Winkelen July 2015 by Winkelen Magazine

Issue #14

ONLINE HOMEWARES MAGAZINE

LIQUORICE MOON STUDIOS Eve Simmons takes us on a ceramic making journey

creator of dreams Set sail with miniature boat builder, Elise Cameron-Smith

cosi towels

Super stylish kids towels created by sisters, Tina & Jo Randello

Rare treasures exuding bohemian luxe

STAGHORN: TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL INDOOR PLANTS

CONTENTS

FEATURES 10 LIQUORICE MOON STUDIOS Eve Simmons embraces her creative side and takes us behind the scenes of her ceramic creations

18 ELISE CAMERONSMITH Miniature boat builder, Elise CameronSmith shapes timber with love and care - set sail and travel on her journey

26 THE ASSEMBLY CO

OUR COVER LIQUORICE MOON STUDIOS etsy.com/shop/LiquoriceMoonStudios

John and Nia Neve have collated a unique collection which is both ethically and sustainable handmade and complement and fit with every day life

30 COSI TOWELS Get set to deck out your bathroom with these super stylish kids towels created by sisters, Tina and Jo Randello

36 KAWAIIAN LION Dee Tang creates a cushion collection inspired by vintage years which evokes a laidback island-luse feel

42 HOUSE OF GYPSY Connie Kantares chats with us as we explore her rare treasures which exudes bohemian luxe

48 STAGHORN Monique Plunkett embraced her personal connection to gardening creating Staghorn, discover more and learn her top tips for successful indoor plants

Photography: Eve Simmons

REGULARS 54 INDUSTRIA X

76 WAX MUSE

Ex-government issue inspired furniture handcrafted by husband and wife duo, Mark and Emma Cleine

Christian Munari and Chris Cacoyiannis take us behind the brand and how they created perfection

60 LOSARI

78 WIRELY

White on white, delicate and natural textures, add a hint of gypsy and you have Losari by Kirsty Ballentine Turnbull

Emer Diviney chats with us giving an insight into her mid-century inspired homewares

68 PENNY FARTHING DESIGN HOUSE Sarah Neilsen chats with us about the beginnings of Penny Farthing Design House and introduces the talented artists within the collection

6 We love 16 Insta finds 24 Moodboard 80 Business directory selection product pages PLUS Afeaturing cushions, lighting, art prints and more

FAVOURITE FINDS SPANISH MOSS & CLOVES Experience the beauty of Organic Cotton Bhumi’s Experiential Store - designed with minimum environmental impact for a warm, serene and immersive shopping experience! Spanish moss that acts as a natural repellent (and a symbol of eternal love!) bhumi.com.au

VINTAGE MOROCCAN HANDIRA CUSHIONS Vintage cushions made from a handwoven 1970s Moroccan wedding blanket/handira. originating from the High Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Handira originate from the High Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco and are given to brides as part of their dowry and worn as capes on their wedding day. A one-of-a-kind piece spun from wool and cotton embellished with sequins. Price $249. Stockist: societyofwanderers.bigcartel.com

TALL CONCRETE VASE Add some greenery to your home with our Tall Concrete Vase. Use this beauty as a planter, to house your favourite flowers, you can even put your pencils in it! Available in several finishes including raw and copper leaf, as pictured. Designed and handmade in Melbourne. Price $35. Stockist: twincreative.com.au

JACOB DOLL HEAD Hand poured with soy wax and cotton wick; If burned correctly, burn time 60 hours. Before you light him up, check out our Candle Care section for more information on how to best burn your Doll Head. It is normal in soy wax for colors to fade/bleed/acquire a ‘dusty’/’frosty’ layer overtime. Price $45. Stockist: youmeandbones.com.au

BLACK CERAMIC FOUR SET DALI COASTERS Meet your new entertaining sidekick: a beautiful set of four sizzling ceramic coasters, sporting a striking black bottom and complementary sealed top for durability. Style your coffee table with these individually hand crafted ceramic coasters. Consciously moulded to artistic perfection in Sydney, Australia. Price $89.95. Stockist: middleroad.com.au

PLYWOOD TRIVET Our plywood trivets are 150mm x150mm in size. Price $18. Stockist: russetdesign.com.au

Linear collection by Resident GP. A range of sophisticated and timeless marble goods with some edgy metallics thrown into the mix. Photography: Elise Grace. Styling: Nat Turnbull. Stockist: residentgp.com.au

1] Flutter cushion by Ellie Bradley is an abstract pattern taken from the beautiful butterfly wing. Price $99. Stockist: www.xavierandme.com 2] Collapsible Multicoloured Basket. Price $15.95. Stockist: www.oxfamshop.org.au 3] Menu Multi Basket - Top. Price $280. Stockist: www.stemonline.com.au

CURATED NORDIC HOMEWARES 356 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC

norsu.com.au

@norsuinteriors #norsuinteriors

CONTRIBUTORS MAGGIE PANA

Maggie is the Creative Director and founder of Kreo Home. Maggie has cemented Kreo Home firmly in the Australian homewares industry and by also providing a hub and platform for Australian artists. Maggie is always on the look out for new designers, up and coming artists and likeminded creatives to work with. Kreo Home’s Instagram page @kreohome

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

FREE EVERY MONTH 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

@winkelenmagazine.com

Photography: Eve Simmons

STORE PROFILE

LIQUORICE MOON STUDIOS Eve Simmons embraces her creative side and takes us behind the scenes of her ceramic creations Tell us a bit about your business and what sparked you to create your business? I have a habit of creating jobs out of things I know nothing about. I will often dream up an idea and run with it. Originally, Liquorice Moon Studios was created as an umbrella brand to cover my photography, painting, sewing, ceramics and all other bits and pieces I create. However, the ceramics side took flight…so I just went with it and I’m loving it! I aim to create functional pieces that enrich our simple daily rituals like putting on jewellery or having a coffee. I strive to make pieces that show the heart, time and thought that I have put into it and hopefully that warmth transpires into the buyers home. Tell us about yourself and your background? I was born on the Northern Beaches, Sydney, into a family of artists and makers. As a child I spent my days helping my Dad in his photography studio or playing with clay in the pottery studio that we resided above. My mum was always being creative, working with stained class window, paper mache` or

painting a mural on a wall in our unit. Just before I started high school, my parents decided we needed to experience ‘country ‘life’, so we packed up and moved to the Sunshine Coast, QLD. During my high school years I spent time pondering art projects or walking along the beach collecting interesting objects for creations I had in the making. I worked hard at my art and thoroughly enjoyed exploring different mediums. I always knew that I wanted a creative career, yet I found it difficult to pin down exactly which one. When I finished school I studied Fashion Design whilst working weekends as a face painter. Fashion Design opened my eyes to an array of creative avenues and I soon formed a love for textiles, printing and photography. On completing my course I taught myself photography through reading books and lots of practice. I stated doing interior design photography and various pregnancy and family portraits. I have continued my career in photography and body painting whilst raising our two children Aylah, and Tao. continued on next page >

Photography: Rebecca Smith - @bxcsmxth

< continued from previous page I started experimenting more deeply with clay about two years ago. Aware of the new creative venture I was on, my partner Daniel bought me a pottery wheel for my birthday and I haven’t looked back. The moment I sat at the wheel I knew ceramics was for me. It has captivated my imagination and keeps me constantly evolving. Ceramics incorporates so many of the things I enjoy. Sculpture, design, painting, science, the earth, the body and photography. It challenges me like no other medium I’ve experimented with. I make countless mistakes, my pieces rarely turn out like expected… it’s taught me to let go of expectations and never cut corners… because the clay always wins. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? I hand make all Liquorice Moon ceramics from start to finish, in my little home studio. Each piece is firstly created from Australian stoneware clay, on the pottery wheel, using hand building techniques or slip cast from

a hand made mold. From here the green ware is dried out for a few days (depending on the weather) and then loaded into the kiln to be bisque fired. (The kiln is closed for approximately 2-3 days for each firing). After the bisque firing I hand paint with under glaze or wax resist and then dip glaze each item in a hand formulated glaze. The kiln is then loaded again for the glaze firing to stoneware temperature to make it durable and long lasting. After a few days in the kiln, I unload the glazed pieces and paint lustre on those that require a gold, copper or platinum detail. I then reload the kiln and fire it all again. It can be quite a lengthy process… yet the wait makes opening the kiln all the more exciting. What inspires you in your designs? I get inspired and energized with new ideas very easily (this can cause havoc when trying to stick to one subject!). Inspiration often comes from simple things such as patterns, shapes and textures created by the earth. Walks on the beach, found objects, sketching, colours. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page I constantly experiment with new ideas and often don’t follow the ‘rules’…so inspiration often comes from ‘mistakes’ or ‘happy accidents’ as my daughter calls them. What do you love the most about having your own label? The flexibility, creativity, freedom and being present for my children as they grow up. Who are some of your favourite designers, artists or makers? Andy Goldsworthy – his environmental sculptures are incredible. Joy Smith – her jewellery designs are so, so stunning (instagram @communionbyjoy) Henri Matisse – his cut out series and still life’s inspire me always

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Currently I’m loving the hand pinched mugs. Not only are they a joy to make…but some how they make coffee taste better?

What has been your biggest highlight? Being creative every day - It fulfills my heart and mind. Yes my house is a mess and I’m often exhausted, yet being able to do what I love is totally worth the chaos. What are your plans for the future? To keep enjoying what I do, continue learning, be a good mother and always evolve. CONTACT: etsy.com/shop/LiquoriceMoonStudios

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

1] @hubbleandduke – There is something magical about these swans ??? Seeing them all together makes my heart sing that something can be so beautiful @lulu_lucky Love your design talent lady 2] @katylivings– So next time I’ll just stick to the weeding! Making donuts to use up the violets. 3] @mindovermanor – The @pagethirtythree collab light boxes have landed, so might fine! 4] @tenthingsstore – Charley Harper stone coaster sets have just arrived, each featuring 4 of the artist’s iconic bird prints. 5] @stylingproperties - yep that’s what I’m feeling. 7am, 5 degrees and hell day on the horizon.... But I always remember It could be worse.... I could be going to do something I hate all day 6] @willowhometraders – Both stores have had a drop of the new @milksugarmelb Otis pots ... Super cute! Mix & match and make your plants sing. 7] @woodhousesoycandles – Great little work space, trying to do a very similar thing for my bits and pieces for a desk / candle space. 8] @zinandbert – zinandbert@finders_keepers Melbourne is soonish and we will have our beautiful concrete Planter Collab with @wirelyhome available to drool and buy! 9] @thestylistsplash – The problem with setting the table is choosing which @lavallier_emporium plate to use

CREATOR OF DREAMS Miniature boat builder, Elise Cameron-Smith shapes timber with love and care - set sail and travel on her journey Tell us a bit about your business? I found myself in a business of story telling and creativity. I make Miniature Boats and other fun things! Tell us about yourself and your background? I’m 25 years old, I’m currently living in Stanwell Park in a beautiful creative house with my beautiful friends. I love to wake up well before the sunrises, and go to bed really early like a granny haha.. I collect painted portraits of ladies, now I have eight.

Photography: Citizens Of Style, Lynden Foss Stylist: Tahnee Carroll

I’ve moved ten times in the past three years, and am coming up to the longest amount of time in one house (two more weeks to go!) It’s nice to be in one place. I’m obsessed with all things ocean, and my life really revolves around it. I love looking at the moon and tracking its cycle. My free time is usually spent on road trips up and down the coast, surfing and camping. I like going places where you can still have a fire. I’m learning to sail, and its amazing and really hard! continued on next page >

STORE PROFILE

Photography: Citizens Of Style, Lynden Foss Stylist: Tahnee Carroll

< continued from previous page I studied Design (Enmore Design Centre) and then Fine Furniture Making (Sturt school For Wood) After my furniture making course I completed a traineeship with Leon Sadubin and have worked for my self ever since. What sparked you to create your business? I really vibe off birds, they are really amazing animals and I get super excited when I find feathers. I also really love boats, and the romantic notion of the open sea.. I make little boats that look a little bit like birds, but only if you look closely! Each boat is unique with its own name and

adventure, it’s a sculpture and a story all in one. I really want to add as much positivity, joy and fun into my work as possible. There’s sooo much SERIOUSNESS in the art/design world. What was really exciting was when people jumped on board the Miniature Boat movement and now I can’t keep up! What processes are involved in creating your pieces? I use some heavy woodworking machinery like bandsaws, grinders and linishers for the shaping. They are very loud and create lots of mess - this is a really important stage and

defines the whole spirit of the boat. I then get to decorate and personalise the boats. I’m obsessed with wrapping string super neatly (Takes hours and I so look forward to it! Seriously! It’s medative) I name the boat and think of a story to go with it, write it in a little mini glass message in a bottle, make a little stand for the boat, and that’s it! What inspires you in your designs? Strong women, Pirates, Mermaids, Ocean Spirits, Black Cockatoos, Sea Eagles, Sailors, Adventurers and Villains. continued on next page >

Photography: Citizens Of Style, Lynden Foss Stylist: Tahnee Carroll

< continued from previous page What do you love the most about having your own label? Having the freedom to explore the imaginary, make fun things, and bring about some positive energy.. Having my own schedule and being excited to go to work. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m obsessing on mermaids a little and the

moment. They are little abstract twisted surf sisters and there are some giant ones in the pipeline! What are your plans for the future? I plan to get a Blue Heeler puppy! And also learn some new skills like welding and lace making. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to build a raft just for fun, and continue to make fun things and miniature boats! CONTACT: elisecameron-smith.com.au

I really want to add as much positivity, joy and fun into my work as possible. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sooo much seriousness in the art/design world.

MOODBOARD WITH MAGGIE PANA

Let’s Get Naked Art Print from $12.95. oliveetoriel.com Watermelon Natural Soy Candle from $9.90. darlingmockingbird.com.au

Round Resin Wall Art 60 cm $240. etsy.com/au/shop/ hellosundaydesigns

KREO HOME www.kreohome.com.au Maggie Pana is the Creative Director and founder of Kreo Home that opened its doors 2012. Through Kreo Home’s philosophy for fresh, quirky and individual design combined with the passion for supporting local Australian creatives, Maggie has cemented Kreo Home firmly in the Australian homewares industry and by also providing a hub and platform for Australian artists. Maggie has recently been invited as a guest speaker at ‘Training Wheels’ for Life InStyle, providing a ‘hold no punches’ retailers perspective for up and coming exhibitors and authentic insight into how she approaches the show and the psychology of a retailer. Maggie’s drive for seeing the success in others has led her to team up with Chris Carroll from The Life Creative to form the #LoveLocalForum, a regular workshop series who’s aim is to teach the fundamentals of social media for small businesses. Maggie is always on the look out for new designers, up and coming artists and likeminded creatives to work with, get in touch, involved and keep yourself updated on all the latest goss, industry trends and events via Kreo Home’s Instagram page @kreohome.

Clear Quartz. instagram.com/ stonedcrystals

Timber Letter Box $60. houseofcherub. bigcartel.com

Little Blooming Wonder Flask $49.95. olliandash.com.au

Neon Heart Light $150. neonpoodle.com.au

Watermelon Timber Clock 45 cm $75. poppetandbutton.com.au

Grid Ink cushion 45 x 45 cm $59.95. www.millaycreative.com

ASSEMBLY CO John and Nia Neve have collated a unique collection which is both ethically and sustainable handmade and complement and fit with every day life Tell us a bit about Assembly Co and how it was formed? To be completely honest, our business was formed in an hour during a car trip home after a visit to a chain furniture retailer and were shocked at how mass manufactured products and expensive they are! At this stage, Johan and I have always talked about being our own bosses and working for ourselves, we both have been dabbling with furniture design and Johan making them and we’ve always been creating our own furniture pieces for our home so we thought – “Hey! Why not give it a go?!”. We sat in the car with a piece of paper and wrote down exactly what we envisioned for our business and wrote endless lists of possible names until we both agreed that ‘The Assembly’ embodied everything we saw our business to be. continued on next page >

STORE PROFILE

Photography: Erika Raxworthy - erikarax.com

continued on next page > Why ‘The Assembly’? A very integral part of our business from the very beginning was to never make it all about ourselves, or the money. We wanted it to be bigger than us! We wanted a community, a place that likeminded creatives can partake in, and most importantly a platform to support those small guys who are designing and creating just like us. We spend a lot of our time networking with other local and international artists, makers and creators in attempt to support their creative forms, hence why you will also see products that are made by these guys in our shop. How did your career begin? Johan dabbled in fine art, studied graphic design and decided that a creative desk job wasn’t for him so he re-trained as a plumber. After 5 years of doing a trade, he decided to mesh his love for design, creative pursuits and the practical hand skills that he learnt from his trade together. I (Nia) have always had a love affair with styling and photography, but didn’t decide to really pursue it until after I took maternity leave (from the legal industry) and had all this time at home to waste. With my lack of drawing skills I would put sketches of furniture and design pieces for Johan to attempt to make, and spent a lot of time styling and photographing anything/everything I could get my hands on. Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how do you select the right item for your store? We really believe in handmade and quality, and we always take those two things very seriously when we consider what products we will stock in our shop. Most have been made by local artists here in Sydney but we’ve also been collaborating with international makers and designers lately, which has been such an exciting process. We also make sure that the artists’ aesthetics are in line with that of ours, that the product/item will

Photography: Erika Raxworthy - erikarax.com

be cohesive with other items in the shop and most importantly, that they are ethically and sustainable hand made. In all honesty though, 99% of the time we know we have the right product when we see something and we think “GOTTA HAVE THAT!”. What do you love the most about having your own store? That we get to have 100% say in everything we do. Oh and the occasional sleep-ins! Who are some of your favourite designers? Fog Linen for homewares – Yumiko just gets it. Simple designs that is sustainable, ethical and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Henry Wilson for furniture designs – also simple, elegant, practical and long-lasting which a lot of furniture places don’t offer these days since everything revolves around mass manufacturing and imports. What do you consider to be a must have item in your home? White walls – you can never go wrong with them. It’s amazing what freshly painted white walls will do to a home! A large dining table made out of wood – our family spends 80% of our home time gathered around ours. What has been your biggest highlight? We’re about to open up a pop-up in Surry Hills in July so getting the contract for this has just been by far the most incredible highlight. Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home? Invest money into furniture and furnishing pieces that will transcend time; items that don’t go out of fashion very quickly. What do you foresee as the next big trend? Marble, marble, marble!

CONTACT: theassemblyco.com.au

Photography: Sean Fennessy Styling: Megan Morton

STORE PROFILE

COSI TOWELS Throw away your old towels and get set to deck out your bathroom with these super stylish kids towels created by sisters,Tina and Jo Randello Tell us a bit about Cosi Towels? The idea behind Cosí is to make bath time more enjoyable for little ones and be something beautiful that parents are happy to decorate the bathroom all day. Finally, parents no longer have to hide their children’s towels away after use, as they add so much colour, style and playfulness to the bathroom. Cosí towels are made from 100% cotton, delightfully soft, super absorbent and irresistible to touch. Despite being designed for little ones, each are generously sized and large enough to cocoon the smallest baby to the biggest kid. Tell us about yourself and your background? Jo and I are sisters, best friends and now business partners! You can’t get better than that! We both juggle several hats like so many mums these days, working full time jobs and looking after our beautiful families. Tina: Having a young family, work and business takes up most of my time which I love. I love exercise- it keeps me feeling strong and balanced and although it’s tough getting up some mornings I always feel so much better afterwards.

After studying Chemistry at Melbourne University and working as a Chemist, I was seduced by the commercial side of the corporate world. Being the one behind the bench making products that sales and marketing colleagues believed had a market got frustrating. I was bursting with my own ideas and moved out of the lab into marketing with the help of a little more university training. I’ve managed some of Australia’s most loved and trusted brands across homeware and grocery industries. Jo: Jo studied arts law at university and has forged a successful career as a lawyer. In her legal career Jo manages complex and high profile litigation and is the ultimate people person. She loves the opportunity her practice gives her to engage with people on a personal level, help them understand their rights and solve problems. Jo took time out from her career to have her twin daughters, and while they are still young Jo has her hands full to say the least. From a young age she had a burning inner creative passion. She was into design and fashion for as long as she can remember and has thoroughly enjoyed applying her creative flair to the first range of Cosi towels.

Jo’s style is complemented by her love of design. She finds beauty in all aspects of her life and travels and loves nothing more than sharing this with her loved ones. When Jo can sneak a few moments to herself, you’ll find her indulging in her passion for coffee (only a perfectly brewed coffee will do though). What sparked you to create Cosi Towels? The idea of Cosí came about when we were on the lookout for bath towels for our little ones. The options were limited and ranged from fifty shades of white to a zoo of animals. We wanted to break the rules of what’s traditionally featured on children’s bath towels to create artistic designs inspired by wall art, rugs, bedding and other decorative furnishings. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? We’re constantly challenging our individual creative by seeking inspiration of what we see our children enjoying. We didn’t want to be bound by the traditional weaving process because we knew that would really limit where we could go design wise. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Our unique technique ensures we create beautiful and intricate designs with a luxurious feel. The patterned side is sheered velour and printed, and the block grey side is absorbent looped terry.

practical as mums with young children and what makes us smile to look at. We prefer pieces that we know we will love in years to come and invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time- our mum is a big advocate of this.

What inspires you in your designs? Cosí towels are inspired by our children and the things they love to do most. Jumping in puddles, playing with paint and collecting interesting objects in the garden has been our primary inspiration which has been translated onto each of the towel’s designs.

Having an Italian heritage, it’s hard to not mention some of the European designers we love, Marni, Missoni and Miu Miu. More broadly we love the unique and intelligent designs from Issey Miyake, New Zealand fashion designer Karen Walker has been a favourite for many years and locally Willow and Ginger & Smart to name a few.

What do you love the most about having your own label? We love creating a collection that we truly believe in. Walking into the bathroom each day and seeing our colourful creations decorating the bathroom puts a smile on our face. What’s more, we’re seeing responses from buyers which is so motivating. Our children refuse to have their bath or shower without their favourite Cosí design. It’s a testament to us that we’re on the right path to produce these unique pieces.

For the home, we admire the wealth of local designers such as: Pop & Scott, Basil Bang and Made By Tait. Artist wise we really love the happiness in Kirra Jamison’s work. Getting back to bathrooms- the team at Artedomus have a seriously lust worthy collection and the Melbourne showroom designed by Thomas Coward and Studio You Me is definitely the hottest show room in Australia at the moment. It was also the host of our first Cosí photo shoot. Thomas’s Gem stool and PYNN hooks are absolutely hot.

Who are some of your favourite designers? Gosh, where do we start?! We tend to not follow any one specific style, our homes and how we dress is a combination of what we love, what makes us feel good, what’s

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Our first collection is a suite of four designs. We adore the purple and blue hues in Confetti Stripe, the intricate and more feminine appeal

of Tickle Me Pink, we were thrilled with where the design for Rainbow Rain ended up- we’ve taken a twist of the popular rain drop look with our bold lightening strikes and we know Paint Splatter is a classic. So, we really love them all and that was what we promised ourselves through the design process, we had to love each one and be proud to have it part of Cosí. What has been your biggest highlight? Given we are still in launch phase (official launch is at Life In Style- 30th July in Melbourne), everyday day offers something new and is an absolute highlight. The thrill of getting our first order was pretty special and the overwhelming interest by retailers and media has really blown us away! What are your plans for the future? We’re bursting with ideas for future designs, products and collaborations and can’t wait to release our second range, watch this space. Cosi towels are available to pre-order now/ available August.

CONTACT: cositowels.com.au Cosi Towels is launching at the Life Instyle & Kids Instyle Melbourne Thursday 30 July - Sunday 2 Aug 2015 Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens

Photography: Sean Fennessy Styling: Megan Morton

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

1] Little Blooming Wonder Globe. Tiny and bright, 100% real Chrysanthemum flowers which survive for up to 10 years with only 1 weekly watering and come pre-arranged in glass vases of various designs and sizes. Price $34.95. Stockist: www.olliandash.com.au 2] Classic Basket, Short Handles With Jute Cover. Price $60. Stockist: www.2ducktrading.com.au 3] Ottoman Round Linen. Price $110. Stockist: www.lifestylehomeandliving.com.au 4] Aimee Wall Mirror. Stunning and timeless antique silver finish frame with floral detail and bevelled, clear mirror. Price $629. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au 5] Villa Grande Cafe Barstool. Price $136.50. Stockist: provincialhomeliving.com.au 6] Gold 2 Artwork. Price $630. Stockist: www.idecorateshop.com

Photography: Luisa Brimble

STORE PROFILE

KAWAIIAN LION Dee Tang creates a cushion collection inspired by vintage years which evokes a laidback island-luse feel Tell us a bit about your Kawaiian Lion? Kawaiian Lion is about homewares that you, your big dude and little ones can all enjoy. It is about hardy cushions and blankets that you can roll around, throw on the floor or take out to the beach with you. It’s about being inspired by vintage from the 60’s, 70’s and creating wallpaper and prints that embody the look and feel of a bygone era. We apply fashion techniques such as stonewashing to our cushions to create that super soft, like you’ve had this forever ever feel. It is about creating a home that is non-gender specific and does not scream “gurrrl” or “man cave”. It is about finding that balance and about evoking a laidback island-luxe kind of feel. It is about not taking ourselves too seriously and embracing a jumble of prints, textures and playing with signwriting and old surf lingo . Tell us about yourself and your background? I grew up in Western Australia, always wanting to escape the aridity and isolation. I became preoccupied with travelling from my late teens to mid 20’s living, working and playing overseas in spain, central americas and Japan. I came back to Australia to return to design school, and catch up with family and destiny. I started out dressing windows at American Apparel after finishing a Diploma in Design at RMIT university in Melbourne and moved onto working as a Visual Merchandiser for Sportsgirl, One Teaspoon and as a Creative for Topshop. From there, I took part in a blink and you will miss it TV show called “Top Design” which nudged me into the world of styling and interiors. After that, I begun freelancing as a props stylist making, sourcing and creating props and sets for fashion and commercial shoots. What sparked you to create your business? It was a conversation I had with a close friend

Laura Liles, who started the label with me while we were selling wares at the Kirribilli market. We lamented how we could not find awesome cushions we dug with patchwork, airbrush prints, embroidery and in denim. With her design and production skills and my vision to realise this brand and my husband Desmond’s artwork, soon after we were creating our first range “Love is an island”. It all came about very organically and naturally and it just felt like it was the right thing for us to do at the time. Laura has since stepped back into the fashion world and starting her own label. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? I often dream about cushions. Yes, I know right. They infiltrate my waking and sub conscious state. My dreams are littered with ideas of stonewashed denim and patterns and I often wake up and draw down ideas I get as soon as I get up in the morning. Other times, just a small piece of fabric, a picture on instagram or a radical pair of jeans on etsy will set the wheels in motion to develop a new design. I source a lot of pieces from etsy and I enjoy translating vintage for a modern audience. I love finding motifs and techniques from the 60’s and 70’s and embracing them into Kawaiian Lion design for the home. Once an idea is sketched out, I drew up a specification sheet and send it to our maker in Bali who will develop the piece. We work back and worth adjusting the design accordingly. With all our denim, it gets made overseas and then sent back to Sydney to wash. Our denim goes through a heavy stonewash process, similar to a pair of jeans will endure. Mounds of pumice stones are thrown in a massive turbine to roll over and over our denim to make it super ridiculously soft and worn. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Then, if the piece requires printing, we take it to a bespoke printing house also here in Sydney and hand print all our sea-slang slogans. So by the time it reaches our customers, our Kawaiian designs have been touched by many a crafty hands. What inspires you in your designs? The original picture which sparked off this label and designs, to this day I still remember clearly. I was teaching English and painting surfboards in japan and loved going into tower records in Tokyo to read expensive magazines I could not afford to buy. I picked up a copy of the latest British vogue summer 2006, and flicked open to a shoot by the late photographer Corinne Day. She shot the then up-and-coming Gemma Ward for a swim summer shoot in the Northern Beaches. My mouth was agape. There were these incredible airbrushed surfboards with psychedelic colours and oceanography I had never laid eyes on before. I tore out the pic and kept it for years to come. To make a super long winded story short, I fell in love with an airbrush artist man along the way, ended up on the northern beaches a stone throw away from where the shoot had taken place and creating this label, having

been inspired by a single photograph and all that it embodied. What do you love the most about having your own label? There are so many things. I love working from home. I am a complete homebody. I can make decisions without running them by others. I am able to process my creative ideas and action them into actual designs. I get to spend more time with my family, as I don’t have to commute anywhere to work. I enjoy the process of collaborating with other artists and finding this community of people who are tapped into the same zeitgeist. I feel ridiculously fortunate that this label has been embraced and found an audience who totally dig it. Who are some of your favourite designers? Martyn Worthington – an old fella who airbrushes original 70’s style boards down in Mona Vale. I really dig Japanese artist Hiroshige and his simplistic block prints, Macintosh and his decadent deco signature. I like the selby’s photographs, Tim Walker, rainbow fiends Aviator Nation, American patchwork from the depression era. Peggy Oki - the original dogtown girl, And my husband Desmond Sweeney who paints beautiful, dreamy, fantastical scenes. What is your favourite item in your store

right now and why? The surfolk superpocket in stonewashed black denim, which holds my keys, nappies and randomn toys and snacks while looking vintage 80’s rock all at the same time and the Major Peace Out in sand linen - because of the patchwork peace detail, the super softness of the linen and how awesome it is to laze with on the lounge. What has been your biggest highlight? Featuring in Real Living and Broadsheet has been awesome but it’s really the little things. It’s the emails and instagram messages I get from customers who tell me how stoked they are with their Kawaiian goodies. It reminds me that I am doing exactly what I should be doing right now. There are moments where I feel bummed that I’m not saving the world, but then I remember, I am helping to save living spaces from an ugly hell. What are your plans for the future? Kawaiian Nights – bedding linen range for big and little dudes. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? Um. It is not a business. It’s a lifestyle. It’s love. It’s family. CONTACT: kawaiianlion.com

Photography: Luisa Brimble

LOVE

The Luneta rug by Art Hide features a stunning scalloped laser burn on premium hide. Price: $1395. Stockist: arthide.com.au

Styling & Photography: Chad Gibson and Cecilia Humphrey from Not Our Field notourfield.com

STORE PROFILE

HOUSE OF GYPSY Connie Kantares chats with us as we explore her rare treasures which exudes bohemian luxe Tell us a bit about your business and how it was formed? Making unique treasures easily accessible is what House of Gypsy is all about. To make this happen, first and foremost we needed stock, a website and beautiful imagery to match, team that with an Instagram account full of inspiration and House of Gypsy is more than an online retailer, it’s a little community of like-minded people with an appreciation for bohemian luxe. How did your career begin? Having explored all the little nooks and crannies of beautiful countries including America, Turkey, Spain, Italy and Greece, I found myself in homewares heaven, picturing these items in my living room or bedroom back home but disappointed at the fact that it would just be too difficult to get things there. Inspired by my travels, I wanted to make rare treasures like the ones I fell in love with, big or small, easily accessible to gypsy souls everywhere.

What sparked you to create your business? I took a leap of faith. I saw a space for my ideas, vision and passion in a niche market that shares my love for all things homewares and design and I just went for it. Renovating my own home and enjoying every single bit of the process – from choosing items to deciding on where each is going to live was the driving force behind House of Gypsy. Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how do you select the right item for your store? My products are mainly sourced from lands far far away including India, Mexico, Morocco, Turkey and America with some hidden gems found closer to home on Australian shores. Each item is personally and carefully selected by me. When I’m deciding on what to welcome into the House of Gypsy family, a lot of thought goes into how the chosen item can be featured in a home – whether it works to

stand alone or how it can come together to tell a story. What do you love the most about having your own store? I love that I can independently express my own visions and style through my brand and hope that others can see and appreciate it too. House of Gypsy is my baby and I feel proud that I have raised and help her grow through my own perseverance and passion for what I love to do. Who are some of your favourite designers? I draw inspiration from all sorts of creative outlets – whether that be fashion, editorial or art. Designers include, Spell & the Gypsy Collective from Byron Bay, Samantha Wills, Sibella Court & Frida Kahlo as they express a real bohemian and gypsy flair.

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Styling & Photography: Chad Gibson and Cecilia Humphrey from Not Our Field notourfield.com

< continued from previous page What do you consider to be a must have item in your home? Given that we’re in winter, I would have to say that a must-have item at the moment is anything that can keep you warm and cosy on chilly nights without sacrificing on style. Our Moroccan Pom Pom Blankets are crafted from quality wool and make a great addition to your bedroom or sofa. When you’re not using it to snuggle up in, they also make the perfect throw, meaning that they will transcend through the seasons and be appreciated all year round. What has been your biggest highlight? Apart from the thrill of jumping into the unknown, taking risks and watching your own

business grow organically; I would have to say the biggest highlight thus far has been expanding House of Gypsy from solely an online store to a physical store. Our items are now available at The Works in Glebe, Sydney, which is something that I’m so excited about. Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home? Every new trend has an expiry date. Stick to what you really love, draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere but make the end result your own. Mix it up, pick and choose, break the rules, tell a story. In my opinion, homes with the most personality have so many different personas. A few one off antique or vintage pieces here and there always make a good statement piece amongst a contemporary backdrop.

What do you foresee as the next big trend? Copper, neutral tones and minimalism are having a serious moment, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere for a while! However, for me, I like to keep it real. As Le Corbesier, a famous Architect once said – styles are a lie. I see a ‘trend’ as an individual choice. For me, vintage has no expiry and still lives on through every trend. Trends do come and go but at House of Gypsy we have cultivated our products and style with a timelessness appeal that can be enjoyed and appreciated years on end.

CONTACT: houseofgypsy.com

By Julia Green, Greenhouse Interiors, Contributing Interiors Editor www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au Society of Wanderers / @societyofwanderers societyofwanderers.com Photography: cricket_studio / www.cricket-studio.com.au Styling: Julia Green @greenhouseinteriors Style assist: NoĂŤl Coughlan @ncinteriors society of wanderers

LOVE

Photography: Dan Roberts

STORE PROFILE

STAGHORN Monique Plunkett embraced her personal connection to gardening creating Staghorn, discover more and learn her top tips for successful indoor plants Tell us a bit about Staghorn? Plant curiosities. Tell us about yourself and your background? You could say I’m a bit of an adventurous creative, having travelled up and down the east coast of Australia. I grew up in Canberra and since lived in Brisbane, Sydney, The Central Coast, NSW and now settled in Melbourne for the last 3 years. Having a creative drive led me to work as graphic designer early on, but I never felt like it was quiet the right for me. In my mid twenties I needed to slow down due to illness and saw it as an opportunity to study horticulture and try my hand at working outside which thankfully was exactly what I needed. Over the years I’ve worked in the landscaping industry in sales, marketing, garden and balcony design and even had my own textiles label, Elkhorn.

What inspired you to create Staghorn? It’s definitely something that I’ve wanted to do for years, since I began studying horticulture in 2006. I’ve always been most happy and inspired when I’m outside creating and amongst plants. While I love the connection people have with plants and the way we interact with them on daily basis and bring them into our lives… without realising it or not plants play an integral part of our wellbeing and make a space more productive and the air cleaner. I wanted to help make it possible for everyone’s spaces to be greener and happier. Even when I named my textiles business Elkhorn (one of my favourite plants) I named it in view of incorporating plant design into the business, which I did dabble in over that time. Over the last couple of years I could see plants really building momentum in the design/interior world and thought there’s

really no better time to start my journey into the plant world again Hence the beginning of Staghorn. Where did your love of gardening come from? My parents always loved being out in the garden so I guess it was a natural part of my life from an early age. While I always loved spending time in my grandparent’s garden on the central coast, it was a place that instantly transported to another world. My Mana had a garden full of exotic flowering plants from Camellias, gardenias and Dahlias and Pop being a collector had an abundance of potted plants under a big pine tree where he would grow Cymbidium orchids, Zygocactus and spider plants etc all the great old fashion plants that are beginning to have a resurgence now. continued on next page >

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epiphyte wall mounts featuring Staghorns or Elkhorns.

What services does Staghorn provide? Staghorn offers an interior and exterior plant design service and installation, making home, offices, retail and cafes greener. Designs can be as simple as feature potted plants to an array of hanging plants and botanical sculptures. Staghorn’s online store also offers an ever evolving range of unique botanical designs, from single air plants to custom made

What are your top 3 indoor plant tips? Keep your plants close to a water source especially if you’re forgetful about watering. It makes watering so much easier. If you’re unsure abo ut watering then give the soil a quick check and if it’s still wet hold off watering until it’s dried out. Circulate plants throughout the house, especially through winter and summer when the elements are extreme. Place them outside

every couple of weeks when it’s sunny or raining, letting them have some time with the air flowing through their leaves and a good watering especially if it’s raining (just don’t forgot they’re out there). Give your plant some loving – clean the leaves, as dust can quickly cover them and block out the sunlight, provide it with a shower or wipe them over damp sponge. Trim away any brown or dried leaves, this will encourage new growth and is amazing to watch new leaves spiral up and open.

What are your favourite plants at the moment and why? Ah, where do I begin? I’d be mad not to say Staghorns and elkhorns right! I really have a love for the quirky and unusual Jurassic looking plants. The epiphye family, a plant that grows harmlessly upon another plant (such as a tree) and derives it’s moisture and nutrients from the air are really fascinating, you can learn a lot from them, they can be small and beautiful like colourful lichen found on branches, to many variations of airplants which are so

easy and fun to add to indoor display, and the majestic Staghorn and Elkhorns which are naturally found in the forest growing on palms and trees. They are all so unusual and interesting, they’re like having a piece of art that’s forever changing and evolving. Others that have always been top of my list are: Pandanus tectorius – ‘Screw pine’ you’ll find these small trees further up north up the coast, I love the architectural lines and

ancient looking trunks with their exposed aerial roots. Alocasia macrorrhiza – they have amazing gigantic leaves that make you feel like you’re in a jungle when your just stand in a suburban garden. Zamioculcas zamiifolia – ‘Zanzibar Gem’s the best indoor plant for low light spots, if you’re going to neglect any plant this would be the one. They thrive on it. CONTACT: staghorn.net.au

BONE INLAY

Cuban bone inlay commode and beaded chandelier. Styling: Ruth Welsby Photography: Mike Baker Stockist: www.fentonandfenton. com.au

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1] Grey Marrakech Bone Inlay Bedside Table. Price $895. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au 2] Bone inlay cross. Beautifully hand carved camel bone inset pattern with black fill and bone surround. Price $299. Stockist: www.lucaandeve.com.au 3] Large Round Rattan Tray - Whitewash. Price $78. Stockist: www.elisium.com.au 4] Lalit Coffee Table. Stunning opium style coffee table with intricate bone inlay design is all a room needs to bring it to life! Price $1750. Stockist: www.jadeandjasmine.com.au 5] Bone Inlay Picture Frame Harlequin. Price $80. Stockist: www.ecochic.com.au 6] Sapphire & Bone Inlay Crested Mirror. Price: $895. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au 7] Taj Rectangular Bone Inlay Coffee Table. Price $1965. Stockist: www.alcollections.com.au 8] Bone Inlay Side Table - Aqua Polka Dot. Price $385. Stockist: www.elisium.com.au

Furniture is so important- its how we live, its how we organise ourselves and arrange our lives in our living spaces.

STORE PROFILE

INDUSTRIA X Ex-government issue inspired furniture handcrafted by husband and wife duo, Mark and Emma Cleine

Photography: Armelle Habib Styling: Aimee Tarulli

< continued from previous page Tell us a bit about Industria X? Industria X makes industrial, ex-government issue inspired furniture. We make chairs, tables and trolleys among other bespoke pieces and fittings. Tell us about yourself and your background? My husband Mark is a carpenter and now looks after the production of Industria X. I’m also the Director of Lumiere Art + Co and look after the creative of Industria X. We have a small team and base ourselves in a huge studio overlooking Westernport Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

What sparked you to create your business? We both are movers and like to run things our own way! Mark had an amazing client base as a carpenter, however felt a change in direction was needed. I’ve always had a love of functional design and production and wanted Mark to work by my side. It’s a perfect match. An art studio on one side of the factory and the other side is a full workshop for furniture manufacture. Studio life is family friendly and close to Red Hill where we live with our gorgeous young boys, Lenny and Beau. What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

Industria X manufactures so we make everything to order. It’s wonderful because we can change specs to suit a client’s need or to suit a look we are after. Locally made means less freight, less packaging, shorter lead times and work for our team. What inspires you in your designs? We both love French Industrial Furniture and Australian ex-government issue furniture from the 20th century. We love a beautiful balance of form, function and honesty in materials. What do you love the most about having your own label? Taking pieces home to try them! Samples

NATURAL BOHEMIAN NURSERIES MELISSA LEE EXPLAINS HOW TO ACHIEVE THE LOOK Image sourced from: Sharon Montrose from Animal Print Shop theanimalprintshop.com

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

A design that is gender neutral and made up of natural materials has been the biggest request and theme among new parents recently and there is little wonder why. There is a shift towards natural and neutral looking rooms with a bit of a bohemian feel to them and this is especially true for nurseries and what a perfect place to start. The look is achieved with one-off hand made products being made the feature of the room along a soft, natural colour theme. Think lots of natural woods and natural fiber rugs, soft washy colour tones drawn from nature on a neutral background plus the use of unique pieces such as beautiful hand weaved wall hangings or organic tree branches used as clothes rails which give the rooms a complete individual feel to what you see mainstream.

Pieces are all considered and are often in their raw state giving the room a less polished finish but a very inviting and cozy feel. A bohemian style perfectly suits nurseries as the theme is calming and inspiring for little ones. The nature element is strong with the inclusion of gorgeous animals and fauna. Beautiful potted plants really add to this look as do recycled items and there is also the opportunity to use heirloom or vintage pieces with ease in this design which really adds to the nostalgia. Why I love the natural bohemian style for nurseries: 1. Because of the neutral colour palette the design is perfect for those parents wanting something non-gender specific.

MELISSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOODBOARD

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6. 5. Image: petitandsmall.com 2. Natural fibers and naturally made products are perfect for babies rooms and we all want the best for our children from their bedding down to the amount of toxins & man made materials. 3. The design is also not overly baby so will last through from newborn to a much older child making the theme a good choice for the budget conscious. 4. The room design wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t date. Although this theme is on-trend at present you can create the look without needing to buy over trendy products or shop in specific stores. 5. The design can be done so many ways and is as organic as theme itself resulting in personal one off room design for your little one. www.youngfolkstore.com.au

1. Sheepskin hide from Table Tonic www.tabletonic.com.au 2. Timber start light from Millie & Eugine www.millyandeugene.com.au 3. Teeny cot in crisp white by Incy www.incyinteriors.com.au 4. Hanging wooden plaque by Zilvi & Hello Little Birdie www. 5. Fauna Scapes artwork from Paper Empire www.paperempire.com.au 6. Armadillo & Co Petunia Rug www.armadillo-co.com 6. Bambi chair by Takeshi Sawada www.top3bydesign.com.au

STORE PROFILE

LOSARI White on white, delicate and natural textures, add a hint of gypsy and you have Losari by Kirsty Ballentine Turnbull Tell us a bit about Losari. Losari is a lifestyle home and woman brand inspired by the very essence of its name: spirit of the earth (in ancient Javanese). I manifested the Losari story in a little, beautiful white studio at the back of my garden with the intention of creating gorgeous treasures for the home and woman in a signature pallet of white on white, delicate pastels and natural textures. Along the way, my path crossed with a fellow kindred spirit, Leanne, who has joined the Losari journey – bonding with the energy behind Losari and the spirit of adventure ahead. We aspire to create quality, beautiful treasures for the home and woman; a kind of beauty that

whispers, “stop the world and take a deep breath.” How did your career begin? For most of my working life I have worked in the corporate and consulting world in the field of organisational development. I studied psychology and from there found myself in a variety of people-focused roles. I loved working one on one with people to help them achieve insight as to who they are, what they want and how they could get there. Behind the scenes though, I have always been an artist and am affectionately known by my loved ones as being an urban hippy and gypsy spirit. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page What sparked you to create your own business? I have always loved interiors and when it came to designing my own home I simply could not find the homewares I was imagining. In particular, my capiz shell pendants. I found them hard to find and was in love with shell pendants for their texture and whimsical nature. Not long after, my best friend Sonia and I embarked on an adventure (Sonia the scooter driver, map reader, Losari Operations Manager and my soul sister) and voila – a container of Losari’s first collection arrived! The Losari story actually manifested long before the house and our first buying adventure. For me, Losari is an expression of love and devotion. I made the conscious decision to live authentically and make the brave move to create a life and work connected as one, built on a foundation of creativity and connecting with others. I am fortunate to have the love and support of my family with me every step of the way.

Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how you select the right items? We design the majority of Losari treasures and then go about the journey of finding the right manufacturers. At the moment our treasures are made in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and China. I really have this strong belief that energy needs to flow harmoniously right from the design phase through to the Losari treasure arriving at our customers home or store. That means the people who craft our wares need to be looked after well and any one that touches the product along its journey needs to be on that same harmonious wavelength. That’s what makes every day special for me – how we connect with everyone along the chain right through to our customers. Leanne and I always say when it comes to designing a new Losari treasure – we have to love it. If there is any doubt, we won’t do it. We are designing some beautiful new linens, a macramé story and excitingly – our first Losari Woman collection for Spring/Summer 16/17. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page What do you love about having your own label? The creativity and the connectivity with others. There is also a great sense of pride when our customers express their delight with their Losari treasures and I see our beautiful images being shared on social media. I love being designer, artistic director, photographer, production manager, administrator and sales rep – all in one day! What has been your biggest highlight? Creating a strong Australian brand that people

identify with. When my children, friends and friends of friends see something and say, “That’s so Losari!” People know that we are all about white on white, delicate pastels and natural textures. And we are always being asked for new treasures. For me, that’s a huge highlight and personal accomplishment.

What do you consider to be a must have item for your home? A Losari home is built on a pallet of white and texture with a strong sense of softness. Feathers are a must! Macramé is a must!

We have just designed our new Indrani macramé cushion which is a big, feather filled, tassel-adorned textured delight. I’d also say beautiful melt-in-your-hand-soft Indian linens that make your heart sing. Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home? Go with what you love. Listen to that little voice. Go with the flow and trust your instincts.

CONTACT: losari.com.au

French Provincial Living Room Package French provincial sofa in either oak or antique white frame with either natural or charcoal linen French louis chair in either oak or antique white frame with either natural or charcoal linen French style coffee table Price $2,910. Stockist: lavenderhillinteriors.com.au

classic provincial

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1] FV Rattan Basket with Handles. Price $359. Stockist: www.villamaison.com 2] French Linen Wingback. Handcrafted from solid birch and upholstered in 100% black linen. Price $1169. Stockist: provincialhomeliving.com.au 3] Timber Chandelier White. Price: $260. Stockist: www.lifestylehomeandliving.com.au 4] Blue Stripe Square Cushion Covers Set. Price $85. Stockist: www.thedharmadoor.com.au 5] Elegant French Provincial 2 drawers with the distressed look that improves with wear and tear. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au 6] Extension Round Table - Oak. Price $2277. Stockists: www.vavoom.com.au 7] Villa Grande Cafe Barstool - Aged white. Price $136.50. Stockist: provincialhomeliving.com.au 8] Regent Candles. Simple and provincial in style, inspired by deco and art nouveau styles. Stockist: www.this.com.au

STORE PROFILE

PENNY FARTHING DESIGN HOUSE Sarah Neilsen chats with us about the beginnings of Penny Farthing Design House and introduces the talented artists within the collection A bit about Penny Farthing Design House and how it was formed? Penny Farthing Design house is a print gallery working with a range of artists in various stages of their creative journey. The Business was created originally in conjunction with my sister and was born from a desire to find modern and accessible artworks that really enhance the interior at a reasonable price point. We began purely as an online presence but we now also run the business out of Balmain East. Its great to see the collection come to life in a physical form and we really enjoy how the gallery really is a connection to our customers and the community. However the online business does allow us to access a customer base overseas and we get a real buzz when we send a ‘Frank’ to New York, or a Gabrijela Polic to a boarding house in London.

Tell us about the team behind Penny Farthing? We have a talented and eclectic team coming from a range of backgrounds including architecture, industrial design, marketing, film and fine arts. This allows for a certain diversity and creativity that comes together to bring our collection to market. We find the workplace is a constant source of inspiration for us all, and we really enjoy the collaborative atmosphere. How do you select the right artist for your collection? What are you looking for? At Penny Farthing we find our artists organically and the process has been very natural to date. It might be that they have walked into our space, or that we saw their works in an exhibition. We work with artists who are passionate and pour heart and soul into their artworks. Our pieces come together

as a total collection, while also suiting a range of interiors. We want them to enhance and inspire any space and its been really interesting watching the business evolve over time as new artists bring a new style and energy to the collection Can you give us a little background on each your each artists at the moment? We currently stock works by 10 different artists. Erica Smith, who has been with us from the beginning, works with a range of mediums including typography, and a fun collection of animals including a deer named ‘Reginald’ and a Bulldog named ‘Frenchy’. Chloe Harris is a newer artist who is inspired by the beauty within nature. Her works include detailed etchings of landscapes and a series of fine drawings of bugs and beatles. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Jordan Conaghan is a National Art School graduate. One of his seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is very graphic and sharp, while the other is a lot more organic and features birds painted in watercolour. Gabrijela Polic is an artist whose works feature a strong emphasis on colour, intricacies and pattern and is both organic and abstract.

Madeleine Luschwitz is our in house artist who completes finishing touches to artworks that have an additional layer after production and also creates original pieces as part of our collection. She is a talented being that works on creating a wide range of installations for the gallery and our windows fronting Darling St. Anne Delaney our new sculpture artist has recently joined us with a highly clever ceramic bone like sculpture that we have in a range of

sizes in both black and whites. Flavia Julius is a Brazilian artist that has been deeply inspired by Aboriginal works so these pieces are a colourful collaboration of both cultures. Heather Brodie is an art teacher whose works are an exploration of patterns and form. They are simple statement pieces in both abstract painting and detailed drawing. Tim Pascoe and Phil Noller have both produced amazing photographic works that

round out our diverse range. From detailed shots of Sydney, to cafe scenes in Venice they are all timeless and modern works within any space. We also carry a range of Max Dupain prints from his estate. Do you have a favourite piece in your collection? There are many favourites within the

collection, but it is always very exciting when something new comes in. Over the last couple of months we have remodelled our web site to showcase these recent additions so at the moment I am really enjoying how these new works breathe new life to our collection.

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Clockwise from far left: ‘Bloom’ by Jordan Conaghan; ‘Amazon’ canvas artwork by Flavia Julius; ‘Silent Joy’ by Gabrijela Polic; ‘The Love Stack’ by Gabrijela Polic; ‘Still’ canvas artwork by Chloe Harris; ‘Hendrix’ the Hyland Cow by Erica Smith.

Clockwise from far left: Coogee SLSC by photographer Phil Noller; ‘Nature Colliding’ by Jordan Conaghan; , ‘The Jolly Bunch’ by Gabrijela Polic; ‘Macaw’ by Jordan Conaghan; “Gus the Great” by brilliant Erica Smith; ‘Glorious Bindings’ by Gabrijela Polic;

< continued from previous page Do you have any tips in how to choice the right piece for your home? The obvious answer is to choose something you love. Once you have got that right it is then important to think about the size and scale and how it will fit in your space. Even in small spaces it can be good to put large works in order to make the room feel larger. A vast portion of our collection is

monochromatic, as we want it to enhance the space and not to necessarily over power it, so colour choice is a really good thing to think about. Also, having a connection with an artwork is going to allow it to build its own personality amongst the home or space and other collectables within the room. So when it comes to choosing the right piece of art, as it is in life, you should always trust your instinct.

Who are some of your favourite artist at the moment? David Bromley’s work is very identifiable and always adds a bit of attitude to any interior. I have a real passion for photography and especially iconic photographers such as Bert Stern, Bruno Benini, Louise Dahl Wolfe and Arthur Elgort, whose works I have a couple of in my home. It would not be complete without mentioning Max Dupain who is Australia’s most iconic photographer and it

is a real privilege to be able to sell his works through Penny Farthing Design House. These are timeless, beautiful pieces that hold an important aspect of Australian history and so it feels really special to have them within our collection. What has been Penny Farthingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest highlight? The biggest highlight was to see the business evolve beyond just an online presence to a

physical gallery space in Balmain East. Over the last 18 months the business has grown significantly and this important step has been vital to this process. I still pinch myself when I drive by and see this historic building that was previously vacant and has now come to life with our gorgeous team and artworks.

online shortly which includes a detailed study of bugs, beatles and flora. They are by Chloe Harris who is a gorgeous, young and very driven artist from Sydney. However at the beginning of winter we added just over 35 new works to our site, so it is a really exciting time for the gallery.

Do you have anything new in store for Penny Farthing? This week we received a new series due to be

CONTACT: pennyfarthingdh.com.au

stylish CORK

OYOY Cork Trisse The Cork Trisse can be used as a side table, bedside table or stool. Price $299. Stockist: se3.co.nz

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1] Cork Espresso Cup. Beautiful natural cork and earthenware designs for daily life. Price $9.75. Stockist: www.izzyandjean.co.nz 2] The Ando pendant. Price: $169. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au 3] Trivet Coasters. Made from a composite of recycled cork and rubber, the trivet coasters are a modular system. Price $39.95. Stockist: utedesign.com.au 4] Smed bar stool. Stockist: greatdanecontract.com 5] Bloomingville Cork & Ceramic Vase - Black. Price $89. Stockist: www.roomandbloom.com.au 6] Davis & Waddell Terra Ceramic Bottle Stopper Assorted. Price $6.99. Stockist: www.davisandwaddell.com.au 7] Sterling Silver Stag Head Stopper. Price $170. Stockist: toomarvellous.co 8] Ashdene - White Zig Zag Cork Placemats. Price $20. Stockist: www.aston-james.com.au 9] Menu Water Carafe 1.2L With Cork Lid. Price $99.95. Stockist: www.stemonline.com.au 10] Ronny Stool: Made from Cork and Aluminium. Price $190. Stockist: Tiny Kiosk 11] Menu - Storage Stone Jar with Lid Sand . Price $99.95. Stockist: www.safariliving.com

STORE PROFILE

WAX MUSE Christian Munari and Chris Cacoyiannis take us behind the brand and how they created perfection

Tell us a bit about Wax Muse? Wax Muse was formed in 2014 by Melbournian duo Chris and Christian. We are a small batch candle company with a focus on producing premium quality all natural 100% soy wax candles. The name Wax Muse was derived from our vision to create a product that is truly inspiring, your own personal Muse that can transform a desired space with ambient light and a beautiful unique scent. Tell us about yourself and your background? Chris is a collector of many things vintage, both home decor, movies and vinyl. Christian is an artist, having completed his Fine Art

Degree at Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RMIT University. Both are primary educators with a strong passion for sustainable practices, a mutual love for interior design and an obsession with candles, a combination of elements that have proven quintessential in the formation of Wax Muse. What sparked you to create your business? We have long been candle fanatics and collectors, and once we had collectively sampled nearly every candle on the market, it was a seemingly natural progression into producing our own. We never intended to develop our practice into a business, but the growing requests from family and friends

helped us to believe that perhaps we had created something special. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Candle making is both an art and a science. How each fragrance interacts with a wax can vary immensely, and the process is particularly tricky to master when producing 100% soy products. Trial and error plays a key role in the journey to perfection! Once we have established the correct process, it is recorded in our journal and then meticulously repeated each time that scent is poured. All of our fragrances have endured extensive research and market testing to ensure that

our vision not only meets the needs of customers, but that it fulfills one of the greatest challenges of the modern era, and that is to produce something that is new and exciting. Listening to feedback and taking risks with our design has played a critical role in establishing the product as it is today. How do you create the different scents in your candles? Each fragrance in the Wax Muse range has been created with the notion that truly personalising a space requires a captivating and unique scent. This process requires trialing different combinations of fragrances to establish the right balance. Having a clear vision of what we wanted each candle to represent, along with testing each prototype in a variety of different interiors, has assisted in honing in on the final formulas. What scents are currently available and which is your favourite? We have three Muses in our range so far. They are, ZACHARI, which is the scent of sun warmed figs and delicate cassis, enhanced with cedarwood and hyacinth. GYPSY, which is a dark and elusive blend of ancient amber and earthy cardamom enriched with bergamot and nutmeg, and lastly, TROPIKA, which is a tropical scent of lime and warm vanilla with amber on base of a coconut and sweet orange. To choose a personal favourite would be nearly impossible, however GYPSY definitely adds some magic to these cold winter nights in Melbourne, perhaps that is our favorite today.

What makes your candles stand out from the rest? At the very heart of our practice, lies our inherent need to produce something that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Our wax is made of 100% soy, which is a completely renewable resource. Our candles contain no paraffin and no petrochemicals, meaning they burn clean and soot free. Even the gorgeous Amber vessels play a key role in our sustainable process, as once your candle is finished, simply wash out the jar and lid with warm soapy water and now you have a stunning air tight container for whatever purpose you choose. What do you love the most about having your own label? The ability to have a creative outlet is so much fun. Releasing a product into the market has been a challenging and scary venture, but it has definitely been rewarding. At the moment we are just loving what we are doing. Do you have plans to expand your scent range? Absolutely! We would love a different scent for every hour of every day. However, we are chronic perfectionists, so our product development process can be quite lengthy! We have a very clear vision for expanding our line, and look forward to some new and exciting ventures ahead. Until then, enjoy our beautiful current offerings ZACHARI, GYPSY and TROPIKA. CONTACT: waxmuse.com.au

Photography: Erin Devenish

Image: Temple & Webster

Photogrpahy: Rohan Young

STORE PROFILE

WIRELY Emer Diviney chats with us giving an insight into her mid-century inspired homewares Tell us a bit about Wirely? Wirely is a mid-century inspired homewares business with a range of products for indoor and outdoor use. I founded it last year with my friend and fellow modernist design lover Anne Davies. We are best known for our classic hairpin leg plant stands and side-tables but we also have a range of candlesticks and tea towels. We will be expanding the range in the next month to include, door hooks and shelving systems. All our products are made in Melbourne. Tell us about yourself and your background? My background is a little bit confused. I spent quite a number of years working on ethical and sustainable business projects and social enterprises in the not-for-profit sector. After a while I needed a change and for the last couple of years I have been employed in the events sector. Recent projects have included the Melbourne Fashion Festival and Supergraph. Anne is a horticulturalist and a masseuse. It is a little bit of a mystery to us both that we have ended up owning a homewares business, but we are loving the creative outlet. What sparked you to create your business? I was putting together a store fit-out for Supergraph. Anne and I were having a drink in her back garden and I spotted the slightly rusted plant stand she had inherited from her grandmother - I want some of those for my shop fittings, I said, and Anne replied, I know a metal man who can make them for you. So Anne organised production for my shop stands and a few more to sell. They ended up walking out the door - and just like that we were in business.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces? We have a strong focus on local manufacturing. We design our products in collaboration with local metal fabricators, powder coaters and joiners. Anne and I both come up with design ideas and work together on the concepts. Anne carries these ideas through to production and works on the finishes for many of the products. I am more involved in the branding, marketing and sales. What inspires you in your designs? We grew up in Heidelberg and Park Orchards, and were influenced by the modernist architecture that flourished in these Melbourne suburbs during the 60s and 70s. Living and socialising in homes decorated with products from some of the mid-century greats including Featherston, Eames, Marimekko, Bitossi and Parker left an indelible mark on us, inspiring design choices throughout both their lives. We now both live in the northern suburb and are big fans of the brick veneer homes that feature metal gates, carports and balustrades. We are always on the lookout for houses with a terrazzo or crazy paving patio and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bonus if they garden design includes a rockery. We are currently working on a new range that is less mid-century and more inspired by the Melbourne New Wave fashion and music that featured heavily in our formative years. Watch this space. What do you love the most about having your own label? We both love working with our manufacturers and learning about new processes and techniques. We never in our wildest dreams

thought we would know as much as we do about powdercoating. Who are some of your favourite designers? All the mid-century designers mentioned previously. Anne in particular likes landscape designer, Roberto Burle Marx and we both rate Heidi ll as one of our favourite Australian buildings. Designers from the 80s and 90s including Susan Kohn, Built Modern, and Memphis style great, Sotsass are also be included in our list. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Definitely the modular table tops that turn our plant stands into occasional tables. They are great for people who live in small places. We have also just launched a concrete version with Erin Devenish from Zin & Bert. What has been your biggest highlight? We were chuffed to have our candlesticks included in Etsy at the Cullen styled by Marsha Golemec and photographed by Brooke Holm, they are both such great talents. When Devendra Banhart purchased one of our tables online we were also pretty excited. What are your plans for the future? We are about to launch a range of door hooks and modular shelving. We are also playing around with Perspex, mesh and perforated metal. We will be launching some of these products at Finders Keepers in Melbourne in July. CONTACT: wirely.com.au