Archive for the ‘Trade Fairs 2010’ Category

Decoration + Design – July 2010 Melbourne pt II

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

 

This week we round up the Decoration + Design Trade fair before moving on to the next industry fairs in Melbourne in August.

A favourite at Decoration + Design and I’m happy to say, now featuring on DecoratorsCatalogue.com.au is Linen & Moore owned by Anna Lofts. 

LM_CushionOnChair  LM_HotelQuilt

LM_HerringboneBL_Plm T_HerringboneThis year Anna’s company celebrates ten years of designing and producing beautiful linen and soft furnishings including bed and table linen, guest and kitchen towels, quilts, cushions and throws.

Anna wholesales to homeware stores, interior designers and display homes all around Australia and also undertakes custom orders for hotel accommodation.

Here is a sample of this season’s Linen & Moore collection featured at the fair.  Reds and earthy hues feature strongly

   

 You couldn’t walk past The Outpost Trading Company stand without stroking the lush and eco friendly 100% bamboo Chenille throws (below left) launched at the fair.

They are available in 130cm x 150cm and 150cm x 250cm sizes and a range of nine colours.  The company can also piece dye in 10kg batches.  The throws can also e ordered with or without tassels or with hand knotted fringe.

trading co 2  trading co  trading co 3

Owner , Edith Brown said a great deal of care and research goes into sourcing the best quality materials for the company’s collections which are all hand -made to last with a cornerstone of good environment practice.

The 100% bamboo and cotton towels (above centre) from The Outpost Trading Company are bath time heaven.  According to Edit the latest range represents the crème de La crème of internationally available flat towels which are woven with a bamboo chenille weft on a pure cotton warp. 

I though the luxurious texture and subdued pallet were just gorgeous.  The towels come in bath sheet, bath towel, hand towel and guest towel sizes.

And here’s the best idea I’ve seen for a long time.  The Outpost Trading Company’s Four Season Duvet (above far right) is such a simple idea yet I’ve not seen it anywhere else. 

The duvet comprises two separate down duvets, one lighter than the other.  The lighter duvet is ideal for summer while the medium weight one is perfect for autumn and spring.  In winter you can simply clip the two together for generous warmth.

Both duvets are box –stitched so the filling stays evening distributed.  10 out of 10 from me for that idea!

tcmartha double basin white   tcB&F lucky room 3

Town & Country Style never seem to run out of beautiful additions to their already prolific range of European country chic.

Owners Suzette and Perri’s stand always creates a huge amount of interest with their now trademark ‘Peekaboo’ rooms providing gorgeous vignettes with walls covered bin wallpapers by Brunschwig & Fills.

Items creating most interest at this fair were the company’s Martha’s Vineyard vanity basin seen above (single and double) series which proved a winner with decorators, designers, retailers and architects alike.

 A completely new look at design for Town & Country Style  this season is the Lachlan desk, sideboard and cabinet (above right).

The Long Island four posted bed (below) with its upholstered and deep buttoned head board caused many to dream of romantic evenings in the Hamptons.

tc Long Island bed 2  tcRemy & Clock 1

And causing an absolute stir with designers all trying to find the most imaginative space to showcase this extraordinary statement piece, the Kelly clock took centre stage on the stand.

With a new showroom due to open shortly in Sydney and a new division distributing some of the world’s finest furnishings fabric ranges, 2010 looks like a very exciting and busy year for Town & Country Style.

Untitled-1 copyUntitled-1A visit to the pintinK stand always has me walking away with plans to recover every piece of upholstered furniture in the house.

printinK studio was founded in 2005 by Jason Cesani, Nadia Husiak and Lisa Carroll. 

Based in Melbourne, printinK studio creates and prints fabrics for leading Australian designers in fashion, interiors and home furnishings. 

To compliment their successful printing and design service the studio decided to launch their own brand, tinker by printink  in 2008. 

The initial focus was on childrenswear and small gifts for the home.

The 2010 collection has a stronger emphasis on home decoration -  pouffes, scatter & floor cushions and throws.  These items will add colour, texture and a sense of ease to any room.

Nostalgic influences are re-worked and made contemporary.  Over scaled paisley designs sit alongside bold geometrics and naïve florals.

The palette is built around cool, clean neutrals with accents of palm green, splash blue and dusk orange.   These shades can be mixed together or separated into three distinct colour groupings – neutrals (Coastal), blues/greens (Pacifika) and oranges/washed greys (Primitiva).

All fabrics are designed and hand printed in the Melbourne printinK studio.

Accessories1A shiny newcomer at the fair was Red Door Home.  The company originated in Singapore, where two Melbourne natives who shared a background in art and design found a commonality in their passion or unique, contemporary style and materials. 

Christine and Diane launched their Red Door Home at the fair featuring their collection of original pieces inspired by their travels.

The collection featured unusual design elements contrasting reclaimed timber with stainless steel and glass.

 The girls say all of the wood used in their furniture is reclaimed and recycled from old buildings and houses that have been abandoned, ruined or destroyed for rebuilding. 

Known in India as ‘sal’(Shorea Robusta), the wood is derived from a species of tree native to southern Asia and prized for its durability and coarseness.

Furniture1  Furniture2  Lanterns4 Furniture3

sam

Home & Giving Fair – July 2010, Part II

Monday, July 19th, 2010

 

225016An exciting find at this fair was a new entry to the Australian market; Lazy Susan which was launched the fair.

Lazy Susan is a fast growing, innovative design company which already has a strong presence across the United States however its origins started in Japan where the company was established in 1982.

The company now has more than 50 retail outlets in Japan and focuses predominantly in giftware and personal accessories.

In the US the company is a wholesale business where it has established itself as a premium supplier of homewares. 

The collections to be released in Australia are designed in New York and manufactured through more than fifty factories across South East Asia including India, Singapore, Japan and Thailand.

To my eye, Lazy Susan seems to have picked the best of each country’s skills.  I could have happily filled a suitcase or two with their goodies; however the nice security gentleman at the exit door may have had something to say about that.

Below is a small selection of their launch collections.

225031   397001    225035

225004 356009-10    225027

374005  453001    749017

749018  762001  284030

Nicholas Agency & Franton is always a special favourite of  mine at Home & Giving as they were a supplier to my retail business many years ago and their product never failed to live up to expectation in quality and design

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The company was established in 1975 importing gift and  homewares from Italy and later from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

In my days as a retailer I conducted business with mum and dad (Mario and Rina) who are still directors and now joined by sons Nicholas and Francesco.

The boys have brought their own skills to the company introducing a style which is both contemporary yet maintaining the traditional craftsmanship and ethnic style of the originating country.

The company’s range is updated with more than 400 new styles every six months so each fair has a new look and always some lovely surprises from this company.

 

Below and above are some of this season’s range from Nicholas Agency & Franton.

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Anna Chandler’s stand at the fair is always an explosion of glorious colour and this fair was no exception.
 Of great interest to just about every female who walked by the stand were the Anna’s kitchy hand knitted tea cosy covers. 

Tea Copsy 3 GHA   TEA COSY GHA

Anna’s tea towels are also designed to make the task of drying dishes at least feel a little celebratory. 

These and the matching aprons now complete the range of mugs, plates, trays, placemats and coasters.
Anna’s inspiration comes from diverse sources .. . Ottoman Harem, flea market Chinoiserie the printed lining of an old Uzbek silk coat.
TT#03 copy    Chinese Embridery  TT#05 copy 

Anna’s range also includes mirrors, lamps, canvases, greeting cards and soft furnishings.

Below are some of her latest design doormats.

turquoise bird copy  # Blossom Blossom

Gift and Homewares Fair – July 2010

Monday, July 12th, 2010

 

The Home and Giving July fair is a relatively new addition to the trade fair calendar, but gaining popularity each year.  Held at Sydney Showground, Homebush, It’s a relaxed and well laid out event. 

This fair is particularly well timed for retailers as it allows time enough to place orders to trial before making the big plunge on Christmas ordering (always a tricky, nail-biting exercise). 

Some of our well known and loved suppliers such as Nicholas Agencies, Anna Chandler and Shanghaied (which we’ll feature later this week) launched some terrific new product this year and I also discovered some exciting new entries to the decor sector, among them Jhana.

Sydney Trade Fair Jhana 1Jhana is a supplier of homewares and furniture made its debut at the fair.

Owned by Justin and Lorraine Orsborn, the company imports a range of eclectic homewares and soft furnishings from Bali as well as a stunning furniture range from Spain.

Fabrics in the homewares range are based on nature and traditional Asian motifs using handmade textiles and fibres available in Bali. 

The range includes decorative objects such as well as cushions and bed linen.

 

 

 According to Justin the designs strive to create more enjoyment of one’s daily life at the same time sharing the abilities & sensibilities of one culture with another, enabling open communication and helping make the world more of a global family.

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CONTENEDOR STA. MONICAJhana’s furniture range is design and made in Aspe, Alicant, Spain and features designs that are highly contemporary yet reflecting traditional lines.

Each design uses an unusual blend of timbers and treatments which combined result in both tactile and eye pleasing pieces.

I particularly liked the beautifully large cabinets which really showcased the intricate and precision craftsmanship of the makers.

 

 

Theatre Imports has been selling handcrafted decor from India for more than twenty years. 

The company showed a curvy range of new designs at the fair including the pieces below from its aluminium collection.

7Features are:

Aluminium and glass lanterns, aluminium Tree of Life Trees,
Aluminium Chesterfield Stool (measures 50 x 50 x 40cm),
Single Ball Tea Light Holder (also available in brown) handmade
with wire including glass votive, and Aluminium Stool
(measures 34cm x 46cm).

 

8  AI30 5836

10   IL 13 SIL

Doormat Designs has been in the business for more than 25 years. Designed in Australia, the mats are handmade and printed in India and range from quirky to quaint.

When you consider that visitors to your home probably spend a little time staring at the doormat before you answer the door, it’s probably worth spending a little time choosing a doormat that reflects you.

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14Untitled-1 13 12

The collection above below is from importer, Lucky Rabbit which always seems to tap into something lush and exotic each season. 

 

 

The collection is made of using cast aluminium which is nickel plated.  The screen above measures around a metre long and the tallest hurricane is also around a metre high.  The glass in each piece is individually hand painted.
We’ll have more from the trade Home and Giving fair in our next blog later this week. 

70242-3  71314-5-6SPL  72406-7

70239  72489

This week I’m off to Decoration + Design and Furnitex trade fairs in Melbourne so we’ll be bringing you a host of new releases in the next few weeks.

designEx 2010

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

 

designEx was held in Sydney last month in Sydney and attracted a good crowd from the architectural and interior design industry. 

The mood seemed upbeat this year after a fairly ‘steady as she goes’ 2009, so it was good to feel the positive vibe and enjoy viewing all the new goodies from our long standing companies as well  as meeting some brave new faces who were launching some terrific new products across a broad range.

So here’s a rundown of just some of the products which caught my eye.

1Look Who I bumped into at the fair …  Gavin Atkins and Warren Sonin formed an interior design business, Designer Boys in 2003 (is it that long ago??) after appearing on the national television series, The Block. 

Since then the boys have furnished and styled more than 750 properties.

Now based on a small form just outside Byron Bay, they say they are now surrounded by natural beauty every day from the rainforest hills down to the clear waters of the bay, which is a constant inspiration for them both. 

More recently have Gavin and Warren have created their own art collections, travelling to find rare, unique and hand crafted pieces. 

The pieces are very affordably priced and beautifully framed.

Some are textile based works while others are hand tinted prints.  All are limited editions are beautifully framed.  A selection are below.

 

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For further information contact Gavin on 0407 007 057 or email info@designerboys.com.au
www.designerboyscollections.com 

Being shown for the first time in Australia was the Marimekko range of wallpapers which is being represented here by Inhabit Walls. 

Marimekko was conceived in grey post-war Finland with a vision to bring beauty, via art, back into the everyday.

Founder, Armi Ratia, Armi Ratia, drew on the talent of young artists who she commissioned to create prints that were new, one of a kind, sustainable and beautiful. The results were boldly coloured, non-figurative designs that revolutionised the tradition of textile printing.

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From the company’s inception in 1951, the joyous designs celebrated the diversity of the individual whilst naturally inhabiting the day-to-day domain… the key being aesthetic functionality or beauty with purpose.

The Finnish design brand went global in 1960 when first lady Jackie Kennedy was photographed wearing a Marimekko cotton shift for the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was the photo that launched 1000 sundresses.

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In 2009 the iconic company ventured into a new medium with the launch of its wallpaper range, produced with renowned wallpaper manufacturers Sirpi.

For the first collection, Marimekko have dipped into their treasure trove of print designs dating back over six decades. Included are some of their most iconic and coveted designs, as well as more current creations from their rising stars.

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For stockists and enquiries contact Inhabit Wallcoverings on 02 9797 1111 or email effie@inhabitwalls.com

www.inhabitwalls.com

Eurowalls showed its Stone range of flexible imitation sandstone, slate, travertine and concrete at the fair.
Made with mineral fillers, each stone wall covering is handcrafted using a patented process. 

Designed for the commercial market, Stone can be applied to various surfaces including brickwork, all kinds of plaster, concrete, fibrated concrete and plasterboard.  It’s delivered in flexible rolls which harden on application.  Stone is manufactured by Architect’s Paper.

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3  stone, slate

Eurowalls also featured the new Iris Mascheck range of 14 murals which effectively turn any wall into a work of art.  Here dramatic abstract designs are digitally printed on revolutionary non-woven wall coverings that are durable, washable and even flame-resistant. 

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Practical and elegant …  I love them.

For further information and enquiries contact Fiona on 02 9310 230 or email info@eurowalls.com.au
www.eurowalls.com.au

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Pictured above is the new Dancing Flames fireplace from Chazelles Fireplaces (St Peters, Sydney).
Dancing Flames is a European designed and manufactured gas model fireplace.

It’s available with a number of surrounds and has a remote control allowing variable flame heights so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your rug on the lounge.

For further information and enquiries phone 02 9550 6290 or email Henri Courant curlines@bigpond.net.au
www.chazelles.com.au

Lump Sculpture Studio. Chris Vassallo has the incredible ability to manufacture the most amazing works in metal – water features, lights, screens, sculptures. 

I particularly like Chris’ Tree of Life feature panels and the custom sized galvanised steel planters, hand painted in Lump’s aged copper effect, which was commissioned by Melbourne University (top row).

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All the above were made at Lump’s sculpture studio in Fairfield (172 Christmas Street), Victoria.

For further information and enquiries contact Kate on 03 9489 4766 or email kate@lump.com.au

www.lump.com.au

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Julie Paterson of cloth fabric was winner of the New Product Award – Fabrics and Prints at this year’s designEx.
The award was presented to Julie for her new collection of wallpapers which has been developed in collaboration with Porters Paints. 

The wallpapers are available through either cloth or porters for RRP $206 per 10 metre roll.  Six designs are available in two colourways each.

The wallpaper works across a subtle range of natural, tonal colours to compliment the strong bold colours and motifs in the fabric collection by cloth to sit in harmony in any room.

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Julie Paterson also launched a new brand at the show, Katsu Art Glass, featured above.

Designs are printed, carved, etched and painted onto toughened glass for kitchen splashbacks, glass cladding in bathrooms and feature walls.

Katsu ArtGlass features an exclusive collection of work designed by Julie Paterson.

For further information and enquiries contact Katrina Adami katrina@katsuglass.com.au

37The Rug Collection launched its Garden Room indoor rug collection at the fair. 

The collection has been designed in collaboration with gardening guru, Jamie Durie following the successful launch of the company’s outdoor rugs.

Six distinct rug designs; Blossom, Flannel Flowers, Leaf Canopy, Orchid, Dew Web and Summer Beauty are included in the range, each combining a sense of the outdoors and the colours of nature.

38Each rug is hand-tufted in New Zealand Wool blend. 

 Two sizes are available; 160cm x 230cm ($1095) and 200cm x 290cm ($1695).  Custom sizing and colours are available on request.

Garden Room by Jamie Durie Signature for The Rug Collections is available nationally. 

 

 

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For further stockist information contact The Rug Collection on 03 8555 0169.
www.therugcollection.com.au.

ferm LIVING Australia introduced some new wall sticker and wallpaper designs and gave us a sneak previous of these gorgeous squishy poufs (above right) arriving in the next week or so.  Available in small (33cm), medium (37cm) and large (40cm) they add a cheerful spot of colour to any room.  Price is available in application.

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The Birch sticker (top row left) sells for RRP $146 and includes six stems of 1 metre lengths to make either 2 x 3 metre birch trunks or one very big 6 metre trunk.   The Cassette wall sticker (top right) is RRP $140 and measures 100cm wide x 50cm high, so it’s big enough to make a real impact in a room.

ferm LIVING Wall stickers are designed in Denmark and made in Poland and can be shipped anywhere in Australia.

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The Retro Leaves Wallpaper (above centre) is from ferm LIVING’s Very Special Collection.  RRP is $180 for a 10 metre roll. Width is 53cm.  The design is surface printed onto WallSmart wallpaper, a new type of easy application wallpaper which can be hung directly onto the wall after applying paste to the wall with a roller. 

Voila! Wallpaper (above left) is also from the Very Special Collection and is RRP $180 per 10 metre roll.  It is also surface printed onto WallSmart wallpaper.

For enquiries contact Meredith on 0425 327 107 or 02 9817 0457 or email meredith@fermliving.com.au
www.fermliving.com.au

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Created by Multi award winning designer extraordinaire, Karim Rashid, this liquid acrylic resin bathtub has a unique seamless finish. Beautifully designed the Skape Tub is also stain resistant, has dimensional stability with a base growing out from the main surface and is anti bacterial.

It’s available in white but can also be custom designed to match any colour and measures 2,352mm x 1305mm x 530mm.

At $12,500 it’s not for everyone but couldn’t you feel sensational in this?

For enquiries phone 1300 795 708 or email michael on michael@xflo.com.au          
www.xflo.com.au
www.hanex.com.au

1Coast New Zealand has added to its Marine Bean collection with the Isla range including the single seater chair seen here, an ottoman and a lounger.

The Isla combines the comfort of a beanbag with the flexibility of modular furniture. 

It’s perfect as an individual seat, or combine multiple units to form a luxurious sofa or lounger.

The Isla utilises a unique ‘reticulated’ liner, which comprises multiple interconnected chambers.

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When filled, this internal structure allows the sofa to maintain its pre-formed shape, yet remain soft and comfortable.

The Isla features Sunbrella brand fabrics, which offers unparalleled outdoor performance and durability.

For further information or enquiries call 1800 197 172 or email info@coastnewzealand.com

www.coastnewzealand.com.au

48 beluga  49 central park (4)

50 gettties  51 plaza (4)

52 rodeo drive (2)  53 sevruga (3)

Hip Home Luxury Rugs showed its range of 2010 custom textured rugs. 

The company has been experimenting with unique textured designs for some time and have launched a custom ranged of interesting hand woven rugs using the finest New Zealand wool.

Many of the style shave been felted and then hand woven with neutral tones to crate a natural presence. All these featured rugs are exclusive to the design industry and samples are available on request.

For further information and enquiries contact Ross Page on 07 5450 6230 or ross@hiphome.com.au
www.hiphome.com.au

Tokens of Living (Mona Vale, Sydney) featured its Altimago vintage flooring made with Aubrey oak.
Developed in Europe the new product is a multilayer floor, designed to be used with underfloor heating.

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The vintage flooring can be weathered according to personal choice. Clients may also select the colour, the width of the planks (160, 190, 220 mm), the aura and the intensity of the ageing and weathering process; cracks, open knots, scratched V-grooves and the roughness.

The floors are laid finished, so there’s no need to sand or stain.  Exclusive metal inlays in various patterns are also available.

Pricing is from $195 to $235 per square metre excluding metal inlay, laying and delivery.

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Also featured on the Tokens of Living stand was the new Tobias Grau lighting range, Falling. 

Tobias Grau is a German designer and manufacturer of modern quality lighting for the residential and the commercial industry.

“Falling” the lamp symbolises the descent of raindrops from above. Thanks to the optical lenses, light is optimally dispersed and doesn’t dazzle.

The pendent lamp, made from polished aluminium, is fitted out with new LED-technology. You’ll never have to change a light bulb again because instead of having an illuminate, LED contains a plate with light emitting diodes, which have a lifespan of around 30 years.

For further information and enquiries call 02 9979 3056, or email info@tokens.com.au www.tokens.com.au

Exhibiting for the first time at designEx was Dearwood.  Owner and designer Vicki Meintjes says her inspiration is drawn from from her industry counterparts, as much as from her environment, travels, and good architecture and design.

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Vicki’s travels as a designer took an unexpected turn into wallpaper, after a restaurateur had commissioned her to design wallpaper for his tapas bar. Up until that point, Vicki had seen success in gift boxes and gift bags stocked nationally in David Jones and other retailers, as ‘Mamoko’.

But it was the process of designing for the restaurateur’s wall that captured Vicki’s imagination, and Dearwood was born.

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black leather couch on white  62

Dearwood has total commitment to supporting local industry and utilising technologies that have a low impact on the environment.

For this reason, its designs are printed locally by hand, drawing on the strengths of local industry counterparts.

Dearwood’s approach for long-term sustainability includes the use of water-based pigment inks, 100% recyclable non-woven bases, and the decision to screenprint rather than digital means the elimination of printer wastage by-products and chemicals used in the printing process.

For design project teams who value the consideration applied to each stage of the design and production process from beginning to end, Dearwood’s approach has an attractive appeal.

For further information and enquiries contact Vicki on Vicki Meintjes on 0438 028 019 vicki.m@dearwood.com.au

www.dearwood.com.au

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For impact, you just couldn’t walk past these striking wall coverings by Mr Perswall.  The two designs above attracted most attention at the fair. 

Left is Graffiti City designed by D. Prospero and right is Evergreen Highway also by D. Prospero. 
Apparently Mr Perswall stands for “Personal Wall Coverings”.

Mr Perswall is a Swedish wallpaper factory manufacturing an assortment of photowalls, murals and designed feature walls in which the client is part of the design process.
For further information and enquiries contact Ann-Louise (Lollo) Jansson on M 0434 923 363 or email lollo@wallpaperdecor.com.au

Designs can also be ordered online. 

www.mrperswall.com.au

Alfrescostyle-by-Ferguson-Corporation-Guitar-BBQ-image-1.jpg 

What Elvis wouldn’t have given for the guitar shaped barbecue above from Ferguson Corporation. 

The barbecue attracted some intense interest from visitors to the fair, among them the crew from Better Homes and Gardens which featured the Barbie on its May 14 episode.

Every alfresco barbeque is designed and custom build at Ferguson Corporation’s family owned and operated business in O’Connor, WA which has been in operation for over 30 years.

At $30,000 it’s out of my reach but if Elvis was alive today, he would probably have ordered two.

The company produces a very impressive range of barbeque which can be viewed on its website.

For futher information and enquiries contact Daniel Ferguson on 0411 601 193 or email danielf@fergusoncorp.com.au.

www.fergusoncorp.com.au

DesignEx stand1

DesignEx stand2

Combining original Visual Resource artwork and toughened glass, VR Art Glass delivers a finish high in both form and function. 

While the beauty and functionality of the finish immediately lends itself to Kitchen Splashbacks and Bathroom applications, the finish also provides a versatile high impact option for almost any interior environment.

For further information or enquiries contact Toni Collins at toni@visualresource.com.au

www.visualresource.com.au

Life Instyle Trade Fair – Sydney 2010

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

 

Well the last of the trade fairs are over for now and my feet are having a small celebration.  Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t yet succumbed to the indignity of wearing runners or sensible nanna shoes … but the day will come and not a day too soon say my aching feet.

Life Instyle which is combined with Kids Instyle is a growing fair featuring high end product ranging from jewellery, accessories and clothing to furniture and furnishings.  Among the exhibitors there are invariably a flock of young new designers with some bright new ideas and this is why I really enjoy this fair. 

 Here’s a rundown of the product that caught my eye. 

 cowhides  raku group  octagonal large

pedestal dining table  tumbler etched & painted cherry blossom1  chair cowhide 1

Orson & Blake’s stand had a rustic, eclectic feel featuring some of the product above.

Top row (left to right) are a new range of patchwork hide grey poufs which retail from around RRP $150 for the round to RRP $295 for the Cylinder shape.  Centre are Raku ceramic vases fired using traditional Japanese methods.  The vases vary in size and will retail from RRP $150.  Far right top row is an octagonal occasional table made from recycled teak and white washed.  Prices are RRP $495 for the smallest table and RRP $695 for the larger table.

Above left is a pedestal dining table with vintage finish made in radiate pine harvested from New Zealand.  It’s available in a number of sizes and retail prices start from RRP $2,750. 

The tumblers are etched and hand painted with a cherry blossom design and sell for RRP 15.  The Butler hide wing back chair (my favourite) in tan and white is also available in black/white and chocolate/white and sells for RRP $3,900.

 For further information contact Mandy Heimann on 02 83992525 or email mandy@orsonandblake.com.au

 olga 1  olga 2

This beautifully designed contemporary rocking horse from Bambini Moda is called Sibis Olga and is made by Sirch in Germany.  Uniquely handcrafted, Sibis Olga is a minimalist rocker made of veneer-core birch plywood, with a high quality webbed fabric seat.  It’s suitable for ages 2 plus and retails for $379.  A must for families with a generation Z child.

For further information contact Annette on 1300 88 63 70 or email info@bambinimoda.com.au

 little scarlett  paris bed  little fairy

These canvas artworks from Bus Scrolls as the name implies, are based on the original ‘All stops to….’ 1950’s bus, tram and train routes.

They’re 100% natural museum grade quality cotton canvas and measure 80cm to 165cm high.  They retail for $550.

For further information contact M: 0412 135091 or email sales@busscrolls.com

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_MG_7536WEB  _MG_7542WEB

These Decopave Tiles from Western Bloc are a visual journey through Asian culture and art.  Each collection features artworks inspired by Asia’s cultural roots. 

Our image at top shows the striking and colourful works of Belgium artist Christian Develter and the geometric and floral patterns of Chang Hsitsun.  The image above left is from the Glorius Tales collection while the image at right is from the Oriental Art collection.

Each textured tile comes with a label telling the story of its cultural and artistic origin. 

The tiles are surprisingly light so they can be easily mounted on any surface or simply placed on a table. 

For further information contact Damien West at Western Bloc on (02) 8206 2444 or email Damien@westernbloc.com for stockist details.

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IMG_9272  IMG_0398

HQW Distributors introduced Tendance Khmere to Australia at the Life Instyle fair.  The collection combines traditional silk from the Khmer Kingdom with contemporary Parisian French Design.

The result is luscious! 

Although having its first showing in Australia, the collection is already available in Paris, Tokyo, London and New York.

Tendance Khmere is designed by Flavien Lambert and his wife Nina who is Khmer, they live in Phnom Penh but started out in Paris where they still have a boutique in St Germain.

Flavien designs all the products using Cambodian hand made silk and cotton and manufactures everything at his home in Phnom Penh with his small team of six workers. The silk is sourced from local villages around Cambodia. It takes more than one week to hand weave 10 metres of silk.

For the Nina Khmere range (see above images), Flavien was inspired by the Khmer sarong, usually worn by Khmer women at home but Flavien has successfully transformed this fabric from its everyday function into a collection of products full of excitement and originality.

For further information contact Peter (02) 48 722 755 or email peter@hqw.com.au

 AJ_P019  AJ_P033

AJ_LP005  AJ_P001

Ali Ji is an emerging young designer, based in Western Australia. 

Her range is 100% Australian made and includes over 45 images.  She produces prints (limited edition and open as well as pocket mirrors, magnets, badges, rings, hairpins, necklaces and greeting cards.

The open edition art prints retail for just $44 each.  The limited edition prints are $66 each and are printed on matte ahnemuhle 100% rag gallery and museum quality paper.  Each print is A4 in size and is personally signed. 

For stockist enquiries and retailers wishing to stock, contact Lia Simmonds at Outsource Marketing on M: 0408 393 160 or email lia@outsourcemarketing.com.au

print ink studio   1untitled

print nk studio

Printink Studio launched in 2005 with a range of designs for fashion labels.  In 2008 a kid’s label, tinker by Printink Studio was added and at this year’s fair the company’s homewares and soft furnishing range was released.

The new range has already been picked up by Koskela, Moss at St Kilda and Wilkins & Kent.  All fabrics are hand printed in house at the Printink Studio and the company’s products are all made in Australia.

The blend of colours for this range made for a very arresting and alluring story.

For futher information contact Lisa on (03) 93295206 or email tinker@printinkstudio.com

baskets 4Another new label launched at Life Instyle was Living Like Lulu.

The ‘Hidden Apples’ pictured left are made from wire and twine.  They reminded me of the older style loom furniture, so had a lovely old home feeling with a contemporary spin. 

They’re a good storage idea for bits and bobs and make an attractive decoration. 

They are available in raspberry apple, snow apple and candy apple.  They will retail for around $79.95

ducks frontThe Mother Duck with chicks are patch worked and very pretty indeed.

 For enquiries contact Paris Stanley on M: 0348 459 036 or email admin@jettispaghettidesigns.com

 

 

 

 

Ottoman Collection released its winter 2010 collection of bed linen which all made in Portugal.

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ROB_1613  ROB_1572

The design at top is Constantine, available in charcoal and gold in Queen and King size with matching standard pillowcases.

Above left is Vassilis, available in Queens and King size with matching standard oxford pillowcases and produced from 60% linen and 40% cotton.  It has a lovely soft but substantial feel.

 Bottom right is Ottoman Collection’s latest 65% mohair, 35% wool boucle throw rugs.  They’re double sided and are available in charcoal/gray, orange/yellow, red/pink and burgundy/camel.

 For enquiries contact Lorna Gunn on +64 6 7534 442 or email lorna@ottomancollection.com

Home & Giving Fair – Sydney Feb 2010

Friday, March 12th, 2010
 

I’ve been to several fairs since our last blog, most recently the Home & Giving Fair at Homebush, Sydney. 

The fair has broad appeal with product ranging from cookware to decorative homewares, furnishings and furniture as well as gifts and gourmet food products.

Here’s a rundown of product that caught my eye.

TA 103 - belle en dentell  TW 103 - arbre rouge  TW 104 - mangas

This versatile little invention is the Trendy Tub.  It’s a barrel made in France from two recycled materials.  The body of the tub is of strong and resilient cardboard encircled by two metal rings whilst the lid is galvanised metal.  Each is decorated with a wallpaper or artistic design printed on the same type of paper generally used for outdoor advertising posters. 

The smaller version is 44.5cm high and the larger is 74cm high.  Both dimensions correspond to the standard heights of chairs and tables and can be used as such.  Among other things, they can also be used for storage of household goods or as bedside tables or coffee tables.

I thought they were very cool.  For enquiries contact Anna Maria on 03 9527 5259 or M: 0418 353 014 or email info@imandeco.com.au

 

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At the other end of the creative spectrum were these beautiful pieces from Eastern Red Door Imports.

Matt Roberts was living and working in China when he took a trip to the centre of Chinese ceramics, Jung Xi.
He says that trip changed his life.  Fascinated by the dedicated ceramists and their hand crafted works Matt established Eastern Red Door Imports which specialises in importing unique porcelain pieces such as the ones shown above. 

The detail in the scroll cylinder display pieces featured above left, was just amazing.  Standing 145cm and 130cm high, they are a reproduction of one of China’s most famous artworks.  The fine detailed imagery depicts the very day life of an ancient Chinese village.

The water pond vase is fine example of a traditional Chinese artists’ work in the style of water colour which makes for an elegant and beautiful piece.

For further information contact Matt on 0416 331 626 or email matt.reddoor@gmail.com.

 

 bread  brussel  fish

Crowley & Grouch sell an eclectic range of vintage and rustic homewares.  Featured on their stand were the stylish placemats above.

The designs are beautiful photographic shots by Billington Photography.  The placemats are silicon in a mat finish which makes them a lot more stylish looking than their plastic counterparts. 

You can write on the placemats with white board marker (instead of using individual place cards).  They can be simply wiped over with a damp cloth or even thrown in the dishwasher to clean or remove marker.
For further information contact Jane Crowley on 02 4862 1511 or click here.

Retailers wishing to enquire about stocking the placemats should contact Julieanne at Billington Photography on 02 4861 7136 or email sales@billingtonphotography.com.au

 

OWL---red  U101-trees  bird-60-neutral-black

U111-bird  dragonflies11_edited-1  OWL---blue

Urban Nest Designs showed recent additions to their range.  Canvases range from 40cm x 40cm up to 120cm x 70cm.  Urban Nest’s owner Danica, designs especially for the Australian market and just keeps on creating her reasonably priced, fresh designs. 

For stockist details contact Danica on 9519 7804 or email info@urban-nest.com.au

 

home_imageSasson Home released their new Cambric range at the Home & Giving Fair. 

This desk was enough to make you want to get out the lovely stationary you’ve been saving and write a nice long letter. 

For further information contact Sarah Kennish on 0414 851 172

or email sarah@sassonhome.com.au

 

 

I love the soft light created by candles (not least because I am a mature woman and I react to bright light much in the same way as a vampire) so these LED battery operated candles were designed just for me.

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Enjoy Lighting, widely recognised as the leading brand of flameless LED battery operated real wax Candles in the US, will soon be available in Australia and New Zealand and had their first showing at the Home & Giving Fair.

The real wax candles have 3 LEDs precisely placed and randomly programmed to create a flickering effect that casts the same dancing shadow effect of a real flame.  They’re safe, create no mess, are environmentally friendly and emit a delicate fragrance.  They are available in pillars, in a range of textures and colours, votives and tea-lights.

They are imported under exclusive license and the distributors will receive their first container of the product soon so you will be able to see for yourself what the discerning homewares consumer in the US has been enjoying for many years.

Contact Lisa on 0407 303 883 or email sales@enjoylighting.com.au

 

008_vivian_grace_set1  madalay

como  casablanca

Popular at the Vivian Grace stand were the new Casablanca and Como collections.

Como is a sophisticated jacquard weave in pewter tones (above left) in poly silk with cotton fill and backing.  Casablanca (above right) is a gorgeous paisley design in taupe’s, blue and grey with a just a hint of cream in the background and embellished with a tiny flocked velvet dot in chocolate.  It is edged and backed with taupe voile and poly-filled. 

Both are available at the end of May.

For further information contact Linda Martin on 02 9555 9767 or email enquiries@vgrace.com.au    

 

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Never shy on colour or style, Rouge Living launched a host of new product at the fair including pendant lights, chandeliers and table lamps, storage hampers and box sets all in lightweight polypropylene. 
Also shown were a new collection of cushions, frames and their ever popular strings of lights.
 
For further information contact Wendy on 03 9523 0244 or email wendy@rougeliving.com

 

ML_Shot8_01  ML_Shot12_02  ML_Shot15_01

The new offerings from Madras Link were full of warmth and colour this season.  Above left are pieces from the Global Gathering range which represents a mix of cultures.  Tones of red, oranges and beiges give this range a warm oriental feel.  Items in this image are: Aria quilt oyster, Romance cushion oyster, Classic button cushion ivory, Classic pleat cushion ivory, Tara wall art, Bird trio set of 3.

The story featured in the centre image has tones of champagne, ivory and oyster with mother of pearl as a highlight.  Predominantly designed for bedding it uses unstructured ruffled cushions and various forms of pleating.  Items in this image are: Aria quilt oyster, Romance cushion oyster, Classic button cushion ivory, Classic pleat cushion ivory, Tara wall art, Bird trio set of 3.

The story featured in the far left image was influenced by nature and the environment.  Illustrated by the leaf laser cut cushion and floral embroideries this story features tones of greens ranging from olive to chartreuse. Items in this image are: Bella Green cushion, Gaza leaf cushion, Aisha stripe green cushion, Laser green cushion, Torino chartreuse cushion, Pasha round green cushion, Bradford green/Chartreuse throw, Shetland green throw, Lark hanging birds small and large, Gum leaf candle holder

For further information contact Ashini Gray on 03 9499 9622 or ashinigray@madraslink.com.au

 

89Farm yard garden sculptures aren’t usually my thing,  however these quirky characters from Think Outside are something out of the usual and just plain fun. 

Made with 44 gallon drums, they’re made to withstand the elements and will weather with age in style. 

The boys pictured left are collectively called Bruce the Bull.  Other characters include Doris the Duck, Percy the Pig, Sid the Sheep … well you get the idea .

For further information contact Tara at Think Outside on 02 8824 4488 or email tara@thinkoutside.biz

 

Decoration + Design and Australian International Furniture Fairs

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

 

Two weeks ago the combined Decoration + Design Trade Fair and AIFF (Australian International Furniture Fair) were held in Sydney. 

I always wake up the morning of these events feeling as excited as a kid on Christmas morning (I know it’s sad, believe me I know) because I can’t wait to get to the fair to see what our amazing designers, importers and retailers have in store for the coming season.

So I’ve put together some images and information about some of the product that caught my eye. Now I don’t claim to be an arbiter of good taste or an expert in the field, so these are simply things that I took a fancy to …

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Making its debut at the fair was Bag2Bed an oversized spin on the bean bag … with a very functional twist.
It turns into a soft comfy mattress.

Designed and made in Australia, Bag2Bed starts off as a seat, filled with certified environmentally preferable foam pieces. To make into a bed, just pull off the outer cover, flip it a couple of times and hey presto, you have the perfect spare bed.

It’s one of those ideas you wish you had thought of first. The Bag2Bed range offers different seat sizes that can easily be converted into a double, queen, or king size mattress.  A junior size has also been created and is suitable for children up to the age of 12.

 Bag2Beds come in a sophisticated range of textured fabric covers so they’re suitable for any room in the home.

Noted:  I test sat the Bag2Bed and can report that it is indeed a very comfortable seat.  I didn’t test when opened to a bed as I didn’t fancy my chances of getting up again. 
For further information email: Lisa Mcleod, lisamcleod@a1building.com.au

equator ariya canopy bed  equator Curly 1 Detail

As usual Equator had some beautiful new pieces but I did particularly like the Ariya Canopy Bed (RRP $3,630) and I loved the shape of the new Diamond Hanging Lantern (RRP $95).

The Bed is hand crafted from American Walnut (certified plantation timber).  The whole Ariya collection combines beauty with durability.

The Diamond Hanging Lantern is made with hand crafted metal and is designed to hold a candle.  It can either be hung or can sit on a tabletop.
For further information email: Kate Burić, kate@equatorhomewares.com

cotsw Joey_Lounge_AquaThis gorgeous chair is available from Cotswold Furniture and is from their Vincent Sheppard Collection. 

The loom chair is made in the traditional way using Kraft paper wrapped around steel wire and then woven on a loom with Rattan frame. 

It’s a lovely nostalgic shape but the frame is stainless steel rather than the original chrome frame of bygone days. 

The cushions are sold separately and there is a wide choice.

The chair is sprayed to client specifications in the company’s workshop in Mittagong, NSW. 

So you can have any colour your heart desires.  They retail for RRP $1,250 and are very comfortable indeed. For further information, click here.

hermon Chiquita-set01Switching from the nostalgic to the highly contemporary, these Chiquita Stools by Kenneth Cobonpue created a lot of interest on the Hermon & Hermon stand. 

They look terrific however I assumed they would be one of those pieces of furniture that you have for the sake of being a talking point rather than a thing of comfort. 

I should have known better.  Hermon & Hermon’s products are always both aesthetic and highly functional.

After getting over what I considered was an entirely reasonable anxiety about one of the rattan poles ending up in the wrong place, I tentatively sat upon one of the stools to find it was extremely comfortable! 

As it was explained to me, 350 pieces of natural rattan poles sit on top of a polyurethane cushion inside a moulded steel base.  The rattan pieces mould perfectly around ones posterior.  They are available in red, silver in black as shown above.

For further information, click here

Emjay.cameo_edited-1The Cameo range from Emma Jay Designs was eye catching in a range of five colours; Onyx, amber, Gamet, Sapphire and Emerald Green.

According to Emma the inspiration for this range came from a desire to create a fabric design that was feminine, whimsical and emulating gem colours in a muted fashion. 

 The print is hand screened onto linen for Emma’s cushion covers and iphone covers and cotton for the brunch coats.

For further information email Emma Jay Designs, emma@emmajaydesigns.com

 

 

 

dBodhi was shown for the first time at Decoration + Design and certainly attracted a bit of buzz.
It’s a new collection by Meizai.  The collection comprises three main ranges: Lucy, Lekk and Trapesium.

Image 2  Image 3

The range concept is all about using resources in the most efficient way, taking seemingly useless scrap wood and transforming into beautiful furnishings for the home.

dBodhi is available through Meizai and retailers nationally.
For further information email: Jessica Ilett osiassist@oswaldsealy.com.au

impressions wholesale Lapis TV Drawers

I was really attracted to this Lapis TV unit from Impressions Wholesale.  It’s a break away from the glossy mono-coloured TV units so popular in recent times and has a great textured appeal.

Measuring W: 2000, D: 520 and H: 450, it’s made from mahogany timbers with teak and Indian rosewood veneer.  It’s part of the Impressions Wholesale Designer Collection which is available now.
For further information email Mario info@impressionswholesale.com.au

olive _dsc0033   olive ollectiondominiquepicquier_2  olive Pauline Red

Olivades is a French brand  manufactured in the south of France. Being designed in the heart of Provence it represents the true provincial spirit in home decorating.

Pictured above from the current range are (from left to right);

Olivades Fabric Warehouse is at 59 Denison Street Camperdown, NSW.  For enquiries email Lyndall Keller contact@olivadesfabrics.com

 

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Omaroo is a beautiful setting from Laidir.  Combining Western Australian Jarrah with the durability and lasting beauty of Hi Macs, a non porous material that is both stain and impact resistant.  The synthesis between the timber and Hi Macs creates an elegant and harmonious design.

Owner Sean Dunphy has a passion for the natural beauty of Australian hardwood and says his philosophy is to create, timeless unparalleled indoor and outdoor furniture designs never before seen in Australia.

We agreed we both had a passion for owning furniture our children will fight over when the will is read.

Sean’s Omaroo range was chosen as the AIFF’s nomination for the Australian Furniture of the Year Awards to be held in Perth later this year.  It caps a very successful two years for Laidir in which the company has been awarded by its peers at the 2008 Australian Furniture of the Year Awards for Excellent in Furniture Using Australian Hardwood for the NSW category and the 2008 Furniture Magazine’s Gold Star Award for Design, Innovation and Marketability.

For further information email Sean sean@laidir.com.au

rug INTRIGUE VENGE  rug MEXX touch13509 S1FEER

rug MEXX morning dew 14405 DETAIL  rug rocks mix 70405 DETAIL  rug weave grid 23001 DETAIL

Rug Couture launched a wonderful range of new designs including these lovelies.  Top left is a design from the from Guy Laroche’s collection which uses a mixture of New Zealand wool, polyester, metal, embroidery, cow hide and Swarovski Crystals.  Top right is a rug from the Mexx loop and braided collection which is 100% New Zealand Wool and woven in Holland.

2nd row above left  is Mexx Morning Dew.

2nd row centre is from the Rocks collection by Brink and Campman.  This collection is 100% felted wool, dyed in France and Axminster woven in Holland.  It comes in a fantastic range of colours and according to Rug Couture is the best wool shaggy on the market in terms of quality and minimal shedding properties.

2nd row above right is a sample of colours available in Weave also by Brink & Campman.  The collection is 100% felted New Zealand wool, dyed in France and made in Holland. 
For further information email Joanna joanne@rugcouture.com.au

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Sala Verde was launched at the Decoration + Design fair and had a terrific response from fair goers. 
Much of the range uses natural materials such as abaca (fibre from banana leaves) which is dyed using organic dyes and hand-woven using traditional tribal methods.

The company designs from a sustainable and ethical angle.

Sala Verde’s range also included rattan pendant lamps made using the bent-wood process of heating, soaking and bending again and again by hand to achieve bends and curls. 

For further information email Nikki nikki.lisle@gmail.com

globe west  (2)  globe est

globe west AIFF Stand 2DE

Globe West launched six new collections of furniture and furnishings at the fair (see above) including Ascot, Baron, Baha, Serengeti, Amalfi and Azzuro (you can see a sofa from this fully upholstered outdoor range in the bottom right of the image above).  There’s too much in their new collections to describe here, but you can visit Globe West’s website to request a catalogue.  There’s a lot of variety in their range this season and it’s all great design as usual.

For further information click here.

Satara IMG_4328  Satara F99 skal bar table

Satara showed new outdoor  pieces at the fair including the Bliss Chair (above left), available in Irish Coffee, Black and White and the skal funky bar chairs and stools which also blend well with the Bliss range.
The skal collection is made of teak and synthetic wicker and is also available in the same colours.

For further information click here.

villa maison  villa maisonSE1383-2OP2OP - LR

Villa Maison launched the Bastia cabinet above.  I found this piece very arresting with its bleached old pine finished.  The inside is finished in Old White water based paint.  It measures 200cm high x 73cm wide and 44cm deep.  It a lovely piece suitable for any room in the house.   I’d put it in a hallway.

The Dylan desk also from Villa Maison (above left) is made of bleached old pine and has a modern feel white retaining a rustic look.  It measures 170cm long x 80 wide and 75cm high.
I can see myself working quite happily at this desk.

For further information email Denise denise.mcgregor@villamaison.com

flyer2The new Nan&Pop range from Night Light Studio is inspired by an old backyard classic. 

It took me back to childhood holidays on the central coast.

The NAN&POP chair and small table have been revisited with a modern touch.  Sitting wider and deeper than her predecessor, NAN&POP is a colourful character that will turn heads. It’s made of Powder coated steel and spray enamelled hardwood. 

For further information email liamien@gmail.com

 

dev Inox 2000 Table and Form Bench  dev Inox Bar 1 Stool

At the other end of the spectrum was the new INOX range from Devon Lifestyle.  It has a lovely streamline, contemporary design yet the pieces are also very stable, strong and comfortable.

The range is made with a 304 stainless steel frame and Bayline fabric made by Ferrari.  The fabric has exceptional tear strength, excellent UV radiation and mould resistance and is very robust.
For enquiries phone Marette on 07 3207 5929 or email devaus@bigpond.com

Designs in timber

The picture of the Husk dining table from Designs in Timber doesn’t really do this lovely table justice.
Made with solid US Oak with a wash finish, the table is matched with Yoda dining chairs and bench covered in Husk Cloud.  The total effect is very soft with the beautiful grain of the timber highlighted in the wash finish.

For further information email Rebecca d.i.t@bigpond.com

islander Trunk 2 set  Copacabana_3P_Bench

The Los Rios Trunks above from Islander Imports are a set of two, the small being 88cm wide x 47cm deep x 43cm high  and the large is 1060cm wide x 66cm deep and 51cm high. 

The Copacabana Bench set also from Islander comprises a table 150cm long x 90cm wide and 78cm high.  The benches are 120cm long x 35cm wide and 45cm high.

For further information, click here.

Nita RobsonScalloped 1This stunning chair really caught my eye. 

 It was an entry in The Edge in which 56 designers from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore competed with 80 products.

The seat is deceptively comfortable.  The comfort comes from the shape of the slats and the amount of spacing between them. 

 The chair is made with Form ply, an industrial product used on building sites. 

 Aesthetically the black coating contrasts to the timber ply and because it’s designed to be used outdoors it’s also very durable. 

The timber used is a plantation pine.  For enquiries call Nit on 0448 957 967 or email nita@ringsoftime.com.au

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Above are images of the award winners in THE EDGE, for further enquiries please contact Uli Hasel
uli@aec.net.au or phone 03 9654 7773.