Porcelain. Stockist: www.foekjefleur.com

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1] Tilda Chandelier. 5-light chandelier with five tiers of wooden sticks on curved iron arms. Price $2290. Stockist: www.boydblue.com 2] White with slate crosses stoneware vase. Price $39.95. Stockist: www.cranmorehome.com.au 3] Sweet Spring Porcelain Plate. Price $13.50. Stockist: www.savvyshophomewares.com.au 4] Vintage Garden Front cushion. Stockist: www.urbanroad.com.au 5] Shabby Chic Blueberry Cream Pigeon Hole Shelf. Price $320. Stockist: www.ghify.com 6] Pineapple Drink Dispenser. Price $75.95. Stockist: www.downthatlittlelane.com.au 7] Shabby Chic Canvas Art Print. Price $120. Stockist: www.urbanroad.com.au 8] GreenGate Egg Cup ~ Ditte pink. Price $10.95. Stockist: www.downthatlittlelane.com.au 9] White Etching Ceramic Knob. Price $8.90. Stockist: www.zakkia.com.au

THE MARK TUCKEY + COTTON ON COLLECTION A magical collabration between the iconic Australian brand Cotton On and interiors designer Mark Tuckey delivers a bespoke homewares range

STORE PROFILE

Excitement is building with the two iconic Australian brands Cotton On and Mark Tuckey coming together to create a bespoke homewares collection that makes modern and effortless design accessible and fun for everyone, in an authentic and quintessential Australian style. Launching next month in select stores and online the collection is Cotton On’s first foray into the homewares market as the global retail powerhouse expands its category offering and moves into the lifestyle space. The collection features beautifully designed pieces for various areas of the home categorised by Eat, Drink, Relax, Store, Bathe and Sleep. The range includes bed linen, cushions, blankets and throws, wooden serving bowls, platters, ceramic storage jars and mugs, wooden chopping boards and general storage vessels. From design enthusiasts wanting to recreate the lifestyle and home of those they admire, to first-time renters who want to have fun styling their space with accessible products, the collection combines optimistic and effortless design with pared-back Australian simplicity and features quality natural materials such as cotton, linen and timber. “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with one of the country’s iconic design brands to create accessories for your home that reflect our honest, relaxed, quintessentially Australian style,” says Cotton On General Manager Felicity McGahan. continued on next page >

‘The result is an authentic and honest collection based on a natural palette with pops of colour and a focus on good, clean design at affordable prices.’

< continued from previous page Mark and Louella Tuckey said they were drawn to partner with Cotton On because of the brand’s like- minded relaxed, quintessentially Australian style and ability to create accessible products that people want, now. “We’re excited about the opportunity to design a fun, relaxed and accessible collection with Cotton On that will allow us to introduce the Mark Tuckey brand to customers and homes throughout Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa. “The concept of Mark Tuckey + Cotton On is in line with that of our main business – to create products that we love and that we want to live with in our own home. It’s about that same passion. The result is an authentic and honest collection based on a natural palette with pops of colour and a focus on good, clean design at affordable prices,” said Mark and Louella Tuckey. CONTACT: www.cottonon.com.au

KIDS PLAYHOUSE

Bambi stool. A delightful object that appeals to the delight of the child in all of us! A whimsical pice of furniture for children or as an object of desire. Price: $440. Stockist: www.top3.com.au

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8 1] Adorable rainbow shelf of spruce. Price $44. Stockist: DaWanda 2] Donut Felt Ball Rug. Price $399. Stockist: www.happyaslarrydesigns.com 3] ferm LIVING bear cushion cover. Price $55. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au 4] Faux Pink Stag Head Glitter. Pretty in Blush pink with antlers dusted in sparkly, gold glitter, this stag would be a nice addition to a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom. Price $89. Stockist: Hodi Home Decor 5] Pink Night Light. These bright and interesting night lights cast a lovely light to keep those monsters away. Price $59.95. Stockist: www.steadysticks.com 6] Personalised Watermelon Timber/ Wooden Name Sign. Price $50. Stockist: www.downthatlittlelane.com.au 7] Clouds Pink cushion. Price $69. Stockist: www.jasperandeve.com.au 8] Classic Hippo Diamond. Simple but mirthful style - these animal bookends suit a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom! Price $85. Stockist: www.top3.com.au 9] Play And Go Lego Bag Moustache. Stockist: www.playandgo.eu

STORE PROFILE

FORM MAKER Geometric and playful cardboard homewares created with stylish appeal by talented Interior Designer Kira Pan Tell us a bit about Form Maker? I run a creative design studio called FORM MAKER where we design and make furniture, homeware and stationery with renewable paper and cardboard material. The range of design varies from small desktop items to large furniture pieces. Each one has a geometric and playful appeal that is carefully crafted in our workshop using cardboard or rigid paperboard, with the intent to bring joy and sustainable awareness to homes and be fully recycled at the end of their lives. Tell us about yourself and your background? I grew up in Sydney’s north shore and studied interior architecture at University of New South Wales. Interior designer had been my profession before the start of Form Maker. In 2013, adventure called as I was offered a chance to work and live aboard, so I packed up and made the big move from Sydney to Shanghai. Then and there, I knew a lot of changes were

coming my way but had no idea that 10month later I will be running my own business. What sparked you to create your business? In late 2013 I had encountered rigid paperboard/cardboard by chance and I was not only intrigued by the texture but also saw the endless potential it offers, the possibility of it replacing harmful particleboards and plastics in the home had me very excited. After designing and making a few cardboard furniture pieces for my own home, I was overwhelmed by the responses and support I received. From there Form Maker was born and grew so organically since. For that reason, I had decided to quite my day job and give our business my full dedication. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Currently we are a small team and we make all designs in-house within a shared workshop space, where we will colour, cut and craft

then package each piece with care. When designing, I am always thinking about what we can create to bring our eco-friendly idea into every aspect of people’s home and workspace. The thought become a brief, waiting for a moment when something in life gives that spark of inspiration and lead me to sketching and prototyping. I always make sure I road test all designs in my own home. Functionality is just as important as the look. I want our cardboard pieces to not only be creative and fun, but also useful and would last the distance. What inspires you in your designs? People usually don’t put paper as their first choice when it comes to choosing furniture and homeware. T he main idea of behind Form Maker is to put this option forward: Your homeware can be a lot more ecologically friendly and still look contemporary and fun. continued on next page >

Photography: Kae Creative, www.kaecreative.com

< continued from previous page MDF, polyurethane, plastic are the materials that have always been used for furniture and homeware making, and they do a lot of damages to our environment. I hope Form Maker can bring awareness to people and help everyone understand that things don’t have to be that way. What do you love the most about having your own label? Having your own business makes the job no longer a job. It really had become part of who I am, and challenged me as a person in ways other jobs will never be able to. This makes the experience extra satisfying, but also requires extra dedication and energy. Who are some of your favourite designers? So many designers and makers inspire me all the time, but Shigeru ban, and Jamie Hayon are my all time favourites. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why?

The Lab test tube vases collection would be my favourite right now. For this collection we are trying to encapsulate the refined aesthetic of laboratory equipment, reinterpret and transform them into everyday objects that can be beautifully presented at home. There are three test tube vases in this collection – Conical flask, Bunsen burner, and Thiele tube. They require a lot of concentration to craft, but each of them showcases the flower so differently in their minimal geometric forms, that’s what I love about them. What has been your biggest highlight? We have only been in business for 18month and it still blows my mind to think of everything we have done, and the amazing people we have met along the way and presented us with great opportunities. We have designed and set up exhibitions, attended tradeshows and launched new collections, but the best moment would still be when we opened our own showroom and be surrounded by friends, clients and partners where we celebrated this milestone

together. It is in this charming 1920’s laneway in Shanghai’s Former French Concession (a creative hub where hidden treasures lie), and it is pretty surreal for me to think that now it is also where we belong. What are your plans for the future? We have been working on a collection dedicated to kids, named Gobble. This collection is very exciting and special as I have my good friend Mandy coming on board and bringing fresh ideas about encouraging children’s learning through play. We have created a collection of vibrant animal themed children’s furniture for kids to interact with. The idea is that we teach the importance to recycle, use renewable and sustainable materials from a young age. We have chosen to use Kickstarter to raise funds so our ideas and products can reach the homes of many more families. The project goes live in July, and we would really appreciate support from all of you. CONTACT: theformmaker.com

Vintage Kantha cushions with pom poms Use our lusciously colourful vintage Kantha cushions to transform your space in a moment. The myriad of fabric colour patches mean they work for any interior, allowing you to adapt your space with unique one off combination of recycled fabrics made new. Choose them with or without pom-poms. Price $50. Stockists: www.barefootgypsy.com.au

LOVE

GET THE LOOK Plump them up and snuggle into them, nothing is better than a designer cushion

1] Odd bunch cushion. Price $50. Stockist: www.theclubofoddvolumes.com 2] Moroccan Cotton Pom Pom Cushion - Black + White Stripe. Price $110. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au 3] Fern designer cushion by Ellie Bradley is an abstract wood print fern leaf pattern. Stockist: www.xavierandme.com 4] Indigo Hampton Floral Cushion Cover. Stockist: www.peacocksandpaisleys.com.au 5] Nordic pastel strips blue and navy with muted hues. Price $79. Stockist: www.jasperandeve.com.au 6] Oasis Cushion Athens Navy. Price $49.95. Stockist: www.escapetoparadise.com.au

STORE PROFILE

IMOGEN STONE Sean Connolly and Tyneal Alexander turn slabs of stone and timber into handcrafted works of art Tell us a bit about Imogen Stone? We have a small studio space in Byron Bay where we handcraft panels made of stone and reclaimed timber. We then print directly onto the stone surface using the latest UV printing technology. The natural materials add depth and character to the image and creates a new and sustainable medium for us to print photos or images onto. Tell us about yourself and your background? Sean would have to be the more creative one who is happiest when building and experimenting in the workshop. He has a Bachelor in Design and prior to setting up Imogen Stone was working as a landscape architect in New Zealand, the UK and Australia. His approach to design has always been to create simple and sustainable projects and Imogen Stone allows him to continue this but on a more detailed and personal scale.

I on the other hand have always been more business and marketing focused. I have a background in marketing, advertising and social media, so it made sense when we started the business that I take care of this arm and Sean would focus on the product and creative direction. Being born and raised in Byron Bay, nature and being environmentally conscious has always been close to my heart. So creating Imogen Stone with this ethos felt really natural and right for us. What sparked you to create your business? We found something that we love doing! Imogen Stone allows us to live a life that is aligned to our values and also contribute our respective strengths and passions.

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< continued from previous page What processes are involved in creating your pieces? First of all, we make a frame using hardwood timber that has been salvaged from old fences or buildings. We then create a composite stone mix and pour it into the timber frame. Once the stone has set, we print the image directly onto the smooth stone surface using the latest UV printing technology. The stone panels are then carefully packaged and sent to our

clients ready to be hung in their home or office space. We love that no two of our handcrafted panels are ever the same and each print on stone has its own character and set of perfect imperfections! What inspires you in your designs? I think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three key things that inspire us in our designs. Firstly, the unique character of the raw materials we use. The natural grains and texture are beautiful especially when contrasted against the precision of some of the prints.

Secondly and at risk of sounding cliche, nature and our surrounds. Living in the Northern Rivers we are surrounded with stunning landscapes and the ocean which are a pretty big source of inspiration for us. Thirdly, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re are continuously inspired by the range of talented artists and photographers we are in collaboration with. Not only their amazing talent but also their personalities and creative nature inspires us daily. What do you love the most about having your own label?

Having the freedom to drive the business in the direction that we believe in based on our vision and values. Who are some of your favourite designers? Gee, we have a few. But we’ll stick with two: David Trubridge is one of Sean’s favourite designers. His clean timber forms are inspired by nature and his underlying sustainable ethos is very much aligned to our own. I am a big fan of stylist, Sibella Court and her combination of the old world with the new.

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? We have a really gnarly piece of reclaimed timber which we have turned into a frame. It’s sooo twisted and ugly - it’s beautiful! What are your plans for the future? We plan to have our own retail store where we can display our range of stone panels and artworks. We would also love to stock other sustainable homewares from the artists we have come into contact with.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? As well as printing personal photos we love to collaborate with a range of different artists. We are slowly building a community of artists which share similar values with Imogen Stone. If you have some spare time please check out the Artist section of our website to view a number of talented artists that we have the pleasure of working with. CONTACT: www.imogenstone.com.au