I must be honest. For all my moaning and groaning about the intensity of the trade fairs, the long days and the constant pin sharp attention that is required to source the most beautiful of things in a land mind of clutter - it's not so bad! I do revel in the restaurant scene on each of my visits. I always make sure I spend my nights unwinding in a civilised manner after trawling through my cooking magazines and finding those great little venues that are creating a whole lot of hype. My most recent trip included a trip to Cumulus Inc. on Flinders Lane. A super cool and hip joint, with an absolutely mouth wateringly delicious Middle Eastern Fusion menu.









To say it was amazing is an understatement. Luckily I was attending with a group of girlfriends who live in Melbourne so we were able to get a great scope of what the menu really held. From the salty/chilli broadbeans to the light and fluffy Quinoa salad right through to the ENTIRE Pomegranate slow roasted leg of lamb that were grandly delivered to the table - I could not fault it. The place is full of hustle and bustle, a lively bunch of patrons is attracted to Cumulus Inc. but I love that. Not one for stuffy, silver service, I loved the vibe of Cumulus Inc. and can't wait to take a visit to elder sister, Cutler & Co. in Fitzroy. Highly recommended - 5 stars! xx http://cumulusinc.com.au/

My recent run-in with the fabulous Abigail Ahern of Atelier fame has reignited my passion for pink. I can honestly say I don't think there is a girl out there who doesn't love pink and if she says she does - she's lying! Personally, for me, the more vibrant and shocking the better - I love that kind of pink that jumps out and punches you in the face. However, it's such a versatile colour that a plethora of shades can be used in a multitude of settings to create an enormous breadth of atmospheric interiors. If you're lucky enough to have a partner who doesn't gasp at the inclusion of pink in your home (I do - our guest room is a delightful mix of traditional black and white with some shocking pink accessories) try a few explosions of pink in key pieces such as the settee, custom spray painted coffee table and bar stools shown in these examples to add some sexiness to your home. xx

It's going to be madness but you know you want it! Make sure you are quick! Strictly 3 days - we'd hate for you to miss out x

At a recent trade show event I found these gorgeous pottery pieces by South African artist, Di Marshall. I loved the colours and lucid shapes of her Wonki Ware range so much that I just had to share them with you. Not only is it beautiful, it is practical and functional as well. I can't wait to stock these gorgeous pieces in the store later in the year - I just know you will love them as much as me. Read more about Di Marshall and the Wonki Ware pottery (It's a good egg story x) here!

Anyone who knows me well knows I’ve got a crush – an orange crush! I absolutely utterly adore the colour and it can be found in every facet of my life – artworks, make up, fashion and accessories, homewares – the list goes on! I stumbled across this unique take on my all time fav colour whilst perusing Apartment Therapy just recently. This bathroom is so eclectic and fun with just the right splash of Tangerine. What an innovative and colourful twist on a bathroom – bliss!

Congratulations to Ruby Star Traders for the FABULOUS coverage in the new format release of Vogue Living this month. Vogue has reinvented themselves to include Home, Living, Travel and Food under the one publication and the result is a treasure trove of designer goodness for every reader to immerse themselves in. It's wonderful!!!

Ruby Star Traders have long been a foundation designer for Watermelon Red with Creative Director, Karrin's, creation of eclectic and vibrant homewares, linen and stationary. Most of you would have seen the gorgeous one-off turquoise and aluminium bedroom chair in our store. Well now you can marvel in some more of Ruby Star's divine range in Vogue Livings wonderful coverage of the latest collection (as always - available at Watermelon Red!)

Well another Watermelon Red clearance has finished. The madness and mania that it is seemed to pass by us in a flash this year.

Congratulations to all who grabbed a fabulous bargain this year - there were certainly many to be had!!!

I realise that now with the launch of our online shop we need to factor in our web exclusive customers. So don't worry - we haven't forgotten you! Watermelon Red online will host a 2 week, web only, sale with 20% off EVERYTHING online. Simply enter the discount code 'SAVE20' in the payment gateway to redeem this offer. SALE STARTS 8TH JUNE AND RUNS FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE 15TH JUNE. Get in quick, stock is limited!!!

 

I CANNOT believe it is already this time of year!!! However, those of you who have known Watermelon Red for many years, know we LOVE to throw a sale. Not a bitsy sale every 6 weeks like some of the big department stores who try to trick their customers they are truly getting a bargain. But a big, gigantic, once a year, get your bootie down here if you know it's on, clearance sale!!! It only happens once a year, no-one is told until the day before and EVERYTHING is reduced to clear. It is complete madness but lots of crazy fun and laughter is had over the four huge days. This year we are changing things a little. We have the 'SIDE WALK SALE' which has discontinued, end of line and slightly damaged stock at drastically reduced prices (as marked). In store we have Furniture, Lighting and Chilewich at 25% OFF and EVERYTHING ELSE IS 40% OFF - I mean EVERYTHING!! Check out the photos below of the VIP pre-sale held last night, the Side Walk Sale proved to be a huge success. If you would like to be involved next year, simply sign up for our mailing list and we will notify you by invitation two days in advance. Who doesn't like a good bargain served with a glass of sparkling?
SALE ENDS 3PM SUNDAY 6 JUNE 2010.



Unfortunately, for our far away devotees, the sale is restricted to instore, floorstock only. No telephone orders, holds or laybys.

HOWEVER, keep an eye out, we will be having some fantastic web only deals coming your way over the next few weeks to compensate for missing out on the clearance.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

It's so exciting when I find a new designer who instantly appeals on every level - practicality, colour, originality, design and Australian made! At Watermelon Red, supporting home grown heroes is just as important as providing the latest homeware design trends. We have so much talent in this country and with a little bit of fossicking the most amazing finds can be unveiled.

My latest discovery is Ella and Sofia, a textile and wallpaper design company who is flourishing in their hometown of Sydney. I think it's about time we show them off to the Sunshine Coast. What do you think?

 
 


I love their bold use of colour and design and their philanthropic endeavours for the environment and the less fortunate through their 'Vinnies Fabric Take Back' Scheme is truly admirable. Definetly an Australian Design Hero.

Sometimes I have to just look up and breath in order to take stock of how far we have come with Watermelon Red. It's gobsmacking really. Who would have thought 5 years ago that little old Coolum Beaches Watermelon Red homewares boutique would become the multi faceted business that it has with the national following that we have. Retail, Interior Decorating, Website, Bridal Registry and now popular online shopping facility expanding the Watermelon Red fan base around Australia! It's very humbling and reward. What a great feeling when we see our long days, vision and hard work pay off. So you can imagine how we jumped with excitement around the store when we spotted Elle Lovelock's inclusion of Watermelon Red in her Insiders Guide on page 72 of the May edition of Australian House and Garden. You don't get tired of that feeling - it's just amazing!!!