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We found Ruby at the Malvern Road store in Hawkesburn and were bowled over with her wide eyed, fresh faced look – don’t you just wish you could make looking this stylish look as easy as she does?

Ruby standing on very cool ‘vintage vibe’ white painted floorboards in store…

Tuck Drape Pants

Bias Sleeve Silk Shirt

Leather & Metal Necklace

Willow Work Shoes

PHOTOGRAPHY Tara Pearce

• PEPLUM KNIT
• LEATHER METAL NECKLACE
• WILLOW WORK SHOES
• CRUSHED LAMBSKIN PANT
• SILK POSSESSION DRESS

The post Shop Girls | Willow appeared first on Est Magazine.

Collaborating with the talented Ms Marsha Golemac, the professional working besties have amassed a serious amount of creative work since leaving their posts at the Kikki K design studio just over 18 months ago.

With Golemac as stylist and maestro designer of all things creative, and Holm behind the lens snapping in her own irreverent, whimsical and hauntingly beautiful style, this truly dynamic, and yet so gentle, duo seem to have it all going on.

Whether its landscapes, product shoots, weddings, portraits or food photography, photographer Brooke Holms’ star is clearly on the rise. Recognizing the power of collaboration and the strength of a good partnership, we think this team of bright young things are only just starting to get fired up.

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Here Laelie shares with us what she is working on right now, what she is doing when she is not painting, where she plans to travel to next, and what she is whipping up in the kitchen…

What are you working on right now?

Painting has always been a relished pastime and a means of escape, an outlet from the daily rigors of running a business. Something Beginning With (SBW) is a furniture brand I launched in 2011 in collaboration with Designer Lisa Vincitorio. I have always painted purely for the joy it brings me and recently, due to unsolicited demand, have been working on private commissions.  I am looking to exhibit my works soon.

What inspired you in your latest collection of work?

My latest collection of work is the culmination of vivid colour, potent brushstrokes and exaggerated texture imbued with passion and evoking movement. It is an expression of my inner thoughts and emotions, allowing me to reflect on my life at that moment in time.  Painting gives me a sense of unity and balance and this collection highlights the emotions of a significant transitory period in my life.

Describe your work process to us?

It’s all very raw and spontaneous. I allow my creative intuition to guide me, conveying on canvas what I feel at that specific moment in time. I am a free spirit with no artistic inhibitions. The fusion of textures, vivid hues and blend of mediums is distinctive to my style of work. It’s about the connection between the overt and subconscious feelings, which elicit emotive responses from the viewer.

Where would we find you when you are not in the studio painting?

Where painting allows me to draw upon my inner feelings, focusing on the Something Beginning With (SBW) furniture range essentially balances my creative scales by harnessing my design skills and attention to detail.  The SBW collection is visually captivating and balanced, designed and made in Melbourne and tailored towards the commercial, residential and hospitality sectors. We offer clients the flexibility to customise products to their specific needs, and the benefit of local manufacture means a shorter lead-time.

I am also not a stranger to the Melbourne food and wine scene. I often get my breaky fix at the quietly tucked away Lawson Grove shop in South Yarra and enjoy dining out at Chin Chin and Izakaya Den, for their unique fusion of Asian flavours. Gertrude Street Enoteca and City Wine Shop hit the spot for an impromptu catch up.

Where are you based? 

Prahran, Victoria

Where can we see your work?

My work can be viewed via appointment through my website www.laelieberzon.com and www.somethingbeginningwith.com.au

Describe your studio? 

My studio is my haven and the place where my ideas and concepts come to life. It’s where I am surrounded by my paints, illustrations, books, plants and collectibles. These are special possessions and provide a sense of comfort and joy.

What are you coveting right now?

I am always looking to improve, whether in my personal or professional life.  My art illustrates the journey I have taken and will continue to evolve as I progress through life.

Where are you planning to travel to next?

I would love to visit Odessa in Ukraine and to experience the city of Riga, Latvia. My parents were born in these Eastern European cities and although I am yet to visit them, their influence has been a shaping factor in my upbringing.

I would detour home via Helsinki. I am intrigued by the way the Fins mix and match ravishing architectural styles, displayed on wide streets lit by the mesmerising northern light.

What are you reading?

I am currently reading Jane Kallir’s Egon Schiele’s Women. I’ve always found his work so captivating. His entire oeuvre is expressionistic, emotional and intense.

What are you cooking?

Something not requiring a cookbook but equally as tasty, utilising what random fresh ingredients I have in the fridge! I frequent local small markets for fresh produce and like to mix in flavours and foods from my Russian heritage… I am a sucker for the traditional, heavy comfort meals.

The post Laelie Berzon appeared first on Est Magazine.

Given Koné’s predilection for the art of subtlety, stripped back style, and lashings of white infused with the earthy charms of timber, this home is the perfect representation of its stylish owner and the brand she has created.

Sit back and settle in for some stunning scandi eye candy…

PHOTOGRAPHY Line Klein

The post Yvonne Koné | Earthy Charms appeared first on Est Magazine.

Relying on hand techniques to produce the greatest of art, mindful living and thoughtful existence, the year of 1924 represents to the pair all that was good and strong in the world. So it is only fitting that they name their new online store after the year that they hold so dear.

After working for almost two years and investing their own blood sweat and tears into the new retail experience, 1924 is the epitome of hard work, collaboration, creative innovation and careful consideration.

As a visual treat alone this website features on the top of our list when looking for a little online window shopping…

“Rest gently where the branches have fallen.” | 1924 | Available now in the shop is a piece of DIY decor that was inspired by the talented Zachary Smith. Hand drawn typography on an antique wood saw. A great piece and fitting quote to enhance the decor of any modern man’s space!

The post Lyla and Blu | 1924 appeared first on Est Magazine.

How to Layer: 101

Take a leaf out of Sam’s book to get the Lee Mathews look.

Stick to a defined colour palette, use a mix of lightweight, natural fibre fabrics

… and show a little skin to look less bag lady and more “it’s designer, baby”.

PHOTOGRAPH Tara Pearce

Josie Short Cardi in oat

Shadow Print Tunic Dress

Abby Silk Bias Slip in Silver

Adelaide Slip in Natural

Tobi Leggings in Charcoal

Sam wears her own boots …. and her own great smile.

The Lee Mathews girls are a happy bunch!

• Charlie Short
• Lamb Skin Legging
• Sequined Cardigan
• Brooklyn Ankle Boot
• Ivette Dress

The post Shop Girl | Lee Mathews appeared first on Est Magazine.

Backyard Room is the perfect solution to the home office that has outgrown the dining room table (sounds familiar!). Having won a sustainability award at this years Melbourne international flower and garden show, this new concept is gaining worldwide traction as the space squeeze hits.

Committed to reducing the carbon footprint, The Backyard Room is designed for both longevity and healthy living. In avoiding the peak hour by simply walking out the back door, down the garden path and into your very own zen like office space, we think you’ll be more than doing your bit to reduce global stress levels – and you’ll be all the better for it.

The Backyard Room is definitely on our office wish list…

ALL IMAGES The Backyard Room

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Showing at the Helen Gory Galerie  from 15 May – 8 June, Seymour’s exhibition ‘Romance Hero ‘ is a one to pencil in your diaries. Examining the notion that actions can in fact change  and influence emotions, Seymour’s work illustrates the power of the body over the mind.

Using team building games as a reference point from which Seymour explores the idea of – well –  faking it before you make it, Seymour’s works challenge the notion of faking your actions in order to create a real emotional response.

In the case of this current series of work, the emotional response induces a sense of inclusion and intimacy, even amongst strangers.  The ‘Romance Hero’ series illustrate the lengths we will go to in order to experience connection with another human being, while seeking a sense of wonder and romance at the same time.

Having graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honors in 2009, Seymour spends her time between Iceland, Berlin and home town Melbourne. The artists latest works on paper  encourage the viewer to make a myriad of their own interpretations.

We would love for you to to tell us yours…

Carmel Seymour
A walk in the park, 2013
Pencil on paper, 72 x 52cm

Carmel Seymour
Trust games 2, 2013
Watercolour and pencil on paper, 72 x 52cm

Carmel Seymour
Group hug, 2013
Watercolour, pencil and salt on paper, 72 x 52cm

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On a cool autumn evening we gathered beneath the rooftop bee hives above the courtyard of Ladro, to listen to designers Narelle Cuthbert and Lucy Marczyk of Nexus Designs and Richard Munao, the founder of Corporate Culture and sister store Cult, share with us their experiences, and observations, of what is arguably ‘the best furniture show on earth’.

We also asked creative nomad, Shantanu Starick aka, The Pixel Trade, to join us and photograph the night. What we got was some amazing shots of our ‘cover girl’, the Navy Chair, who was literally swinging  from the rafters, and Shantanu’s stunning photography of the venue, the food and stellar group of guests who all share a common bond – the love of good design.

We asked Interior Designer, Narelle Cuthbert from Nexus Designs, to share with those that couldn’t be there on the night ,some of her highlights of Milan’s Salone del Mobile 2013.

1.      Where did you stay?

We stayed at the Spadari al Duomo, a small boutique hotel tucked amongst a row of gourmet food shops and most importantly close to the fashion district!

 2.      How did you start each day in preparation for the fair? (was it a case of ‘must have my coffee’…or hair of the dog?…or walk through the streets…or mediation!??!)

Each morning was spent devouring an amazing buffet breakfast  warm croissants and pastries oozing with chocolate in particular) and several espressos whilst simultaneously checking emails and skyping the office back home.

A highlight of the week was spending our last day unwinding at the Bulgari Hotel, drinking champagne and eating a sumptuous breakfast on the terrace.

 3.      How did you unwind at the end of each day?

Most days were spent on the run, with barely enough time to return from the fair or showrooms to change for the evening festivities. We were fortunate enough to attend events at Edra, Moroso / Kvadrat, Flos, Magis, Modular, Emeco, Fritz Hansen just to name a few!

4.      Can you name your favourite installation or display?

Kartell’s play on the infamous Galleria Vittoria Emanuele Milan’s premium shopping strip.

‘Kartell Galleria’ provided shoppers with the opportunity to browse exclusive shop windows showcasing individual products. Each boutique played homage to a dedicated Kartell designer and their products.

5. What did you notice as the 3 trends to stand out from the fair?

Glossy lacquered timber veneers made a comeback along with textured joinery and tabletops. Slick concrete and tiled tabletop finishes were also very popular.

The continuing trend of quilted fabrics and contrasting/feature stitch detail was also evident amongst most brands as was more muted/matt versions of gold, copper and brass.

Interestingly dusty pink was the standout colour at the fair particularly at Cappellini, Zanotta and Vitra. In comparison burnt orange was evident at the showrooms as seen with the Nuvola Rossa bookshelf and the Aeo armchair at Cassina.

6. Name 3 favourite designs you discovered.

The Corallo bed for Edra by the Campana Brothers. A whimsical take on the chair originally designed in 2004, this gold encrusted bed literally has you floating on air.

The Calamo desk for Zanotta by Gabriele Rosa. This furniture piece featuring a leather tabletop, graphite legs and integrated cable management system.

The Ipanema armchair for Poliform by Jean Marie Massaud. The timber and leather version is a modern (& extremely comfortable) take on the classic timber deck chair.

6.  Who was the most exciting new and up and coming designer?

Michael Anastassiades is definitely a name to watch. Not new to lighting as such, Michael’s work for Flos this year was breathtaking. Simple, elegant and timeless are three ways to describe this talented lighting designers work.

The string lights resemble a line drawings in the air, with tensors providing volume and 3 dimensionality to the fitting.

8. Who was a standout for the best collaboration?

The collaboration between Kartell and Laufen was genius. Acknowledging the importance of the bathroom in the house these two high profile companies combined forces to provide an innovative integration of sanitaryware and furnishing accessories.

9. What brand or designer made the best use of colour ?

Zanotta who were a close second behind Kartell with the best stand design, combined both orange and dusty pink with warm timbers and bold rugs.

The overall effect was fresh and inviting and complemented the new Zanotta furniture collection well.

10. Most exciting moment at the fair for you personally?

Being able to meet and chat with some of our favourite designers and manufacturers, all of whom were extremely approachable and happy to chat! Konstantin Grcic, Marcel Wanders, Jaime Hayon and Giulio Cappellini

Images supplied by Nexus

Social photos from The Pixel Trade

The post Milan 2013 Report appeared first on Est Magazine.

LEFT The 1006 Navy Chair PHOTO Toby Scott  | RIGHT Emeco CEO Gregg Buchbinder
We hear you’re a whizz at elevator pitches… how would you quickly convince an Est Magazine reader (who may not be an architect or design aficionado) to purchase real over replica. 

When you buy an authentic Emeco you are buying something that has taken over 6 decades to perfect, something where you can be sure that every step in the elaborate 77 step process has been followed to the T, something that only uses the correct materials as originally specified by chemists and engineers, something you can pass down to your children and grandchildren.

In every issue of Est Magazine we share with our readers ways to spot an authentic design at ten paces. What special attributes should a 1006 Navy Chair buyer look for to identify an authentic model?

To spot an authentic Emeco chair you can see the smooth bends where the soft aluminum is curved, the consistent brush pattern always applied the same way, the perfectly tapered front legs, the even spread of the three vertical bars for the seat back, the Emeco name on the back of the seat bottom and finally you can see the three small welds left by the craftsmen as their signature on every 1006 Navy chair.

Are there anything poignant details about the Emeco logo which appears on a sticker and engraved on the back of the seat? Has it always it appeared in this fashion on all models?

In year 2000, a graphic designer from Paris called Marc Atlan was invited to visit Emeco and help update our identity and look. Marc selected an industrial font – Eurostyle and created something both modern and classic.

Can you tell us a little more about the Patent number and the 4 digit codes engraved on the underside of the Navy Chair. Have they always been part of the process and appeared in particular positions or is this a recent addition? 

The 4 digit code is how the Emeco factory tracks when a chair was made.

Congratulations on your recent settlement with Restoration Hardware. Sadly there are so many other knock-off Navy Chairs on the replica market. What next? More litigation? And what can we do to further support your cause?

Knowledge and education is really key, making people aware what it takes to make a product last. Opening up and transparently talk about all steps of the manufacturing process is relevant if we care to make a difference.

What project are you working on right now and can you tell us a little bit about it?

We were just at Milan Furniture Fair, the annual Salone del Mobile and we will be at the ICFF in New York on the 18th of May to present the new Parrish Collection by Konstantin Grcic for Emeco.

The post Real V’s Replica | Gregg Buchbinder appeared first on Est Magazine.

Today we kick things off with our very own homegrown fashion label, Megan Park.

Taking her fashion cues and design inspiration from Autumnal colours and earthy forest floors, Ms Park’s collection of wild botanical prints will add that pop of colour and play of pattern to any wardrobe looking for an inspired injection. Mix with a bold piece of jewellery for that extra punch and some added glam.

Here we land on the steps of the flagship High Street, Armadale store, to see what the girls were wearing.

This is Zoe…and this is how she wears Megan Park…

1. Fallow silk georgette blouse

2. Encrusted Jet neckpiece

3. Crepe fitted trousers

Shoes, Zoe’s own by Stella McCartney

Eyes, her own (we know…we’d kill for them too)

PHOTOGRAPHY Tara Pearce

• Georgette Pinpleat Skirt
• Floret Bangle
• Tassle Earrings
• Patchwork Dress
• Black Silk Camisole

The post Shop Girl | Megan Park appeared first on Est Magazine.

Gannon is currently exhibiting ‘Distance’ at Libby Edwards Gallery in Melbourne.

 IMAGES VIA Darren Gannon

Although the artwork seen below in the Melbourne home of Hillary Gwillam is by artist Greg Wood, Gannon’s monochromatic landscapes exude a similar sense and mood of time and place within the landscape.

The post Darren Gannon | Distance appeared first on Est Magazine.

As one of the highest rating ‘must see’ places on the modern-day traveller’s itinerary when staying in Paris, Merci has been much written about, photographed and gushed about the world over. So we can only imagine the palpitations to be had amongst devout Merci fans with the lanuch of the much anticipated online store!

If you found that wall of linen and its various shades of grey overwhelming, now you can kick back on line to your hearts content and argue with yourself for hours about the merits of every colour combination, at your fancy.

Merci Merci Merci….

IMAGES Merci

The post Merci Merci Merci… appeared first on Est Magazine.

The Pixel Trade has evolved over several months as a stunning visual diary capturing businesses, products, food, eating houses, people and stunning, rarely photographed homes from Australia to New Zealand and across the Pacific to Los Angeles and New York. Shantanu has an intimate quality in his work that is undeniably unique and beautiful!

As part of our introduction to Shantanu we were afforded the privilege of offering something to trade. Our inaugural Reader Dinner One Night in Milan, at Ladro Greville is set to be a melting pot of foodies, designers, retailers, team Est and of course our readers. Shantanu has agreed to be there too. We can’t wait to share the pixels and continue the trade.

PHOTOGRAPHY Shantanu Starick The Pixel Trade

The post Shantanu Starick | The Pixel Trade appeared first on Est Magazine.

Chances are you’ll recognise Emma’s work from recent home features in Est, and we are betting you are going to see a whole lot more from this much loved artist in coming months. With an exhibition at Fenton & Fenton in Melbourne from 1-15 May 2013, don’t say we didn’t warn you to get in quick when her works come to town.

Together with contributing photographer Mindi Cooke,we visited Emma’s impeccably renovated Bangalow home to discover that she is not only one of Australia’s most sought after artists, but a savvy business woman, devoted mum and incredible colourist. A winning combination it seems. See all the images and a Q&A with Emma inside Issue #9 >>

The post Wanderlust Woman | Emma Gale appeared first on Est Magazine.

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This week in Open House we take a tour through a beautifully thought out and sophisticatedly styled family home on the edge of Malvern, in Melbourne’s leafy inner south east. Sitting on what was once a tennis court for the estate the next door, this stately home has clearly been well loved and cared for over the years. With the family now all grown, the owners have made the decision to pass on the batten and hand over the house and its keys to a new family looking to create their own memories – living a lifestyle that just can’t help but to be enjoyed.

Who lives here?

A family of 4, including two university students who although have moved out, keep threatening to move home! And Max the charismatic french bulldog.

What do you love about your home and the area you live in?  

This house is in a wonderful location. It has the Glenferrie and Toorak Road trams at the doorstep and is a 5 minute walk to Kooyong train station.

How would you describe your home’s style?

The house was built in the seventies with generous rooms and free flowing living spaces capturing the light all through the day. Originally the structure of the house was added to about 15 years ago. We added a new kitchen and dining area with laundry, powder room and rear hall with easy access to the garage for getting the shopping into the house.

What room do you love most at this time of the year?

The cosy sitting room is lovely in winter when you can benefit from the northerly aspect and the open fireplace.

What recent improvements have you made?

Last year the house undertook a revamp with the help of Margie Bromilow interiors and Edwina Glen.

What’s the best thing about living here?

We love using the bike and walking tracks along the Yarra river and Merri creek. This house is in a wonderful location. It has the Glenferrie  and Toorak Road trams at the doorstep and is a 5 minute walk to Kooyong train station. Robert Menzies Park is at the end of the street and we are a short walk to the home of the Malvern Gladiators at Kooyong park. (Go Gladiators!! – ed.)

Where do you go for a coffee and breakfast in the area?

James Laski at 30 Mill has THE best coffee and is located just outside the Tooronga railway station. An easy 7 minute walk in the morning with the dog, and just around the corner on Malvern Road is Sissi & Co for the best salads!

Can you share with us some of your favourite pieces?

I love the David Larwill painting of Benito the Pirate that hangs at the end of the dining table, and the yellow Vitra Softshell dining chairs from Space. I also love the painting by Jason Benjamin in the cozy sitting room that is lovely in winter when you can benefit from the northerly aspect and the open fireplace. The coffee table from Cameriche and Twiggy Floor Lamp by Foscarini from Space Furniture.

This house has so many beautiful living spaces, can you name some of your favourite rooms? 

The tv room benefits from the late afternoon westerly light, and the kids can sit at the bench and do their homework if I am busy in the kitchen. The man of the house loves relaxing in the Eames Lounge Chair whilst watching the news, and the Jardan Leila sofa is comfy and large enough for everyone to watch a movie together.

The main sitting room doesn’t get a lot of use. The kids flop there to read where it’s quiet, and it’s handy when a few friends come over for a drink and we want to sit down and relax. The Nook Sofa is also from Jardan, and the large marble coffee table is from Cameriche. The painting by Ann Howie over the fireplace is a piece I also really enjoy.

Having lived in this home and raised a family, what can you name as being the most successful element of the design for your family?

The kids have had many parties and sleep-overs in the pool house, which is a perfect place for them as it’s an easy house to control with the only access being through the front gate – so security has never been an issue. The north-facing courtyard is perfect for alfresco dining. Opening the French windows on a warm day allows for the inside to immediately open up to the garden.

Are there any additional features of the home that people might not know about at first glance that you can share with us?

When we first moved in we had 5 chickens and the fence and hen house are still there. We use the hen house as a garden shed now, but its great fun for the kids to have the hens as they make wonderful pets – not to mention the benefits of fresh free range eggs.

PHOTOGRAPHY Tara Pearce | PRODUCTION & STYLING Sian MacPherson | STYLING ASSISTANT Chanelle McAuliffe

Love this property? It’s for sale through RT Edgar >>

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