Decoration + Design

via emily ziz style studio

Decoration+Design exhibitor, emily ziz style studio recently released a new collection from designer Tessa Sonik titled Cowboys and Indians.
Here Emily explains how Tessa designed the collection and its chain of influence from Argentina.

“The starting point for this collection was the large amount of ikat that has recently been shown worldwide. Ikat is most likely the oldest form of textile decoration. It is common to many world cultures. Because of the time and skill involved in weaving ikat, some cultures believe the cloth is imbued with magical powers. Tessa followed its chain of influence from Argentina all the way up the spine of South and Central America – Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and finally to Mexico. From there her design team jumped the border and studied the ikat tradition of Native America.

At that point the designers were drawn to the handcrafted, the natural and the considered. They also realised that where there were Indians, there were Cowboys, and they were intrigued by the juxtaposition of these two cultures. The collection is split down the middle. Just under half of the 35 SKU’s are Indians, and half Cowboys.

The Indians are predominantly natural yarns, including cottons, lines and viscose. The Cowboys include beautiful leathers and an embossed PVC that mimics a beautiful shimmering pony skin. The Indian palette is soft and mystical, led by pale aquas and soft greens. The Cowboy palette is comprised of strong reds and blues reminiscent of the American Mid-West.”

To view the complete collection, head to www.emilyziz.com

And for the moodboard visit, HERE.

via Walter G Designs

There’s nothing more inspiring than a photo-journal on a trek through the ancient streets of the Eastern world. The history is ingrained in the pavements and clay brick walls, the years visibly etched into cityscape creating unique textures, colourways and patterns only achieved through the organic process of life.
Two friends decided to combine their passion for textiles and chase the stories of colour and pattern around the world. They are Genevieve Fennel and Lauren Bennett. They launched their textiles company Walter G early this year to `provide the contemporary home with an eclectic range of high end, handmade textiles and soft furnishings, designed and made in both India and Australia’.

The girls have been documenting their recent travels through India on their blog Tales of Textiles.
The images are truly unique, and give a backstage view of the creative and traditional process of dying, sometimes with pomegranete and vegetables, to make their incredible handmade fabrics.
Decoration+Design blog were so inspired we had to share some of them with you, and we asked the girls a few questions about their trip too.
Click more for the complete interview;

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via The Design Files

The signs are everywhere urging us to `Spring into the season’, `Step into Spring’, `Spring clean your life’ – it’s catching on like hay fever.
The brighter days, extended light thanks to daylight savings and the sweet scent of new growth in the air also has much to do with the renewed vigor for clearing out the old for the new. There’s never been a better time to become inspired and redecorate your home, slick a new coat of paint in neutral or a heady dose of brights that have taken over the fashion trends this season, or hound down your favourite market or local boutique for new home wares to shake up your living room.

So it was very exciting to hear that one of our much-loved style sites have launched a new Pop-Up concept, The Design Files Open House.
From December 1st – 4th they will transform a residential home in Fitzroy, Melbourne to create a temporary retail event. The Design Files Open House will look and feel like the ultimate ‘Melbourne home’, but more than just a walk-thru show home, everything in this space will be for sale. From bedlinen to books, artwork, furniture, kitchenware and lighting, each and every item can be purchased on the spot.

The major event partner is former Furnitex exhibitor, JARDAN, filling the house with their stunning Australian-made furniture, along with a selected a group of local designers, artists, makers and retailers. You can even relax and indulge on site at the cafe on the roof deck and smell the roses, literally, at a flower stall also included.

If this interests you, then you can subscribe to the TDF Open House mailing list HERE, all designers and stockists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Non-Melbourne residents can shop online for a limited 2 week window in December if you can’t make it to the event.
Head to The Design Files for more details.

Juju Dance Group – 109cm x 89cm – oil on canvas

With a desire to create an inspiring support base for contemporary African artists, that also provided fundraising for the creative and artistic development of Africans and their community, Carina Bekkers formed Sanaa Afrika.
‘I wanted to provide these artists with opportunities to showcase their beautiful art and craft online, in galleries and at exhibitions,” says Carina.
Sanaa Afrika has been operating successfully since 2005 and were recent standouts at the recent Decoration + Design.
In June, Sanaa Afrika opened its first outlet in Terrigal NSW, specialising in a variety of artwork and high quality craft including stone and wooden statues, delicate porcelain bowls, digital limited prints, fine art and a range of contemporary versions of traditional items such as masks, gourds, drums, master weaver basketry and batik.
We caught up with Carina to ask her about the humanitarian side of Sanaa Afrika, the success of the brand, and running on ethical and fair trade principles.

Fireflies by Rene Twigge – 78.5 x 78.5cm – South Africa

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