Almost precisely three years ago we introduced The Family Love Tree, which was, at the time, a side project for Melbourne-based costume designer and fashion stylist Katie Graham. Inspired by a second honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia, Katie came up with the concept for a homewares collection characterised by bold colour and a brave, bohemian sense of style. She sourced an extensive collection of handcrafted rattan bedheads, occasional furniture and freestanding screens which formed the basis of her debut collection, originally sold online, through The Family Love Tree online shop.
That was in 2012… and it’s been a busy three years since then! In 2013, a year after launching her online store, Katie opened her first bricks and mortar shop in Richmond. This month, she adds another string to her bow, with the opening of a beautiful brand new store in Prahran. Here, her full range of furniture and homewares is on display – an extensive collection which has grown to include dining settings, consoles, storage units, tables, mirrors, pendant lights, kids furniture and outdoor furniture amongst much more.
The Prahran store is a feast for the eyes – in Katie’s eyes it’s a concept store which really encapsulates the ‘Love Tree’ aesthetic. The space incorporates indoor plants too, with a lush vertical garden created by local landscape designer Phillip Withers.
Originally, The Family Love Tree gained traction with their distinctive colourful rattan bedheads, but these days, as the label has grown, Katie says it has matured. ‘We are known for our bohemian look, but I prefer to describe us as lovers of the 60’s & 70’s, with a modern bent’ says Katie. ‘We are now more about neutrals, and accessorising with seasonal colours.’
Never one to sit still for long, having opened her new store just 3 weeks ago, Katie is now working on her Spring/Summer collections. A range of American Oak furniture will launch soon, and Katie already has plans to expand the Prahran store, adding a new outdoor garden studio, in collaboration with a landscape gardener. ‘I won’t say too much at this stage, have to keep that one a surprise!’ she says!
The Family Love tree
508 Malvern Road
Prahran
Victoria
Open Monday – Saturday, 10.00am – 5.00pm
