These girls hold an incredibly special place in our little Watermelon hearts x Not only are they incredible talented geniuses, they are absolutely delightful to deal with (big call seeing that we do so on a daily basis!). Led by founder and designer, Julie Patterson, the team behind Cloth Fabric work tirelessly to bring unique print and design to their textiles and soft furnishings range that you would have seen in our Coolum Beach emporium. They champion the fight for handmade, sustainable, boutique product that hits the highest marks in design savvy and innovation with a sophisticated 'Aussie' twist. We love it in a 'can't get enough of it' sort of way! However do not be deceived just because they are small run production, hand made kinda girls! The Cloth range is extensive and evolving at a rapid rate. Now including two textiles ranges with multiple collections in each, floor rugs, wallpapers, fashion, soft furnishings, artwork, up-cycled furniture .....
The list continues with constant new releases of colour, design and product creations, Julie is always keeping us excited about what’s new from her studio.




Bravo girls! Mwah! xx

I am an absolute foodie at heart. I find it so relaxing on the weekend to do a big shop at the markets, spend the day cooking up a storm and entertaining friends by night at our home. My second big love is cook books. My now husband and I spent many years travelling the globe together and my collection of cookbooks grew by at least one in every nation we visited. It's a lovely way to remember our time however even after we've returned the collection grows and grows - the latest delivery of cookbooks to the store doesn't help one bit! Here's my pick from this week xx

As we watch the rise and rise of the resin jewellery trend we declare: WE LOVE POLKA LUKA!


Designer Alex Freeman

Founded by jewellery designer Alex Freeman, the Polka  Luka brand proves that on trend fashionable accessories can be affordable, sustainable and eye catching. Her constantly evolving range features eye popping colour and chunky geometrical designs shaped using a multitude of resin finishes. 

 

I have a huge range of this jewellery – it’s just sooo easy to wear. My favourite being a chunky opaque white resin ring, but I know that on those ‘can’t find an outfit in the sea of clothes’ days, I can throw on some jeans and a top, accessorise it with two or three key pieces from the range and BANG! An outfit has appeared. xx

I've just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to Melbourne for some inspiration at the annual gift fairs and inspiration there was! I've decided to call this summer's season theme ' Calypso Colour!' It is just right up our alley with flashes of art deco inspired colour and pattern : turquoise, sunshine yellow, coral, apple green and candy pink. Think high gloss impact finishes juxtaposed with textural elements and natural surfaces such as timber, concrete and stone for a really eclectic yet modern look. We've pulled this look together in the store with our new Ascot Parque Low Buffet that arrived yesterday.



We LOVE! Hope you do to xx

There’s something about the simple, uncomplicated presentation of Bison that I absolutely adore. It’s all about the clean lines, subdued shades and lovely shapes rather than extravagance and print.  Each piece reminds me of lunch time fiesta’s throughout Italy and Spain where decadent morsels are presented to friends and family in beautiful earthenware handed through the generations – Classico! Designer and founder of Bison stoneware ceramics, Brian Trunks education is in Ancient History, Archaeology and classics with the Australian National University quickly developing a passion for ceramics and their history throughout his studies. From impressive large serving bowls to cute pinch pots for sauces or salt and pepper, the extensive range looks simply divine when collected in a multitude of colours we like to layer the pieces in combinations of three shades that complement each other giving the table an elegant rainbow of colour (beautifully illustrated below).




They are beautifully handcrafted, durable creations made from the highest quality materials using sustainable manufacturing practices right from creation through to the elegant packaging of each piece. xx

I simply love the house on the cover of this months House and Garden Magazine. It seems that in Australia we are very traditional in the way that we present the exterior of our homes. Take a look through any UK or Scandinavian design magazine and you seen an abundance of colour used as simple, understated highlights against a back drop of sophisticated and subdued base colour. Mustard, blue and red can often be seen as a highlight colour on a feature door, chimney or window frame hight it just gives it that POP! A refreshing visual experience. So when I saw the gorgeous royal blue architrave frames of the house on the cover this month, I was very happy. Still subtle and unobtrusive to the eye, however by being a little left of centre and contrary to the norm, this topsy turvy, simple addition breathes life and energy to the home and makes you wonder - what other refreshing delights are to be found inside? xx
 

Last Thursday I attended the annual Furnitex / Decoration and Design trade show in Melbourne which is the go to event for interior decorators, stylists, architects and furniture retailers to brush up on the new release products for the year ahead. Unlike previous years, I had signed up for a seminar being held by UK decorator and retailer, Abigail Ahern and I've got to say I am soooo glad I did! Her talk on creating emotion and feeling in interior spaces was like breathing fresh air into me. So inspiring and she delivered such practical and relevant information that I am now champing at the bit to interpret into WR's interior work as well as with our merchandising throughout the store - thanks Abigail! So I thought I'd upload a couple of images of her most recent work, decking out the ever-so fabulous Ritz Carlton in Miami, USA. Although this work is much more restrained than her normal work, you can still see her key pointers of inquisitive focal points, textural layering and bold colour throughout creeping in to the paired back, sophisticated opulence of the resort. I love how she suitably she plays up the art deco vision of Miami Beach ( think that hilarious camp movie The Birdcage )through pattern, colour contrasts and obscure decorative pieces. She's a genius!







Also if you are interested, have a look at her beautiful store in the UK, Atelier. As I say, she's a genius!

The girls behind jewellery and accessories label, Polli are not only super talented but incredibly gorgeous to deal with.  Foundation designers for the store, Tess Lloyd and Maya Rose's creations are whimsical, laser cut designs and have long been a favourite with WR customers. They initially met whilst studying Industrial Design in 1999 and forged a strong friendship on their love quirky design and product sustainability. Beginning with a compact range of stainless steel earrings and necklaces, the range has grown to include brass and stainless steel, injection pieces featuring colourful weaves and leather, acrylic jewelery stands and dainty colourful wooden brooches. It’s rare in this game to deal with such down to earth and delightful people but Tess and Maya are always ready for a chat and a giggle when you call the studio and can never do enough to help their retailers - an absolutely pleasure they are! We can't wait to see their Summer 2011 release in a few weeks at Life in Style!

Tomorrow's the day when we shower our very special Mother's with all the love and attention that they deserve! So I've compiled a little gift guide to help you show Mum how much you really love her. Here is our Top 50 Under $50!


 

 

 

 

           

 

 

        




 

           


 

 



     

 

 

 

 

 

 



    

 


 

 

Happy Shopping!

Well I've been off the radar for a couple of weeks enjoying some much needed R&R after a huge festive season. The lead up in the store was frantic and christmas break was delightfully filled with friends and family visiting. Now that the store is back on track and all are revived we've decided to start the year off with a bang! Watermelon Red Online's E-sale begins TODAY! Savings of up to 40% off selected items, have a trawl through the site, see what's new and exciting and grab yourselves a bargain! Ends Sunday 30 January.