The Life Instyle Fair was held in Sydney in late February and featured a terrific range of new collections from existing suppliers and some bright new faces.




These hanging plates from Chik are and fresh update on an old idea and we loved them. The larger size (top row) is $79. The smaller size are from the Woodland children’s collection are $44.95 or $99 for a boxed set of three (above left) which would make a gorgeous gift for a new born.

The beautiful designs, water-jet cut into ceramic plates and are most effective when displayed as a set of three or four, or as a complement to other wall plates.

They’re made in Australia ... Yay ... and can be ordered online along with Chiks other decor products.

For further information see Chik’s website or email Catherine Westwood on catherine@chikdesign.com.au 





The TomTom Letterbox is designed and made in Australia and was inspired by an Australian icon.

It is available in a variety of vibrant colours, powder coated, rust-proof zincalume with an optional hardwood timber post.

For further information and enquiries visit the Design By Them website or contact Sarah on 02 8005 4805 or email sarah@designbythem.com. 




Former Queensland designer Loz Abberton decamped to Tasmania in 2006 where she has established her lighting and accessories business, Who Did That.

Loz’s efficient take on the chandelier - her flat-pack Grandeliers – were showcased at Life Instyle. The beauty of these intricate and stylish Grandeliers is that they may be hung or used as a table lamp.

A respect for the environment influences Loz’s selection of future-friendly materials; bamboo and hoop pine – from certified, sustainably managed plantations; organic hemp and cotton; plus water-based agri inks and natural dyes.

The Grandelier can be flat pack and is available throughout Australia and online.

For further information and stockist details visit the Who Did That website or email Loz on loz@whodidthat.com.au






We loved the overstuffed and comfy look of the chair above right from Paprika and Lime which has been upholstered in a colourful, irregularly textured fabric. Perfect for reading a good book on a cold winter night.

The company also showed a range of complementary soft furnishings and furniture to complete the range.

For enquiries visit Paprika and Lime’s website or email Pip Rob on pip@paprikaandlime.com.au






My favourite piece at the in the Villa Inde stand was the rustic cabinet above however the hand painted pieces (further above) were also hard to resist.

Villa Inde is owned by Hemang and Anshul Bhatia who draw their inspiration from the age old Indian tradition, art, heritage, culture and architecture.

The company’s aim is to create selective furniture and accessories for modern day lifestyle using centuries old craftsmanship.

Handcrafted, rustic, distressed and industrial furniture made lovingly from recycled wood by craftsmen (Kaarigrs0 from Rajasthan and Gujarat).

For further information and to make enquiries contact Hermang on villa@villainde.com.au or visit the Villa Inde Website.





Maileg products are best known for their adorable "Brother and Sister" collection of rabbits. Brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, big and small... and now introducing rabbits from many cities of the world.

They’re available from Nordichouse Living




These are some of the lovely new hand crafted textiles from Earthtribe are from India.

The company is a member of Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, which means they source their products from groups who are seen to follow fair trade guidelines including those who are members of the WFTO, so they get two ticks from me for their beautiful designs and for supporting fair trade and supporters of a clean planet.

For further information contact Manita on manita@earthtribe.com.au or visit Earthtribe’s website where you can find stockists and order some of their products online.




Jasmine Hall never fails to deliver. This fair saw the launch of the company’s winter 2011 collection including the new Secret River collection of linens and soft furnishings which are designed in Australia and made in India.

Jasmine Hall also showed additions to its popular Shades of India Collection. For further information contact Mike Hall on mike@jasminehall.com.au or visit the company’s website.




Tigger very reluctantly posed for the picture above (I don’t know why ... she looked gorgeous as usual), but I thought you’d like to put a face to the name of Tigger Hall Design.

Tigger has more than 20 years experience in design (she was an interior designer prior to establishing her agency in 2008) and spent three years travelling the globe discovering exquisite fabrics from internationally renowned designers that all have a strong focus on design aesthetic.

Tigger has a passion for colour and design and she is constantly seeking out new products to introduce to the Australian market and share with others.

I loved her range of lamps at this fair as well as her new collection of textiles and soft furnishings.



Cute as heck but totally practical are these multifunctional storage cabinets, designed and constructed in the Netherlands.

The Kast Van eens Huis cabinets are inspired by the shapes of traditional seventheenth and eighteenth century Dutch canal houses and can be placed side by side to create a promenade or village.

They’re suitable for clothing storage or can be used as bookcases, cupboards, office furniture, for toy stoarage or as room dividers. They come in two sizes, one 180cm and the other 198 cm high and are made with FCS certified MSF and non-toxic paint.

They are available in 7 standard colours. Custom colours are also available on request and there are three gable shapes.

For further information visit the TulpKids website or email Wendy Combs on info@tulpkids.com 



KAS Kid’s Collection inclues some pretty homespun designs such as the crochet blankets above and patchwork design soft furnishings as well as some fresh contemporary designs. The good news is that some of their products can now be purchased online.




I hadn’t seen Samantha Robinsons hand made porcelain before this fair. I tried to take a phtoograph of her new hanging lamps which were amazing but without a ladder to get a high enough shot, I’m not able to show just how lovely they are.

Perhaps she’ll put a better image on her website soon. For further information you can visit Samantha’s new website or better still visit her shop in Double Bay, Sydney.

You can contact Sam on sam@samantharobinson.com.au or or Garrett on garrettrobinson@bigpond.com





Lush moss greens, grey/blues and neutral tones dominated the Bianca Lorenne collection at Life Instyle this year. Owner, Alison Nottingham came down with a bug on her way here from New Zealand but struggled through the fair like a trouper.

Her collection was as beautiful to feel as to look at and the feature bedding display was very inviting. You can see the total range of Alison’s website.



Down To The Woods showed this fun Lamb Freckle Rug which as the name implies, looks like a huge freckle.

The Lamb Freckle rug is available in three sizes and each one is carefully handmade which means that no two are the same. The rugs are lovely to look at but even more yummy is the feel under bare feed.

The rug would be a highlight in any little person’s room. For further information visit the company's website or email info@downtothewoods.com.au.