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}
Linen love
{Arro Home cushions and linen by Beci Orpin. I ended up getting the bottom Sketchbook floor cushion pictured, which rotates between an accent thrown on the bed, a handy floor cushion and an extra head rest when napping on the couch}
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}
Quick distraction
Having said that, sometimes we all need a bit of aesthetic joy in our lives to remind us of people's potential to create beautiful things.
With all the above going on, I haven't yet sorted out my reams of notes, brochures and cards from the D+D conference yet, so I will leave you with just a taste of beautiful things from the conference. My iPhone pics seemed to have turned out a bit dull, so I will dedicate a couple of larger future posts to the amazing designers that I met and discovered (or rediscovered) at Decor + Design Melbourne once I have some quality images from the designers themselves. For now, enjoy this brief sample.
{The Reykjavik Cabinet by Amy Perejuan-Capone of Horse on Toast, just one of the many talented sandgropers on display at D+D}
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}
Black and White
{Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}
Gravity Light
The GravityLight was the result of wanting to help solve the unreliable and unsafe lighting issue for the poverty-stricken 21% (more than 1.5 billion!) of the world's population. Deciwatt's mission is to provide affordable, sustainable and reliable light, anytime, that enables people to break free from the economic, health and environmental hazards of kerosene lamps.
The GravityLight is an innovative way of generating light and low levels of power from gravity. It takes only 3 seconds to lift the weight that powers GravityLight, creating 25 minutes of light on its descent. Can be used over and over again, anytime without the need for sunshine or batteries, therefore having no running costs and being extremely long lasting.
{The human-powered, Gravity-run LED GravityLight by Deciwatt. Image source}
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}
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}
Spotlight on Australian Designers | Flynn Talbot
Latitude is a fine and intricate design that allows you to customise its use and direction for indirect, uplighting, downlighting, or spotlighting. After seeing these in person here, I had to add a few teal Latitude lights to my dream home wish list, ok, and maybe a white and black one too!
{Suspended Latitude lighting by Flynn Talbot Studio allows you to customise its use and direction}
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}
Beautiful Reading
{My own little stack of inspiration-boosting tomes}
Perfect gifts for the budding decorator or interior-style aficionados, or just a private pressie for yourself. They are all available through their individual websites, with sometimes added bonuses of signing, freebies or pretty wrapping, or you could try Booktopia. Here are my recommendations.
For Mum
And yes, most of these are hints!
{A touch of gilded luxe. Missoni Home Maremma Candle from Spence & Lyda}
Ruby ruby ruby ruby!
{Vintage Valentine’s Day cards, Vintage & Nostalgia Co.}
So to get in the spirit of V-day, I am sharing a bunch of my favourite red and pink products-n-pics to get you in the mood, whether you celebrate valentines day or just want a spicy boost to life. Ruby, crimson, cherry, blood, fire engine, imperial, evil-queen apple, fuchsia, magenta, rust, salmon and all the Pantones in between, whatever your shade of choice, hopefully there is something here to tickle your fancy.
Emerald Delights
Along with pretty much all of the design and blogging world at the moment, I am in love with all the greeny goodness popping up all over the place since Pantone announced Emerald as its colour of the year for 2013. Just for a bit of visual candy, here are a few of my favourite interiors, products and miscellaneous images featuring variations of this striking gemstone hue.
{Pantone’s limited Edition Mug and iPhone5 cover in Emerald}
{Dulux’s Empower Palette - Image styled by Bree Leech featuring Dulux Liberty, Bahaman Bliss and Misty Blue}
{Florence Broadhurst Peacock Feathers & Shadow Floral wallpapers from Signature Prints}
{Night Bird by Catherine Martin, Bansyu by Akira Isogawa, both at Designer Rugs}
{Emerald vintage Florence Knoll & Charles Eames furniture. Interiors by Doug & Gene Meyer.}
{Jonathan Adler Needlepoint pillows}
{Husque Bowl Macadamia Nut in Green}
{South Beach by Greg Natale, Jewel by Dinosaur Designs, both at Designer Rugs}
{Bianca Malachite Box by Ralph Lauren Home}
{Martinique Beverley Hills wallpaper; Catherine Martin for Mokum Imperial Pheasant in Emerald} 
{Emerald accents. Interiors by Charm Home Design}
{Interiors by Diamond Baratta. Image via House of Turquoise}
{Interiors by Greg Natale, featuring his South Beach rug}
{Pont Max Juvenal, Aix en Provence, 2008. Patrick Blanc}
Of course I couldn’t resist throwing a green-walled building in there. You can see a few more on my previous post, Vertical Green. I am hoping to do another post on green walls this year, since the last one didn’t even scratch the surface of the beauty that is out there.
These bright emerald visuals make me giddy. Yes, I’ll admit some of them are straying more into teal and turquoise territory, but that is the beauty of perception - maybe your eyes will see a whole different picture. I hope you enjoyed this quick (and a little lazy) post. Until next time.
xo Romona
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!}