Interview with Sara Silm of HOME

Interiors / Interview

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.