Make it in pattern

Pattern can really pep up an interior and give it a point of view. For me it’s a must, since a mix of patterns adds depth and sophistication. After all, why should everything be beige?

Cheers, Arren


Monochrome or bright? No matter your mood, artisan Naila Janzen - the creative mind behind Winnipeg’s Rox Textile Art - can hook you up.

Janzen describes her work as ‘functional art’ - Bold patterns show up in cotton quilts that look good both tossed over the arm of a sofa, or hung on the wall to admire. Then, patchwork comes into play in graphic cotton cushion covers, which are totally giving me a naval signal flag vibe. My suggestion is that you snap up two or three of those cushions to wake up your sofa, pronto.

Love. It. All! Shop the whole shebang here.

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Australian design powerhouse Sibella Court has just released a collection of tiles with TeraNova that have me going gaga. Honestly, I could probably do with an intervention at some point, because my love of good encaustic tiles knows no bounds, and HELLO, these are marbled!!!

Sirocco is the pattern’s name, and comes in a gorgeous array of tints. That one on the top is a smoky teal called Ocean and the on-the-money shade beneath is Brick. Ink and Ochre round out the Sirocco palette, though the full Tradewinds collection includes other patterns in both encaustic and stone. Shop the lot here.

The question has already been asked as to whether TeraNova ships, and the answer is yes, so keep an eye out - You can bet some of your fave designers will be using it soon…

Photo: William Meppem

Photo: William Meppem

Photo: William Meppem

Photo: William Meppem


Why, WHY, do you have dull white lampshades in your house? Shake it up, people!

Thank heavens Bespoke Binny’s shade collection in standout African wax prints definitely makes the case that adding personality to your lamps is an absolute must. The designer behind the brand, Natalie Manima, has been perfecting her craft over the past 7 years and now kindly shares the wealth with virtual make-your-own-shade classes that include all the bits and bobs you need.

More info on the Virtual Lampshade Class here. Not feeling handy? Don’t sweat it - You can scroll through Manima’s extensive collection here.

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Photo: SR Costello

Photo: SR Costello

Way Down South

Australia is amazing. And stylish. And cool. And I have never been.

A visit is definitely on my ever growing bucket list. Until that happens, I thought I’d share some brand new faves from that part of the world.

Cheers, Arren


I’ll never not say no to art with a strong, graphic point of view, so the work of artist Emma Lipscombe is right up my alley.

I love how restrained each piece is, yet bright and playful at the same time. Each is painted in oil on timber board, and sized a diminutive 31cm square, they’re a snap to sneak into a gallery wall.

The shot below, styled by Natalie Johnson and Lisa Burden for Real Living mag, shows how fab Lipscombe’s work looks layered into a contemporary space. Not your thing, perhaps? Well, they can also look equally at home somewhere more relaxed, rumpled and deshabille. Get the vibe here.

Photo: Dave Wheeler

Photo: Dave Wheeler

Photo: You Can’t Take It With You #14

Photo: You Can’t Take It With You #14


While the redoubtable Patsy Stone believes you can never have enough hats, shoes and gloves, I’m of the same mind when it comes to occasional tables. In our living room, we currently have 3 that get dragged hither and yon, just so a cocktail can perch within arm’s reach.

Here’s a perfect little number from architect and interior designer Daniel Boddam. His M-Side Table - part of a series inspired by architectural forms - is both stylish and sturdy, set just-so in this interior he designed in Hunter’s Hill.

I love this look, and how well the table works with Jaime Hayon’s rice paper pendant light for &Tradition. It’s so simple and chic against all of the room’s trad details.

Photo: Pablo Veiga

Photo: Pablo Veiga


I am a longtime fan of Popham Design’s contemporary concrete tiles, made the old fashioned way in Marrakech. The patterns are always spot on, giving a designer just enough leeway to mix it up and create something special.

So, it’s their Squarish On Four tile that drew me to this swish guest bathroom designed by Studio Parker. That off-kilter mod pattern, paired with brushed brass fixtures and a chunky built-in vanity is making it all happen. Yes, to all of it!

Photo: Jacqui Turk

Photo: Jacqui Turk