Space to Create...

We have all been lusting over the gorgeous furniture at Space to Create for a long time now... and I was lucky enough to chat to the brains and beauties behind the brand to find out where they draw their inspiration and how they run such an on trend design company...

Tell us a bit about Space to Create?
At Space to Create we are all about furniture that is high quality and well designed – our aim is to create pieces that provide that perfect touch of style and individuality to any room.Online thinking is at the core of our company, with the online store being our main distribution channel and warehouse being situated in North Melbourne, Victoria. 

Why did you start Space to Create?
We’ve been in the furniture business for just under 10 years, first starting in the event hire business through STC’s sister company Dann Event Hire. Our aim was to always provide unique hiring solutions to our clients, continually scouring the globe for that perfect product to add to our ever-expanding collection. With this knowledge and constant questioning of “why don’t you sell your products”, we decided to bite the bullet and launch Space to Create in 2013. 

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture so far?
We really love our Arrow Side Table because it is so versatile - it can be used as a low stool, side table or even a bed side table. However we are getting particularly excited about the new pieces which will appear on our website very soon… stay tuned!

What has been the best moment so far for the business?
Probably a dead heat between appearing in Inside Out magazine and the day spent styling our first range look book with Jacqui Moore and Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors. It really is amazing to work with such amazing people who are so incredibly talented - we love those shots, and can’t wait to embark on the next look book.

Who, what, or where do you look for inspiration?
All over really. From Pinterest, to blogs to new cafes and boutiques that seem to be popping up all over Melbourne. We try to be very open minded to what inspires us!

Who are your favourite Australian furniture designers?
Daniel-Emma - a seriously talented duo! We love seeing the varied projects that they work on and how simple yet effective there designs can be!
NOMI - absolutely love the customisable chevron shelving - so much opportunity to make those pieces your own
Jardan - you really can’t go past them
Sixhands - not really a furniture designer but they textile prints are so outrageously cool, we just had to mention them.

Top 3 instagram accounts we should all follow?
@designmilk - for its extremely varied design variation.
@edwinacorlette - for its amazing art collection
@heltenkelt - interior styling, her pictures are absolutely stunning!

Website here - Shop here - Instagram here - Facebook 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

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Meet Christie Blizzard... Children's Interior Designer Extraordiniaire

Need some top tips for designing and decorating your children's bedrooms? I thought so, and I am so pleased to share with you my chat with the amazing Christie Blizzard - Children's Interior Designer Extraordinaire. She is super talented and you will just love all her tips, tricks and fabulous ideas to create a haven for your child...

"I am passionate about creating spaces and places for little people. From parties through to bedrooms and nurseries, I thrive on taking a blank canvas and turning it into a functional and timeless space your little one will appreciate for a lifetime. My designs grow as your children do and are affordable, practical and most of all perfect for your family."

We are so excited to have you on Dot + Pop – firstly tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a mum to 2 amazing little girls Addi is 6, Berkley 2. I am also fortunate enough to be a designer of children’s spaces. Fortunate, as I am a big kid myself. I have a university degree in journalism and grew up dancing and performing on stage and TV. I love to create. I sew, write and love to get my hands dirty with DIY projects. I can’t sit still, always “switched on” and a little bit quirky. I am always thinking about new projects and there is nothing worse than being at a function with someone in the same dress, so I always do my best to think outside the square and have my own style.

How did you get into interior design and when/why did you decide to focus on Kids design?
For me it was a natural progression. As a child, my family rented so I was never able to put posters up and decorate my room how I liked so I had to be creative (and a little sneaky). I bought my first home straight out of high school and with a very limited budget, I learnt to make it my own with paint and DIY fixes. From there, i was asked to create spaces for my friends and it snowballed until I was on Ten’s The Renovators when I solidified my goal to be THE go-to children’s designer. I naturally migrated to children’s design as I love working with colour and am a big kid myself. I can let my natural creative flair takeover and it means I can create playful spaces rather than white boxes!

Top tip or advice to a first time renovator/decorator?
Don’t rush into anything. Pin ideas on Pintrest or start a scrapbook and see how your style evolves on paper before you go shopping. You will soon see what items work together and what don’t. It is boring, but it is all in the planning. If in doubt, find a designer - they are more affordable than you think and will often save you lots of money in mistakes. However, make sure you and your designer gel. You don’t EVER want to be bullied into a permanent decision for your home. Remember it is your space and you need to make sure it stays that way.

How important is decorating a kids room?
I think children’s rooms are like big hugs from their parents. Their space is a place where they dream at night, where they plan and create. It is so important to nurture these thought’s and their childhood. It is really imperative a child drifts off to sleep every night knowing how much they are loved, and what better way than looking at their own special piece of the world, created just for them - no matter what the budget.

How can people get inspired to move away from the pink or blue trap?
Pink and blue have long been the favourite in kid’s design but to me I think it is OK to be more adventurous than that these days. Green is great for boy’s rooms as is a strong, monochrome room. For girls, metallics are really popular, as are pastels. The trick though is to embrace colour and really know what your child wants in their room. If your daughter loves pink, you may want to just experiment with different shades - neons, peaches etc rather than just run-of-the-mill. 

What’s your advice on decorating for a gender neutral babies room?
If you are wanting to create a space for your baby and don’t yet know the gender, be sure to plan something you can adapt as they grow. Don’t lock yourself into a particular style. A safe black and white room is lovely for  nursery. It is very on trend and can be accessorised to look girls or masculine once bubba arrives, and it is very on-trend. If that is too modern for you, you can be more traditional and go classic with beautiful furnishings, a striped wallpaper and beautiful rug. Again, once baby arrives you can adjust by adding a cushion, linen and mobile to reflect their personality. A loose nautical theme can translate for both genders too - navy and red, as can educational-themed nurseries - like a world map wallpaper or a nature theme too if you MUST make the space complete before your due date.

How can we incorporate more storage into children’s rooms?
Children come with so many things! No matter how much you think you know, you will learn a lot more when they arrive and the presents start streaming in. If you are creating a space for a child no matter what age, you can NEVER have enough storage. Whether you have built in robes, underbid storage or a sturdy chest of drawers you will never have enough. I use floor-standing storage baskets, wall shelving (and you can make these stylish these days with shadow box shelving so you aren’t limited to a plank of laminate on some brackets) and funky wall hooks. The best thing you can do for little people is utilise their wardrobe. It is often the most overlooked piece of furniture. Often, the rails are high and there is a lot of space. Consider adding shelving above or below the rail, or adding a second rail for 2 rows of hanging space. Baskets under the rail are a neat way of storing soft toys too. 

What is the best way to ensure the room grows with the child as they get older?
Don’t get locked into a particular theme! If your child is a Dora fan, don’t assume that phase will last forever. Don’t plaster your walls in Winnie the Pooh, even if you think he is cute. Think beyond that. Use colours rather than the theme. As I said earlier, a nautical theme is very popular at the moment. If you love this look, don’t pain boats on the wall, please! Use the colour scheme (navy blue, red and white) as your base for things not easily changed - walls, rugs and expensive items. If you need to include boats or anchors, do this with pillow accents that are cheap to replace. This principal will cross over to any themed room, just make the little accessories interchangeable. Large artwork can make a big statement and doesn’t have to cost a fortune, so changing the art, linen and a few accessories can easily update a room. If you are buying expensive pieces, make sure they are universal. It is like any other room in your home. You may love neon yellow, but you wouldn’t really buy a sofa in neon yellow - you would just buy the cushion. Use the same theory with your kid’s room too.

What is the most common mistake you see people make?
I have seen it all! The most common mistake is buying the bed, the linen and the rug. They buy the “staples” of a room and then they get lost and the room is lacking personality and love. Think about the room and how it will be used. If you plan on your child doing homework at the dining table, don’t put a desk in their room. If you want them to play in their room, include toy storage. Plan the space and take risks but do your research. Make sure everything you use in a child’s room is robust, safe and of course suitable to the look you are trying to create. 

Do you have a favourite item in your home that you couldn't live without?
I love so many things in my home but it is the little things I love the most. The up cycled desk I found in the garage of a factory we bought, my Anya Brock original painting and the kid’s huge custom-built ball pit in the playroom keeps me sane when I am preparing dinner. However, it is the little things with memories attached that I hold most sacred - my manna’s vase, dried petals from a bunch of flowers my hubby bought me and a picture my daughter drew. Those things are what make a house a home and remind me every day how lucky I am.

Website here - Shop here - Instagram here - Facebook here - Twitter here

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Grace and James Candle Co...

I was super excited to sit down with the lovely Emma Davenport from Grace and James Candle Co to discuss her love of her candles. If you have a candle obsession like me then you need to try Grace and James Candles. 

You will fall in love with the soy and coconut oil wax blend which are all hand poured in Melbourne. They feature a 100% cotton double wick which ensures optimal burning that lasts up to 80 hours. Grace and James was born out of a love of homewares, art and an obsession with candles. Emma Davenport the owner and founder of Grace and James worked tirelessly to source and develop a 100% local product that is still affordable. 

The packaging is an absolute standout, each candle is adorned with exclusive designs by some of Australia's favourite Artists... keep reading to find out more about this fabulous Candle Company and the gorgeous Emma...

Tell us about how Grace and James Candle Co started?
It started out as an obsession with homewares and candles and I guess at the time when the idea started to evolve I was really looking for a challenge, so as you do I decided to start my own brand. It wasn't that simple of course, but all big things have to start somewhere. And it started with ALOT of research. Everything grew organically from there.

We love your collaboration with some of Australia's favourite artists and designers for your debut range's art work - why did you decide to do this?
I wanted Grace and James to have a significant point of difference. I remember at Fashion Week a few years ago Lavazza had teamed up with Australian Designers to design a range of exclusive keep cups and I loved how people were finding new ways to showcase design. Really any excuse to collaborate with other creatives continues to make work fun and keep things exciting for everyone involved. Brands like Tom Dixon and Kevin Murphy has always done packaging very well and I loved how well it was received. I wanted to do that and it's reflective of Melbourne, the consumer is very visual nowadays so not only do we have to create a luxury, quality and ethical product. It needs to look amazing too. 

Grace and James is a 100% local product - how important was this to you when developing your product?
They are! But it's 100% worth it! We pride ourselves on being locally poured right here in Melbourne, our artists are all local Aussies, our boxes are printed and assembled locally. That's not to say we're only limiting ourselves to Australia but if we can get an eliminate of our product here we will, our candles will always be hand poured in Melbourne though. We've had so much love from fans around the world wanted to stock our product because they love it's Australian, as far as Japan, Canada, Europe and the US. It’s really important to us and we hope that when people pick up one of our candles they know it’s not just an 80 hour, all natural, double wick scented candle… but it’s Australian made too. 

Can you tell us about the creative process you go through when making candles and choosing your scents?
The process of creating scents is really trial and error. The goal is always to create something that's unique and different so we're always prepared for some doozies. All our scents are made using natural essential oils and it's all about balance so we usually select one dominant scent and then balance it out with more subtle notes to compliment. Our signature size takes two days to pour because they are so big. So we prepare everything, pour on day one and then they need to rest overnight. On day 2 we'll come back and top them up to finish. 

What does a typical day involve for you?
A typical day would be lovely. It will always start and end with emails, that's once constant. But look everyday is different, I'll be between my house/office and the warehouse at least 2 days a week, sending out online orders, visiting retail stores, working on new product development, social media, we do custom wedding and event candles too so working with clients on those, lots of admin! 

What can we expect next for Grace and James?
Well, we have a few new exciting projects in the works. We're collaborating with one of my favourite artists so that candle will be available in the New Year. Plus we have a really cool product that I'm really excited about. It's taken a while to get it to exactly what I was after but we're really happy so that will also be available very soon. 

What is Grace and James best ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
Oh, good question. We recently did an exclusive range for Portmans which was pretty pinch me. They are a huge Aussie brand and we were so chuffed when they approached us. The 4 scent range features prints from Portmans Summer collection and they're available in select Portmans stores and online at www.portmans.com.au 

Who are your favourite designers for inspiration at the moment?
Ah good question, I love Hunting For George. They've just realised a new bedding range and I'm in love with everything! I also love Casa Kuma for their simplicity, when it comes to fashion I'm obsessed with staple basics and these guys do it so well. Homewares though anything Megan Weston or Jai Vasicek touch turns to gold, they are another level. 

Top 3 instagram accounts you follow and why?
You mean aside from Dot and Pop? 
@damselindior haha I don't even know why, I think I'm slightly obsessed with Jacey. She's my style inspiration for sure. 
@loveshopshare because she take incredible photos and she's a total babe
@graceandjamescandleco need I explain? 

Introducing Grace and James custom wedding & event range... 
Custom Wedding & Event Candles - Want to send your guests home with something extra special?

Shop here - Shop Wedding - Candles here - Facebook here - Instagram here - Twitter here - Pintrest here

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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

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Beeline Design... meet Adam Brislin

Beeline Design is the vision of wood artisan Adam Brislin, who first established the business in 2010. "Beeline Design specialise in beautifully designed handcrafted furniture and Adam’s personal passion is handcrafting stylish, exquisitely made, designer furniture from fine Australian timbers." 

Adam is an award-winning craftsman who has had over 15 years of experience in making quality handcrafted furniture. Beeline Design makes stunning designer tables, cabinets, stools, furniture and other finely-crafted items from some of Australia’s most amazing and beautiful hardwood timbers. 

I was lucky enough to sit down with Adam to talk all things furniture, design and where his love and inspiration for furniture design and construct comes from... 

Tell us about yourself - what path led you to starting your own furniture design company?
I was born and bred in Bunbury Western Australia. I found my love for woodworking when I was at high school and it was fortunate that my school offered after school classes which really gave me a platform to work from. On completion of year 12 I opted to take a trade based occupation and enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship course in cabinetmaking at the South west college of Tafe for 12 months. My course was nearing its finish and having not secured an apprenticeship my lecturer spoke to me about going to meet a woodworker/ craftsman at Australind by the name of John Ablett who was considering taking an apprentice on. I met the man and instantly was in awe of his work; I knew I belonged there and felt that it was meant to be. I learnt so much from that experience and it truly set me on a path of being a furniture maker. I did deviate my furniture career for a moment when I decided to work in outback Western Australia in the mines on a exploration drill rig then though mining I felt, had no soul though it provided me with the money I needed to travel and live in London for a few years. When landing overseas I was forced to find a job and I reverted back to my woodworking skills and landed a small job with an Aussie builder renovating Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's house, this was a sweet novelty and once that finished I managed to get a job with Weldon flooring, a bespoke flooring company who worked alongside super wealthy clients including the opportunity to work for The Royal Family.

I had always wanted to make furniture for myself and I think the break I had from it, plus the time away in the Uk gave me the push to start seriously thinking about starting my own business. The real catalyst for my start up was when I found a space to work from in a co operative in Preston; other contributing factors on the journey were that I felt like I had gained substantial experience and knowledge and I had learnt so much from the two furniture companies I worked for in Melbourne. I am the type of person that needs to feel a sense of achievement and to be challenged; I think I have stumbled upon one of the largest challenges yet -  starting a small business.

Tell us a bit about Beeline Design?
Beeline design is a small furniture manufacturer, based in Preston Melbourne. We are involved in a co operative called Worco which is a long established co operative that had been going since 1979. Beeline design is made up of myself and my partner Lucy and we pride our selves on producing fantastic quality work using correct joinery techniques and quality materials and finishes. I like to think we are really versatile and can turn our hand to most things with my initial training with John in furniture, wood carving, wood turning and inlaying, to parquetry flooring in the UK, production and recycled timber furniture in Melbourne. I have gained a good skill set which allows us to take on all sorts of jobs, including the Attica Restaurant beehive boxes. At beeline design we are conscious of our environmental impact so we add value by using a lot of recycled timber destined to be land fill and we hand apply organic oils to all our work which minimises emissions commonly seen in manufacturing.

Which is your favourite piece of furniture so far? 
I would probably have to say they are all favorites in many respects, I think you form a bond between you and your work and there is an emotional attachment you have to a piece when it has been created from your own hands. I would have to say my latest piece Le: Six trestle table is my favourite; I guess because I have revamped an older design to make it fresh again - plus I love the utilitarian drawer attached, it just seems to make sense! it's a great place to chuck your keys or wallet.

What does a typical day involve for you?
As I am still establishing my business I have to keep working for another company so a typical day involves a 7 am start working for a architectural joinery company, which I really enjoy. I finish up around 4.30pm to then start at my factory for the evening session, a small 4 min commute away. I work to around 10pm  3-4 nights a week. It's a hard week but I have conditioned myself to it and building a business takes time. There is always a lot of juggling to do, working with stockists and private commission work; I have timelines to work to therefore long hours are part of the gig. Dependent upon work I could be machining timber, sanding or drilling for an entire evening, although I normally work on several items at once.

Where do you source your timber and other products from?
I get a lot of my recycled timber from the salvage yard at the front of my factory, though depending on the requirements of the job I source timber through connections I have or search other yards. When working with boutique Australian  timbers or American timbers I usually go to Mathews timbers in Rooks Rd Vermont as they stock a huge range of quality timbers. For the oil finish I go to the Enviro shop in Northcote, it's a product I have been using for close to twenty years and love the fact it's organic and German and it gives an awesome result. Glues and hardware I source locally around Preston, I am situated near Bell St therefore everything within arms length, I am spoilt with quality suppliers.

What is the best moment so far for Beeline Design?
One we definately got excited about was seeing the dovetailed beehive boxes "plight of the bees"  (Atticas name for the dish), appear on the 2013 grand final of Master Chef Australia. It was a commission they asked me to do and I decided to dovetail them for durability as well as I knew aesthetically they needed to be first class as Attica is the best restaurant in Australia. After the boxes I was commissioned for several other products including their cutlery and bread trays.

Who are your favourite Australian furniture designers?
There are many amazing furniture designers in our country and I think I have been influenced by their work over the course of my career. The first craftsman I admired significantly was a Tasmanian artisan by the name of  Kevin Perkins. I was blown away by his work and the piece of his that stole my attention was the Cape Barron Goose Cabinet. There are plenty of others that I respect, including Neil Erasmus, Roy Schack and Melbourne's Anton Gerner.

Who, what, or where do you look for inspiration?
Inspiration comes from many facets, I'm always inspired by the other members of my co operative; I am surrounded by creative people from Violin makers to Harpsichord making to Black Smithing to Home ware Designing.  The people I work alongside are my biggest inspiration. Lucy and my daughter Audrey are a big inspiration to me alongside my mum and late grandmother. Inspiration I believe comes mostly from within as you have to stay positive and put yourself out there .

Beeline design have kindly offered Dot + Pop readers 10% all their products... Yay! 

Type dotandpop into the promo code box at checkout... 

We would love for you to post pictures of your Beeline products on social media - tag @dotandpop and@beeline_design so we can see how you styled your gorgeous furniture. 

Beeline here - Facebook here - Instagram here - Twitter here

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