Winkelen march 2015 book by Winkelen Magazine

Issue #11

ONLINE HOMEWARES MAGAZINE

wood worKs Divine spaces with handcrafted furniture

CUMULUS LIVING

goosebumps Vibrant and playful boutique bedding collection

luxe leather

A das

h a lu x your h ury for ome

A paradise of designed textiles

HOMEWARES ON DISPLAY

FROM THE OWL

An amazing partnership creates a haven for artisian homewares

s u pl c gi a m n ia m e h o b f o h A Touc every child loves ice-cream

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 FROM THE OWL

38 JACK AULD

We chat with Alex, one half of the amazing partnership of From The Owl, together with Marissa they have created a haven for homewares

Located in the picturesque town of Barwon Heads, Jack Auld uses custom timber to create statement pieces

14 GOOSEBUMPS

OUR COVER TUCKBOX ‘Gather’ dining table, with Half-Gem edge detail. Prices begin at $1605. Left: Klein/Lozenge stools. Price $295 each. Right: Klein/Gem stools. Price $295 each. To explain - the Klein is the stool - and the Lozenge or Gem distinguishes the top shape. Photography: Tara Pearce Styling: Stephanie Stamatis www.tuckbox.com.au

Inga Rodd launched her boutique bedding brand Goosebumps with a vibrant and playful collection that any child would adore

46 RUST FURNITURE Using reclaimed, recycled and new timbers the team at Rust Furniture create innovative and customised furniture with high appeal

52 SAWDUST BUREAU FURNITURE SPECIAL 24 GREEN CATHEDRAL Tim Scarce has evolved his backyard hobby into a handcrafted furniture success story

32 LITTLE RED INDUSTRIES Natasha Dickins creates unique and practical pieces in her workshop

Bryan Cush and Greg Bielawiec are the dynamic pair behind Sawdust Bureau who design and create sculptural artwork and functional furiture

58 IRON & WOOD Using only salvaged and reclaimed timber Nathan Bucher creates stunning furniture that is not only purposeful but beautiful

REGULARS 62 SALTWOOD DESIGNS

74 CUMULUS LIVING

Karl Young took the leap and started up his own bespoke furniture and homewares business using recycled and sustainable materials

Textile designer Kate Rekaris delivers on every level with her standout range of boutique cushions, throws and fabrics

67 SQUAREPEG HOME Designer Ben Savage creates contemporary furniture with a danish touch ensuring Squarepeg home standouts from the pack

80 THE COLOUR PALETTE A collobration between homewares store Fenton & Fenton and Haymes Paints is set to dish up some stunning inspiration

4 Moodboard 6 We love 23 Must Have 82 Business directory

PLUS

A selection product pages featuring cushions, lighting, art prints and more

FAVOURITE FINDS THEM SIDE TABLE by Nicholas Karlovasitis & Sarah Gibson. Them Table is made from FSC certified timber with the wood turning process generating minimal waste. The product comes unassembled, ensuring that the product remains compact during distribution and by using fasteners to join the product, harmful adhesives are avoided. Price $895. Stockist: www.designbythem.com

BECKERS The new range of ceramic beakers are all designed and made locally here on the Gold coast. They have been hand painted individually with a wash of colour and finished with a matte glaze with no two being the same. These beakers look beautiful mixed and matched between the colours. Stockist: www.beneaththesun. bigcartel.com

URBAN HANGERS These Urban Hangers are light, goodlooking and will keep a hold of all sorts of goodies in your home. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good for hanging towels, throws, magazines, clothes, or draping anything ornamental. Available in 2 sizes (Mini or Large), and made in Melbourne. Price $20. Stockist: www.russetdesign.com.au

CO-DEPEND LAMP The curved American oak body of the Co-Depend Lamp rests on a solid brass bar to create a thoughtfully refined design. This balanced composition highlights the lamps sleek symmetry of form in a modest and beautiful way. Designed and made in Australia Price $390. Stockist: www.nookoandco.com.au

BLACK AFGHAN CANDLES

MAGAZINE STAND Handcrafted from beautiful reclaimed Golden Cypress. This piece will hold your magazines and books in a stylish and versatile way. Price $160. Stockist: www.harryandjane.com.au

The new large and XL BLACK AFGHAN candles by Mad et Len contained in hand forged blackened steel. Made in France and exclusive to Island Luxe Tribe

LOVE

Klein / Lozenge Stackable side table / low stool, with hand worked Australian hard wood top. Select your preferred combination of timber finish & base coating. Foot tabs offering floor protection are also an option. They are fitted during fabrication and can not be retrofitted. Each piece of TUCKBOX furniture is unique and made by hand to order. From $295. Stockist: www.tuckbox.com.au

Clothes Airer. More than just a clothes dryer it is designed with purposed in mind. Made from solid white ash, this is a practical alternative to the clothes covered floor or bedroom chair. Drape your clothes and accessories over the stand making your clothes more cared for. Price $277. Stockist: www.missglasshome.com

1] Nest footstool. A footstool, a coffee table or a multiple-use sculpture made of sustainable natural rattan. The astonishing construction is lightweight yet extremely strong. Stockist: www.canelineaustralia.com.au 2] Congo relax chair. Price $499. Stockist: www.uniqwafurniture.com.au 3] Marble and leather vase white. Price $154. Stockist: www.soundslikehome.com.au

from the owl We chat with Alex, one half of the amazing partnership of From The Owl, together with Marissa they have created a haven for homewares Can you tell us a bit about From The Owl and how it was formed? From the Owl started as simple idea to have a wedding registry full of things “we love” and has now become fully fledged obsession to create not only a wedding registry we love but a homewares store that is stacked full of things we would be proud to have in our own home. How did your career begin? While always having a love of homewares, we didn’t start in the retail industry. We both have come from highly creative environments, with backgrounds in photography, graphic design and media. In life before From the Owl, Marissa was graphic designer turned professional wedding photographer and is now also one of the founding directors of One Fine Day (the hugely successful wedding fair), so you might say she knows a thing or two about the wedding biz. I (Alex) am a bit of a jack of all trades and before From the Owl,

I spent my time as a sound engineer working in dark sound proof rooms at radio stations and post production studio’s. What sparked you to create your business? We’ve always loved the idea of creating a business from scratch. The idea From the Owl came about one night over a few glasses vino, and next thing you know, bada bing.. we have our own homewares store and wedding registry! (It does help when one half of the team is a kick ass graphic designer). Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how do you select the right item for your store? We source our stock from all different places, we find a bunch of our products while flicking through magazines, searching on pinterest, instagram and at trade shows. We then seek out/stalk the distributers and cross our fingers they like us and will allow us to sell their very cool products. continued on next page >

< continue from previous page We love finding products that you can’t find everywhere or in your general department store, so I guess we like the thrill of the chase, if we love a certain item we will do whatever it takes to make sure it’s available at From the Owl. What do you love the most about having your own store? We love shopping, so this helps that addiction, and we love sharing well made products to other people who will appreciate and love them. We are big on using our products in our home and in our everyday life. We love what we sell so our home is very much like our store, which makes life easy. Who are some of your favourite designers? We love Tom Dixon, his products have great style, simplicity and functionality down pat. We are also big on Australian talent and love brands like Robert Gordon, they are an Australian family run company doing beautiful things with ceramics, they just keep evolving. What do you consider to be a must have item in your home? You can’t go wrong with some great artwork. Nothing says home like adding your own personality via an artwork. What has been your biggest highlight? After spending three years working for ourselves we have found our feet and buying our own home to stamp our personality on and really showcase the From the Owl’s style. Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home? Don’t shy away from expensive things that you love as you will keep them much longer, if you see something you love and “must have” then buy it, there is no room in this life for regrets. I’m yet to see anyone showcase money around the house. What do you foresee as the next big trend? Simplicity and pairing it back. CONTACT: www.fromtheowl.com

chic bohemian

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to create a relaxed and colourful space with these delightful choices

Ivory vintage handira. This one-off moroccan wedding blanket sparkles and shimmers with love! Price $599. Anika vintage beni ouarain rug. This exquisite vintage Beni Ouarain rug surpasses time, connecting the history of nomadic Berber tribes with the taste of modern design and interiors. Price $4499. Stockist: www.sageandclare.com Photography: Luis Ferreiro. Styling: Aimee Tarulli for Greenhouse Interiors

3 1

10 11

1] Birds of Prey Round Beach Mandala. Price $69.99. Stockist: www.thebohemianspirit.com.au 2] Gypsy queen. Price $120. Stockist: www.ibuku.com.au 3] Grey Dreamcatcher Cushion. Price $64. Stockist: www.meandmytrend.com 4] Fez leather pouffe. Price $199. Stockist: www.sageandclare.com 5] Moroccan Wedding Blankets. Created by women of Northern Morocco, specifically the Berber women of the Atlas Mountains. Price $680. Stockist: www. barefootgypsy.com.au 6] Ikat Blankets. Ikat print kantha blankets made with 100% cotton add a colorful design pop to any home. Price $190. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au 8] Kantha Cushions. The myriad of fabric colour patches mean they work for any interior. Price $40. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au 9] Lilypad mandala print. Price $265. Stockist: www.lumiereartandco.com.au 10] Moroccan Leather Pouffe - Tan. Price $199. Stockist: www.mintinteriordesign.com.au 11] Bohemian Reggae Dreamcatcher. Price $11. Stockist: www.treeoflife.com.au

goosebumps Inga Rodd launched her boutique bedding brand Goosebumps with a vibrant and playful collection that any child would adore

Tell us a bit Goosebumps? Goosebumps is a boutique bedding brand who specialise in unique and vibrant bedding ranging from cot to doubles. All our pieces are sold as separates and are designed to mix and switch it up to create a fun and colourful bedroom for your little tigers. Goosebumps loves bold colour, prints, the wonder years and anything that sparks your fondest childhood memories. Tell us about yourself and your background? I’m a wife and mum to three year old twin boys Archie and Levi. I work from home and my dreams have come true starting Goosebumps. My background is in retail, fashion and wholesale with the occasional stint in hospitality in my 20’s. Goosebumps has been in the pipeline for about seven years which is about how long I’ve been wanting to start my own business. All my friends know me as the idea’s person and I love nothing more than getting fired up in work-shopping idea’s for a new concept or business idea. It took twin boys, Archie and Levi who are now three, and the desire to do something outside of nappies, bottles and sleepless nights to jump in head first in 2014 and launch Goosebumps. And the rest they say is history! continued on next page >

Photography: www.jamesgeer.com.au Stylist: Aimee Tarulli - www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au

Photography: www.jamesgeer.com.au Stylist: Aimee Tarulli www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au

< continued from previous page What sparked you to create your business? I always knew that I wanted to start my own business and that it had to be something creative that inspired me and that I could slowly turn into a fully-fledged business once the boys started school. A career that I’d created and one that allowed me the flexibility to work from home, manage my own hours, and be my own boss. The simple truth in what led me to designing children’s bedding was the need to have something else outside of being a mum with two screaming toddlers! What processes are involved in creating your pieces? My creative process usually begins with colours and prints I’m inspired by. Then I start collating a detailed mood board and begin to visualise a collection that is going to work. I’m bit of a mad hatter and have bits of paper flying around all over the place which is why a mood board works so well for me as it gives all my inspo a home. I use Pinterest and Instagram all the time. What inspires you in your designs? My inspiration for my designs come from everywhere and everyday things such as music, fashion, film, art, interiors, travel and things I used to like as a little girl. A bit of a trip down memory lane as well…I also frequent cool websites and blogs such as Interiors Addict, Affordable Style Files, Anthropologie and The Design Files. The inspiration for this collection It’s A Jungle Out There was my love of colour and what I felt was lacking in kids bedding along with the jungle and my love of leopard print. It must be the Russian in me! My design philosophy is to produce vibrant, colourful bed linen for the coolest tigers in town! Goosebumps hopes to inject a certain playfulness and unexpected designs that deliver a punch. Colour and the fact that all Goosebumps products are sold separately was an integral part of my design process. I wanted to deliver unique pieces that parents and kids could mix and match to create a fun bedroom experience allowing kids to express their own style, individuality and personality. This first collection was shot by the incredible James Geer, and the super stylist Aimee Tarulli from Greenhouse Interiors.

I absolutely loved shooting this campaign and it was awesome to work with such an inspiring team. What do you love the most about having your own label? Limitless creative freedom and being my own boss. Who are some of your favourite designers? For furniture I love Mark Tuckey and Jardan. I love and support Australian designers such as Alice McCall, Sass and Bide and Mister Zimmi. I wouldn’t say no to a custom J’Aton dress either. Oversea’s designers I love are Gucci, Stella McCartney and I would die for a Naeem Khan original for that special black tie event. Jeremy Scott for a bit of fun! What is your favourite item in your on-line store right now and why? Inspiration from the jungle is where it all started so I would say the Jungle quilt cover. It took so much work to get that print right and I simply love all the wild colours.

continued on next page >

Photography: www.jamesgeer.com.au Stylist: Aimee Tarulli - www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au

< continued from previous page What has been your biggest highlight? Biggest highlight by far was walking away from our launch at the Life In Style trade fair in August 2014 with 30 stockists around Australia and our first two international stockists in New Zealand. But to be honest there has been many as you never quite know who and how the market will respond. When we launched we won top 10 best stand in Kids Life In Style out 250 exhibitors so that was very special to us. Then when Inside Out magazine had us on their top 100 best gift guide and had some pieces shot I almost fell over as that was a dream come true. The icing on the cake was being part of The Home Team on Channel 10 which was a renovation show on recently. Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors who was the interiors stylist and one of the hosts used heaps of our bedding in the boys room reveal. That was a real pinch yourself moment. After The Home Team and being a Block Head fan I’ve got my sights set on the Block and

watch this space as there may be tears if I get on that show!!! Bring on the kids room reno. Ha ha ha…. What are your plans for the future? I’ve just finished designing the new children’s collection that will be launched later in the year. We are thrilled to announce we will also be launching an adults line too so all the big kids can play. We always have a million idea’s and concepts we throw around so stay tuned as we have big plans for Goosebumps. We’ll be at Life In Style in August 2015 so come and see us. Dream for Goosebumps? I’d love a studio one day that’s above a shop, airy with big arch windows and lots of light that also doubles as a showroom. I’d have a huge desk where I could lay out all my inspo and swatches. On the walls, I would have amazing art with my favourite artists such as Ali Mcnabney Stevens, Merci Perci,

Lisa Lapointe, Madeline Stamer, Antoinette Ferwerda and Prudence Caroline. And a fab storage facility downstairs. This space would also double as a place where you could have little parties to launch new Goosebumps lines, the odd art exhibition and support other business in helping them achieve their dreams. In this dream, I would have a small fun team of creatives where we would create and play with fun idea’s for Goosebumps. I would have someone managing my social media and my husband would be working opposite me doing all the things he’s great at such as the website, number crunching and general business side of things. Here’s to chasing your dreams! CONTACT: Inga Rodd P: 0405 051 190 E: inga@goosebumps.net.au W: goosebumps.net.au

leather loves

Luxury at affordable prices add a touch of class

Round Floor Cushions These round floor cushions come in two styles. One features beautiful New Zealand brown/tan leather on the front and 100% flax linen on the back. Big enough to be used as a floor cushion but also looks great as a feature on your bed, lounge or chair. Price $220. Stockist: www.mrandmrswhite.net

3 2

1] Aged Leather Folding Stool - Brown. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au 2] Leather napkin ring by Life of Riley LTD. Price $40. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au 3] Leather Box Door Stop. Stockist: www.lifestylehomeandliving.com.au 4] Cushion frill. A cute leather and linen cushion available in tan, black or brown. Stockist: www.temono.com.au 5] Tub. Vegetable tanned leather basket or tub. Stockist: www.temono.com.au 6] Meizai Tan Leather Saddle Chair. Price $1295. Stockist: www.crateexpectations.com.au

8 7

9 10

16 14

7] Pod luxe leather pendant light by Who Did That. Price $785. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au 8] Heart U Leather wall flag. Price $59. Stockist: www.formfunctionstyle.com.au 9] Mathilda Clahr Tan Leather M Strap. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au 10] Cap Chair. A small hide armchair with blecahed, walnut or wenge-stained solid ash legs. Stockist: www.cultdesign.com.au 11] Leather 01 Handles Saddle Tan. These leather handles may be fixed to a drawer or other joinery units. Price $17. Stockist: www.mademeasure.com 12] Tan leather woven cushion by Elson. Price $140. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au 13] Danish Tanned leather 3 seater sofa. Price $3990. Stockist: www.moderntimes.com.au 14] Leather Pouffe – Duo – Chocolate Brown. Price $140. Stockist: www.maisonandmaison.com.au 15] Ferm LIVING leather clothes rack. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au 16] All Oak Mirror. Solid bent American white oak frame with a raw russet leather strap. Price $620. Stockist: shop.douglasandbec.com 17] Tbc1 chair. Designed drawing inspiration from Marcel Breuer’s Wassily Chair. Stockist: www.labdestu.com.au

TOP PICK

under 25 $

Bargain buys for your home

Macadamia & Honeycomb Soap. A natural soap made with macadamia oil & honeycomb. Price $10. Stockist: www.cleansewithbenefits.com.au

Metallic Cubix Vase Copper. Price $19.95. Stockist: www.zanui.com.au Large Apothecary Jar Soy Candle. Price $25. Stockist: www.issera.com

Cloud Wall Hook. Price $19. Stockist: www.thewallcollective. com.au

Amalfi Crayon Vase. Price $14.95 each. Stockist: www.amalfihomewares.com.au

Sleeping Bunny Shelf Sitter. Price $9.50. Stockist: www. lifestylehomeandliving.com.au Floral Drink Coasters. Price $16.50. Stockist: www.lifestylehome andliving.com.au

Elephant Wall Hook. Price $17.95. Stockist: www. kushliving.com.au

Diamond Print. A treasured keepsake of the day you became engaged. Price $25. Stockist: www.downthatlittlelane.com.au Davis & Waddell Colour Dip Presentation Board. Price $19.99. Stockist: www.davisandwaddell.com.au

MUST HAVE Unique wares to add another dimension to your home

The Lev teak outdoor dining set will out rival any other outdoor timber settings for its stateliness and for its sheer quality. The design takes your breath away and the comfort in incredible. This is an outstanding timber outdoor dining set that will give you decades of joy and happiness. For more information and beautiful outdoor settings please see www.OutdoorFurnitureCorporation.com.au

Scented soy wax candles. Pixie candles are lovingly hand poured in Melbourne. They are made from sustainable, reusable and recycled materials which consist of 100% soy wax, essential oils and the finest fragrances, better yet each comes with a beautiful recycled timber lid that is made locally. Once your candle has come to it’s end, don’t throw it out- simply wash with soapy water and reuse it for your favourite bits. Stockist: www.pixiehome.com.au

Your home and in particular, children’s rooms, should be a place where imaginations soar and a sense of wonder and warmth abound. A comforting place, for you and your family. Adding gorgeous pieces to walls such as fun wall hooks, whimsical shelves, pretty decals and superhero decorations, really add that special touch. And so The Wall Collective was born. Stockist: www.thewallcollective.com.au

Aztec Art. This art print is partly derived from an original acrylic painting on canvas then further developed digitally. Print looks great displayed both vertically or horizontally. Giclee print on heavyweight art paper is matted and framed in a patterned antique black frame, gold for you glitzy types, or a plain white box frame for a classic contemporary art look. Stockist: www.ecochic.com.au

green caT hedral Tim Scarce has evolved his backyard hobby into a handcrafted furniture success story

furniture SPECIAL

Tell us a bit about Green Cathedral? Green Cathedral has evolved quite a bit from where it began - initially it was just me working from a tiny tin shed in my back yard creating one-off pieces and surf boards for family and friends. Today Green Cathedral is a team of five and between us we design, manufacture, wholesale and retail our own range of furniture. With a dedicated workshop, offices and a Design Gallery the evolution has been one of great lows and highs but I wouldn’t change a thing. Tell us about yourself and your background? I went to a pretty archaic boys boarding

school that didn’t exactly foster or encourage the creative arts, especially as a career. My interest in furniture making was ignited when I went to a furniture restoration class with my mum (at age 10) and my skills were honed in my dad’s shed during school holidays. Three weeks out of high school and I began an Aircraft Engineering apprenticeship and I was in that industry for the next 12 years. What sparked you to create your business? I had always made furniture, it was the dream of turning it into full time job that was elusive. The opportunity came in 2008 when redundancies were being offered in our company, I was the first to put my hand

up and instead of investing the money or travelling around the world I took a leap of faith, I moved to a property with a huge shed (on 10 acres) and bought a handful of essential tools. Armed with some business cards, a small portfolio of work and a whole lot of hope and bravado I went knocking on the doors of some Interior Designers. Initially, I became the Furniture Maker for Magnolia Interiors (Brisbane) and Otilly and wLewis (Perigian) creating one-off pieces in predominantly French and Hamptons styling, all the while dreaming of making my own designs. continued on next page >

“It has been a conscious decision to design pieces that are part of complete range, each with a distinct Green Cathedral edge and style and to develop and cultivate our own aesthetic.”

< continued from previous page With the encouragement of my wife, Sal I dusted off my\design sketchbooks and started proto-typing. The first Babanees stool was made in a day and Sal had it selling the day after from a store in Hasting’s St, Noosa. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Generally all our designs start with a single idea inspired by the everyday such as a stubbed toe tucking in the kids: “Let’s make a glow in the dark kids bed” (Archie Bed) or “We really need a place to dump our keys/

schoolbags etc” (pegboard) then we go go back and forth a bit and sketch it out until we are both on the same page and then the fun begins! I head to the workshop and start prototyping, which is great and the Sal comes in and makes all her changes! We both bring our own strengths to the table and the finished product is a result of our partnership. What inspires you in your designs? We have a saying that “Authenticity is more important than Originality” we all draw inspiration consciously and sub-consciously and to be 100% original is virtually impossible.

I draw a definite influence from the MidCentury Modern Designers, however it is more their ethos and aesthetic than their actual designs. For instance Charles Eames once said “I want to make the best, for the most, for the least.” Trying to get that balance: great design that is reproducible to the highest standard and available for a reasonable price (and 100% made in Australia) is something that constantly inspires and challenges us. It has been a conscious decision to design pieces that are part of complete range, each with a distinct Green Cathedral edge and style and to develop and cultivate our

own aesthetic. Hopefully one day people will be able to recognise pieces as a “Green Cathedral piece” and maybe one day people will be clamouring to own “an authentic Green Cathedral stool/chair/table etc” What do you love the most about having your own label? Sal and I can be just hanging with our three kids and one of us has an idea and by the next day we can have it prototyped, put photos on Instagram and have instant feedback and usually, sales. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page That is the one thing the big companies that are renowned for imitating local designers can’t do! Definitely our Friday morning “board meetings”, me and the boys hit the surf (if the waves are good) every Friday morning at 6am - it’s a great way to end the week, we are such a small team and we are always on deadlines so we need to be able to work well together, it’s great to have that time-out and shake off some of the tension of a week. Who are some of your favourite designers? Tony Parker and Ray and Charles Eames What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? The Archie bed. It was an idea that took us almost 12 months to bring to fruition and another six to refine the production process. There is nothing like it on the market (yet) and well the fact that you can get it glow-in-the-dark - well that’s just awesome! What has been your biggest highlight? This. Being approached by industry magazines and media to share our story and furniture. It is such a buzz to be told “Oh I saw your furniture in **** magazine/blog the other day”. I guess I always believed we could get here - if I didn’t believe in it then we wouldn’t have made it this far. However it is still an unbelievable experience to see your heart and soul in print. What are your plans for the future? With the ability and frequency at which large chain stores are replicating trends (a big issue in our industry at the moment), I believe our designs have approximately a six month window before they become the trend and thus imitated, therefore our motto is to keep creating the trend…whilst they get busy copying, we’ll get busier creating. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? We have a lot more to come! CONTACT: www.greencathedral.com.au

Gloh vessels Hand crafted in Australia from sustainably sourced Queensland timber. Also available in black and hot pink. Price: $36-$59 Stockist: www.jasperandeve.com.au

Minimalistic Grey and Black Wall Clock by IStime. Price $89.90. Stockist: www.thedesigngiftshop.com

under 100 $

Bargain buys for your home

Adalai tie-dye cushion. Price $46.95. Stockist: www.kushliving.com.au

Atelier Lumira Candle Cuban Tobacco. Price $55. Stockist: www.thedesignhunter. com.au

Small Jute Basket - Charcoal. Price $99. Stockist: www. thedharmadoor. com.au

Personalised hardwood bookends. Inspired by old letterpress typography, these decorative and solid hardwood bookends typify the concept of functional art. Elegant and stylish, featuring a beautifully detailed font engraved into one side â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these pieces are available individually or as a set of two. Stockist: Manual Arts Dept

Antique Round Tray. The stunning Tray, is handmade in India and has a beautiful antique plated finish, with a hammered metal effect. Price $99. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au

Clay jug large. Price $59. Stockist: www.house ofgypsy.com

By Wirth Belt 4 Candle - Natural. Price $99.Stockist: www.norsu.com.au

Oelwein Buffalo print. High quality giclee print on smooth cotton high white paper. Price $55. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au

Uashmama Laundry Baskets. Price $79. Stockist: www. cranmorehome. com.au

Mini Swiss Cushion - Coral. Price $89. Stockist: www.ponyrider.com.au

Khadi Vessels Lead Cushion. Price $95. Stockist: www.ecochic.com.au

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cross Mixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; acrylic on canvas. A beautiful mix of colours, that also contrast to give an exciting visual display. This canvas will compliment any modern home. Hang on a small wall or display in a stand. Dimensions 25cm wide x 30cm high. Price $75. Stockist: Captured by Design

Orticello Round Platter. Price $99.95. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors. com.au

furniture SPECIAL

Photography: Vassi Dyulgerova

liT Tle red indusTries

Natasha Dickins creates unique and practical pieces in her workshop with a passion for revamping old classic chairs Tell us a bit about Little Red Industries? Little Red Industries is a one-woman show run from my workshop in Marrickville, the grungy end of Sydney’s Inner West. The focus is on designing and building contextual living solutions, whether it’s the perfect-size dining table, display for a fashion retailer, hairpin leg desks for an office, a client’s room makeover or a full renovation. The Little Red Industries HQ faces onto a main road and people often stop to stare or chat. Seeing a woman using a drill seems to fascinate them. Luckily, I’m a bit of a chair whisperer and love to talk timber, power tools and home maintenance with anyone who’s interested. DIY diva? Oh yes!

Tell us about yourself and your background? My first memory ever is of playing on the floor in the sawdust of my Dad’s woodworking shed. The dust dancing in the sunlight, the smell of woodchips, the comfort of sharing that quiet space... Then I grew up to become a magazine editor and got a rush out of publishing for 20 years. Working on teen zines like Dolly or weeklies like Woman’s Day, my mission was always to make practical, interesting lifestyle content, from ensuring a recipe works to styling photoshoots. My dream job was editor of Handyman magazine where I also got to be the DIY presenter on The Living Room for Network Ten. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page There was one episode where I went deep into a viewer’s garage to pull out some old chairs to refurbish. Covered in dirt and paint, I realised there’s unloved furniture in every Aussie garage that could do with a bit of TLC and some DIY smarts to breathe new life into it. So I hired a workshop, bought a circular saw and began revamping. What sparked you to create your business? When I left Handyman mag I needed a new perspective and moved into a shared space with some talented hairy hipster woodworkers. Reviving old chairs was rewarding as the inception of a business, but you can’t put a price on all that time lovingly spent restoring furniture. Summoning up the courage to move out of the comfort zone of working with objects created by others, and moving to an autonomous space has helped me step into a

new world of building projects from scratch. I also use the skills learnt as an editor and journalist to curate my content (hello Instagram!) and am always flattered when a social media relationship morphs into a business one. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Most of the things I’ve built start with a client or friend’s commission, usually beyond my skill set! So I bite the bullet, figure it out, make a few mistakes, procrastinate and talk myself into just giving it a go. And you know? It usually works out great. What inspires you in your designs? I love mid-century style, vintage logos and retro interiors. My discerning partner wears beautifully designed T shirts and his minimalist aesthetic constantly inspires me to simplify and make furniture that is a rewarding user experience. The innovation-hungry community of Instagram is also a visual feast that nurtures

creative processes and great everyday photography. What do you love the most about having your own label? The buzz of possibility! To be able to build stuff every day is so cool. I get the biggest kick out of mastering new tools, developing my woodworking techniques for new pieces and coming home absolutely filthy dirty. Who are some of your favourite designers? The enduring work of Ray and Charles Eames is a reminder to keep things simple and functional. The colour and texture of Marimekko is iconic, and House Industries makes inspiring fonts, homewares and collaborations with brands like Heath Ceramics. Closer to home, Cate Broadbent is a design guru. Furniture maker Richie Tipene is a bit of a mentor and I’ve seen him make 15 tables in a day! The cleverly crafted sculptures and felt dolls of Cupco are colourful and confronting. continued on next page >

Photography: Pablo Veiga

Photography: Saskia Wilson for Smith Journal

< continued on next page What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Anything I can whip up out of plywood! Loving the hairpin leg tables with plywood tops and the little matching metal stools. The recycled timber trestle tables are beautiful, but take a lot of elbow grease to build. Don’t ever begrudge the price of reclaimed timber products as there’s so much work involved. What has been your biggest highlight? When I recently delivered a desk to a client. She sat down in front of it, literally sniffed it,

stroked the surface, closed her eyes and said, ‘Oh my god, this is beautiful.’ How’s that for tingles? I found the atomic-style chair on Gumtree and restored the frame then hooked up with the amazing upholsterer Maaike who did the rest. It’s deliciously green and takes pride of place in my living room. What are your plans for the future? The future will bring collaborations for printing on timber and including textiles into my designs. A florist friend often pops in to ask for lastminute props for events. So I whip up crates, planters and plinths out of plywood offcuts

and have fun building on the fly. I’m making lots of display and everyday storage solutions as a result. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? While making furniture and doing fitouts is at the core of Little Red Industries, I also create how-to content to help others get stuck into DIY, with projects for interiors and gardening magazines plus how-to-build videos on the way.

CONTACT: www.littleredindustries.com

furniture SPECIAL

jacK auld Located in the picturesque town of Barwon Heads, Jack Auld uses custom timber to create incredible statement pieces Tell us a bit about your business? Auld Design specialises in custom timber furniture and joinery using Australian timbers. We produce high quality pieces, utilising traditional joinery techniques. We deliver Australia wide, but the majority of our customers are from Melbourne or the Geelong region. Auld Design is a micro business, with just me, and my wife, Sarah. We are just about to employ a qualified and highly experienced furniture maker to help out in the workshop a few days a week. I am in involved in every aspect of the business and personally making each piece by hand. Sarah does the admin and keeps me in line! Tell us about yourself and your background? I grew up in Geelong but spent about 15 years living overseas or in Melbourne from my early twenties. My wife and I moved to Barwon Heads just over four years ago with our daughter, Audrey. Audrey is now 5 and has a younger brother, Charlie, who just turned 3. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always had an artistic streak. I loved art at school and was good at drawing. I did a joinery apprenticeship when I left school and

worked for a number of years in the trade; shop fitting, on site construction, cabinet making. I started making furniture on the side pretty early on, I think while I was still an apprentice. I got a job with a furniture maker in Melbourne (Nick Coyle at The Timber Trip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now with WilderCoyle in NSW) and really honed my skills there. Nick taught me a lot about the furniture industry and working with Australian timbers. After The Timber Trip, my wife and I moved to the UK for a couple of years, where I worked for a high-end furniture maker and joiner in London. I worked on some pretty incredible commissions and got to know European timbers and different joinery techniques. When we returned to Melbourne I worked for another high-end furniture maker in Armadale. They had some pretty crazy, expensive machinery that took a lot of the traditional technique out of furniture making, but I learnt a lot about the design process and fitted furniture on a large scale. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page What sparked you to create your business? After working for other furniture makers in Melbourne and the UK for over a decade I was ready to take the next step. I learnt a hell of a lot from my former mentors but was keen to focus on my own designs. The timing seemed right when my wife went back to work after we had our daughter, Audrey. I quit my job, looked after Audrey a few days a week and started Auld Design in our garage. My first commissions were from friends or friends of friends. The business evolved pretty naturally and steadily and I moved out of the garage and into a workshop space about a year later.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces? My pieces are all custom made, so the first step is a discussion and consultation with the client. We will talk about the styles they like, what the piece will be used for, material preferences etc. Most people know what they like and don’t like but aren’t always able to explain exactly what they want. It’s my job to translate their brief into a design that incorporates my style with their needs. I’ll then sketch up one or more options and I’ll spend some time refining the design with the client until it’s exactly right. I personally hand select timber for each piece to make sure the tone, feature and size is exactly right. The preparation is just as important

as the making itself. After the piece is made I use only natural waxes and finishes to bring out the natural colours and textures of the timber. Then it’s delivery – which is always the best part! What inspires you in your designs? I love the variety and the natural features of Australian timbers. Sometimes a piece will design itself around a beautiful piece of timber. I love using traditional joinery techniques and coupling these with contemporary practices and functional designs. What do you love the most about having your own label? I love being involved in the creation of a piece from the initial inception right through to delivery to somebody’s home. I get a great deal of satisfaction continued on next page >

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes a piece will design itself around a beautiful piece of timber. I love using traditional joinery techniques and coupling these with contemporary practices and functional designs.â&#x20AC;?

< continued from previous page from making my customers’ happy and making something that surpasses their expectations. And there is something special in being able to create something with my hands that will be part of somebody’s family for generations. Who are some of your favourite designers? Hans Wegner is a bit of a favourite. His designs are simple, elegant and functional, and have withstood the test of time. He used traditional joinery techniques and often mixed other materials with timber, such as metal or upholstery.

Apart from the classics, there are lots of Australian furniture makers doing some pretty amazing work. Being a furniture maker is a labour of love, and there is a great community of makers who support and encourage each other. Social media, like Instagram, has been a great way of keeping in touch with other designers and seeing the great work that is being produced around Australia. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Aside from my custom pieces and commissions, I also have a collection of designs available to order. My ‘Dawson’ Dining Table is probably my favourite. The design itself was a bit of an evolution…it started as something completely different and was a natural progression to where it is now. The design is elegant and contemporary and very technical to make. The ‘Emily’ Chair is another favourite. It was a labour of love to get the design right. It’s really difficult to make a chair that is super comfortable and beautiful to look at. What has been your biggest highlight? It’s hard to choose one. Over the last few years I’ve had many highlights, each one representing an evolution of the business. The move out of the home garage to a large workshop space a few years back was a big highlight. Seeing one of my pieces on The Block a

couple of years ago was pretty surreal! On a day-to-day basis, I love the feeling of helping a client to choose the best thing for their space and knowing they will have the piece for a lifetime. What are your plans for the future? I want to keep the business focused on bespoke and high quality pieces where I am personally involved from the beginning to end. Keeping us small allows me to maintain close relationships with my clients. I’m currently focussing on designing a midcentury inspired dining chair to match the ‘Dawson’ Dining Table. I’m also working towards launching a range of affordable, Scandinavian inspired sideboards using Australian hardwood veneers. The prototypes are in the workshop at the moment and I’m working towards a mid-year launch date. So watch this space! Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? I think I have said it all! I guess to finish I would say that I love what I do and feel very lucky that I’m able to do it every day. Having a small business is hard work, but it is definitely worth it.

CONTACT: www.aulddesign.com.au

pom pom bliss The humble pom pom is making a comeback with some stunning results

Gorgeous Wool Pom Pom Blankets made by Berber Weavers of the Atlas Mountain Region of Morocco. Price $450. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au

Above left and left: Hand Loomed Woollen Pom Pom Blankets. Price $145-$375. Stockist: www.wholovesthat.com; Above right: Otis Penny Cushion. Price $99. Stockist: www.sageandclare.com; Right: Yellow or Blue velvet with grey pom pom cushion cover. Price $49. Stockist: www.castleandthings.com.au; Below: Zimmi Patchwork Pouffe with pom pom embellisments. Price $229. Stockist: www.sageandclare.com

Left: Bamboo Love Shield with pom-poms. Price $30. Stockist: www.arloandco.com.au Left centre: Hand Loomed Woollen Pom Pom Blankets from Morocco. Price $280. Stockist: www. paddotopalmy.com.au Far left: Monochrome Dots Cushion Neon Pompoms. Stockist: www. downthatlittlelane.com.au

rusT furniTure Using reclaimed, recycled and new timbers the team at Rust Furniture create innovative and customised furniture with high appeal

furniture SPECIAL

continued on next page >

Tell us a bit about Rust Furniture? Rust Furniture is a manufacturer and seller of timber furniture using reclaimed, recycled and new timbers with customised designs. Our main pieces are created weekly including dining tables, coffee tables, buffets, cabinets, bedroom suits and wine racks. Tell us about yourself and your background? We started off renovating and selling houses, then ran Melbournes Kitchen and Bathroom Centre before beginning Rust Furniture at the end of 2012.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Every piece is different, but mainly it is about the timber. Some timbers need at least six months resting while others can take up to 10 years. We use a combined 40 years of knowledge in the industry to develop furniture that not only looks good, but will last. There have been many bumps along the way, but ultimately, it is our clients that are guiding us along with their own creative ideas, view points and feedback. We have grown entirely through our customers.

What sparked you to create your business? A desire to make furniture using Australian timbers.

What inspires you in your designs? Being innovative, constantly pushing through new designs and raising the bar with aesthetic and quality standards.

What do you love the most about having your own label? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weird, as I honestly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look at it as ours, but everyone who purchases furniture from us. They are the ones that put their trust in our furniture, they to me, own our label (I know, corny, but true). Who are some of your favourite designers? Korean artist Jae-Hyo Lee, Takahashi Asako and of course the new era of scandi design which dates back to the original, Arne Jacobsen. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? It is actually a pack of timber that has just come from Tasmania. continued on next page >

“It’s weird, as I honestly don’t look at it as ours, but everyone who purchases furniture from us.”

< continued from previous page I’m weird, I’d never imagine getting excited about a pack of timber – what’s happening to me!!! What has been your biggest highlight? Aside from that pack of timber, those moments which clients actually cry when they received their furniture. Some have been looking for that perfect piece for years, which is why they just come to us get it made themselves. What are your plans for the future? We want to be the best in Australia with quality and price. I think we are on track. CONTACT: www.rustfurniture.com.au

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

1] The Smith chair is our most popular - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty obvious why! This sling leather chair is a stunning feature to any living room, bedroom or study. Price $849. Stockist: www.barnabylane.com.au 2] Moroccan Light Brown Leather and Wood Stool. Price $99. Stockist: www.contentimports.com.au 3] Hex Table. Available in a variety of colours. Price $265.95. Stockist: www.escapetoparadise.com.au 4] Sunset Drum Stool In Rose Gold. A gorgeous & unique furniture piece that will make a gleaming statement in any room of your home. Price $698. Stockist: www.zohiinteriors.com.au 5] Grey Diamond Shaped Side Table. Price $470. Stockist: www.thedesignhunter.com.au 6] Orianna Pouffe Blue. The Orianna Pouf features a convenient carry handle and a 100% wool trim in a range of fashion colours. Price $129.95. Stockist: www.kushliving.com.au

furniture SPECIAL

sawdust bureau

Bryan Cush and Greg Bielawiec are the dynamic pair behind Sawdust Bureau who design and create sculptural artwork and functional furiture

Tell us a bit about Sawdust Bureau? Sawdust Bureau began life as an ideas testing lab; somewhere to get away from it all with power tools and a space be creative. In 2013 it evolved into a collaborative partnership between myself and Greg Bielawiec, an American Engineer, who also happens to be my brother-in-law. Our aim is to produce a range of contemporary designs which blurs the boundaries between sculptural artwork and functional furniture. Objects that would not look out of place in a gallery setting but whose day-today function is what ultimately bonds the relationship with its user. All of our pieces can be fully customised to meet our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exact specifications in regards to timber selection, dimensions and finishes.

The studio was founded upon the principle that exotic rainforest hardwoods belong in exotic rainforests and not in our workshop. We use only Australian-grown, indigenous species of timber (often reclaimed or salvaged) and consider it important that our brand has a sense of place and tells a story of the Australian landscape. Examples of our work have been showcased at Grand Designs Live and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Tell us about yourself and your background? I was born in Belfast, studied Architecture in Glasgow and Eindhoven before relocating to Australia in 2004 to complete my Masters degree at Melbourne University.

continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Upon graduating I joined the team at Tandem Design Studio Architects where I worked on a range of projects from the Albert Park Lakeside Stadium to the exhibition design and fit-out at the Polly Woodside Museum. Throughout my childhood I spent a lot of time in my grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop, but it was whilst studying Hamish Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Timber Furniture Design Studio at Melbourne University, where my desire to work with wood was reignited. What sparked you to create your business? The formation of Sawdust Bureau was probably driven by the frustration I experienced whilst working in architecture at the slow pace of the construction industry. Ideas and concepts considered current at the start of a job might be completely obsolete by the time the building passes through the long process of planning submissions, costing reviews and construction. In furniture design we have the ability to rapidly develop an idea into a working prototype for further testing, keeping our work up to date with new trends in materials and manufacturing processes. There are also a vast number of different parties involved in producing a single piece

of architecture (which can often water-down the initial design response), compared to furniture, where it is simply us and our clients collaborating to produce a unique piece of work. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? Our designs usually begin life as a scribble in the back of a sketch book, which gets promoted to the front pages once the idea starts to form. From there we will often make scale models or full size prototypes for testing. Once we think we have arrived at an interesting concept it is developed into a 3D CAD computer model to refine and interrogate the design. We find the main advantages of using CAD are accurate quantification of material costs, the ability to offer clients conceptual renderings and the option of a 3d-printed prototype of the final design. All of our pieces are made to order from our workshop, located in Kensingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Younghusband Woolshed, which is now a creative hub for artists and designers. We invite clients into the studio to show them

their piece developing, whilst social media platforms such as Instagram allow us to keep them up-to-date with progress throughout the build. We feel that this offers a unique customer experience when compared to store bought furniture. What inspires you in your designs? I have always been inspired by the work of the late Sam Mockbee, an American Architect who established Rural Studio; a design/build Architecture studio aimed at educating students on both design and social responsibility in deprived communities in Alabama. The final designs are often uncompromisingly modern for conservative clients, but it is through the creative reuse of materials destined for landfill (such as car windscreens, tyres and oil drums) and complete dedication to serving their clients needs that drives their work to succeed. Similar to Rural Studio we often find inspiration in the material, especially when it involves salvaging or repurposing. We find it fascinating that in materials such as concrete and steel, slight defects are viewed as a weakness but with wood, the natural

imperfections are considered feature. Knots and sap holes tell the story of the composition and growth of the tree. While in salvaged timber, the carbon leeching from old nail holes offers up a story of a later application as beams and joists. The challenge we ultimately set ourselves, is to arrive at a design whose form is essentially uncomplicated but which requires a second glance to fully understand how it is made, its

materiality and how it interacts with its user. What do you love the most about having your own label? Despite all the dusty late night and weekend shifts spent in our workshop, the rewards of being able to develop our own aesthetic and design principles have made all the sacrifices worthwhile. The organic development of our studio from part-time enterprise to full-time business has happened at a steady pace,

where we have been able to avoid debt or rash decision making and instead let the studio carve itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own path. The highlight of our work is definitely our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excitement upon seeing and touching the finished piece, but the empty void left behind in the workshop is a bit melancholic, that is until the next piece begins to evolve and take itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Who are some of your favourite designers? Having switched careers from Architecture to furniture I tend to be drawn towards designers who have managed to stretch their skill-set successfully across two fields. Malcolm Sayer is a bit of a personal hero of mine. Through the application of advanced mathematic principles (learnt from a career in Aeronautics) he created the Jaguar E-type. Form, function and art all in one. In terms of direct influences from the world of furniture and industrial design it is pretty hard to look past the likes of Alvar Aalto, Grete Jalk, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Eileen Gray and Ron Arad. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Pinch Bench would be a personal favourite of mine as it was the first piece I designed so therefore will always have a special, slightly biased place in my heart. The form is simple,

the joints are expressed and the materials are used honestly, meaning that the structural properties required by each piece of the composition is ultimately what influenced the material selection. What has been your biggest highlight? It is a close tie between receiving our first ever commission (Flotsam furniture for a pop-up design market) and recently being awarded a business start-up grant by the City of Melbourne. When someone invests in your idea and your brand it helps drive that self-belief within that you are not completely insane to be pursuing your dream. What are your plans for the future? We have recently expanded our workshop to include dedicated timber finishing and welding areas. So we are currently just

enjoying the extra space and filling it with timber and sawdust. In the future we would like to grow the business further whilst still maintaining all aspects of manufacturing in-house and continuing to offer our clients a hands-on bespoke service. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about Sawdust Bureau? We are currently searching for potential retailers and galleries to represent our work, both locally and overseas. Contact us through sawdustbureau.com if you would like more information. You can also follow us @sawdustbureau on Instagram if you want to see what the day-today life of a furniture maker looks like. CONTACT: www.sawdustbureau.com

LOVE

Avoriaz Safari Chair Original design Safari chair, featuring natural leather seat, armrests and faux feather back. Frame made from solid acacia timber. The chair is delivered fully deconstructed, making it possible to be safely delivered to almost any location. Delivery is free within Australia. Price $2020. Stockist: www.curiousgrace.com.au

furniture SPECIAL

iron and wood Using only salvaged and reclaimed timber Nathan Bucher creates stunning furniture that is not only purposeful but beautiful

Tell us a bit about your business? Iron & Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business consists of using reclaimed and salvage lumber, and materials antiques to create pieces that look beautiful and are purposeful in a modern lifestyle. Tell us about yourself and your background? I am a welder by trader and work in a steel mill by day. My experience with welding gives me the edge to to utilize blacksmithing skills along with my woodwork. As a child I watched my father build and sell fine furniture. I guess you could said that wood working and metal work are in my DNA. What sparked you to create your business? When buying an 1800s farm house with my wife, Paige, I realised I had a perfect canvas to create pieces we would carry through our lives. After seeing the personal pieces I created, friends and family were lining up for custom pieces and spreading the word up and down the East Coast. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? I spend days scouring antique shops, antique

lumber mills, and local barns for pieces that inspire a vision for a new piece. Creating custom solutions while working with clients is a favorite part for me. I believe the back and forth with clients, surrounding their needs and wants, encourages me to think bigger and create outside of my comfort zone. What inspires you in your designs? The utility of antique pieces, giving new life and use to seemingly forgotten objects, and the work of other talented folk artisans. What do you love the most about having your own label? Making sure every piece that leaves my workshop fits my aesthetic standards. Also, the excitement of working closely with my clients. Who are some of your favourite designers? My father, John Neeman, Anvil Goods, Hobo Works, Forager company, Unique Industry, Wild Folk Studio, Pioneer Goods, Winding Wheel Supply Company and Spcustom leather to name a few. continued on next page >

Photography: Jeremy Hess Photographers

< continued from previous page What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? My favorite item is no longer for sale in the shop, as it is a custom designed dining room table, which I created using a lot of inspiration from my wife. It is Paige’s favorite piece of furniture in our home, and also our cat, Abe’s, special perch. What has been your biggest highlight? The support of my family and friends and the immense success that comes through word-of-mouth. What are your plans for the future? I am always looking for new techniques and strive to better my craft. Clients have also pushed me to master new types of furniture building. In the next five years, I hope to make Iron & Wood a full time business. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? Iron & Wood is my passion. I see it as the absolute meaning of “loving what you do.” I eat, sleep, and dream ideas, and every moment in my shop is a moment of pure joy and release. CONTACT: www.ironandwoodpa.com

sal Twood designs Karl Young took the leap and started up his own bespoke furniture and homewares business using recycled and sustainable materials

Tell us a bit about Saltwood Designs? Saltwood designs makes beautiful furniture, home wares and bespoke items from recycled and sustainable sourced wood. Tell us about yourself and your background? I started my career when I was seventeen in the Royal Air Force in the UK as an aircraft engineer. I fixed fast jets, tanker aircraft and helicopters. I did love it but there was something missing: it lacked a creative aspect. I have always been a keen woodworker in my spare time, which I think was due to the fact my father and grandfather were both carpenters. Growing up, I was always helping out my dad with projects he had on the go. I also think my background in engineering; the skills and disciplines I learned working with aircraft and sheet metal. lend themselves very well to working with wood and constructing furniture. What sparked you to create your business? I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t completely satisfied with my previous job, then the Many6160 project can about and they were looking for new tenants. So I took the leap! continued on next page >

Photography: Edward Avery

furniture SPECIAL

< continue from previous page What processes are involved in creating your pieces? It all depends on the job, if it’s a commission I try to find out a bit about the customers, what there likes/dislikes are there favourite styles etc. I then typically do some pencil drawings and get there feedback. Then begins the build which I love getting stuck into. My favourite bit though is the big reveal, there’s nothing better than a smile on someone face, it lets you know that you’ve done a good job. What inspires you in your designs? I get inspired by problems and challenges,

if something’s hard to do or not been done, I see that as a challenge, I like solving problems I guess you could say. I don’t have a design or woodworking background but I have a keen eye for what looks right for me, and so far people like what I do. What do you love the most about having your own label? It’s all about building the brand and being your own boss. The brand makes me realise this is all real and a serious business, I’m not just working away in the shed anymore.

Who are some of your favourite designers? I love mid century modern, Scandinavian and Danish styles What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? It has to be the Coffee table with wooden hairpin legs. I’ve never seen that done before so I had to have a go. What has been your biggest highlight? My most recent work was a 2.4m American White Oak dining table. It was a joy to build and helped the removal guys deliver it. The

customer wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expecting me to turn up but it was such a lovely piece I just had to go along and see there reaction. What are your plans for the future? I would love a larger workshop and to have enough workflow where I could take someone on and train them. I love teaching and passing on skills.

CONTACT: www.saltwooddesigns.com.au

MUST HAVE Unique wares to add another dimension to your home

The Mesh Series - Circle Shelf by Bride & Wolfe is a new range of decorative shelving. Perforated metal provides the backdrop for the shelf arrangement ; contemporary colour palettes and patterns create a frame to display ornaments, vessels, plants, and personal objects. Price $320. Stockists: www.brideandwolfe.com.au

Hanging Baskets. This rope hanging basket has been created in our studio in Brisbane, Australia on an industrial sewing machine. We use 100% cotton rope and industrial strength poly/cotton thread to zig-zag stitch the rope together. You can use this hanger for real plants. You just need to take the pot out of the hanging basket to water and drain. Price $55. Stockist: www.zillpa.com

Three Legged Magazine Stand and Side Table. This modern and contemporary three legged magazine stand, rack and side table is crafted by the talented Thai Designer Golf Jakkapun. The magazine rack doubles as a side table with steel plates carefully shaped to create an angle to place magazines, while leaving a flat top surface with just enough space for a drink to sit on. Price $349. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au

Birch and White by Tienko. Tienko is a handcrafted, multiuse hanger. Inspired by minimalist Scandinavian design, this teepee-like structure comes in a range of colours to suit any space. Made from hardwood timber and bound with white leather. Made to order. Photography: Brenton Ford Photography Price $109. Stockist: www.tienko.com.au

furniture SPECIAL

squarepeg home

Designer Ben Savage creates contemporary furniture with a danish touch ensuring Squarepeg home standouts from the pack Tell us a bit about Squarepeg Home? We are designers and makers of furniture and we also offer a range of Danish Mid Century pieces that we handpick in Denmark, ship and restore and blend with our own work. Tell us about yourself and your background? I studied geology at university and worked in mineral exploration in WA for several years. I retrained at the Dwellingup Furniture School over ten years ago to pursue my passion for design. I’ve been designing and making furniture ever since. What sparked you to create your business? One too many trips to Denmark to visit friends of Kate, my wife and partner at squarepeg! I was making a lot of dining tables for customers and they were always looking for chairs to complement our clean aesthetic. The concept of marrying the sculptured Danish chairs with our tables was really the starting point. What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

The pieces that we choose to develop can often stem from customer inquiry. We have our own style and way of doing things but if enough people tell us what they can’t find then we put our collective design brains on to it. We generally work through freehand sketching, scaled drawings to full size prototype. The beauty of having a shop and workshop together is that you can market test the product immediately and get feedback from customers. Customers enjoy it and are always asking to see what we are working on. Sometimes its dining tables or cabinets or restoration or even kitting out a coffee cart as we were a few weeks back. What inspires you in your designs? Interesting question! I’m not “inspired” by the end product. I’d say I get a lot of satisfaction in designing and making and enjoy the end product and if other people love it then fantastic. Lots of things inspire me “to” design. Good design appears effortless but anyone who has designed and made and developed

a product knows it is never plain sailing. When something goes right for you or a new technique really comes off you get a thrill that keeps you coming back. There are worse addictions out there! Longevity in a product inspires me to try and achieve that. It’s one thing to make something that will last a long time but another entirely to have your product remain relevant to the user so they want to keep it for a long time. There is a bit of masochism in designing and making and working with natural materials and the fact that you never really master it entirely appeals to me. A psychoanalyst would have fun with that! What do you love the most about having your own label? Initially I was designing and making furniture that appealed to me so it was very much an individual pursuit but through squarepeg it has become more of a collaborative process. We have been lucky in finding like- minded employees. We are a small team but what’s great is we are masters of our destiny and can design and develop products that we continued on next page >

< continued from previous page

believe in which are well designed and made and hopefully are enjoyed over many decades by lots of people. Who are some of your favourite designers? There are a number of well- known Mid Century Danish designers whose work I admire such as Wegner, Vodder, Jacobsen but we have had some wonderful pieces at squarepeg by more

obscure designers from that period whose work I really like such as Aksel Kjersgaard. The replica machine hasn’t discovered those sort of pieces yet and hopefully never will. In contemporary terms I think the work of Khai Liew is sophisticated and refined and stems from a lifetime of furniture observation (including having Mid Century Danish influence). Locally here in Perth Adam Cruikshanks work has always impressed me. A craftsman who has embraced technology successfully.

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? We have just restored a Danish Kai Kristiansen Wall system. It has a black steel frame with two suspended teak cabinets. Beautiful detailing with a woven teak lattice front and exquisite internal drawers and dividers. Absolutely timeless. What has been your biggest highlight? Not wanting to be flippant but having a creative business which is four years old is quite a success! These are challenging times for small business, particularly ones that requires discretionary spending. I’ve won prizes for my work which is gratifying but the biggest success is that I love what I do and it supports my family. What are your plans for the future? I see our squarepeg range of furniture developing and being the core of our business. Creating time to develop new products is the enduring challenge of what we do but I intend to do more of this! Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business? Yes, I’m joined at squarepeg by Kate Savage, Jack White and Gillian Moorman who bring a range of skills to make us what we are. CONTACT: www.squarepeghome.com.au

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

1] Monochrome Cushion. Monochrome features a modern abstract black and white watercolour print. Price $70. Stockist: www.amy-sia.com 2] Ikat print kantha cushions made with 100% cotton add a colorful design pop to any home. Price $35. Stockist: www.barefootgypsy.com.au 3] Chitenche Cushion. The bright geometric designs of colourful Chitenche cloth. Price $129. Stockist: www.safarifusion.com.au 4] Speckled Cushion. Happy with a healthy dollop of quirky. Price $80. Stockist: www.squeakdesign.com 5] Jeanie cushion cover. Using our own Jeanie linen fabric which is digitally printed in Australia. Price $155. Stockist: www.cumulusliving.com.au 6] Giraffe Cushion. 100% French Grey Linen. Price $290. Stockist: www.boydblue.com

LOVE

By Wirth Leather coat hanger A unique and different coat stand in butter soft natural leather. This stunning coat hanger from Danish brand By Wirth is both functional and beautiful. With or without clothing, this sculptural hanger is guaranteed to dress up in any hallway or bedroom. Consists of wo leather hangers on a 1 metre leather cord. Price $139. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au

Adairs Kids Girls Sprinkles Bedding. Priced from $29.95. Stockist: www.adairs.com.au

icecream delights

Every childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite summer treat is now a delicious trend for kids rooms

4 3

9 11 8

1] Sunday Sundae Reversible Quilt Cover (Limited Edition). Price $149-$189. Stockist: www.sackme.com.au 2] Pastel Mint and Strawberry ice cream pillow case. Price $24.95. Stockist: www.ilovelinen.com.au 3] Ice Cream Lamp. Price $29.95. Stockist: www.domayneonline.com.au 4] Icecream Ply Wall Hanging in aqua. Price $69. Stockist: www.beneaththesun.bigcartel.com 5] Crochet Pink Ice Cream Cushion. Add some yummy goodness to your decor with this hand crocheted Strawberry Ice Cream Cushion. Price $40. Stockist: 3 Beans In a Pod 6] Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wall Art Ice Cream Head A3 Print by Laura Blythman. Price $85. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au 7] Vanilla Ice Cream Print - Alice Berry Design. Price $59. Stockist: www.huntingforgeorge.com 8] Artiwood Ice Cream Bar Set. Price $35. Stockist: www.cocoonliving.com 9] Ice Cream Wall Clock. Comes in 4 super sweet flavours. Price $109. Stockist: www.nestaccessories.com.au 10] Gelato icecream cushion. Featuring an all-time favourite summer treat. Price $29.95. Stockist: www.mozi.com.au 11] Ice-cream Mint cushion. Handmade in Australia. Price $40. Stockist: www.littlelolaboutique.com.au

Photography: Doswell & McLean

cumulus living Textile designer Kate Rekaris delivers on every level with her standout range of boutique cushions, throws and fabrics

Tell us a bit about your Cumulus Living? Cumulus Living is a boutique collection of fabrics, cushions and throws all designed in-house and printed and made in Australia. Tell us about yourself and your background? My background is in fashion product development and merchandising and later decided to study design. From this Cumulus Living was born. The design of the product is mine and my experience in product management helps in making it all a reality. What sparked you to create your business? I always wanted to do my own thing. After having a family and making time to study design I got the courage to give it a go. I really enjoyed working in fashion, and now being a homemaker my desire to create products that are gorgeous and enjoyable for the home is where my interest has shifted. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? All my fabrics are chosen for their quality and handfeel and are digitally printed here in Australia. I chose this method of printing for its beautiful colour and image clarity. The cushions and throws are all made in Melbourne. continued on next page >

Photography: Doswell & McLean

< continued from previous page What inspires you in your designs? Nature is taking centre stage at the moment. We like to bring nature into our homes. I just like to turn the volume up on it a bit and hopefully make it fun and a little glam. What do you love the most about having your own label? I love my job and enjoy having the freedom to create a range that I like. Hopefully this is reflected in the product and translates into items that others will like as well. Who are some of your favourite designers? When I grow up I want to be Oscar de la Renta and live in a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. What is your favourite item in your store right now and why? Well, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say that I like lounging with my generously sized 60cm Forest Walk cushion and under my merino Mountain throw, which is big enough so my toes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick out the end. What has been your biggest highlight? I still get a kick out of new customers who ring in for a second order. Seeing Cumulus Living in peoples homes in magazines is also a buzz. What are your plans for the future? This year Cumulus Living will have a new studio and showroom in Cremorne. I am so excited to have a space where people can come to visit and see the product. CONTACT: www.cumulusliving.com.au Follow Cumulus Living on instagram: @cumulusliving

ETSY FINDS

Baubles in the Breeze Tea Towel Price $32. Stockist: Kind Designs2

Small Patterned Pottery Planter. Decorated with a floral pattern and finished with a beautiful glossy glaze. Price $28. Stockist: Susan Simonini

Engraved Bamboo Chopping Board. A beautiful strand woven bamboo cutting board, personalised with your custom initials and date. Price $110. Stockist: Soak Studio

Copper scallop large serving bowl. A real statement piece on the table or benchtop - they are perfect for serving salad at the table or as a wonderful fruit bowl. Price $99. Stockist: Urban Cartel

Macrame pot plant hanging sisal basket. This beautiful vintage style macrame pot hanger is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from delicately twisted natural sisal cord, it features round wooden beads and fringing. Price $29.95. Stockist: Block5store

A beautifully handcrafted tray from the 1970s made from rattan or straw woven to create this unusual tray with interesting detail and design. Price $28. Stockist: Retro and Roses Vintage

Concrete Bowl. Great as key holders, jewellery bowls..you name it! The inside of the bowl will be painted in a comour of your choice. Price $30. Stockist: Seed and Stone Store

Handmade modern ceramic brown stoneware pottery vase with blue raindrop pattern. Made in Australia. Price $40. Stockist: Leahm and Celeste

Teardrop A classic teardrop silhouette with added detail to make a BIG statement. With each clay bead hand rolled, kiln fired, then dip dyed before being strung onto a wrought iron frame, the Teardrop is a favourite among those who want a touch of elegance. Price $1998. Stockist: www.klaylife.com Photography: Armelle Habib Styling: Jacqui Moore from Greenhouse Interiors

LOVE

the colour palette A collobration between homewares store Fenton & Fenton and Haymes Paints is set to dish up some stunning inspiration And a partnership is born. With a love for colour and individual style Fenton & Fenton along with Haymes Paints are now collabrating. Joining forces to create these moody backdrops for Jai Vasicek’s exhibition ‘MALACHI’, which showcased at Fenton & Fenton was a winning combination. Wanting a colour that was reminiscent of summer fruits and their bright pigment — from which Jai drew inspiration from for his artwork, he chose the Blushing Peach palette to grace the shop windows. To contrast Inner Depth was the second colour chosen for the walls, creating a dramatic and mysterious visual aesthetic. Fenton & Fenton offers a unique shopping experience and expresses a style that dares to mix and match objects, origins and eras. You’ll find an ever-increasing and eclectic collection of homewares and lifestyle products, as Director Lucy Fenton is constantly searching for concepts and designs that exhibit the same adventurous spirit that drives her. From vintage to avant-garde, the furniture collection accords with vivid textiles, one-off curios, artwork and jewellery to create a highly sought after look.