Christmas gift guide: Bathing Beauties

For the next few days, we’re showcasing fabulous gift guides to make your Christmas shopping easier. This one is dedicated to the bathing beauty in your life. The ones that prefer a long soak in a tub over a shower any day of the week. Spoil them with these luxe bath time essentials.

COSMETIC BAG  /  PUMICE  /  BODY OIL  /  TOWEL  /  BATH SOAK  /  ROSÉ
SHOWERCAP  /  ROBE  /  SLIPPERS  /  BODY CARE GIFT SET  /  CANDLE

Introducing Planted Magazine

I’m so super excited to be introducing you to our new spin-off magazine called Planted, showcasing the latest in plant-related products and trends, and ideas for stylish, urban outdoor spaces.

Planted magazine is not just about plants – it’s about how we live inside and out, with greenery enhancing our everyday lives. We showcase the very best creations to do that – whether it’s beautiful planters, contemporary outdoor furniture, glamorous garden tools, fun beach accessories or spaces made modish by plants. I wanted to share a little taste of what's inside this brand new issue, available for pre-order now in our online shop (for a late November delivery), and in newsagents December 5. I’m going to see how Planted is received, and hopefully it will be produced 1-2 times each year, depending on its popularity.

Gracing our front cover, is super stylist Julia Green pictured at her own home. I love the vertical garden created by Pippi’s Plants out on her deck. It’s an effective way to make an ordinary wall, extraordinary.

Another highlight in this issue is Nicola’s balcony with killer Melbourne views (you can’t see the view in this image above - but trust me, it’s amazing). Nicola runs homewares brand Luum, and you may recognise her daybed, cushions and painted pots in this image.

This issue also explores three hot plant trends - succulents (pictured above), plants with black foliage and tropical delights. Plus there’s a tonne of awesome products to help showcase your plants, whether that’s inside or out, and also plenty of finds to beautify your outdoor space.

Rupert Smith’s industrial loft in Cape Town (pictured above) has been transformed into a lush oasis with an abundance of indoor foliage. This home proves that even if you don’t have an outdoor space, it’s still possible to create a connection to the outdoors by bringing in fresh foliage and an abundance of indoor plants.

Pre-order your copy of Planted now by clicking here.

George & Willy

Let me introduce you to George & Willy. Two New Zealand lads, designing and making products that are simple, but timeless and functional too.

The idea for George and Willy’s popular Studio Roller (pictured above) was born after the pair stumbled upon an old roll of butcher’s paper, while rummaging through their Granddad’s boat shed. They created a simple wall bracket to hold and seamlessly dispense the paper, and it quickly became their main instrument for brainstorming ideas and making lists. After visitors to the workshop continued to request a roller for themselves, George and Willy developed the concept into a product for others.

Simple, functional and designed to last, the Studio Roller and petite Daily Roller (pictured opposite) exist to suit varying needs – whether it’s to write menus and specials, sketch plans or write notes, these products are an innovative way to display information in your home, office, or café. Designed to suit universal kraft rolls available at local packaging suppliers. 

Their other products are as equally charming - the Bang Bang pegboard, String & Washer envelopes, steel peg, round sign, Industrial clothing rack, and Draughtsman table are just a few highlights from their range (all pictured in this post). Thankfully all of their products can be shipped worldwide. Click here to shop their range.

Pre-order the Endless Summer Edition!

Available now for pre-order, Adore Home’s Endless Summer edition is packed with coastal-style homes, outdoor spaces, tropical entertaining ideas and products, and the hottest trends to see you through the warmer months.

Our Summer edition is set to hit newsagents stands December 1 - pencil it into your diary - it’s going to be a goodie. Here’s a little taste of what’s in the new edition (it’s a real stunner!). Let’s begin with our amazing front cover home on the Gold Coast, belonging to Sophie Bell. with lots of bright, natural light; white floors and walls, and seriously beautiful décor this home tour is a must-read. Her dining room is also pictured above.

Eve Gunson’s inner-city abode – with its lush bamboo-screened courtyard and tropical garden views from the master bathroom (pictured above) – has an unbelievably tranquil feeling. It’s hard to believe her home is situated in the hub of Melbourne, and not in far-north, tropical Queensland!

For fans of Three Birds Renovations, we have their latest reno in this issue – one close to their designer, Bonnie’s heart. You simply must check out this amazing home tour – their best to date (bathroom pictured above is just one of the gorgeous spaces in this home).

Looking for tropical party inspiration? Interior styling and staging business, Alida and Miller recently played host to a sexy and colourful Cuban-inspired lunch in Bangalow and we’ve showcased some of the gorgeous photographs from the event in this new issue. How fun is that cocktail bar set-up (pictured above)? It was made to look like a side street fruit market in Havana, complete with colourful cardboard fruit boxes and bright woven baskets.

This issue also has some great oudoor spaces and products featured. This balcony with sweeping Melbourne city view, belongs to Nicola of homewares label Luum. We adore that laser-cut metal screen and that GlobeWest sofa! This space also feautres in more detail, in our new Planted magazine which is also coming out early December in newsagents. More on that issue soon...

 

Pre-order our Endless Summer edition by clicking here.

Mubu Home

Simplicity, form and function are the driving force behind Scandinavian-influenced MuBu Home.

Words Jacqui Greig

Although based in Melbourne, MuBu Home has multicultural roots, with Michael having grown up in the Blue Mountain’s, before living in Copenhagen and then Vietnam, and Saskia a French-German who has been living overseas since the age of 21.

The concept of MuBu came about while the couple was living in Vietnam. “Michael made all the furniture for our daughter’s nursery, as we could not afford the quality we were after and that's how it all started,” explains Saskia. “Michael is obsessed with quality. To him, if something is not strong and durable enough, then there is absolutely no need to buy it.”

Relocating to Australia, the couple pursued the MuBu dream and launched their online store in late 2015, followed by a showroom space in their warehouse in Cheltenham in early 2016. In August, they opened their first retail space in Elsternwick.

“We select quality pieces of furniture and homewares from Scandinavian designers or simply influenced by the principles of Scandinavian design. We love furniture that is strong, simple, honest, timeless, functional and fairly priced,” says Saskia.

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Michael is the creative force behind the business. Having lived in Denmark for six years he fell in love with all things Scandinavian. A chef by trade, cuisine and aesthetics are his passion. “Michael’s cooking and plating resemble artworks, and his creativity and discipline show in everything he does,” explains Saskia. What drew Saskia to the Scandinavian aesthetic are the values and principles behind Scandinavian design - the simplicity, the attention to functionality and quality. “I love all things thoughtfully and purposefully designed; spaces and environments that allow you to think and reflect, away from the hustle and bustle of cities and technology driven days and I find that in Scandinavian interiors,” she says.

MuBu Home imports products of Danish designers (manufactured in Vietnam), and also make their own range of furniture in Melbourne. “We love combining both – we handpick pieces we love from selected manufacturers and add our own pieces to our collection. Having lived in Vietnam means we are working directly with manufacturers that we know and this is a great asset as we can ensure affordability for the end customer.”

The MuBu aesthetic leans toward light timbers, clean lines, natural textures and soft colour tones. “We are working on a few new designs and some will feature leather, cork, plywood, metal and gorgeous fabrics including velvet, soft suede and worn leather,” says Saskia.  

And while they are aware of the current trends, Saskia and Michael believe strongly that with constant change, furniture that resists the test of time and trends keeps them grounded. The MuBu focus is on furniture that makes you feel good and at home. Shop Mubu Home’s range by clicking here.

Wanderlust: Casa Cook Rhodes

Needing an escape on this beautiful Friday? Let me introduce you to Casa Cook, an ultra cool resort that blends urban and beach effortlessly.

Words Loni Parker

So lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of people reposting images from luxury resort – Casa Cook, Rhodes. First off, I was like where’s Rhodes? I had no clue, so I googled it and turns out its the name of both a city and an island in Greece. Obviously I should have taken geography in school.

Next I had to check out Casa Cook’s website for a little looky, and oh my goodness, this place is insane! It’s pared-back luxury at its finest. A little bit boho, a little bit coastal, with a good dose of contemporary thrown into the mix – and voila – it’s a recipe for success. Some of the rooms even have private verandas complete with sunbeds adjoining the resort’s pool so essentially you can swim up to your room (see picture below). Umm, where do I book in? Sign me up!

This wording on their website perfectly sums it up: Created for trend-conscious travellers, the 90-room adults-only Casa Cook Rhodes has an atmosphere that’s a blend of urban and beach, the style and attitude is its very own.

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There’s not a lot of travel destinations that get me as excited as Palm Springs (I know, I know, enough already about Palm Springs my friends say), but let me tell you this, Rhodes has me seriously tempted. The desert-like landscape is quite similar (as you can see above) but with the added bonus of being by the sea. You can check out more of this amazing resort by clicking here.

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Finding the perfect bedhead

A mattress without a bedhead is a bit like an outfit with no shoes, sure it works in certain casual situations, but if you’re looking to add some sophistication to your bedroom’s personality a bedhead is a must. Here are our top five styles.

Words Loni Parker

1 BUTTON-UP

Button up (ahem), I mean buckle up friends. This is by far the most popular type of bed head dominating the market at the moment, the good ol’ button upholstered bedhead. And for good reason. Its classic enduring style means it’s not going to date quickly. It’s a tried and true formula, and let’s not muck up our formulas. Pictured directly above is Heatherly Design Bedheads’ Alessio in aged leather. Sexy much? You can also choose from a whole range of other fabrics if leather doesn’t tickle your fancy. And at the very top of our blog post, another Heatherly Design Bedheads design – the very understated Harper. Technically there are no buttons, instead individual stitching detail which creates the same look.

Mexsii turned to various creative muses to create a new collection of bedheads. This one inspired by The Real Estate Stylists founders (sister team Sara and Amy Chamberlain), combines a delicate blend of feminine touches with moody masculine style. Click here to shop this Classic Contemporary bedhead.


2 QUIETLY QUILTED

Quilted cushions have catapulted into popularity lately, and it’s nice to see that bedheads are following suit. Nathan + Jac are offering the Freya (pictured above). Its delicate smoke grey colouring makes it ideal for the modern daydreamer. It’s a little bit contemporary, a little bit Scandi, and no doubt will appease the fussiest of decorators. Shop Freya by clicking here.


3 STRAPPING GOOD

To strap or not to strap, that is the question Sheakespeare once asked. Okay okay, no he didn’t. But should one add straps to a bedhead? I think yes - why not! So who’s doing this strapping-good look well? I love Barnaby Lane’s latest collaboration with Heatherly Design Bedheads (pictured above). They’ve aptly named this dapper looking fellow Frederik, because just like Denmark’s Prince Frederik, it’s winning over Aussie ladies’ hearts (sorry I couldn’t help it, queue serious cringing at my bad dad joke). Made of light grey felt wool, and natural leather straps, this beauty is priced from $1250. Not bad really – I feel like this is in the mid-range price category when it comes to bedheads. Shop Frederik by clicking here.

Another fine specimen boasting straps, is the handsome Piper, (above) from Heatherly Design Bedheads. Pictured in the trench leather fabric option, the overall look is very sophisticated and priced at $1620 (for a queen size in this fabric option). Perfect for those die-hard Scandi-lovers out there. Don’t love leather? No problemo. You can choose from lots of other fabric options. Click here to shop Piper.


4 RETRO CANE

Most of their bedheads are available in a kaleidoscope of colours – making it an absolute breeze to inject some bubbly brights into your bedroom.

There’s nothing nana-ish or daggy about these cane bedheads from The Family Love Tree. In fact they’ve lovingly brought back a retro look to the bedroom that can translate well under a whole range of styles – not just coastal.

Our favourite styles from their range include the King Sunrise (pictured above in black), Petal (pictured in natural rattan opposite), and Palm Springs (pictured below). All of which are priced under $500.

Most of their bedheads are available in a kaleidoscope of colours – making it an absolute breeze to inject some bubbly brights into your bedroom. Click here to shop their range.


5 VELVETY PLUSH

Last but certainly not least, this luxe panel upholstered style has me smitten. And then to go and team it with velvet, well that’s just genius right there. The look is elegant, yet so comfortable, thanks to the fabric choice. Incy Interiors Sybilla bedhead (pictured above) is currently on sale - you’ll pick up a king size bedhead for just $699 (down from $999). Folks, this is a fabulous price for such a dreamy bedhead. Don’t fancy pink (how dare you, lol!)? You’ll also find it in a deep navy and teal. Shop this bedhead by clicking here.

Who else is doing this style? Heatherly Design Bedheads have also got a similar style (pictured right and below). Long and lean, the Lincoln bedhead can be customised to sit wider than your actual bed, so you can sit your bedsides in front of it for the ultimate luxurious look, straight out of a 5-star boutique hotel. Shop Lincoln by clicking here.