Supergraph 2015

Woot woot! I'm off to Melbourne tomorrow for a weekend of art and crafty goodness!

More than just an art fair Supergraph is a three-day fiesta of graphic art, illustration and design at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. The fair features leading graphic artists alongside our brightest emerging talent ensuring that there are original and limited edition artworks available for every taste and every budget starting at just $30. And, with creative workshops, artist led masterclasses, family-fun events and an opening night party (that I am so excited to be going to!) Supergraph is where you can be inspired or just enjoy the beautiful creativity of others.


Supergraph Melbourne 2015



I'm particularly looking forward to attending the 'Felt-tastic' masterclass with a gorgeous friend for a well-deserved stitch-and-bitch sesh. Well, maybe it should be glue-and-boo? Smatter-and-chatter? Cut-and-tut? Winking
Also hoping I win one of the ballot-allocated sessions with Face-o-mat!

Kitiya Palaskas Felt-tastic class at Supergraph Melbourne 2015
{Masterclass: Felt-tastic with Kitiya Palaskas}

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Bricks and Blocks

So lately I've been thinking, dreaming, and living bricks. Samples are strewn around my desk in an ever changing hierarchy. Concrete and clay in all shades of grey form stacks of precariously balanced blockwork.

I have been assessing the Perth mantra of 'brick is best' and am finding that I am actually coming around to the idea. Sure, I'm not really in love with the double-brick and tile hot box that plagues most suburbs of Perth, but channelling a bit of Iwan Iwanoff can never hurt. Here are a few projects that I am in love with at the moment, that showcase bricks and blocks in all their glory.


supercool Space invaders in the Florence St House by Klopper & Davis Architects, in West Perth, Australia. More bricks and blocks on the blog.

supercool Space invaders in the Florence St House by Klopper & Davis Architects, in West Perth, Australia. More bricks and blocks on the blog.
{Get your geek on with these supercool Space invaders in the Florence St House by Klopper & Davis Architects, in West Perth, Australia}

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Perth's Got Talent 2

Further to my last Perth post here, I have found even more designs by the great students of Central Institute of Technology, UWA and Curtin Universities in Perth.

Here are just a few more examples of amazing WA talent from
Decor + Design Melbourne 2014.


Holiday table by Callum Campbell.
{
Holiday table by Callum Campbell}

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Quick distraction

With so much going on in the world, my moving house, lack of internet connection and allergies from too many moving boxes seem like major #firstworldproblems.

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.
{The Reykjavik Cabinet by Amy Perejuan-Capone of Horse on Toast, just one of the many talented sandgropers on display at D+D}

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Off to Melbourne I go

About to pop on the plane to good ol' Melbourne town for the Decor + Design Trade show (and of course catching up with all my wonderful people). I will fill you in on all the pretty-pretty designer goodness on my return next week. Until then, here's another teaser of some of the amazing designers on show...


Sorrento Beach House Interiors by Shareen Joel of Shareen Joel Design (SJD) and Share Design.
{Sorrento Beach house Interiors by Shareen Joel of Shareen Joel Design (SJD) and Share Design}


Design by Sonia Simpfendorfer of Nexus.
{Design by
Sonia Simpfendorfer of Nexus}



Interiors by architecture studio Edwards Moore.
{Interiors by
architecture studio Edwards Moore}



xo Romona

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Lab De Stu

Ok, so when trying to find a product or image that summed up Lab De Stu for their VIVID at Decor + Design appearance, I ended up with a whole post on them.
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.


Up Up pendant is a collaboration between Dale Hardiman from Lab De Stu and artist / jewellery designer Emily Green. More #lighting on the RSD blog.
{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}

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D+D Melbourne less than a week away

I can't wait for a few days of design and visual saturation at Furnitex and Decor + Design Melbourne next week! If you haven't heard about the stellar lineup of international industry speakers yet, check out my summary here, and get in really quick before tickets sell out!

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. More VIVID #lighting #designers on the RSD Blog.
{
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}

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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. Speaker at Decor + Design Melbourne 2014.
{Kari Whitman, Interior Designer to the stars}


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Concrete jungle

How could I not start a concrete post with the most stunning of my Melbourne-life BFF-date champagne-sipping locations?! The Prahran Hotel (II) by the multi-talented Techné Architects is simply stunning. If you live in Melbourne and haven't been, go! If you don't live in Melbourne, visit and go! Well worth the trip to sit in your own cosy concrete pipe, lean in for conspiratorial conversations or voyeuristically stare at passerbys, hoping they don't look up and catch you. The bar is stunning, the outdoor courtyard is stunning, the facade is stunning. The whole thing is… well, stunning. Its an occupational hazard that I wasted part of my day-sans-kids-with-BFF walking around looking at every little architectural detail, ooo-ing and ahh-ing, but it didn't take too long to shake it off, order up some bubbles from the cute young bar staff and settle ourselves down into comfort and seclusion. I just wished I had discovered it sooner in my Melbourne life, but no matter, its definitely high on the list for the next visit back to catch up with all my ex-locals.


Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects. More #concrete on the blog.
{Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects}

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Home Open

If you have noticed my absence of late, here’s why - we are preparing for the big move back out west! We are sadly saying goodbye to our cultured, hip Melbourne-town home and hello to beach sunsets and perfect weather Perth (not to say that it isn’t also cultured and hip, of course - Love ya Perth). We’ve reached a time in our lives where family-at-a-distance isn’t working so well and our boys deserve to be surrounded by loving grandparents, uncles and aunties, pets and wide open spaces.
Before I get too soppy, the main reasons for this post were to give you some cheap update ideas for your home, a few tips for simple styling for sale and giving you a sneaky-peak into our lives and home. Enjoy.

Here are some simple tips for refreshing your home before sale:

1. Keep colours neutral.
You may love neon pink or cobalt blue but not everyone will - and not everyone has the imagination to see past it if they don’t like it. You don’t have to avoid colour, just stick to colour in flowers, soft furnishings and artwork.

2. Keep spaces bright.
I do love a good moody Abigail Ahern or Kelly Wearstler room, but I think this belongs in a space that you are going to inhabit for the long term. If you want to maximise the range of interest, keep it light, bright and airy. Lighting at many different levels adds interest - think combinations of candles, table lamps, floor lamps, overheads, wall sconces or whatever you have at your disposal.

3. Fresh flowers and plants (or even good fakes ones) are a must.
They bring colour, style and life (or appearance of life if faux) to your space, not to mention fragrance. Just don’t let the fragrance be too overpowering - air out spaces, keep water fresh and replace flowers if they start to get a bit droopy or pongy.

4. Decluttering is a given really.
Noone want to buy the house of a hoarder, who knows what else you might find after purchase. Pair back your living spaces and tidy display areas. That doesn’t mean depersonalise or make it impossible to live, but presenting the space how people would like to live (i.e. neat, organised, stylish) sells a lifestyle not just a house.

Feel free to disagree as every house has it’s own personality. Below are a few before and after’s of our own house to give you some ideas.


Master Bedroom before and after on Romona Sandon Designs blog. #interiors #beforeandafter #styling #home #bedroom
{In the master bedroom, all the curtains were removed from the house to bring more light into the spaces and reduce some of the heaviness of the rooms. Both block out blinds and sunshaders are in the bedrooms while just blockouts are in the living spaces. The walls are a pale grey, Nippon Nighthawk 1, and the ceiling light was replaced by a fan and light for much more comfortable summer sleeps. Adding a rug, cushions and throws for softness as well as customising my lamp shades makes it a bit more personal. Spaces can still have personality while being clutter free - just choose a few key pieces like books and photo frames to make the space feel lived in and not like a showroom}

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Melbourne Life Instyle 2013

More than a week late, but since it was my birthday last week (and it’s my blog) I’m cutting myself some slack.

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? More products from Melbourne Life Instyle 2013 on the RSD Blog.
{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. More products from Melbourne Life Instyle 2013 on the RSD Blog.
{Hello sign in limited edition Gold by Down to the Woods for some fun glamour}

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Melbourne Decoration + Design 2013

I love a good trade event, as I’m sure by now you can tell. Any excuse to wander around aimlessly through furniture, homewares, art, lighting and all things design and I’ll take it. I visited the Melbourne Decoration + Design 2013 last Thursday but it has taken a few days to decide on my favourite pieces and narrow it down for you all. As usual, the co-located Design:Made:Trade and Furnitex VIVID exhibition were the highlights. I won’t waffle on any longer, just let you bask in the glory, beauty and fun of the following images, although you’ll have to forgive the lack of personally taken images - the event was quite strict with sneaky pic taking. Let me know what you think.


Paul Townsin’s Me + Me Too #Lamps, made of moulded #concrete and so, so beautiful in person. Seen at #Melbourne #Decoration + #Design 2013.
{Paul Townsin’s Me + Me Too Lamps, made of moulded concrete and so, so beautiful in person}

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DesignEX 13

I’m going to have to apologise again for taking so long between posts, but when you see the mountain of pics below from the show, (and I have drastically culled from those taken on the day) then you’ll understand. Celebrating 25 years of DesignEX, Melbourne hosted this trade only event for professionals working in either the architecture & design, building & construction or hotel & hospitality industries, or students of the same. But don’t dismay, I took loads (and loads and loads) of pics and can hopefully sum up the best bits for you now.

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 at DesignEX13, Melbourne. More on the RSD Blog.
{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 at DesignEX13, Melbourne. More on the RSD Blog.
{Hoshigame by Artemide + Issey Miyake}

Here are a few other highlights from the Hives exhibition and lots more from the show.

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The Fine Design Market


I had intended to share this with you right after getting home from it, however the week just sped past. So, it’s a little late, but here we go.

On Sunday (13 Jan) I had a pleasant (but pricey) surprise. A wealth of local design talents with plentiful, purchasable pretties, of which I did readily partake. The Fine Design Market, held every second Sunday of the month, was right there in my own backyard (almost), and I only just discovered it. A suggestion from a friend separated only by a day from seeing a large sign on the side of the road.

The Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


A venture by the Manningham City Council at the new MC² (Manningham City Square) in Doncaster, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, aims to showcase new independent design and arts featuring Australian made and designed products. Their mission is "to support both emerging and established designers and artists by providing a platform to showcase their quality work and help them to connect with their audience". Good on them and lucky us!

The new Municipal Building hosts the market stalls on its high, monumental back parade. I was surprised to see such stunning local talent (I know, very bad of me to assume that it would be a disappointment).

I’ll highlight a few of my favourites below (so good I purchased them), and you will have to go along to get a look at the other goodies yourself. Yes, mainly because I was so giddy with retail therapy while I was there that I forgot to take any pictures.

Hello Felton at the Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Hello Felton are a graphic design company with quirky and colourful cards, prints and paper artwork. I love the nice little touch of vintage recipes on the back of their business postcards}

Colourful handmade bowls at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Hand-made ceramics. Colours to lust over}

Jewellery by Miss Emilie and Serra Studio. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Gorgeous hand-made statement necklaces by Serra Studio (left) and Miss Emilie (right)}

Super Cute t-shirts by Fuji at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Super cute t-shirts for my boys by Fuji kids by Fujinella}


I think I’ll be going back early next time to check out some Jude fashion and Bird Meets Bliss screen-printings. Oooo, and maybe a print from the gorgeous Minka Svarcs too!

Designers at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


The next one is on Sunday, 10th February 2013, and I strongly suggest you get along. I was informed that half the designers weren’t in attendance, probably still on holiday-mode like myself, and it should be even bigger, brighter and better next time. Get along - you won’t be disappointed!

xo Romona


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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christopher Boots

From a feature in Inside Out Magazine (May/June 2012 Issue) to The Design Files’s Instagram pics to Darren Palmer’s recent Surry Hills project, I seem to be seeing his work everywhere, and for good reason. Since setting up his own Architectural Lighting Design practice in 2011 (after more than a decade in the industry), he has produced some magnificent products. Succinctly put on his webpage, “Christopher Boots is driven by a love of nature and light, expressed through designing and creating beautiful, unique lighting”. His attention to detail and craftsmanship can be seen in all of his designs, utilising a wide variety of traditional techniques to create contemporary works of art. Included in his ‘team of artisans’ are sculptors, ceramicists, bronze casters, coppersmiths and glass-blowers.

An added bonus, his projects are all hand made right here in Melbourne.

Below are a few of my favourite pieces, with many more on his website.

Like a glammed-up molecular model, BCAA shines with elemental simplicity. It reminds me of a simplified, clean-lined sputnik chandelier. I can picture it surrounded by Jonathan Adler furniture and would love this in shiny nickel in a grand bedroom setting.


BCAA Pendant Light by Christopher Boots. Like a glammed-up molecular model, BCAA shines with elemental simplicity. It reminds me of a simplified, clean-lined sputnik chandelier. I can picture it surrounded by Jonathan Adler furniture and would love this in shiny nickel in a grand bedroom setting. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{BCAA}


The impressive geometric form of Orp reminds me of impossible triangles and technical drawing classes on perspective. The large 1.5m long glowing pendant would create a stunning talking point for any high-ceilinged foyer or warehouse space, or as a low-hung sculpture on display.

Orp Pendant Light by Christopher Boots. The grand geometric form of Orp reminds me of impossible triangles and technical drawing classes on perspective. The large 1.5m long glowing pendant would create a stunning talking point for any high-ceilinged foyer or warehouse space, or as a low-hung sculpture on display. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Orp}

The Phasmida is a bronzed and gleaming arm, like a reaching branch or delicate stick insect sitting lightly in the space.

Phasmida Pendant Light by Christopher Boots. The Phasmida is a bronzed and gleaming arm, like a reaching branch or delicate stick insect sitting lightly in the space. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Phasmida}

Quartz crystal, copper and gold form this stunning piece of architectural jewellery. Promethius III is very decadent and very luxe, without taking over an interior space.

Promethius III Pendant Light by Christopher Boots. Quartz crystal, copper and gold form this stunning piece of architectural jewellery. Promethius III is very decadent and very luxe, without taking over an interior space. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Promethius III}


Featured in the DQ Collective space at Saturday InDesign, Bucky is a thick, bold and black eye-catcher, like using a fat Artline texta on butter paper.

Bucky Pendant Light by Christopher Boots. Featured in the DQ Collective space at Saturday InDesign, Bucky is a thick, bold and black eye-catcher, like using a fat Artline texta on butter paper. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Bucky}


Christopher Boots pictured with his 'Simple Z' design in his feature in Inside Out Magazine May/June 2012. See More in Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christoper Boots on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{His feature in Inside Out Magazine May/June 2012}



Which is your favourite?

xo Romona

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Grand Designs Live

With what looked like half of Melbourne, I went along yesterday to see the smooth-voiced Kevin McCloud speak at Grand Designs Live Australia. Crowds were early, eager and wide-spread. If I had’ve scored a seat and he’d been a little less busy, I could have stayed there forever. His enthusiasm and obvious love of architecture is abundantly apparent in every gesture and grin. He wooed the crowd with his summary of Melbourne (and Australia in general) as very forward-thinking and adventurous in their architecture. Perhaps with such a short built environment history, the only way to look is forward, but it seems to be working for us.

Kevin McCloud at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Kevin McCloud - Grand Designs Superstar!}


While the highlight was obviously seeing the charming and witty Kevin McCloud speak, unfortunately, I don’t have many other great things to say. Maybe it’s design event overload, creative fatigue from the same companies obviously wanting maximum exposure. It feels like I have seen it all before and what is there is often not the cream of the design-world crop. Having said that, I did manage to snap a few interesting pieces, some now key items on my personal wish list.

Firstly, the incomparable
Volker Haug. I definitely have a Design-crush on him. Probably since spying his recycled black leather and zipped up chandelier, Joker, a good many years ago at a trade event. I would happily incorporate any of his pieces into any room in my house. I think it would be great fun to start the creative process with one of his major pieces, like the massive OMG! shade, and go from there.

I liked this quirky little primary-coloured, almost diagrammatic, pendant light of his below. Simply called
Cable Jewellery, you can pick and choose your components, S- or U-shaped, in a range of colours and lengths. You will have to excuse the pictures. They looked fine on my little iPhone screen but are a tad blurry up close - possibly a result of eyes darting around the room for the next design fix. There are much better pics on his webpage (with cool and quirky navigation and interaction too). He also had little terrarium light globes hanging that were so cute, as well as his aptly named Wow range.

Cable Jewellery Pendant by Volker Haug at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Cable Jewellery from Volker Haug lighting}

Next, the Mokum stand stood out with Catherine Martin’s divine Art Deco inspired fabrics and wall papers. Fitting in well with husband, Baz Lurhman’s The Great Gatsby, these opulent designs are to die for. Beautiful metallics in hues of silver, champagne and gold. So very luxe and touchable. How great would it be to have a luxurious OTT bedroom in these fabrics and papers, maybe even with one of her divine Designer Rugs Australiana-inspired or Deco Collection rugs on display.


Catherine Martin for Mokum Wallpaper at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Catherine Martin for Mokum Antique Lace Wallpaper - On the big, long wish list!}

Catherine Martin for Mokum Wallpaper at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Catherine Martin for Mokum Imperial Pheasant wallpaper on left. Apparently that’s her and Baz’s bedroom on the right. Not sure I believe that…}

Catherine Martin for Mokum Fabrics at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Catherine Martin for Mokum fabrics on display. Feathers in powder blue on couch. Cushions from left Feathers in Linen, Blossom in Linen and Coral}

Awesome Lights at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Relaxed vignette with funky wire lights above}

Mobs of people and tantalising aromas drew us over to the Miele kitchen display. Forgot to actually look at the Miele products, which are always quite spiffy, because I was too engaged by Maggie Beer, laughing and having fun with the audience and fellow chef/cooks. The herb wall that they had set up was quite impressive. Yes, we’ve all seen them before and they seem to pop up everywhere now (I wish someone would do something a little more out of the box than the terracotta pots) but it is a good idea and nice gesture all the same.

Maggie Beer at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{The Scrumptious Maggie Beer cooking up a feast}

Miele herb wall at Grand Designs Live Australia on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Miele herb wall}


We did rush through quite quickly, being slightly put off by the vacuum cleaner displays and contoured pillows having a greater prominence than textiles or designer furniture. I have since seen on a few instagram and Facebook pics of others that there were a few sculptures in the garden section that might have been nice to catch, but other than that I’m hoping that the next one steps up its game to a level that the Grand Designs brand could be proud of, with a bit more architectural cred.

Let me know if you agree or disagree and what your favourite parts were if you managed to get there. Ciao for now.

xo Romona

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Saturday InDesign 2012

I wouldn’t recommend scurrying around Melbourne CBD in the rain, carrying a bag, brolly and baby, but to get our design fix and not miss out on the splendour that is SiD, us mums have to do what we have to do.

I’m lucky to have been blessed with two very co-operative babies (my first was strapped to me in the same Baby Bjorn two years ago at the last Melbourne Saturday InDesign). Even so, it is a long day and if all things go to plan, I shall get to have my next one sans-bebe and stay for the inevitable evening festivities.

I love getting out and seeing the new products on offer, seeing other professionals and design enthusiasts cruising between show rooms with happy neon lanyards around their necks. Although it is a given these days for companies to have a wonderfully detailed and impressive looking website, there is nothing like running your hands over perfectly smooth and detailed timber or rough textural fabrics. Being stuck in the home most of the time, I relish the chance to get out to these events, and highly encourage it to all. 

Our day started a bit later than intended (as usual) and the first stop was Zenith Interiors. Bright colour, neons and geometry were evident, on-trend in all things at the moment. The impressive Godfrey Hirst neon pink geometric-edged carpet was a stand-out for me. Pumping music and yummy cheesy pretzels lead the way to a visual treat in the form of the Zenith Design Competition display, featuring creative ‘outfits’ for the TIPO chair.

Zenith Interiors and Godfrey Hirst carpet on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


I also fell for their wonderful Buzzitiles 3d, recycled-content wall panels (below) - Although I’ve only ever specified similar for commercial fit-outs, I’m hoping to form them into a headboard for our bedroom. Love that mid-grey pyramidal form creating depth and texture.

Buzztiles 3D on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


A few quick pop-ins along the way to the next destination,
Stylecraft, to catch up with a friend over from Radelaide. Love when events drag people to Melbourne from all over the country! She did a great job simultaneously catching up, pouring us champers, snagging the delectable little soft shell tacos and showing off their new and current products. The styling and quality that they displayed throughout the space was first class. My mum (Artist and Designer from Perth, Melva Babarskas) was about ready to snatch the striking orange chair from the entry, while I was coveting the rich black leather armchair and its surrounds.

Stylecraft Interiors at Saturday InDesign on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/

Stylecraft furniture on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


The last few locations were all about lighting, lighting, lighting. Euroluce’s display was fantastic as usual. De De Ce also presented a classy exhibition. Again, my impending bedroom refurb was front-of-mind, so the selection of lamps in metallics and gloss were particularly appealing. Copper and Bronze are everywhere at the moment. It’s a nice break from the chrome/silver world - still up there with gold in luxuriousness, but not quite as cocky. Yamagiwa’s Mayuhana pendant by Toyo Ito at Euroluce was a glowing beacon in the corner and would look impressive in almost any space.

Lighting at Euroluce on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/

Lighting at Euroluce on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/

Lighting at Euroluce on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/

Yamagiwa's Mayahana pendant by Toyo Ito at Euroluce on the RSD Blog. See more at www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


A tired and hungry baby put an end to the days festivities, although it must be said that he was exceptionally well behaved for most of it. Had a great day, met wonderful-beautiful people and definitely got my design-fix for the week.
Hope you enjoyed my second post and hopefully enjoy more to come.

xo Romona
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Perth's Got Talent

It took travelling to the other side of the country to realise what amazing designers we have here on the sunset coast. I had already fallen in love with more than half of the designs before I looked up to the title of the stand and saw they were all students of Central Institute of Technology in Perth. I guess I could blame my seven year absence, but I was unaware that Central had such a prolific design scene and was more than just a place for short night courses in exotic languages - forgive me, that was my only experience. I am so happy to be shown my ignorance. Vivid was the first exhibit at Decor + Design that I walked through, and it wasn't until I saw the separate CIT stand that I realised so many of the entrants (and successful ones at that) were from my home town of Perth. Not to mention that more than half of the student entrants in the VIVID Design Competition were from WA - including CIT, University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University (my home turf!). Go West!

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, Perth.
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Aerial Chair by Megan Devenish-Krauth, industrial designer at Megmeg. I want this!}

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