Meet Christie Turvey from Neue Blvd...

I love introducing you to new labels and NEUE BLVD is Australia’s newest and freshest luxury homewares label. Neue Blvd is the label of Christie Turvey, and is an exclusive e-boutique offering high-end luxury homewares sourced from Australia and afar. Inspired by the unique, the beautiful, and of her journeys around the globe, Christie curates a timeless collection of pieces that focus on effortlessly bespoke and luxurious living environments.

From personalised monogrammed bedding, statement lifestyle pieces, luxe home accessories to their handcrafted marble, metallic tableware, ornamental objects and florals, Neue Blvd captures an elemental design aesthetic that will effortlessly transform any space.

I am obsessed with their latest offering, metallic bar ware so keep scrolling for a peek at the range and to check out my interview with Christie.

For those of us who don’t know about Neue Blvd, can you tell us about it?

Neue Blvd is an online interior and homewares e-boutique. We sell a range of lifestyle products and accessories with our greatest platform being social media. The name ‘Neue Blvd’ is a representation of my ‘new’ brand. Neue is German for new, and Blvd, a representation of ‘bringing it to the streets’ where our well-sourced luxury products are made accessible to the general public.

Neue Blvd has an amazing collection of products available, can you tell us about the creative process you go through when designing items?

I always had a clear vision for my brand. I am a very focused and direct person with my own sense of style and I wanted to bring this clarity to Neue Blvd and our product range. I have an amazing team underneath me, who help with bringing my ideas and designs to fruition. We spend a lot of time brainstorming new ideas, sketching designs, collecting samples of fabrics and colourways and emailing our suppliers. There is a long time between the initial idea and the finished product! We want our designs to be on trend, if not an up and coming trend. Take for example our key tags and key rings, they must be functional yet well made. We test them out before making final decisions, they must be perfect.

Where did your love of home wares and interiors begin?

I have a bachelor degree in interior architecture and an ongoing passion for interior design. I started this business in 2012, having returned from London, where I had worked for Candy & Candy and with some of the most high profile names in the UK’s interior industry. I was keen to continue working in the design world and wanted to bring these world-class designs and home wares to my design savvy clients and customers in Australia. 

Do you have a favourite piece from the Neue Blvd range?

Our lifestyle collection is so on trend right now. Personally I am totally crushing on our metallic glassware and our new ‘Amore’ 100% cotton sleepwear collection is my ultimate ‘must have!’

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I like to read a lot of international luxury home magazines to see what is on trend before it hits Australia. Social Media is also a great way to see what is popular in home wares and lifestyle, it’s great to be able to keep on top of trends this way. Neue Blvd has done a lot of different collections over the years, evolving and improving to where we are today. We listen to what our customers want and we deliver.

How would you describe your style?

My style is modern with a touch of luxury.  

What can we expect next for Neue Blvd?

In the next few months we are launching some new collections and colourways as well as some exciting new promotions. Stay tuned!

Top 3 styling tips?

I love designing with monochrome. Black and white works particularly well with metallic finishes such as brass and bronze. It gives a real high fashion feel.

I love layering and the use of natural and exotic materials such as leather and shagreen, sourced from near and afar. It’s also an easy way to add and change colour to a room as the different seasons come and go.

Decorate with mirrors. Especially if you are working with a small space, mirrors create the illusion of more space and instantly add a touch of glamour. Opt for an oversized mirror leaning against a wall for that instant New York studio vibe.

Neue Blvd - Facebook - Instagram

D + P

Our recent shoot with Beeline Design...

All images styled by Dot + Pop

Photographer - Hayley Haske

I was so excited when the opportunity came up to shoot the incredible Cuba Collection from Beeline Design in my home. I have been a massive fan of these guys since featuring them on the blog back in 2014 and have watched them go from strength to strength in the furniture design world, absolutely killing it guys! 

Their current collection is on the blog here - so please check it out!

You can read my interview with Beeline Design over on their blog here - chatting all things renovation, interiors and how to keep inspired in a busy busy world!

And to see the stunning Cuba Collection styled in my home just keep on scrolling! 

Shop Cuba Collection here - Beeline Design here - Facebook here - Instagram here

D + P

Society of Wanderers...

Society of Wanderers grabbed my attention from the moment I laid eyes on their curated collection of sophisticated bohemian homewares... Moroccan wedding blankets, yes please! The globally sourced pieces are timeless, ethnic and often vintage. They are ethically sourced from tribal people and artisans who create the authentic, handmade, unique wares. The resulting look creates a classic, textured, eclectic home that tells stories of far away lands.

Founder of Society of Wanderers, Briony Delves, had a change of heart and career after 14 years in the fashion industry and years of globetrotting, she made the move to study Interior Design at RMIT in 2013. As the fab Julia Green fromGreen House Interiors wrote "Briony felt compelled to unearth and bring home beautiful timeless, often vintage decorator items found in far away lands, so that she could create a home that told the story of her travels. And so began the journey, as the namesake ‘Society of Wanderers’ suggests."

Tell us about Society of Wanderers and how/why you started it?
The brand was started while I was studying Interior Design at RMIT and had just purchased a new home with my partner. I had collected information on where I could source various products that I had discovered while travelling. I bought a few pieces that I loved and sold them in local home ware boutiques, it grew from there.

We love your sophisticated Bohemian style – where did your love of Bohemian home wares and interiors come from?
I spent a lot of time overseas in Europe and Asia as a teenager and loved the old buildings, antiques as well as the culture and historical stories of the items I saw. I loved what my parents bought back with them and found the pieces so much more interesting and beautiful than the run of the mill products in stores at the time.

Can you tell us about the creative process you go through when choosing products for Society of Wanderers?
My inspiration always comes firstly from the traditional patterns and designs of other tribes and cultures. The meanings of patterns and historical uses of the products is always a factor in my selection. I choose products that will stand the test of time in interiors and definitely products that I want in my own home. I do a great deal of research into the different levels of quality available and how it has been used in interiors in the past. I refine my research until I’m confident I am presenting a true classic of long lasting design and quality.

What does a typical day involve for you?
My 11 month old and I begin the day walking to our local café and then along the beach. I do most of the work for the business myself so packing orders, answering emails and working on new products. This all goes late into the night when my suppliers are just getting to work in other corners of the world.

What can we expect next for Society of Wanderers?
I’m working on a collection of new Moroccan rugs, cushions and throws as well as constantly curating more vintage collections.

Do you have any Top tips for creating an effortlessly chic bohemian styled space?
Choose pieces that you love and search everywhere from op-shops to high-end boutiques. Don’t think too hard about matching colors or styles. If you’re really lacking confidence, stick to neutrals with colour in one area like rugs or artwork.

Who are your favourite designers/bloggers/artists for inspiration at the moment?
I love artist Craig Waddell’s work, the textures and colours are amazing. Artist Prudence Caroline for her layered colour. Stylists Marie Olsson Nylander and Paulina Arklin for scandi goodness. My favourite current architects are Fearon Hay but I’m always inspired by mid-century design, especially local architects like McGlashan Everist.

Photography and styling credits:
Photography - Cricket_Studio
Styling - Julia Green - Green House Interiors
Styling assistant - Noel Coughlan

Society of Wanderers here - Instagram here - Stockists here

D + P

On the Sly Textiles... meet Lauren Finks

On the Sly Textiles create gorgeous products with personality and lightheartedness that are the perfect addition to your home. They deliver a cheeky pinch of colour and a big punch of style to your space; and you will be even happier knowing that all their pieces are designed, printed and assembled in Australia with only the best materials. 

I was lucky enough to chat to the lovely Lauren about design, running her own business and what inspires her... 

"Think of On the Sly as the relish on your burger, the heat in your Bloody Mary or the hot pink lipstick in your all black ensemble. We are the perfect addition to any home, any style or any occasion. Enjoy our products and embrace the sly effect."
 

We are so excited to have you on Dot + Pop – we love your gorgeous style and all your products - Tell us about On The Sly Textiles and how it started?
Thanks so much for having me. I am a graphic designer by trade and still work as one at Another Colour studio in Sydney (I work remotely). When I was living up there for a while I decided I'd like to pursue a project that was my own using my own unique style. I just went for it and didn't hold back!

How important is the term 'local' to you when developing your products?
We like to keep things local and that's why we design, hand-print and assemble here in Australia. For a couple of things we have to source outside of Australia to get the quality we need but local is and always will be our first choice and we like to support local business. 

You are also very eco-friendly and aware of using recyclable products - why is this so important to you and your brand?
Yes we like to wear the green hat. This is important to us and our customers. We have this saying at On The Sly that "eco can still be chic" and we believe it.  With a bit of research and persistence we seek to find materials that have a greener footprint.  And if people continue to buy them then it keeps the cycle going. There are always choices when developing a product and if we are able to make a green choice in the process then we will always do it.

Can you tell us about the creative process you go through when designing and sourcing materials?
Well, having a design background I like to research, go out, go shopping, read magazines and see what people like and also see what grabs my attention. Then it's to the computer. I skip the sketching stage and get right into it, I like to try things and see what works and then push further from there. Research, Research, Research when it comes to sourcing. I like to compare, hunt around and experiment with different things before I make decisions.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
I love to look at design blogs, magazines, even take notice of tiles or patterns in the streets and everywhere I go. If I see something, the iphone comes out to capture it for later. Even instagram, it's visual a feast.

What does a typical day involve for you?
Well it involves a lot these days! I spend my days balancing my full time job with Another Colour as well as packing orders and maintaining On The Sly. On weekends you'll often find me out for coffee, or having a design session at home coming up with new ideas and collating the inspiration I have found that week. 

What can we expect next for On The Sly Textiles?
In the new year we hope to be bringing out our A4 prints which is exciting. And lots more secret squirrel business going on!

What is On the Sly Textiles best ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
Gosh there have been a few in a big first year for us. Being asked to be involved with Real Living magazine in November was a highlight and I think actually the other day when I looked at our stockist list to see all the gorgeous boutiques that have picked us up. I still can't believe it :)

Who are your favourite designers for inspiration at the moment?
Ooh a tough one, For fashion I love By Johnny, Jac and Jack, Ellery, Bassike (keeping in in Australia). For homewares Jardan, Mark Tuckey, Marble basics, must mention also is Hay from overseas. I also love Tassel and Gaine, a totally different style to me but love their energy in their cushions.

Top 3 instagram accounts you follow and why?
lotta_206 for her simplicity, amazing taste and lovely feed
nectarandstone for her ridiculous talent stunning shots and amazing sweets!
elsarum again for style i love, mono, minimal, simple clean and beautiful
And we must include Dot + Pop for a very gorgeous feed as well... 

Website here - Stockists here - Facebook here - Instagram here

D + P

Hunting for George... meet the women behind the brand

Hunting for George is an Independent Online Boutique full of goodness. Based in Melbourne they truly have a fabulous and extensive product range that features homewares, artwork, accessories, bedding and more. Not only are they incredible at finding the most gorgeous products for you to 'hunt' for in their boutique they also have their own stunning bedding range for adults and children, featuring the softest cottons, beautiful colours and gorgeous prints.. 

I am so happy to share their story and the inner workings of this great Melbourne company with you... 

Tell us about how Hunting for George started and where does the name come from?
Hunting for George started with two sisters - Lucy Gladwright and Jo Harris - and a shared desire to do something different. We kind of just wake up one day and wanted to start a shop. It was a very simple and casual decision, but one that both of us felt very strongly about. The name has stemmed for a few significant George’s in our life. We wanted to create a name that was unique and stand alone, like us. 

You have just launched a fabulous new collection of bed linen ‘Siesta’ – we are loving the colour palette – can you tell us about the range and what inspires your designs?
Thank you! The colours are very subtle in this range. We really wanted to create a peaceful collection of bedding that had an effortless nature to it. I guess you could say colour was actually our inspiration. So often an idea can come to mind based purely on an emotional connection you may have with a certain colour, so we decided to be led by these instincts.

Can you tell us about the creative process you go through?
We like to go back to basics and remove ourselves from the task at hand. If you get too fixated on making a pattern or designing something that you think people will like, then you just get stressed and don’t get anywhere. We’ll flick through swatch books, design mags, fashion blogs, old clothes, go for a walk… anything that takes our minds elsewhere for a moment. It’s recognising beauty in the things around us that can really influence the creative process.

We are loving that there are now single sized bedding for the kids, were you always planning on a kids range?
It does seem kind of inevitable now doesn’t it? But to be honest, kids bedding was never really our end game. We just started to receive a lot of customer enquiries asking if our bed linen came in single sizes. So when we looked into it further we realised that there was a space in the market for single sized bedding that was not overtly ‘childlike’ or gender focused. I think that’s why our single sizes have been so popular as our designs are inclusive across a wide range of ages.

What does a typical day involve for you?
We tend to start the day with a quick email check before heading into the studio. If it’s a Tuesday, we have our team stand up. A brief weekly WIP where the whole team shares what they are up to for the week and what has happened since the last. Then it’s coffees all round and we hit our desks. Our jobs can really differ on any given day. One day we might be in a photo shoot and the next could see a huge order of products land that we totally forgot about and we then need to sort out. Lunch is usually on the go and before we know it, it’s 3pm. All orders are out the door by late afternoon and the studio starts to get a little quieter. This is my favourite time to work as I tend to throw my headphones on and try to zero on a few designs. Once I look up it’s late and everyone’s gone home so I scramble out the door to make it home for dinner. Before going to bed there’s usually an hour or two of work squeezed in, but then we get to crawl into the softest sheets in town, set our alarm ready for tomorrow.

What can we expect next for Hunting For George?
We have so many things that we want to wave our Hunting for George wand over. We’re hoping to take ourselves in a slightly new direction product wise next year. We have furniture in our sights as well more home textiles. Plus lots of other ideas but one step at a time.

What is Hunting for George’s best ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
We were putting together material to launch our collaboration with Lonely Planet today and I did have to stop and think… is this really happening? Luckily it was and it felt awesome.

Who are your favourite designers for inspiration at the moment?
Eeek, we are the worst ones to ask this question to. We have no real ‘favourites’ when it comes to designers however we love seeing creative up and comers that are doing something a little bit new and exciting. We are surrounded by incredibly talented friends that create wonderful things. A few examples are Tori Allen, Pop & Scott, Quella Collection and CosWeCan. Having clever mates is pretty cool. It ups and anti and helps keep the inspiration flowing.

Website here - Stockists here - Instagram here - Twitter here - Facebook here

D + P