Handcrafted ceramics by Adelaide based Susan Frost.   Photos by Grant Hancock.

Handcrafted ceramics by Adelaide based Susan Frost.   Photos by Grant Hancock.

Handcrafted ceramics by Adelaide based Susan Frost.   Photos by Grant Hancock.

Oh my goodness. Have I been living under a rock!? How did I not know about South Australian ceramicist Susan Frost before now!?  Her work is exquisite!

As outlined below, Susan originally worked in a variety of jobs including retail buying and administration, before taking up ceramics whilst spending time living in the UK with her husband.  It seems many talented ceramicists seem to discover their craft later in life!  (This reminds me of Bruce Rowe / Anchor Ceramics who we featured recently).

Though she had previously taken a variety of creative classes, there was something about clay which really resonated with Susan. After moving back to Australia in 2006 she was keen to pursue ceramics, and in 2009 was accepted into the JamFactory Associate Program, allowing her to focus on her practice full-time.

The result is a stunning collection of functional vessels, characterised by Scandi-inspired clean lines, and a beautiful, muted palette of 13 coloured glazes.

Susan has an exhibition on currently at Council of Objects in Adelaide called (re)Collected Hues.  It’s on now until 25th May.  She is also involved in group exhibition currently on until 20th May called 365 Cups: A Cup a Day at Worth Gallery in Adelaide.

Susan works from her studio space at the JamFactory in Adelaide.  Her vessels can be found at stockists including JamFactory, Potier, and Made By Others. She also has an online shop, and is happy to receive sales enquiries / take orders via email.

We asked Susan a few questions about her work and her process.  Here is what she had to say! -

Tell us a little bit about your background – what did you study, did you always want to be a ceramicist and what led you to what you’re doing now?

I actually started my career in retail, becoming a buyer for a department store in my early twenties. Travel beckoned and I ended up living in the UK with my husband for eight years. During this time I was doing various admin and temping jobs. I took a year off and studied Art History in London. We moved to Bristol and it was here I began ceramics when I enrolled in some night classes.

Throughout my life I had always taken various creative classes (painting, drawing, even millinery at one stage) but there was something about the tactile nature of clay that drew me in. When we moved back to Australia in 2006 I knew I wanted to pursue ceramics further. I took more classes, and in 2009 was accepted into the JamFactory Associate Program. From that point I was involved with ceramics full-time. It was at JamFactory where I started to develop my work and my style.

How would you describe your work / aesthetic?

Clean and functional. Quiet. I look at Danish design a lot. I am currently really interested in colour relationships. I use 13 colours and it is fascinating to see how they can change depending on what I pair them with. For instance I have a pink that is quite warm when next to orange, but really bright when put with yellow or navy blue.

What processes are involved in the creation of your ceramics?

I work with porcelain clay which is thrown on a potter’s wheel. I throw on a batt – a piece of wood attached to the wheel head so when the piece is finished, I lift the batt off so I don’t touch or warp the work. Clay, particularly porcelain, has a memory – any bumps or twists, even if you correct them, can often come back during the firing process.

After it is thrown and dry to a ‘leather hard’ state, I put the piece back on the wheel upside down and trim it. This takes off all the excess clay and it is here where I refine the profile and finish off the base. I then add handles to my cups and jugs by extruding long pieces of clay, hand shaping them and attaching.

Once bone dry the work is bisque fired. This gets the work to a stable enough condition to be handled and glazed.

Glazing is my big thing. I spend a lot of time glazing – up to a week depending on how much work I have! A common glazing method is to hold the piece with tongs and dip it in the glaze but that produces drips and runs on the work. As my glaze contains colour stains all of these drips show up so I have to glaze the inside and outside separately. I mask the outside and dip the piece to glaze the inside, holding it upside down until it is dry. I then clean up the outside, wait for it to dry and dip the outside by holding the piece from the inside. I dip it until the glaze comes right to the top of the piece, stopping just before it can run over the rim and inside the vessel. Once glazed, the work is loaded into an electric kiln and fired to 1280 degrees. After firing I then polish the base and (unglazed) rim with a diamond pad!

(re)Collected Hues - by Susan Frost
Council of Objects
248 Grenfell street
East End, Adelaide

On now until 25th May 2013.  

Council of Objects are also hosting a special celebration this Saturday May 11th – 11.00am – 4.00pm.  Pop in for a cuppa, view Susan’s exhibition and find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

Handcrafted ceramics by  Susan Frost.   Photos by Grant Hancock.

Handcrafted ceramics by Susan Frost.   Photos by Grant Hancock.

The home of Rebekah Cichero and family.  Kitchen bench made from a 4m slab of Mintaro slate – ‘we waited 6 months to find one big enough, and then it took 6 men and a trolley to move into place – we all held our breaths!’ says Rebekah.  Painting by Nicki Groos, 1977.  French decanters bought in France about 15 years ago. Danish platter, spirit measure and ice bucket all at One Small Room.  Photo – Jacqui Way.

Kitchen details.  Wall light – a vintage Danish find.  Box shelves by Bonnie & Neil.  Retro Pears and apples collected over time, pottery figures bought on a trip to Iceland. Retro stainless steel canisters from One Small Room.  Danish buffet from Mid Century Modern. Teak veneer used on all kitchen cabinetry.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Loungeroom.  Artwork above fireplace – ‘Little Sundance’ by Jacob Logos.  Furniture from left – Le Corbusier ‘LC 4’ chaise longue, Fritz Hansen sidetable, black chair by Vostra.  Couch, and other treasures found by Rebekah when sourcing for the shop!  Tulips in cream can – 50′s Metal Petals originals.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Loungeroom.  Tolomeo wall mount lights from Artemide, Kina Light by David Trubridge, watercolour above dresser by Sue Ninham. Parker buffet, Danish couch all One Small Room finds.  Pottery on sideboard is a collection of Bitossi, West German and Italian, timber ball by Lex Stobie.  Cushions by Bonnie and Neil and Cloth Fabric, black webbed chair by Vostra, Sidetable is Teca from Globewest.  ‘Anna’ floor rug by Brita Sweden.   Concrete flooring ‘Hyper’ floor by SA Tech floor.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Today’s gorgeous family home comes to us from Adelaide, and belongs to multi-tasking creative Rebekah Cichero – co-founder of Adelaide’s much loved Bowerbird Bazaar markets, and propertietor of sweet furniture and interiors shop One Small Room!  Rebekah is one seriously energetic and inspiring creative, having lived in London for 8 years working as a stylist before settling down in Adelaide with partner Tim. If all this sounds a touch familiar, that’s because we interviewed Rebekah this time last year!  (Re-visit our original interview for the full backstory!).

Nestled in Adelaide’s leafy suburb of Croydon, this generous Victorian family house actually backs onto Rebekah’s gorgeous little shop.  It’s home to Rebekah and husband Timothy, plus Ruby (8 yrs), Tobias (5 yrs) and Chico the dog.  The family have been here nearly five years.

Whilst it still retains much of its original charm, this home has been thoroughly renovated and extended to modernise and open up it’s functional spaces for this busy family.  These works happened in roughly two stages.  The front rooms were renovated when the family first moved in, and room layout reconfigured to make way for an ensuite and walk-in robe in the master bedroom.  A few years later the full home extension was completed – including new open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, and a new main bathroom.  Rebekah and Timothy also landscaped the front yard, added a new fence and rainwater tanks to ensure a healthy and productive garden, even in Adelaide’s notoriously dry summers.

If you’ve been to Rebekah’s sweet shop, One Small Room, then the eclectic edit of furniture and artwork here will be no surprise!  As is often the case with creative retailers, Rebekah’s home is an extension of her shop and vice versa – furniture and art finds itself on high rotation between both spaces.  ’We often find new favourites when sourcing for the shop, so we move something out from home and sell it to someone else to love!’ says Rebekah.

There are, however, a few treasured pieces she and Tim would never part with.  ’We do have some favourite pieces, the stripped back carousel horse and the Le Corbusier ‘LC 4′ chaise (‘Tim’s chair’) bought when we lived in London, pre-children’ says Rebekah. Other favourite pieces include two paintings by Jacob Logos.  ’We all fell in love with the artwork of Jacob Logos, so deciding on the painting above the fireplace (Little Sundance) and another above our bed (Evening Hunt) was a very easy decision’ recalls Rebekah.

As is often the case with a weekly home features, it’s not so much the house but the whole neighbourhood which Rebekah and her family call home.  ’We live right near the iconic ‘Queen st’ strip with the best bakery ever (Red Door Bakery) and of course our shop, only about a metre away from our home and office!’ says Rebekah.  ’Croydon is an amazing community of creative types, caring people who say hi when you walk by. Kids meet and play on Sundays while parents have coffee, you can get a good haircut, ride bikes and still be in the city in 7 minutes or to the beach in 15 or the hills in 40! Nothing’s too far away. We feel rather lucky here’.  Ahhh Adelaide, such a Utopian land…!

Big thanks to Rebekah and co. for sharing their fabulous family home – do share the love with a little visit to the One Small Room and Bowerbird Bazaar websites.  Thanks too, to Jacqui Way for the stunning shots!

Kitchen details.  ’The painting by Nicki Groos, 1977 was found when out sourcing for shop treasures – it didn’t make it to the shop!’ says Rebekah.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Kitchen details.  Photos - Jacqui Way.

Master bedroom.  Bed and besides – Scandinave by Transforma,  Artwork above bed – ‘Evening Hunt’ by Jacob Logos, ceramic wall birds by Gerry Wedd,  Malabar bedlinen, Marigold Rug by Armadillo and a Danish wool rug (beside bed) found at auction.  Bedside lights – Ikea.  Pendant is the ‘Saucer’ light by Louis Poulsen.  Above fireplace is an antique chinese window screen.  Danish stool, One Small Room.  Photos - Jacqui Way.

Master bedroom looking through to ensuite.  Above fireplace – antique chinese window screen.  Danish stool, One Small Room.  Photos - Jacqui Way.

Ensuite adjoining msater bedroom.   Towel rack made by Tim.  Tapware and Spanish ‘wallpaper’ tiles from Estilo, 70′s original resin ball light.  Teak footstool from One Small Room.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Ruby’s room - Retro dresser – One Small Room, vintage suitcases store dressups, dolls and toys.  Vintage rocker and pram found out treasure hunting. Artwork by Alan Smithee.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Ruby’s room – mix of artwork including pieces by Donna Gnell, Tsk Tsk and wall birds by Naomi Murrell. Danish lamp and bed from One Small Room.  Cowhide rug bought in Buenos Aires. Quilt and pillow – vintage finds in London.  Quilted rug made by Grandma.  Vintage marionette dolls on couch among hand made toys by Hop Skip Jump.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Main family bathroom. Vanity, designed by Rebekah and Timothy, in Tas Oak and teak veneer with Mintaro slate benchtop.  Artwork is a Danish auction buy.  Tiles from Ceramica.  Vintage mirrors collected in London – ‘this is only part of the collection!’ says Rebekah. Flowers by Fleurs de Nadia. Tapware and Italian bowls from Bathroom Living.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Home office.  Vintage bus scroll found at auction – ‘I wasn’t going to let anyone out bid me as it bears the suburb we live in!’ says Rebekah. Artwork by Alan Smithee.  Original 70′s resin ball light. Vintage hand operated sewing machine (‘for Ruby to learn sewing – as she can’t reach the peddle of my electric one’ says Rebekah).  Danish office desk from One Small Room.  Old ammunition box bought at a London market.  Flower retro wastepaper bin – an op shop find.  Vintage Tonka truck bought another auction find. Persian rug bought in London. Antique chinese bucket from Water Tiger.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Exterior of home and rear deck, featuring recycled bricks and timber.  Fish and chips sign and pendant lights, trestle table and bench – all One Small Room finds.  Railway trolley used as coffee table. Stools by Tolix from 1000 Chairs. Tin pots bought on a trip to Turkey.  Photo - Jacqui Way.

Glassware from the new JamFactory product range – top -  JAMJAR Storage Jar (designed by Deb Jones, Tom Mirams and Brian Parkes), left - STRETCH Jug with anodised aluminium stirrer, right – KINK vinegar bottle (designed by Deb Jones).  All designed and handcrafted in house at the JamFactory.

As most of you know, I am a big fan of the JamFactory in Adelaide, ever since spending a little time there last year.  This amazing creative hub, based in Adelaide’s CBD, really is such a truly unique facility, supporting and promoting the very best in Australian design and craftsmanship through its workshops, associate program, studios, galleries and retail shops.  JamFactory is for serious craft.  The quality of product that comes out of here is truly outstanding.

SO it’s with great excitement that The JamFactory team launch their much anticipated production range this month!  The idea of launching a self branded product range has been cooking for some time at JamFactory HQ.  With some of the very best creative minds at work here, and the most incredible studio resources in the country at their disposal, it’s an inevitable development – exposing JamFactory creative output to a national audience, and encouraging associates to design with small scale manufacturing and retail pricepoint in mind.

After initial experimentation with one-off products, a family of ten beautifully designed, handcrafted JamFactory products were launched at Design : Made : Trade in Melbourne last week.

The range includes the super popular KINK oil bottle (launched last year), which has been joined by a few stylish friends to create a cohesive but very varied little collection of functional products for the home - the sweet KINK Vinegar Bottle (a perfect partner for the taller oil bottle), STRETCH Jug with elegant anodised aluminium swizzle stick, striking conical JAMJAR and AIRCRAFT Brooch and Lamp are pictured here.  The range also includes timber bread boards, salad servers and ceramic nesting bowls – check out the JamFactory website for image of the full range!

What really stands out about this debut product range is a sense of time spent in development.  JamFactory have pooled their most creative minds and impressive resources over the past 18 months, taking the time to hone each design and really do things properly!  It shows. These objects are so elegant in their execution and thoughtfully produced, perfectly highlighting the craft methods used in their production.

All JamFactory products are designed in-house by creative staff or through collaboration with independent designers. Each piece is then handcrafted by JamFactory staff and associates within one or more of the four studios on site at the JamFactory – Glass, Metal, Ceramics and/or Furniture.

The JamFactory product range is available from JamFactory’s Morphett Street retail shop in Adelaide, and JamFactory’s online shop - do pop by for a browse!  TDF readers can also take advantage of a special offer of free shipping on all online purchases until 6th August 2012, using the discount code TDF2012 at the checkout.

AIRCRAFT Brooch and light by Christian Hall from the JamFactory

Cosmos – a range of dressing table accessories by Daniel : Emma, designed for Guerlain – commissioned by Wallpaper* Magazine

I still have a soft spot for Adelaide-based design duo (and super cute couple) Emma Aiston and Daniel To, aka Daniel : Emma.  These two clever kids have an uncanny knack of making serious waves on the international design scene, whilst flying very much under the radar here on home soil.

Their object series pictured above, entitled Cosmos, was commissioned by Wallpaper*  Magazine for French cosmetics brand Guerlain, and exhibited earlier this year as part of the Wallpaper* Handmade Exhibition in Milan.

‘The project sees many small design studios paired with big international brands to collaborate on fictitious ‘in a perfect world’ design briefs!’ says Emma.  For their contribution, Daniel and Emma put forward a set of three dressing table accessories – sculptural pieces made of polished brass and  aluminum, which conceal Guerlain’s lipstick, powder, and eyeliner.  I love the slightly mysterious ambiguity of these pieces – it isn’t until the contents of each item are revealed that the function of each abstract sculptural form becomes apparent.

‘We had free rein over the brief, but set ourselves the constraints of designing a harmonious collection using three different products’ says Emma. ‘We wanted to remain true to our design philosophy – making products which are ‘just nice.’  We put a lot of thought into the forms and the way they relate to one another and the materials and finished used.  At the end of the day even though we aren’t usually designers of cosmetics accessories, we wanted the aesthetic of the pieces to be ‘Daniel : Emma’.

At present the designs are merely concepts and won’t be going into any form of production… but who knows what the future holds!   These designs are published in the August issue of Wallpaper* magazine, out now.

Further Reading

- Head to our Facebook page today for a gallery of behind the scenes snaps and concept drawings from Daniel and Emma’s Cosmos range!

- Re-visit Daniel and Emma’s sweet home in Port Adelaide, which we featured in November 2011.

Cosmos by Daniel : Emma, designed for Guerlain, commissioned by Wallpaper* Magazine.  Photo - Tommaso Sartori

Fête Magazine – a new free Australian online magazine about event styling, entertaining and party planning!

Pagespreads from issue 1 of Fête Magazine – PEONIES are so perfect, aren’t they?

Mexican-flavoured teen pool party – SO cute!

I find myself stumbling across more and more incredible design talent in SA recently – first it was our darling pals Daniel and Emma, then the immensely talented glass artists at the JamFactory, then cooler than cool Collect Mag and of course, more recently the clever boys at Mash.  I get the impression Adelaide is a secret land with all these very clever people tap tap tapping away at these super inspiring projects behind closed doors, without any fuss or fanfare… and then when we finally catch on in Melbourne and Sydney it’s like BAM – where did that come from!?  Sheesh.  We really are hopeless. :)

Today we’re sharing another stunning new SA-born creative project – Fête Magazine!  Fête is a free bi-monthly online mag with a focus on all aspects of entertaining – from food to flowers and decorations, from kids to teens to grown-up dinner parties. Whilst there’s no shortage of online magazines popping up these days, I must say it is SO great to see one that has a distinctly Australian feel to it.  The parties pictured in Issue 1 of this beautiful publication are unmistakeably Aussie in their execution – I especially love the Mexican-flavoured teen pool party with it’s sepia toned shots!  SO cute, yet so natural and relaxed – and all too familiar!

It was actually my dear offsider Jenny Butler who brought Fête to my attention (thankyou JB!), and as with any new discovery, my first instinct was to scan the credits to see which clever team might be behind this polished project.  Turns out Fête is the creation of no one I had heard of (until now!) – Adelaide based event stylist and ‘big picture person’ Annabelle Kerslake, and ‘obsessive, details-focussed’ graphic designer Jane Cameron.  Needless to say – these two make the perfect creative match!

We love to  learn a little more about special self-starter projects like this, so we asked Jane Cameron a few questions about Fête -

You have crept up on us unawares with Fête!  So we’re curious… what are your career backgrounds?

Annabelle’s an entrepreneur at heart and started her career by opening a corner florist shop – after three years she was ready for a bigger challenge and moved on to build one of Adelaide’s leading event styling companies. Annabelle’s a people person and this endearing quality earned her a loyal following.

Meanwhile, I was running my own graphic design studio where my clients would wing me across the country as their corporate high flying designer. I’d lectured design to eager young students and served on the AGDA committee for what seems like forever (still!) – I even judged the awards one year which was pretty special. To satisfy a creative hankering I started a little personal stationery business on the side.

That’s how I met Annabelle – she was looking for someone to design stationery for her clients. Not long after meeting, Annabelle came up with a hair-brained scheme to get in to publishing and we started a printed wedding magazine to international acclaim. After five years we decided to leave to start our next big project, fête.

Annabelle’s the grand plans, big-picture type girl and I’m the obsessive compulsive, details person. By some miracle we work really well together and feel more like sisters than business partners. It’s a collaboration that has turned in to a life-long friendship.

What inspired you to come together to create Fête?

We both love entertaining and celebrating but are so seriously time-poor we wanted to find a way to do it quickly, easily but still do it well. With our collective backgrounds in design, styling and event management, we knew there was a better way and we wanted to pass on these ideas to every other person we know who is trying to juggle their hectic life, like we are.

We are especially loving the distinctly ‘Australian’ feel of the magazine – what do you feel is fresh / different / fabulous about Fête?

It’s important to us to present our ideas in an authentic way, that are relevant to our lifestyles – it has to be achievable and accessible.  It has to be easy – after all, Fête is pretty much just the two of us, with the help of some fantastic family and friends.

We like to think we present an Australian aesthetic, after all it’s what we know and we’re proud of our lovely country and its customs. This is something we strive to emulate – our laid-back, not-too-serious attitude to life.  It’s who we are and what makes us special in this world.

It’s such a laugh when international inquiries work out we’re based in Australia. We love it even more when Australians realise we work out of Adelaide!  We still get a laugh from the fantastic emails we receive from all parts of the world singing our praises when we are just two girls from SA doing our own thing. If only they knew!

Keep doing your own thing ladies – you’re on to a winner!

Massive thanks to Jenny Butler for sourcing this excellent story  :)

More pagespreads from the current issue of Fête Magazine

Fête Magazine

Fête Magazine

‘Chef’s Special‘ – a seasonal print publication from Meat and Livestock Australia, designed by SA-based design studio Mash.  Photography –  John  Laurie, Food Styling - Simon Bajada.

‘Chef’s Special‘ – a seasonal print publication from Meat and Livestock Australia, designed by SA-based design studio Mash.  Photography –  John  Laurie, Food Styling - Simon Bajada.

Branding and design for NSW restaurant Rojorocket

Branding and design for NSW restaurant Rojorocket

Mash is a graphic design studio based in Adelaide, headed up by young designers Dom Roberts & James Brown.  At just 34 and 31 yrs old respectively it’s hard to believe these guys have been in business together for 10 YEARS this year!  Yup, they founded Mash way back in 2002.  This supremely talented duo and their team take on a variety of projects and clients, but I must admit their impressive portfolio of work does seem to have a definite leaning towards MEAT and WINE!  And hair products.  :)  I guess they like to eat well – and look good!?

What first caught my attention about these guys was the amazing work they’ve been doing for Meat and Livestock Australia.  ’Chef’s Special‘ is a seasonal promotional print publication that is so so SO beautifully designed I would quite happily subscribe if it were available to buy!  The magazine, which has received a impressive slew of awards from ADGA and D&AD, is brought to life with the contributions of excellent Melbourne-based food stylist Simon Bajada and photographer John  Laurie – masters of the rustic overhead food shot!  (To really appreciate this inspired collaborative project, check out what the magazine looked like before Mash got their hands on it!).

Aside from being particularly great at art directing MEAT, Mash’s varied portfolio of work includes branding, packaging, print and web design for  a mixed bag of clients including hair care brand EVO, Victoria’s Secret NYC, The Big Day Out, AGDA, NSW restaurant Rojorocket, and a bunch of excellent Australian and international wineries. I reckon it’s safe to say these guys probably have a well stocked studio ‘fridge!

Big thanks to James and Dom for sharing their stunning work with us.  They are very entertaining and I have a feeling James in particular is slightly mad.  His answers below seem to border on Russell Brand-style wit at times, and I hope I have made sense of everything correctly!

Please tell us a little about your backgrounds – where did both you grow up, what did you study,  what path led you to founding Mash in 2002?

We grew up in Adelaide – Dom to the posh side, James to the rough side. James parents northern rough English, Dom’s refined southern English. We studied in Uni, Dom won Dux of class, James partyed his way through and never passed. In fact both didn’t finish school. Illustration and visual communication brought the bond together. Dom was a bad speller. James was good at spelling but wasn’t punctual. The rest is history.

What have been one or two favourite projects in recent years?

Alpha Box & Dice for pure freedom and ability to put weird things on bottles and for it to sell out before anyone has even tasted a drop. Chef’s Special doing interesting things with gristle.

Alpha Box & Dice wines – branding / labels / packaging by Mash

Judging by your previous clients you guys seem to really love MEAT and WINE.  How did you come to be doing so much lovely work for the food and beverage industries?  And as a result, are your fridges always stocked with Wagyu rump steak and fine South Australian wines?

Of course our fridges are laden with fine creatures, exquisite drops and the creamiest of creams. It is like the garden of Eden everyday in Tinseltown. It seems food and beverage is our suit at this point in time. I assure you we also can design and artify alfoil crowns and make great dance partners at parties. James is a “passive vegetarian” and doesn’t drink booze and Dom is carnivore that loves a margot.

More amazing Chef’s Special brilliance – Photography –  John  Laurie, Food Styling - Simon Bajada

How is your business structured – where is your studio based, how many people does Mash employ, do you both still play a very hands on role in each project, and what significant tasks does the studio outsource?

8 peeps sometimes more. Structure – toughest wins. Studio is in the ciudad de Adelaide but aim is for farm overlooking surf with a bouncy castle. We like to touch our staff whenever possible, we are hands on, hands off, wax on, wax off.  Every day is different, we all appreciate each other and outside artistes, outsource when we are busy or need a certain panache like a knot expert like Curtis the knot man. That boy can tie.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

James: get in late, eat some lentils and jicama, leaves early, drink water, make inappropriate jokes  Dom: in on time, eat cooked dinner, drink coffees, make inappropriate jokes.

Can you name for us 5 resources across any media which you visit regularly for a bolt of creative inspiration, or just to be kept in the loop!?

Books and people

Koruna and kaspar

Not blogs, books

Travelling to developing countries

Salvador Dalis Cook books

Iron chef!!

ABCDF

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

Good-doing people. In particular right now – a homeless man drawing pictures of houses that I just bought some pictures off today!  His cactuses are stellar. Naive Escher. But what a man, his pictures aren’t as important as he is, a good man. Like Zinidine Zidane. And my girlfriend who is working with kids/youth in Timor.

Print design for hair care brand EVO

What are you most proud of professionally?

Painting with kids in Timor. I just stripped and painted a ukelele and raised a few hundred bucks to buy guitars for the kids in Nicole’s centre, that’s definitely the most meaningful and rewarding project I’ve done recently. All in 1 day. Fuss free.

What would be your dream creative project?

All of the above.

What are you looking forward to?

Standing on a ramp with Tony Hawk tomorrow, seeing Nicole in April. Painting a surf board and a motorcycle at Deus in Bali.

Adelaide Questions –

Your favourite Adelaide neighbourhood and why?

The shire! Shire mutts. Henley, pt willunga, pt Elliot.

Where do you shop in Adelaide for the tools of your trade?

Oh I have someone to do that for me now. I love poscas. The posca shop. I like South Seas Bookstore.

Where /what was the last great meal you ate in Adelaide?

Parwana! We decorated the place but seriously good Afghan food. And Neon Lobster that is our taqueria opening for barrio at the Adelaide festival of arts.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Surfing.

Wine label for Napa Valley Linnaea Vineyard

The hallway of Danel To and Emma Aiston – complete with designer Pashley bikes!  (a matching pair, of course!)

Hallway / front door details

Shared study / workspace

Another smashing South Australian home today… this one is a super cute Victorian 2-bedroom home of Adelaide design duo Daniel To and Emma Aiston, aka Daniel : Emma!

This supremely talented pair were such incredibly generous hosts during my recent trip to Adelaide, taking me all over town to visit their favourite haunts, plying me with delicious meals, peculiar asian ice creams and an SA staple – Cibo coffee.  Of course I am a massive fan of Daniel and Emma’s work and I am always impressed with their incredible sense of style –  so whilst in SA I knew I had to seize the opportunity to shoot their home.  I had an inkling it would be cute and quirky and full of ‘not available in Australia’ goodness.  I wasn’t wrong!

Daniel and Emma live in the semi-industrial pocket of Adelaide known as Rosewater/ Port Adelaide.  It’s an area ripe for gentrification – 1km to the port, 5km to the beach, 12km to the city, and full of fantastic old brick warehouses, most of which appear to be vacant.  If this were Melbourne each would be filled with artists, designers and fresh faced uni graduates looking to set up hipster bike shops / cafes / bars.  But this is Adelaide, so there’s none of that going on just yet.  Watch this space!

Daniel and Emma have been here just 2.5 years.   On the first weekend after taking ownership, they set to work ripping out carpet, curtains, built in robes and lino, then polishing the floor boards and painting everything white. They’ve done little else and certainly nothing structural (yet!), other than filling the home with their unique collection of furniture and cute collectables, many of which are souvenirs from Daniel and Emma’s time living and working in London.

When asked for their favourite aspects of the home, Daniel and Emma have too many to mention!  Emma loves the stripey bullnose verandah, Louis Ghost Chair in the bedroom (a wedding gift) and tin toys purchased from her previous employer Thorsten van Elten in London.  Their twin ‘Pashley’ bicycles also score a mention, and Daniel cutely says ‘Emma is the best thing in the house’. Awww!

Massive thanks to Emma and Daniel for sharing their sweet nest with us today!  AND if you are a big fan of their work do come and check out their designed objects / stationery items in person at The Design Files Open House - opening TOMORROW! OMG.

Bedroom complete with ‘Nudie lady painting’ – an Aiston family heirloom!?  ’This hung in my grandparents home for most of my childhood’ says Emma!

Bedroom details including Louis Ghost Chair

Loungeroom / workspace.  Cute woollen sheep from some international designer whose name escapes me.

Loungeroom / workspace details

Workspace details

Workspace details

Kitchen

Kitchen details

Miniature Kitchen details

Dining room looking through to back door / annex

The cute couple!

Exterior

Bowerbird Bazaar exterior

Bowerbird Bazaar gorgeousness

One Small Room details

I discovered a LOT of creative talent in Adelaide in just four days, making it very tricky to decide on just one interview subject to close this week.  BUT with Bowerbird Bazaar taking place in Adelaide this weekend – it seemed the perfect opportunity to learn a little more about multitasking local creative Rebekah Cichero!

I introduced Rebekah yesterday with a brief mention of her gorgeous store in Croydon – One Small Room.  One Small Room is one of Adelaide’s sweetest furniture / homewares shops…. but it’s only one small part of Rebekah’s story.   Rebekah lived in London for 8 years, where she worked as a freelance stylist for a host of excellent mags including Elle Decoration and Living etc.  After relocating to SA so partner Tim could return to study, and opening One Small Room in 2003, it wasn’t long before Rebekah had pounced on another creative opportunity – launching Sproutdesign, a gorgeous textiles and soft furnishings label, in 2006.

And then came Bowerbird Bazaar!  Yep, Rebekah is one half of the dynamic duo behind Adelaide’s much loved design market, now in it’s fifth year.  The event draws an incredible crowd from far and wide, and has a fantastic reputation for it’s curated range of stalls and varied mix of indie craft and design.  It’s definitely one of the jewels in SA’s busy festival calendar!

Inbetween co-running Bowerbird Bazaar and One Small Room, producing screenprinted textiles and products for her Sproutdesign range, and doing the odd interior design / styling project, Rebekah is also a busy Mum to two small kids!!   I am seriously impressed.  What is your secret Rebekah?!  Perhaps in Adelaide it is easier to be outrageously prolific, because you spend way less time stuck in traffic… ??  Maybe?

Massive thanks to Rebekah who has sent me about 400 emails this week and a bazillion photos, all in the busy lead-up up to the big Bowerbird Bazaar event.  If you’re in Adelaide this weekend DO VISIT!  Details below.

Bowerbird Bazaar
Queen’s Theatre
Playhouse Lane (off Light Square)
Adelaide
SA 5000

OPEN Today – 2.00pm – 4.00pm trade only, 4.00pm – 9.00pm trade + public
THIS Saturday – 10.00am – 5.00pm
THIS Sunday – 10.00am – 4.00pm

You seem to have had a few unexpected twists and turns in your career! – can you tell us a little about your career background and what path led to the projects you run now?

I think I’ve always been creative and have always wanted to try different things, but just didn’t know where to start. Actually I was a misguided youth who was told that studying practical subjects like typing and business was worthwhile to make sure you’d get a job.   And, although this has proved true in many ways, back then, all I wanted to do was travel the world, become a photographer and a fashion designer.  It took me a while to come full circle and trust my creative instincts and find what truly made me tick.

After attempting to become a children’s Dentist I moved on to studying a BA, upgraded to Businesss Communications and Marketing and floated from one lecture to the other dreaming of travels aboard.

While studying I worked as a functions waitress and casually in sales at Sportsgirl… This is where I found my interest in visual merchandising and a rare opportunity arose to be a part time visual display merchandiser with Sportsgirl.  I went for it and they gave me the job!   I loved it but still decided to head overseas, left my studies and took off. I worked in very practical jobs while travelling and studying some short courses in textiles, guilding, interior decorating and sewing, until my partner insisted on offering his support for me to focus on one creative thing and go from there.

After all the travel I’d become very interested in architecture and interiors, so chose to study a full time intensive course in interior design at the London College of Printing. I loved every minute of it – I was completely reinspired. I finally had some direction, and was set on working for interior design magazines. After my course I approached several magazines and ended up being a freelance stylist with Elle Deco and Living Etc. Mainly I assisted in house stylists so was exposed to the many different approaches stylists take to the various photo shoots.

We left London after 8 years when my partner wanted a career change and decided to also head into design. We chose to come to Adelaide so he could study a post grad degree in architecture. Not being from SA, I had to work out what path to take. I worked freelance before deciding to set up a shop in 2003 – a kind of creative experiment where the room (literally one room back then) was set up as an ever evolving installation.

One Small Room

The idea for One Small Room was to create a shop that felt like a lounge room, so customers could see how each piece on display might work in their own home. Everything from the rug on the floor, to the cups on the table were for sale.  I sourced a mix of eras and styles – from vintage furniture and homewares to the work of local designer / makers such as Michael Hill.  8 years later we’re still here, and One Small Room now includes interior and building design services, interior styling, a lamp base range, Sproutdesign textiles and Bowerbird Bazaar.

One Small Room has opened up other creative opportunities, one of which was the chance to buy some old fabric designs from a textile designer who had created them in the 70’s.  I felt they had a whole new relevance in today’s market – and so Sproutdesign was born.  The prints were reworked and coordinates added, as well as a product range developed.  Since the initial Sproutdesign launch in 2006 we’ve had several other Australian designers design a print for the range – like Aunty Cookie, Moyra of Surface Art and Lara Cameron of Ink and Spindle.

Sproutdesign textiles and  soft furnishings

How did the idea come about for Bowerbird Bazaar, and how has the event grown since you first launched?

The idea came up after attending many trade and retail fairs, both as a visitor and also as an exhibitor. I started wondering why nothing like this existed in South Australia, and with the shop experience, I’d met many many designer / makers locally who I felt would really benefit from a dedicated event like this in SA.  I could see from interstate markets how worthwhile it was for designers to be able to connect with the public and retailers, and make direct profits from their sales.

I met Jane Barwick, who at that time was running her own jewellery label, and really understood the challenges of being a designer / maker in SA.  We chatted about it a few times at different events until we decided to just do it!

Our first event in 2009 was a success. Jane and I are both genuinely interested in assisting each designer / maker to grow successfully into small business, and using Bowerbird as a testing ground.  We think the combination of both a trade event and a public event work well. It enables the designers who take part to really the test the market by selling directly to the public, and gives them an opportunity to network with retailers and the media – growing not only their business but their ideas and networks. We’re now up to our fifth Bowerbird Bazaar and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Busy at the Bazaar!  Photos – Denis Smith Photography

Which Australian designers, artists or creative people are you loving right now?

I love people in general who can create great environments that inspire me – visual impact and a good feeling evoked is always a treat for me.

I love what Greg Hatton does, and like seeing what Tide Design and Yellow Diva come up with. Lex Stobie’s furniture also has a great aesthetic. I love Kate Stokes for lighting and the new flatpack Enoki lighting.

The work and the drive of Daniel : Emma I really admire. They are a great example of designer / makers who have worked hard and understand that to be a success you have to make things happen for yourself, take chances and not expect others to make it happen for you.

I actually find inspiration and get more excited about people I see everyday making their own personal steps to success whether it be in the choice of how they live their life or how they make a small business work for them. I love seeing people make a business grow from an idea to a success where they choose the way they work, how busy they are and how flexible to be, so that life is valued and the the task of earning money can be enjoyed and the rewards reaped in the more creative satisfying ways.

Can you list for us your top 5 creative resources across any media – ie websites or blogs you visit daily, magazines you can’t live without?

The Design Files – of course – up to date in every way!
Door Sixteen blog – lives life with visual impact – love it.
Abigail Ahern – love her take on colour
Magazines must haves – Urbis, Dwell, Elle Decoration, Vogue Living, Inside Out, World of Interiors – I’m an addict and wiill always buy interior mags in any country I visit!
Stylists to feel inspired by -  Glen Proebstel, Claire Lloyd, Finola Inger and Sibella Court.

You have a lot to juggle with 3 businesses and 2 kids! What does a typical day at work involve for you?

A lot of juggling, being a little mad and working at night helps. Being organised is a must, a tick off list also helps – as does having great staff!

A typical day involves a bit of everything usually. Doing tag team with my husband, school drop off, bidding at auctions and sourcing, catching up with our store manager, checking emails, setting up a new installation, ordering stock, updating facebook and blog, liaising with designer / makers (expecially when in Bowerbird season), attending trade shows, product launches, meeting clients to help on interior projects, playing with a four year old, getting a coffee at Red Door Bakery (a must!) and being flexible as every day is different. Mainstays are: breakfast and dinner with my family, bedtime stories with the kids!

Sproutdesign textiles and  soft furnishings

What are you most proud of professionally?

Succeeding in a business that allows my husband and I to work together, and be flexible with how we live and work so that our children see both of us a lot. Learning lots along the way, trusting my own instincts and following through with an idea. Being willing to try different things and be open to change.

Bowerbird Bazaar

What would be your dream creative project?

Where do I start?  Designing a boutique hotel in Itay. Styling for a movie set with an endless budget…

What are you looking forward to?

Another trip overseas with my family and deciding what my next project will be.

Adelaide Questions

Your favourite Adelaide neighbourhood and why?

Croydon for sure. It’s a real community where neighbours know each other and are supportive. There is old and there is young, lemons handed over fences, visits to neighbours homes, help when needed. There is a creative buzz here and a keen desire to live life well with varied but like minded people.

The strip of shops on Queen St is a continually inspiring place to be, to people watch, shop, eat, drink and just be.  Small businesses have set up and continue to grow and succeed here. We’re close to the city, close to the beach but still have a leafy suburb and lovely good sized homes.

Any tips for one creative Adelaidian to watch?

Hmm, there are actually a few here to watch. I think John Quan has a lot more to come yet and his collaboration with his wife Kumiko Nakajima is bound to take them into some interesting directions.

What and where was the last great meal you ate in Adelaide?

Probably Kenji’s Hutt St – the best Japanese!  Also simple but tasty tapas at Mesa Lunga and a good sparkling wine…

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

At home having breakfast with the kids, then a stroll down to Queen St to Red Door Bakery for coffee and pastries then off to roller skating or the park.

Adelaide’s best kept secret?

Adelaide Lifestyle – The quality of life you can have here. Good food, good wine, great houses, easy living. I think you only realise how good it is when you’ve not come from here or have done plenty of travel.

Bowerbird Bazaar.  Photos - Denis Smith Photography

Emma Aiston and Daniel To of Daniel : Emma!  They laugh a lot.

I was SO lucky to spend a good chunk of my time in Adelaide with the gorgeous Emma Aiston and Daniel To, otherwise known as Daniel : Emma.  These guys have received accolades worldwide for their cute ‘n quirky functional designed objects – but in Adelaide no one knows them from a bar of soap. :) Which is just the way they like it.  They travel twice a year to show their work at international design fairs, but the rest of the time they just bunker down here in SA designing, prototyping and eating good food (they really like food).

During my visit Daniel and Emma took me on a little tour of their fave shopping spots in their hometown.  It was awesome!  For today’s post we’ve whittled it down to a vaguely design-focussed TOP 5… but there is a brief list of other Adelaide highlights listed at the bottom of this post too!   If you have a favourite spot I haven’t mentioned, please leave a comment and let us know!

One piece of advice if you’re planning a trip to SA anytime soon – hire a car!  If you can. Much of the goodness is dotted all over town in different locations, and public transport is not as regular or wide reaching as it is in Melbourne and Sydney.  Parking is easy, and traffic non existent, so if you can manage it, hiring a car is the best way to see this town.

One Small Room

One Small Room in Croydon (ps. vintage bus scrolls are much cheaper in Adelaide than in Melbourne!)

One Small Room is a gorgeous and unique little furniture / homewares / gift shop in a cute residential area called Croydon.  It’s incredibly popular, so much so, that since opening in 2003 OSR has grown from one to three rooms, and has taken over the shopfront next door.  It has also spurred on a smattering of cute local cafes in a suburban street that previously had little else going on. Isn’t it amazing how one great  little businesss can re-energise a whole area?

One Small Room is owned and operated by local designer and stylist Rebekah Cichero, who also runs Bowerbird Bazaar (on this weekend in Adelaide!) and offers private home styling services.  She’s one hell of a creative multitasker – you’ll learn a little more about Rebekah tomorrow!

Daniel and Emma say - One Small Room is our number one pick!  We can’t remember a time we have gone into OSR and not come out with something new. So many lovely furniture finds as well as tastefully selected accessories and home wares :)

One Small Room
2 Elizabeth St
Croydon
SA 5008

Ph. (08) 7120 2368

Hours
Tuesday – Friday         11.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday & Sunday      10.00am – 4.00pm

RHD

Cult denim and menswear store RHD.  That’s RHD’s Andy (top right) showing Emma pics of his new bub!   Photos – Lucy Feagins.

Apparently, the coolest cats in Adelaide roll up the cuffs of their jeans! (from left, Daniel, Andy from RHD and little Emma!)

Daniel and Emma were super keen to introduce me to their pal Andy Watson who runs cult menswear store RHD.  That stands for ‘Right Hand Distribution’ and has something to do with the way jeans are made. Or something like that.  ANYWAY it is one of those awesome and effortlessly cool shops that stocks all the best indie labels you’ve never heard of. These guys seriously know their denim.  They even have a special industrial denim sewing machine behind the counter, to take up your jeans in that perfect way that you just can’t do on a regular sewing machine.

Sadly RHD is only for boys, but I would totally wear half the stuff in there.   If you live in Melbourne or Sydney and are sick of having the same jeans as everyone else, you should check out RHD’s new online store!  SO. GOOD.

Emma and Daniel say - RHD is run by our talented friend Andy. It is the place to go to in Adelaide for men’s fashion, and also the number one way to kill an hour or two in the city, just strike up a conversation with Andy and watch an afternoon go by!

Right Hand Distribution
22 Ebenezer Place
Adelaide
SA 5000

Ph. (08) 8359 3557

RHD

Treadly Bike Shop

Treadly Bike Shop.  Photos – Lucy Feagins

Treadly is a super awesome bike shop just up the road from RHD in Ebenezer Place, a cute little side street in the CBD.  Full of great stuff for cycle lovers – the best imported bike bits, super cute sales staff, and a resident dog.  I fell in love with the most gorgeous raspberry-coloured Brooks bike saddle, despite not actually owning a bike (shame, I know).

Daniel and Emma say ‘We’re bike enthusiasts, and this is one well stocked bike store.  Is there a limit on how many Brooks bike saddles one should own?’

Treadly Bike Shop
Shop 5, 4-10 Ebenezer Place
Adelaide
SA 5000

Ph. (08) 8232 0158

Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday – Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Friday 10.00am – 9.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Treadly Bike Shop.

Bauhaus

Bauhaus in Adelaide’s city centre.  Photo – Lucy Feagins.

Bauhaus is a favourite of many locals seeking something a little different than high street shopping in busy Rundle street.   Perfectly merchandised, the store showcases a great variety of ever changing international imports – trinkets from Morocco, Mexico and India sit happy alongside vibrant Marimekko prints and contemporary jewellery.

Emma says – ‘Bauhaus is a longstanding favourite, a perfect place to buy a gift for a friend (or oneself!) full of an eclectic mix of Mexican day of the dead paraphernalia, Moroccan jewellery and Marimekko fabrics’.

Bauhaus
257 Rundle St
Adelaide
SA 5000

Ph. (08) 8215 0003

Hours
Monday – Thursday 10.00am – 5.30pm
Friday 10.00am – 9.30pm
Saturday and Sunday  10.00am – 5.00pm

Bauhaus details

Khai Liew

Khai Liew showroom – photo by Marcel Aucar

Khai Liew is kind of like the grandmaster of the SA design industry.  His stunning cabinetry and freestanding furniture pays homage to a great variety of influences – from mid-century Danish design to traditional Chinese and Japanese detailing.  Khai Liew’s striking pieces are usually one of a kind and custom made.  His work can be spotted in some of the most impressive homes in SA.

Daniel and Emma say ‘Khai Liew has the coolest showroom/studio space around……. one day we aspire to have a set up as lovely as this!’

Khai Liew Design
166 Magill rd
Norwood
SA 5067

Ph. (08) 8362 1076

Hours
Tuesday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday 1.00am – 5.00pm

Khai Liew showroom – photo Derek Henderson

Other good things

The Store restaurant – ‘We think it is the nicest place for eats in town, tasty breakfasts, yummy din dins, and stylish interior, what more could you ask for?’ say Daniel and Emma.

Adelaide Central Market – delicious quick cheap lunches in the food hall, plus 80 stalls under one roof selling the very best fruit, vegies, deli produce and gourmet treats.

AND

Danish Vintage Modern / Rock N Rustic / Clair Inc Vintage Clothing / One Rundle Trading / Bowerbird Bazaar (it’s THIS WEEKEND – more on that tomorrow!) / and don’t forget a drive up to see the city lights from the Adelaide Hills!

The Adelaide home of Brian Parkes and family.  Glass sphere by Tom Rowney, screenprint by Rover Thomas, chair by Yngve Ekstrom, vintage sideboard and coffee table by South Australian manufacturer Noblett.  All photos – Lucy Feagins.

Brian and Imogen Parkes’ extensive Aboriginal art collection is dotted throughout the house.  These works are by Arnhem Land artists, Gumatj Larrakitj, Jack Pascoe, Gulumbu Yunupingu, Emanuel Warrkidj and Debra Wurrkidj

Adelaide is a generous city in more ways than one.  It’s full of wide open spaces and large residential blocks – and just 15 minutes from the CBD, you can be in the hills, surrounded by enormous trees and chirping birds.  A rare and beautiful thing.

Brian Parkes and his young family have experienced the charms of this city first hand, after making the move from inner city Sydney to Adelaide just 18 months ago.   Brian worked for many years at Sydney’s Object Gallery, but took up the role of CEO of the JamFactory (yes, them again) last year and made the big move to SA with his family in tow. I’m not sure if he and partner Imogen were exactly planning on growing roots here quite so soon, but when this perfect mid-century family home came up for sale in leafy Bellevue Heights,  I guess they were easily convinced!

‘As former Sydney-siders we were surprised that we might actually be able to afford to buy what we saw as a dream house, amongst the gum trees with views of the sun setting over the water!’ says Brian. ‘We especially love the central courtyard and the separation of the house into distinct zones for kids and adults’.  Indeed I must say this home does have all those wonderful and beautifully balanced qualities inherent in modernist residential architecture – perfect orientation, space efficiency and modest scale, and a strong connection to nature.  Brian and Imogen’s two gorgeous kids Luca (3.5 yrs) and Mara (1) are also loving having a a little more space to grow!

When asked how his family have found the move interstate, Brian’s enthusiasm for his new surroundings is clear.  ’We absolutely love it.  After living in the middle of Surry Hills in Sydney for many years we were keen to try a different lifestyle. Imogen was a few months pregnant with Mara when we moved, so we were keen to find a place that would suit our changing needs.  Adelaide has some great advantages for young families – the pace, space, accessibility of things (and some great kid-friendly beaches).  We thoroughly enjoyed living in Sydney, but our quality of life, as a family of four, here in Adelaide is simply light-years beyond what it could have been in Sydney as we outgrew our little apartment’.  Now that is what is what I call a glowing report!

Brian and Imogen have also been pleasantly surprised by the great sense of community in their local area – especially important for Imogen, with two energetic pre-school kids to wrangle!  During my visit, as if on cue, a neighbour popped by to offload an immense plate of BBQ ribs(!!), left over from a party the night before!   So somehow I ended up staying for dinner, eating the neighbour’s leftovers! (Delicious, by the way).  And THEN Brian drove me home!  Such hospitality!  I guess it’s an Adelaide thing.

Massive thanks to Brian and Imogen for sharing their stunning home with us, and to the friendly neighbours for dinner!

Dining room adjoining central courtyard.  Original South Australian Mintaro slate floors and timber panelling.

A quiet corner in the kids playroom.  Eames LCW chair and paintings by Phillip Watkins and Mantua James Nangala.

Master bedroom – chair by superstar Adelaide furniture designer Khai Liew, painting by Ramingining artist Clara Matjandatjpi (Wubukwubuk)

Bedroom details – artwork by JamFactory Glass Studio Coordinator Christine Cholewa and painting by Clara Matjandatjpi (Wubukwubuk)

Bedroom details – Noguchi lamp, artwork by Christine Chole

Part of a collection of baskets on the study wall, a traditional Indonesian basket, handbag by Mavis Warrngilna Ganambarr (Elcho Island), woven bowl by Mavis Ngallametta (Aurukun), dilly bag by Doreen Jinggarrabarra (Maningrida) and basket by an unknown artist from Yirrkala. (this collection inspired in part by the lovely home of Brian’s friend Liane Rossler!)

Pandanus fish trap by Lorna Jin-gubrarrangunyja and nature collage by Imogen and Luca!

Details from Luca’s bedroom.  Vintage bed by Schulim Krimper.  Hanging pencil mobile by John Quan.

Look at that view from the kitchen window!

Kitchen details!  Brian proudly displays his Kink oil bottle and new baby vinegar bottle! (don’t forget to leave a comment on the Guest Blog this week to be in the running to win one of these!)

Outdoor dining in the central courtyard (looking into playroom).  Outdoor chairs by Queensland designer Alexander Loterzstain.

Cute potted greenery in the courtyard

Pool on the front deck.  Views to conservation bushland across the road, and the beautiful Flinders University campus

Pool / house / trees /

House exterior