Interiors
Don’t throw it..Rethink it! by guest blogger Lisa Madigan
With sustainability at the forefront of many of our minds it’s a time when creativity can truly shine in a new light. Rather than the constant consumption of mass produced items we’re starting more and more to support artisans and craftspeople, opting for items with character over being compelled by sheer quantity and slashed prices. We’re following the line of production and caring about where things are sourced from and that all those involved in the production process are being fairly treated. It’s a wonderful and exciting time!
We’re also looking at how we can apply a sustainable ethos to our own homes, to the things you already possess and in our attitudes. Which brings me to – don’t throw it, rethink it…
It’s amazing how when you bring in a weathered old wooden ladder that’s sat outside hidden amongst garden tools and vines for years it can come into it’s own as a gorgeous interior highlight. Holding anything from gorgeous scented candles like the divine range from Palm Beach Collections, to little dishes for your favoured jewels. I have one ladder that’s a staple piece in our bathroom to hang towels from, and recently placed one in the bedroom { that came from the garden } to hang my ever rotating scarf collection, along with some smaller odds and ends on the top shelf. They’re handy and they hold a silent story and I love that.
One of my current irresistible interior impulses is to use vintage bottles to hold my favourite cuts from the garden, feathers, dried foliage and twigs. I’m also hooked on giving flowers a second form, allowing them to dry naturally like the hydrangea below, they’re exquisite and are just as stunning mixed with fresh cuts in vases of different shapes and sizes.
Or why not take a second look at an old piece of furniture. A cherished chair of mine was a roadside find, maybe there’s something hiding in your shed or garage or cupboard that you can take another look at with fresh eyes, perhaps it’s not longer fit for it’s original use, so get creative. Something as simple as an old crate can be flipped on it’s side to create a book shelf or a chair that no one could ever sit on could be a beautiful tableau as a bed side table.
I admit the raw look may not be for everyone, but there are many ways that we can begin to appreciate what we already have and looking to items that have soul and a bit of history rather than the latest lifeless tv unit. I’m not saying all new is bad, quite the contrary, there are some amazing products being produced with integrity and skill, and it’s these that I love to support wholeheartedly and mix in with all of my lovely weathered old bits.
It’s all about balance and harmony a contrast and diversity in textures and form, each piece contributing to the whole.
Supporting our future and acknowledging our past.
Sustainability most certainly is now.
Lisa Madigan is an artist, stylist, online retailer and creative all-rounder. She styled the cover story of the current SOHI Magazine.
Brisbane Bus Roll Teatowels – keep giving!!
Our Queensland brothers and sisters are not out of the woods yet. So resident SOHI craft editor Tamara Maynes is donating 100% of the profits from the sales of her Brisbane Bus Roll teatowels to the Salvos flood appeal. So you can wash the dishes, have a chic kitchen, AND help flood victims, all in a few clicks.
Click here to do your bit (not the dishes, the donation.)
This post currently has no responses - Comment Now
STORY has opened for online trading
There are a few really innovative online businesses operating in the Highlands. Babysitter’s Guide, from our last issue, and The Oz Material Girls are some big movers in online-land. It seems to be a trend, and we suppose an argument for the NBN. SOHI contributor Monique Germon has added herself to our list of local online denizens with the launch of her online concept store, STORY. STORY combines storytelling with shopping – our two favourite things! Monique stocks homewares, fashion, art and lifestyle products, all heavily curated. Favourite pieces of ours are her MG Designed Amelia Earhart collar and the Hideyo Kudusama origami ball both pictured below. Expect to hear a lot written about Monique and her online world in the coming weeks. Her return to retail has been long awaited and we hear cheers going up in pioneering Australia!
This post currently has one response - Comment Now
Design finds from Mr Pickles & Me
You may have noticed a full page ad inside the front cover of SOHI for Mr Pickles & Me. You can’t miss it. It’s beautifully and playfully artworked by Hopscotch Design and mustard yellow! Mr Pickles & Me is a modern family store. We didn’t really know what a modern family store was until they opened their doors. A light bulb went on: ‘Ah, a modern family store is a store for people like us’. We asked Yasmin and Drew to pick a few of their favourite pieces from the store and to tell us about them.
Above is a very handsome Pantone bag and some ultra-realistic butterfly brooches by Pigeonhole.
The cushions above are from Ferm living, designed by Norwegian duo Darling Clementine – they are part of a marionette collection and made from 100% organic cotton. The chair underneath them is an old find that has been recovered and given new life. The Dulton wisdom tooth stacking stools are based on a WW2 design and are actually very comfy. They also are available in red, orange and blue. The garlands are by Little Lamb and are made of soft felt.
Thanks Yasmin and Drew. We’ll be sure to include you in our Nowra ‘map’ coming out soon. Until then, the address is Shop 8, 45-53 Kinghorne Street, Nowra.
This post currently has one response - Comment Now
Interview with Sara Silm of HOME
This really has to be one of our best interviews yet. Just when we thought we couldn’t learn any more about the area, Bowral stylist Sara steps in and shatters our illusions. Sara is one of the founding publishers of SOHI and runs HOME, an interiors consultancy in the Southern Highlands. She is a contributor to the country’s biggest, glossiest shelter mags. Natalie of Daily Imprint has compiled the most comprehensive interview with Sara here. Natalie’s blog is such an inspiration and the piece about Sara is a fascinating read. When you get through our lot, we highly recommend you read the Daily Imprint interview as well. Here is our Q&A with Sara. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
What’s your favorite store for sourcing for HOME clients in the region?
Peppergreen in Berrima. A stylist’s most treasured source for all things beautiful, it’s often my first stop when for sourcing for shoots. On a personal note, my mum and I have just finished making the most beautiful patchwork quilt and Sherlock Holmes style cape using vintage Ralph Lauren wool samples owner Carina found on a recent trip to Scotland. She’s truly a genius when it comes to must haves. She has one of the sharpest eyes in the country. I’ve sourced so many beautiful things for clients including a stunning cashmere and wool navy gabardine fabric for a custom bed head, as well as vintage quilts and eiderdowns, and decorative pieces. There are too many to mention.
Bandra’s Bazar of Moss Vale. I’ve found some great pieces here, particularly chairs that I’ve had re-upholstered for clients. The price point is really reasonable which is why you need to be fast — things turn over really quickly.
The Crystal Palace in Bowral. Jasper and Michelle Foggo are local treasures Their bespoke patchwork chairs are absolutely gorgeous and their couture chair service ensures each and every client receives a chair that is truly individual.
Dirty Jane’s in Bowral. I’ve sourced countless pieces from Athol and Jane over the years. This father and daughter team stock well priced, quality pieces that move quickly. The new flea market at the rear of the store is fast becoming a new favourite. One of my clients loved the vintage horse rosettes I found for her daughter’s room there.
Longbarn at Braidwood (industrial cabinet from Longbarn pictured). I was so sad when the Jamberoo antiques store shut but it wasn’t long before Gary and Jane Kendall reopened in Braidwood and I was able to source their fabulous industrial antique pieces again. I can never seem to leave empty handed!
Bernadoffs at Braidwood. Housed in an old service station half way down the main street of Braidwood, this treasure trove of 1950’s and 60’s furniture is the perfect place to stock up on everything from iconic designer pieces to Arabia tea sets.
Flying Pig Precinct Gallery, Berry (Noriko Takamia print pictured). I love visiting this gallery. They always have a great selection of local artists work.
What’s your favorite store for sourcing for your own home?
In the Southern Highlands — Reviva at the Moss Vale tip — honestly! I’ve found so many pieces there over the years that I couldn’t part with for any price. Its become more well known over the last year or so and the great finds are harder to come by, but for me, the thrill of the chase is irresistible. I’m a self confessed junkaholic. Having said that, I found a beautiful brand new canary yellow Tolix stool there recently.
I also love to pop into the Cowshed Shop in Burradoo (open by appointment) for beautiful decorative items. One of my favorites stocked there is the work of ceramic artist Deb Taylor and the amazing work from Studio Sam.
Which store do you think has the best retail design or layout in the region?
Peppergreen in Berrima is a cleverly designed store. It looks just as old as its wares, but it was actually custom designed and built to house all of Carina’s finds. It’s always changing and I like that about a store. The same goes for a home’s layout — you need to move things around and live with things from a new perspective to keep things fresh.
Who is your favorite local maker?
Honestly, I can’t narrow it down to just one, so here are some of my favourites:
Joe Vinks of Canyonleigh (table pictured), a talented furniture maker who specialises in depression-era style stick furniture. I have several of his pieces and they always seem to find their way into client’s homes as well.
Tamara Maynes – I’m one of her greatest fans. I think I’ve made every one of her cross stitch designs now.
Sandy Lockwood ceramics. I own so many of Sandy’s pieces and every year when she has her studio open day, I find room for a few more. The only mug I use at home is one of hers.
Ben Quilty paintings. What can I say — the man’s a genius. His colour palettes are some of the most beautiful and mesmerizing I’ve ever seen.
Virginia Kaiser, basket maker. I adore her baskets. Their beautiful organic texture and fluid designs make them real time wasters. I seem to stare at them a lot when I should be working!
Ken Raffe, Bundanoon sculptor and artist. Ken’s bronze sculptures are so so beautiful. I have several of his pieces and adore them all equally.
blakeborough+king. This Moss Vale based dynamic duo are two of Australia’s cleverest designers. I adore their Kite stool and geometric candelabras.
What was your best second hand/vintage/antique find from the region?
A set of six vintage metal German traveling suitcases, lined with blue and white pin striped silk and finished with leather handles (from Reviva in Moss Vale). They sit stacked on top of one another in my bedroom. Also, two Featherston chairs and a vintage Danish ‘Safari Chair’ from Bandra’s Bazaar. My most recent treasure is my Olivetti ‘Valentine’ typewriter from Dirty Jane’s flea market.
What was your best new find from the region?
The work of Carlos Barrios. I’ve fallen head over heels with his beautiful paintings. I saw them for the first time as I was driving past his exhibition in town and had to pull over and visit Loft gallery on the spot.
This post currently has one response - Comment Now
This post currently has one response - Comment Now