Most of you would know that I had a successful retail homewares store and espresso bar in Bulimba, Brisbane for 15 years. I sold 18 months ago to concentrate on my interior design work but I have now been asked by people to business consult on their retail and wholesale businesses. Not something I ever thought I would be doing but I love to help and it's satisfying to help scale small businesses trying to crack into a competitive industry. This leads me to how I was in Sydney last week for the big Gift fair and what I saw there! I was there helping a couple of companies and while I was there I did manage to get out and about and see when new ranges were arriving for winter 2019.

Faces!

I've started to see faces looking back at me everywhere. From continuous line drawings to Frieda pots and the concrete range of garden pots we will see more faces peering back at us this winter and into summer. I think they are super cute!

Cane

Cane is still huge in interiors. With the long hot summer we just experienced, it's no wonder that cane is still so popular. A natural material that lends itself to so many different types and styles of interiors, from boho to Hampton's to ultra modern it's a material that can adapt to lots of homes. It's cool to sit on and sturdy whilst not being overbearing or 'chunky' looking. Semi transparent so sits delicately into spaces oozing a tropical vibe!

Hand painted ceramics

I love love love beautiful ceramics, especially the hand painted variety! Seems everyone else is getting on board with my obsession. For items we use every day why not start with something beautiful we love, remember, let's not keep them for guests!

They are a talking point at a dinner party and beautiful ceramics make your food look fab too.

Concrete based furniture

There are quite a few furniture designers who are playing with scale and concrete. I love this table from our new supplier, it's a white concrete base, seems like it's going to tip over but it's solid as a rock. Fun, 80's throwback vibe. PS check out the faces pots on the table too!

Well, that's a little wrap up of trends I spotted at the Sydney Gift Fair. We picked up some amazing new wholesale only suppliers, so if you are looking for something unique and feel like your home is lacking something, send us a message. We are happy to order you just one or two new things as much as doing your whole home. Rugs, furniture, original art or high quality prints, cushions, lighting......you get the idea!

joc x

principal designer