Table Tonic

Table Tonic new store in Avalon, NSW.  Photos - Luc Remond, styling - Jason Grant.

Table Tonic store details.  Photos - Luc Remond, styling - Jason Grant.

Louise Bell of Table Tonic in her beautiful new shop (with Audrey the Italian Greyhound!)  Photo - Luc Remond, styling - Jason Grant.

If you are a blog / interiors magazine afficionado you will surely know by now that Sydney-sider Louise Bell of super popular blog / online store Table Tonic has recently opened a real proper SHOP on Sydney's Northern Beaches! After many years working as creative director for Cosmopolitan magazine, Louise was prompted to launch her online store after accepting a redundancy package in late 2009.  Stocking a varied range textiles, soft furnishings and accessories from across the globe, and supported by a regularly updated blog, it wasn't long before Table Tonic gathered a loyal following, and Louise hasn't looked back! Two years on, Louise's husband was looking for an office space, and stumbled upon a space with a shopfront attached - I think you can see where this is going!  Louise seized the opportunity to create a bricks and mortar home for Table Tonic, which opened in June this year.  Filled with vibrant colour and pattern - it looks AMAZING! We asked Louise a few questions about her new venture!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and Table Tonic – from blogger to retail extraordinaire what led you down this path and to eventually open your own bricks and mortar store?

Phwoar. Where to start! I worked in magazines for 12 years as a graphic designer / creative director. Dolly magazine was my very first job, an internship, straight out of university (a Bachelor of Design at UNSW's College of Fine Arts). Once my eight month internship was over, I landed a job at Cosmopolitan magazine where I stayed for the bulk of my career.  Eventually I became one of those people who was 'blessed' with redundancy, which ultimately led to the birth of Table Tonic! I started the online store shortly after leaving ACP magazines and (after a slow start), it just took off! About four months ago, my husband, who is an an architect (gdbarchitecture.com.au) was looking for an office and stumbled upon a space with a shopfront attached to it. So we signed a lease, we split the rent between us and the rest is TT history!

What can we expect to find in the TT store?

You can expect a very happy and colourful little shop, filled to the brim with colour, texture and eclectic treasures that are right at home in modern spaces. If you're looking to introduce some colour into your home, Table Tonic is your place! We have oodles of interesting decor-y pieces / soft furnishings from India, Turkey, Morocco, Africa, Uzbekistan, Mexico… just about everywhere! Moroccan leather pouffes are a huge seller, the ikat cushions are also divine, and we carry the Simpatico range of candles. The shop also has a few things that aren't on the online store, such as table lamps and a collection of quirky ceramic collectables (blue monkey anyone?).

What are you looking forward to?

Summer! And some beautiful new Table Tonic products! Having a shop is super fun. It's actually a bit like Christmas. Every day. Table Tonic Shop 6, 20 Avalon Pde Avalon NSW

Table Tonic store details.  Photos - Luc Remond, styling - Jason Grant.