May Lust List
I thought I'd do a small post on a couple of designs and products that I am totally lusting after right now. I've been on a self-imposed homewares embargo (mainly so I can have some fun once we are in the new house, and also, like I said, no paid work = no spare mula!) so here are a few things that would be added-to-cart asap in any other circumstance… well, maybe with a lotto win, but one can dream. Or I can just live vicariously through any of you lucky people who happen to purchase up after seeing this.
{A Cutipol Mezzo cutlery set}
{An Elise Raspanti Art Series Kip & Co beanbag!}
{Blue Heaven LED Neon artwork (or any of their ice creams) by Electric Confetti}
{Sierra weave Armadillo & Co rug in Pumice has been on my list since I felt it at a trade fair a few years ago. Sooo soft and luxurious!}
{Love this Sketch Inc for Lucie Kaas Thief Wall Hook by Urbaani, available at Top3. Becky Kemp's Kokeshi Dolls are also fantastic - check out her insta @sketchinc to see some of her amazing work}
{The impressively multi-functional Woodieful chair/table/storage/bucket from new start-up Woodieful in Slovenia. I love adaptable 'slashie' furniture! It is available through their Kickstarter campaign here, although you better hurry - only 9 days to go. And yes, they do ship to Australia!}
{These Dita stools from Grazia & Co, seen here in the stunning Port Phillip Bay penthouse apartment by We Are Huntly. Photo by Brooke Holm}
{A matte black Anthracite finish Smeg fridge, because why not}
What are you lusting after?
xo Romona
Finding the Perfect Cheese Board
Anyway, to hopefully help me in this (first-world problems) decision making, I thought I’d share a few I’ve found and hope that someone comments and sways my mind in the right direction. Here goes...
{Barton Marble Rectangular Board by Country Road}
{Square porcelain chopping block by Slab and Slub}
{Slate cheese board by West Elm}
{Cheese Paddle No. 9 by Sands Made in Melbourne}
{Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board at West Elm}
{Colour Platter by Karimoku New Standard available at Stylecraft}
{Barton Long Board in Oak by Country Road}
{Cheesy Boards Hello - I love their burnt pun-tacular boards from their etsy store}
{Monaco Cheesy Cheese Slate board by Boska at Peter’s of Kensington} 
{Coorabel chopping board by Eco Chopping Boards in Byron Bay from local Camphor Laurel timber} 
{Kitchen Board No. 1 by Sands Made}
{Even considering just getting this smooth flat porcelain serving plate in the Life range from Target - only 10 bucks!}
PS. here are my Goa range Cutipols 
What do you think?
xo Romona
Spotlight on Australian Designers | Anaesthetic
So once again, my spotlight shines brightly on a successful lighting design company. The talented duo of Ben and Kiri Wahrlich (actually Kiwi's but that has never stopped us claiming people before), can't be labelled 'emerging' talent any more - they are definitely design fixtures (pardon the pun) with their beautiful range of lighting, furniture and homewares products as Anaesthetic. My own home (currently in planning stage - I dropped the plans off this morning and now am holding my breath for limited council changes) sported several of their lighting products in different stages of concept, from the kitchen to the entry to the dining room. I've shown both their Hide leather pendants and Kasa concrete homewares work here before, here and here back in 2013 & 2014. My current faves however are their Constellation pendants - I'd love to have the Southern Cross above my head as I enter home or sit down to dinner in a darkened room.
I could go on about their design and engineering credentials, their accolades and their awards, but I think their products are best to soak up visually. Hopefully the photos suffice, for now.
{Constellation Lights 'Southern Cross' by Anaesthetic in beautiful polished brass}
{Constellation Lights by Anaesthetic in luxurious polished brass}
{Bezel pendant lights by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium powder-coated top with piano-inspired polished brass 'bezel'}
{Bezel pendant light by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium top powder-coated white with piano-inspired polished aluminium 'bezel'}
{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in black}
{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in precision machined polished brass}
{Hide pendant lights by Anaesthetic with individually cut leather shades}
{Mariner stools by Anaesthetic made from American White Oak with navy or white braided rope foot rests sourced from sailing yachts, hence the name}
{Jack concrete bluetooth speaker}
{Totem stackable stools from recyclable LPDE}
Anaesthetic will be exhibiting at the Sydney Indesign event from August 13-15, so get along to soak up some of the talent. Wish I could be there!
xo Romona
Put A Cork In It
{Clork by Puik Art in collaboration with Ilias Ernst. Simple forms combined with the natural material gives the ‘Clork’ a great look and feel. Its left corner stable in the present, while the circular right side allows time to roll by, Clork comes in natural coloured cork or graphic black}
{The Smed bar stool by Great Dane Furniture and OX DENMARQ, showcases simple design with simple materials. The Smed Bar Stool consists of a blacksmith crafted, powder coated steel frame with cork seat in either fresh mint, brass or white}
{Muuto's sexy little Corky carafe checks me out every time I walk in to a store stocking Muuto. “The shape of the Corky carafe is inspired by the archetypical bottle. It is a straightforward combination of glass and cork that functions equally well as a wine carafe, a water jug or even a milk bottle. Corky has a simple and familiar form but with a characteristic and oversized detail. The Corky drinking glasses are small and light companions for the Corky carafe. With a low-key and light expression, they are suited for both everyday use and special occasions with friends and family.” says creator Andreas Engesvik. Available at Living Edge}
{Cork Family stools/side tables, Vitra by Jasper Morrison available from Space Furniture are a quirky addition to your home or office interior. Nothing like a giant pushpin in the corner}
{Tembo is a stool made of stacked pieces of wood, metal, and cork by La Chance and Note Design Studio, available from Living Edge. This ‘modern totem’ has a playful and bulky aspect recalling children’s toys and African tomtoms (Tembo means elephant foot in Swahili)}
{Corker pendant lights by Max Harper, are inspired by the iconic cork hats that, for better or worse, are linked to Australiana. Corker playfully mocks this cultural iconography in a modern design context. Australian designed and made, each piece is hand turned by local craftsmen in Sydney from agglomerated cork. Cork is a hardy yet renewable, bio-degradable and recyclable resource, designed for disassembly, ensuring parts end up reclaimed, recycled or disposed of appropriately}
Realising that this post has ended up a lot more Scandi than Aussie (except for the last one), but they just do so many great things. All available here in Australia though, so enjoy enjoy.
xo Romona
Raw geology
{Table top-objects featuring re-appropriated industrial waste, more specifically scrap iron found in a Swedish forest, forms the basis for David Taylor's Slag series of candlesticks}
{Up-Down Light from Ben-Tovim Design is a contemporary twist on the classic industrial age height adjustable pendant light. A range of striking natural materials contrast with simple geometric forms to create a light that mixes functionality with a bold design statement}
Chrissy Time
{Beautifully crafted Papier-mâché Christmas ornaments by Mozi. I have a few from last year, so can't wait to get some more to add to the collection}
Perth's Got Talent 2
Here are just a few more examples of amazing WA talent from Decor + Design Melbourne 2014.
{Holiday table by Callum Campbell}
Kid-size creations
{Tables Four Two in the classic grey colour set by Sheree B Product Design. She also does other colour schemes, but this was the best. She is incredibly friendly and helpful too!}
{Treehorn Designs Oh Buoy small lamp in blue. Not sure if I would put this in the boys room or steal it for myself}
Spotlight on Australian Designers | Lab De Stu
Made up of Melburnians Adam Lynch, Dale Hardiman and André Hnatojko, these guys have kicked arse on the national and international design award scene since 2011. DQ calls them 'Industry Giants', and being in their very early 20's that is saying something!
Although I could have added every image from the website, I'll leave this pretty little teaser for you and let you explore their simple but beautiful website yourself. I'm sure I will have more to add later, once I've seen their wares at D+D this week.
{The Up Up pendant is a collaboration between Dale Hardiman from Lab De Stu and artist / jewellery designer Emily Green. Emily's signature polymer clay beads combine with Dale's lighting design prowess to present a beautiful collection of pendants. Picking this image from the colour range was quite difficult. I changed my mind several times}
D+D Melbourne less than a week away
However, the highlight of my conference visit always seems to be the VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design) competition. Now in it's 12th year, the talent in both the professional and student arenas never fail to amaze and inspire. It's almost a given that most of the designs seen at a VIVID competition will be featured in an abundance of mags and interiors by the end of the year. Looking forward to the return of a few previous highlights, especially Lab De Stu, Inkster Maken, Paul Townsin, Dezion Studio and Ben-Tovim Design. Just a taste below.
{Cup by Andre Hnatojko of Lab De Stu comes in all manner of luxe finishes, including 24k gold or rose gold, brass, copper as well as classic white and matte black}
Geek Chic
{For a little randomness with your relativity, Progetti Rnd Lab Fun Time Random Clock at Top3}
Win Tickets to Decor + Design Melbourne's International Seminar Series
Melbourne, here I come!
Aside from catching up with all my wonderful Melburnians, I'm itching to get back to Melbourne for the Decor + Design and Furnitex conferences this July. Although rebranded from the previously called Decoration + Design, if past events are anything to go by, attendance is a must - so much designer eye candy! (I've posted about past events here). Furnitex and Vivid are always a highlight, and the international and local speakers they organise are truly inspiring. We are super lucky enough to have double passes to each D+D International Seminar Series speaker to give away - more information on the giveaway at the end of the post!
This year there is a great lineup of local and international speakers, springing from all fields of interior design and architecture, from trend-forecasters to designers.
{Kari Whitman, Interior Designer to the stars}
Re-use Revolution breeds new App
To celebrate the launch of the app, Will and the team are offering a $250 giveaway to 5 lucky people. More information on the giveaway at the end of the post!
So get in there all my lucky, wonderful Melbourne and Sydney readers and snatch them up quick - or if you are feeling generous, feel free to send some of them my way 
.
Black and White
{Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}
Terrariums and Potted Green
{Ceramic Diamond Planters on table and Petite hanging Vase on the wall, both by LoveHate and available at Cranmore Home}
Concrete jungle
{Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects}
Spoil someone… or yourself
Of course, if you can't help but soak up the spirit of giving, these are all available at good homewares stores around australia, to pick up in person. The boat has pretty much sailed on xmas shopping online, unless you want to give it to them next Christmas!
I'll list a few cool spots at the end to pick up a gift (in person) if you are still desperate to find that special something for someone (or yourself!).
{ 1. Dot journal kraft, 2. Gold-striped Washi tape, 3. Metallic gold cushion, 4. 2014 Desk Calendar, 5. Uashmama metallic bags, 6. Pano candle, 7. Brass Ruler }
If you have left it until the last minute, you can still pick up a few freakin' fabulous finds, sure to make your last-minute grab go unnoticed. For seriously cool gifts, try the following:
Melbourne - The Super Cool in South Melbourne Markets or Doncaster, Spacecraft in Fitzroy.
Perth - Table Culture in Subiaco (I have my eye on a Jonathan Adler elephant teapot there!), Industriart in Bellevue, Pigeonhole in the city.
Sydney - PAD in Waterloo, Sibella Court's The Society Inc in Paddington.
Brisbane - Black & Spiro in New Farm
Adelaide - Council of Objects and A.Nouk both in Adelaide city
I'm afraid I have spent too much time abroad and not enough in our own wonderful country, so I'll have to explore and get back to you on the other cities, regional centres and towns around Oz. If you know of any hidden gems or must-see stores, please share them with us all in the comments below. Like we need more excuses to go shopping!!
xo Mo
Oh the Places You'll Go! Giveaway
I recently had a chat to designer Adina Levy of The Cumulus Factory about her new range. The Cumulus Factory designs and creates cushions, tote bags and textiles in Sydney, Australia. She has teamed up with Brisbane Photographer Kristina Childs to create a collection of photographic cushions, 'Oh The Places You'll Go'. It struck a chord with me. Firstly, I love almost all creative homewares, I love textiles, I love photography and I love, love, love cushions (Just ask my husband!) Secondly, I had just had my own tropical adventures so the subject matter took me straight back to the crystal waters of Kota Kinabalu. Sigh!
So while I sift and sort through all my photos from the trip away so I can bring you highlights of each location, enjoy the beauty of the 'Oh The Places You'll Go' range and a quick Q&A with Adina.
(P.S. Who doesn't love all this social media for putting you in contact with people you would just never have met in your own little bubble of the world?!)
Also, as a bonus, Adina is graciously giving one lucky reader their choice of the 'Oh The Places You'll Go' photographic images as an A4 print. Check out the end of this post for competition details. For everyone else, head on over to their Kickstarter page to grab yourself a cushion (or four) before the deadline closes. The cushion covers are available for pre-order until 4th December 2013, with delivery in time for Christmas for Australian orders. I still can't decide between the 'Juliet' and the 'On the water' designs - with only a few days left!
Nautical dreams
{ 1. Compass cushion, 2. Côte d'Azur Ice bucket, 3. Ahoy Door Mat, 4. Skull & Crossbones Cushion, 5. Hold Tight wall flag, 6. Pier Rope Table lamp, 7. World Map Sticker }
Melbourne Life Instyle 2013
Last week’s Melbourne Life Instyle event was set inside Melbourne’s beautiful Royal Exhibition building. I had been to events here before but never have I seen it so crammed full of designer goodies. I swear they somehow increased it to twice the size than the last time I was there - and I had the blisters and aching calves to prove it!
Unfortunately, my BFF and I were so caught up dragging each other between stands, squealing (yes, big girl squealing!) and jumping on the spot in excitement that I completely forgot to take any onsite pix. No excuse, but, well, we were basically sprinting between stands since they were all so beautiful and we only had a few hours away from kids in which to see it all. Although if you ask our wonderful husbands, we were gone much longer than anticipated! I may have to do another post on some of the best designs because we saw them pre-release and I prefer to let the actual designers launch their products (and not get in any trouble - no-one likes a PO’d artist!)
Here are some of my favourite stands from the show and their pretty pretty wares.
{Cloud coat hangers, Pom Pom garland and furry animals by Down to the Woods. Who wouldn’t want this entire setup for a cute little girls room?}
{Hello sign in limited edition Gold by Down to the Woods for some fun glamour}
Leo Love
{Captain Laramie Lion Print by Mulga The Artist, with a poem composed by Mulga, printed on the reverse. Too cool}
{Leo teacup by Takeawei}
Melbourne Decoration + Design 2013
{Paul Townsin’s Me + Me Too Lamps, made of moulded concrete and so, so beautiful in person}
Vertical Green #2
I have been through some of the benefits of green walls with some examples previously, here, but since there have been so many fantastic examples of late, I felt the need to give you all a second helping of green delights.
{The Florafelt F12 Greenwall growing panel by Fytogreen Australia as used in Kim & Matt's outdoor space on The Block Sky High 2013. The panels are made from 100% recycled PET plastic felt and are available from The Block Shop}
Great Gatsby!
Really, who wouldn’t love this opulent, polished, brilliantly deco bedroom. OTT? No way!
{Gatsby’s sleek and stylish 1920’s bedroom from the Baz Luhrmann film. Via Architectural Digest}
I know I have gushed endlessly over Catherine Martin’s work with Mokum, Porter’s Paints and Designer Rugs, but how can I not start with the gorgeous interior decor from the Production and Costume Designer of the movie (not to mention director’s wife).
DesignEX 13
The Hives exhibition was the stand-out for me with its gorgeous collaborative pieces. “When designers, interdisciplinary practitioners and leading industrial enterprises put their heads together, the results can be exciting, unexpected and intriguing. Curator Anne Maree-Sargeant returns the popular Hives exhibit to designEX 2013 with a highly considered display of products that bring together covetable objects from visionaries and brands under the themes of Innovation and Collaboration”.
My favourite for years has been the WebLight by Design By Them (along with everything else they do!). I fell in love with the gentle image of the aptly-named wispy-looking light set amongst a bright green forrest on their webpage years ago. “WebLight is the result of an exploration into the potential possibilities of reusing plastic bags. Made from recycled content, each WebLight is individually hand made and features an intricate pattern of texture and holes that are the direct result of its unique forming process.”
{Weblight by Design By Them}
Another creation I was looking forward to seeing in person was the precise Hoshigame by Artemide. Developed with Japanese fashion designer, Issey Miyake, the sustainably designed, foldable lampshade explores the intersection of creativity and mathematics. Made from fabric derived from recycled PET bottles, “Miyake's unique folding technology allows a single piece of fabric in a flat 2D shape to be unfolded into a 3D shade of statuesque form. The structure of the recycled material, together with an additional surface treatment allows 'Hoshigame' to perfectly keep its shape without the need for an internal frame, and to be stored flat when not in use and then re-shaped when needed.” Although smaller than I expected, it was still a thing of beauty.
{Hoshigame by Artemide + Issey Miyake}
Here are a few other highlights from the Hives exhibition and lots more from the show.
Orange Brights
{For a bright statement piece, The Martini side table in Persimmon from West Elm}
When highlighting orange, I couldn’t go past Greg Natale’s stunning Chevron wallpaper in Burnt Mandarin. I know I harp on about his products, but why not when they are just so special. Read on for more beautiful, bright orange delights!
{Greg Natale’s stunning Chevron wallpaper in Burnt Mandarin through Porter’s Paints}
For Mum
And yes, most of these are hints!
{A touch of gilded luxe. Missoni Home Maremma Candle from Spence & Lyda}
Easter treats
I know the actual meaning of Easter is more to do with going to church (which I’ll be honest, isn’t half as appealing since Father Bob is no longer at St. Peter and Paul’s) and dying/painting boiled eggs (on my Russian Orthodox, Polish side). But it is hard to avoid the saturation of bunnies, bright and colourful packaged little chocolates and as my son constantly points out at the front of major grocery chain stores (at child eye-height no less!) giant chocolate dinosaur eggs with enclosed Pixar character toys (wtf?!)
{Mozi’s Woodland Rabbit Melamine plate. Cute and whimsical matching cups, apron and bunting available too!}
Giving in to the ‘spirit’ of the season, here are few of my top finds to get your home into the spirit too.
READ MORE >>>Aqua vital!
As usual some of these are around my house already and others I am just abso coveting and dropping hints to hubby and family (this is also a good way to see if they read the blog!)
{Baby Rhino, aqua resin by Fenton & Fenton - it’s taking me back to a bit of bebop and rocksteady TMNT days}
Royal Blue Relief
{Abigail Ahern enjoying her cosy outdoor living space. Love that bold pendant and those chairs - not sure I could leave them outside though!}
Blues range from soft and calming, to bold electric hues. They can be on the cool or warm side of the scale and really be made to suit any personality or mood. Since the range is so vast, for this post I’m going to stick to the sapphire and navy shades (teal deserves its own, don’t you think). Some of these are in my personal collection and some are just on the wish list.
READ MORE >>>Perth's Got Talent
I've tried not to be too limiting of my selection of designs that I found at the conference, so if you notice that your design is not here, just know that I was so overwhelmed by the talent, I may have forgotten to grab a card or scribble a note. For now, enjoy all this sunny WA talent and I'm sure I'll have another post soon with more.
{Aerial Chair by Megan Devenish-Krauth, industrial designer at Megmeg. I want this!}