Blog

If you’re looking for gifts that are beautifully designed and sustainable look no further. Our artisan made ceramics will cultivate a sense of calm and joy in any home.

Take a peek into the home of Food Stylist Kirsten Jenkins. Her impressive CV includes a list of Australia's most loved food magazines – she's been a stylist for Donna Hay, Delicious and Mindfood. (She's done TV too, working behind the scenes on the first season of Masterchef Australia). I love her philosophy around cooking and styling, Kirsten co-authored a book of sweet pie recipes where "spillages really are just an opportunity for more caramelisation and a misshapen pie just adds to the rustic feel".

Whether we're conscious of it or not, we all make design decisions every day, and those decisions affect our lives in subtle and profound ways. The DesignFreo exhibition Object, Place, Space was created to explore this idea. I was so honoured to invited by the curator, Pippa Hurst, to answer the questions of how our decisions as consumers affect our lives, the legacy our choices leave for future generations and the pleasure we can take in quality design.

Andrew Williams is a humble expert in zen garden philosophy and design. Originally from the Washington D.C area, he has called Japan home for the last 10 years. He lives in Kyoto with his wife and two beautiful young kids. Before coming to Japan he was a professional garden designer, designing and building large-scale residential gardens in Denver, Seattle, and Kauai. I was so thrilled he agreed to share his knowledge of Japan with me, you're going to love our conversation. 

When we can embrace the season we’re in, life is easier. Lean into winter and give yourself what you need to be comfy and cosy. Winter is a reminder to turn inwards and go a little slower. It’s a welcome reminder that it’s OK to have a change of pace. The rain keeps me indoors and the cold keeps me bundled in layers of woollen knits and blankets. Slower days to contemplate, to reflect, to grow stronger and plant roots. 

The change in season from summer to autumn inspires me to retreat indoors. I love easy dinner nights with friends and family, playing card games and sharing plates laden with crisp grapes, local cheeses and fresh baked sourdough. It's food that can prepared within minutes and left on the table for grazing all through the evening.

This week I'm chatting to Australian stylist Jason Grant, "Home is my creative space, my sanctuary and a place to hide away. The way we live and decorate our home has never been more important. I like my home to be comfortable and creative with a focus on natural style."

I chat to Sarah and Emma from Read & Hall about their daily rituals and the small things that bring them joy. "Slow living to us is prioritising your own needs and is about making the everyday things you do as nice as possible. Feeling good in what you wear, making lovely food for yourself and drinking from a nice cup. All enhances your experience of each day."