Category Archives: homewares and furniture

HOT: Paris to Provence Festival, Como House & Garden, Cnr Williams Road & Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra

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Paris to Provence, Melbourne’s favourite festival celebrating all things French, is back in the bucolic surrounds of National Trust’s Como House this weekend.

There’s market stalls, music, food and festivities and the festival gets bigger and better every year (this is its third year). Here are my highlights:

Grab some charcuterie, cheese and a baguette for a picnic lunch from the large stall by Carlton favourite La Parisienne Pates. If you want a sit down meal you can also try the pop up restaurant by Chez Olivier but personally I think it’s better to make the most of the lush garden surrounds.

Go to La Tropezienne and try some of the best French pastries (as stocked at Monsieur Truffe and L’Atelier de Monsieur Truffe) and the best macarons in Melbourne.

Buy a  ceramic Christmas decorations from Durance, great as stocking stuffers or Kris Kringle for only $2.50. Also check out the homewares from Malmaison. Sadly their pocket advent calendar that I bought last year is no longer available but there is still lots of French provincial chic to drool over.

As the weather heats up cool down with a creamy ice-cream sandwich from Pat and Stick’s. The biscuits actually make this treat surprisingly mess-free given the wedge of melting ice-cream inside plus the ice cream itself is high quality. I am going to look for my nearest stockist!

Over the weekend there is a timetable of presentations about French life and French cooking demonstrations plus you can participate in games such as croissant throwing, escargot eating and Notre Dame 3D puzzle reconstructions.

If you can’t afford to go to France then head to Paris to Provence for a fun, foodie, Frenchy day out in the sun. Take a wad of cash with you (there is a NAB atm on site but it wasn’t working when I arrived), slather on some suncreen, bring a large bottle of water given the heat (otherwise you’ll need to buy it) and Bon appetit!

Paris to Provence, Como Houe & Garden,

Friday 23 November 4.00pm – 8.30pm
Saturday 24 November 10.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday 25 November 10.00am – 4.00pm

Adults $15 online -$20 at the gate, Youth $5, Children under 12 Free


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HOT: The Finders Keepers, Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

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The fabulous twice-yearly market The Finders Keepers is back in Melbourne today!

Inside the vaulted halls of the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building you will find a delightful array of independent and local artists and artisans – cute, handmade, whimsical, colourful is the name of the game.  There’s so much to see that it’s actually a bit daunting so here are my picks.

My favourite clothing stall was by North Fitzroy local Mariska Thynne under the label The Professor’s Daughter. She makes brightly hued tailored garments with a retro, glamorous feel. A very Mad Men / vintage airline hostess look which can still be styled in a modern way.

I loved her clothes so much that I bought a winter wool coat from her – I don’t care that summer’s coming, I didn’t want to miss out!

Marina from Marcue handmakes every shoe in her collection according to your size and in any colour combination you desire. Actually, I loved the shoes that Marina was wearing most of all!

Everyone on my Christmas list is getting a personalised Christmas ornament from Kylie Johnson of Paper Boat Press from me this year – imagine them as reuseable gift tags for boxes of home made baked goodies. This is Brisbane-based Kylie’s first Melbourne market, so show her a grand Southern state by visiting her stall.

This custom-made kid’s deckchair from Brunswick’s fable baby & nursery wins the cutest item award.

I really liked these berry baskets and paint-your-own Matryoshka dolls from Blank Goods. In fact, I liked a lot of their other crafty items too such as twine, miniature wooden pegs and washi tape.

The sculptural accessories by Renee Saliba of Maple and Gray were a departure from the general cuteness and whimsy on show.

My favourite stall set up was by Angus and Celeste. Their elegant hangings along the Swiss chalet border perfectly showcased their delicate handpainted work.

The Finders Keepers Melbourne Spring/Summer 2012 market, The Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Friday 19 October 6pm – 10pm
Saturday 20 October 10am – 5pm

HOT: The SuperCool, Great Dane Loading Dock, Corner of Napier St & Johnston Sts, Fitzroy

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How is it possible for The SuperCool to be so…well, cool?

The mobile emporium has just landed in the loading dock of the fantastic Great Dane furniture store (a great use of unused space if I’ve ever heard one). The curated collection of homewares, stationery, furnishings, accessories and general design-goodness has basically brought to life all of my favourite things in one spot. More vintage objects than I have room for in my house!

Vintage suitcases! Tick.

I have an addiction to vintage typewriters.

Lots of different sized and shaped wooden crates, containers, shelves and racks, including my favourite one for stationery/milk bottles.

Cute kids toys, including a cardboard kitchen and cards and puzzles.

I want to add to my collection of blackboard signs.

And finally, a wooden 70s something-or-rather for $40. Maybe a small umbrella stand? Magazine rack? Fancy stubby holder? It’s unclear what it actually is but I’m using it as a wine rack for now. What do you think?

Get in quick as every item is limited edition or one-offs and The SuperCool will only be at the Great Dane Loading Dock until Sunday 20 May.

The SuperCool, Great Dane Loading Dock, Corner of Napier St & Johnston Sts, Fitzroy

Thu,Fri, Sat 10am-4pm

Sun 11am-4pm

Closed Easter and 19-22 April



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HOT: SO:ME Space, South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

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South Melbourne Market has moved out the dollar stores and moved in some hip wares.

Under the big shed they’ve created a space for small shops and pop up sites called SO:ME Space. It’s filled with clothing, accessories, artwork and bikes – a fun place to browse before or after your market grocery shopping.

Some of the designers include previous blog favourites Wet & Wendy and Skinny Nelson at Jane, plus cool bikes and accessories from Bakerlite and a very eye-catching shop display at Stone Glint and Bone.

SO:ME Space, South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

Wed 9am-4pm
Thurs 5pm-9pm
Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 9am-4pm
Sun 9am-4pm

 

HOT: Malmaison at Paris to Provence Festival, Como House and Garden, South Yarra

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A few weeks ago I attended the Paris to Provence Festival as the end stop of the Melbourne Tweed Ride. It was a bright sunshiney day and perfect for strolling around the grounds of Como House eating and drinking French delights, doing a spot of shopping and apparently a great opportunity to pull out your mini Marie Antoinette costume :–)

While the festival has been and gone I wanted to share my favourite find  – Castlemaine-based homewares company Malmaison which imports French products and sells French-inspired items. In particular, I fell in love with their pocket advent calendar which is currently adorning the fireplace in my house in the countdown to Christmas.

I’ve filled each of the little calico pouches with edible treats – no dinky plastic toys or crappy chocolates for me!

HOT: The Design Files Open House, 40 Little Napier St, Fitzroy

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What’s better than a pop up shop? A pop up house!

Melbourne design blogger extraordinaire Lucy Feagins has brought her blog The Design Files out of the interwebs and into real life. With the help of The Project Agency’s Esther Navarro-Orejon, Lucy has turned a swoon-worthy Fitzroy warehouse conversion into an even more swoonworthy display home – where everything is for sale!

That means inside The Design Files Open House all of the furniture, artworks, homewares, textiles, plants and food (and in theory even the Mini) can be popped into your shopping basket. Here’s your chance to bestow the gift of good design to your friends, family or let’s be honest, yourself.

Here are some of my favourite picks:

Baggu backpacks and totes in an array of colours.

A coat rack from Tractor Home that reads in rainbow colours ‘It’s beautiful here’. Very Miranda July I thought.

Maiike softies and Made by Mosey fabric mobiles. Awww.

I am obsessed with lamps. And my current obsessions is with these Workroom lamps. See them here…

..and here….

….and here!

A festive table full of kitchenware and sweet treats from Phillippa’s.

And when you’re done shopping and browsing, hang out on the rooftop under the  Basil Bangs umbrellas and enjoy some coffee and sweet treats from Coffee Supreme/The Abbotsford Club.

The Design Files Open House, 40 Little Napier St, Fitzroy

Thu Dec 1 – Sun Dec 4, 10am-5pm
Online from Mon Dec 5 – Sun Dec 18

HOT: Zakkaya, 52 Johnston St, Fitzroy

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Nestled in Johnston Street, in between the curry houses, Latin American restaurants and sweaty gyms is Zakkaya, a quietly beatific shop selling contemporary Japanese goods.

Their wares range from clocks, clothing, jewellery, toys, storage and everything is delicate, charming and oh-so-cute. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special person with an eye for design and craftsmanship. Lots of the things are made from natural materials like wood or stone or cotton.

Love these items…

A wooden hanging vase.

Kid-sized coat rack with animal heads on it.

Cute farmyard wooden balance game.

Colourful toy storage boxes.

I bought a Make Me Iconic Melbourne Toy Tram for a friend’s son and a beautiful Japanese papercut Christmas decoration as a Kris Kringle present – someone is going to be very lucky!

Look how beautifully they are packaged – typically elegant Japanese attention to detail. If you’re in a hurry with your Christmas chores, the gorgeous gift-wrapping is free too!

For other places to buy unique gifts in Fitzroy, try Little Salon or the Rose Street Artists Market.

Zakkaya, 52 Johnston St, Fitzroy +

HOT: Melbournalia Home, Level 1 Rear 126 Franklin St, Melbourne

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Stuck for a unique, Melbourne-themed Christmas gift or holiday souvenir?

Then make sure you get to Melbournalia, a series of pop up stores open now in the lead-up to Christmas. Over the next few weeks four Melbourne CBD venues and one repurposed newspaper stand will host displays of Melbourne design goodness, with HQ being at Melbournalia Home in an out-of-the-way laneway (naturally) off Franklin St.

Melbournalia Home is a stylish converted warehouse filled with stationery, jewellery, homewares, fashion, coffee, art and design from some of Melbourne’s best-loved boutique design brands.

My covet list includes:

Gorgeous Neighbourhood throw and picnic rugs from Otto & Spike and make-your-own mobile from Ink & Spindle.

Tram roll cushions from Poulier & Poulier.

 Mattt cases for notebooks and laptops.

In 2011 our kitchen calendar is by The Design Files. In 2012 our calendar will be the designed by the giggle-worthy Able and Game.

Tonight Melbournalia Captains opens at Captains of Industry (Level 1, 2 Somerset Place, CBD) with a launch event 6-8pm and everyone’s welcome! Enjoy some wine and browse the Captain’s selection of Melbournalia gifts for the modern gent.

HOT: Fringe Furniture, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

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Melbourne Fringe Festival is on now until 9 October 2011 and one of the regular parts of the eclectic program is the free Fringe Furniture exhibition.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is ‘Dancing in the Dark: Small Solutions to Big Problems’. Basically, this translates to design that’s smart, green, sustainable and beautiful by designers, architects, planners and artists from all around Australia.

Here are some of my favourite pieces from this year’s Fringe Furniture. The list of this year’s award winners is here.

Winner of the Emerging Designer Award – RMIT furniture design student Elizabeth Bowtell for Tri. How nifty is this bench! It can be configured to whatever seating arrangements you need, from a long bench to a few small stools, or can be completely closed up when not in use. It’s made from sustainable bamboo board and stainless steel.


Convergence by another RMIT furniture design student Thom Lentini. I like how this outdoor bench combines straight lines with organic objects. This was highly recommended by in the Award for Sustainable and Waste-Wise Design.

Metropolis: Jardinière made of found wood by Nico Evans at Lab De Stu (Laboratory Design Studio). I liked how the plant seemed to be devouring and overtaking its urban surroundings like a giant green Godzilla.

The Tern Table (Barry Horsfall) and Atlantis sofa (Greg Lawson) made entirely from sustainable materials. They wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Mad Men.

By David Potts, chandeliers made from discarded bike parts – rims, hubs, spokes, cables and reflectors. Who knew these glittery little pieces of coloured plastic would make such a pretty piece of decorative design?

Bike wardrobe by Liam Prescott. A whimsical combination of the natural and the man-made serving a decorative and functional purpose.

Fringe Furniture, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

Wednesday to Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm until 9 October

HOT: Design Made Trade, Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

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My favourite event during State of Design is Design : Made : Trade. It’s a showcase and market for small manufacturers and designer / makers, some local and some from interstate. Lighting, furniture, jewellery, stationery, ceramics, household goods – it’s all there.

Some of my highlights this year:

Karton. Living with a cardboard box never looked so good. I LOVED the low-lying Paperpedic bed (solid and very comfortable) which packs flat and can be stored in a cupboard or under another bed for lucky houseguests, the shelving units which you can paint in all sorts of colours and most of all their ram, part of their ‘Barnyard’ method of storage. I went online to buy a ram and it’s sold out already! But I’m told that new stock will be arriving in about a week.

Write to Me. I love the fitout of this stationery stall, especially the miniature typewriter that was apparently sourced from a store in Doncaster. Sadly, the machine doesn’t type teeny-tiny letters.

Edible Islands. Being an apartment dweller and quasi-green-thumb I like the idea that these planters designed for growing plants and veges on roof gardens, backyards and urban areas. Even better, they can be fit into lifts, through doors and up stairs. The planters are designed in Melbourne, made in Pakenham from 100% recycled plastic and come in a bunch of different colours.

DesignByThem. A Sydney-based design studio with a naive aesthetic. The cute StemTree brings a little bit of the outdoors to your indoors. It is gorgeous but unfortunately out of my price range.

‘s Emotion Machine. Strap into their bike, start pedalling to power the car to play the music. As you pedal faster, your heartbeat increases and the music becomes more intense. The motion of your head and your mood’s brain waves are transformed into visuals on screen.

Chandelier and lamp by Jorge Criollo-Carrillo for Jam Factory. Jam Factory is a studio/gallery/shop in Adelaide which provides Associate training for tertiary-educated artists and designers. Staff and Associates work on Jam Factory products and commissioned pieces as well as their own work and commercialise it under the Jam Factory umbrella. I loved this chandelier by industrial designer Jorge Criollo-Carrillo made from unvarnished wood on the outside and smoked wood on the inside, barely treated with varnish. The lamp is made from walnut and oak and shares the same organic texture and shape as the chandeliers. Simply breathtaking.

The Traveller. Gift packaging for wine that’s safe to post! The cardboard is produced from recycled board using a  minimum of 95% post-consumer waste and is printed with various designs, including some specifically Melbourne ones like Federation Square and Southern Cross station. The packaging has been tested to the same extent as Australian wine packaging and has been dropped from 7 storeys just to check your bottle of wine will be ok in the gentle hands of Australia Post. There’s a space to write your personal message so it’s your greeting card as well. I loved it much I bought one ($6) even though I couldn’t think of anyone I was going to be gift-giving wine.

Design Made Trade is on 21-22 July for trade and 23-24 July for public entry, 10-5pm all days.