5 Minutes with…1803 Artisan Deer Design

This week we chatted to the delightful Penny Hanan of 1803 Artisan Deer Design, who supply us with our range of deer antlers. Penny has just released a beautiful set of hand forged knives with hand finished deer antler handles and is soon set to launch her range of leather accessories, including bags, scarves and throws. 1803 is a company with a strong ecological and ethical stance, where quality pieces are designed and made by local artisans using bi-products of the meat industry that would otherwise be discarded. We are excited to have pieces by 1803 at The Design Hunter and are sure you will love them too.

Cheese/antipasto knives

1. What was your inspiration for your collection?

My family have farmed deer in on the slopes of Mt Canobolas in Orange for 32 years. My brother Tim is also a venison processor and we market our meat under the Mandagery Creek Venison brand. I have established 1803 to utilise the natural bi-products from our deer farming operations, focussing on sustainable and ethical production from the farm gate through to our beautiful hand-forged knives, handcrafted bags, leather, suede and antler collections. 1803 collaborates with a wonderful team of Australian artisans based in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Sydney and I am absolutely committed to developing fabulous products and a unique Australian story that connects our deer farm, our family and our clever regional artisans with the broader market place.

Herb cutter with wooden bowl

Cleaver

2. How did you start as a designer?

I’m not a designer – I just love naturally connected products and a good story. 1803 embraces the beauty of the natural materials from all things deer and shares them with expert artisans to turn our special leathers, suedes and antlers into extraordinary objects of desire that are simple, understated and wonderfully functional. It is about connecting the land, the beast and the consumer with elegant and beautiful products.

3. Your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possessions are my family, my humour and my friends – I can not be who I am without any of them.

4. Coffee or Tea?

Definitely coffee (and lots of it)

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?

Family time is best at the beach – HOWEVER I spent a week by myself in the hills beyond Ubud for my 40th…… it was sensational, I am not sure if it was the mountains or the isolation or the perfect mix of both! Ship me back Scotty!

A sneak preview of the gorgeous totes and scarves on their way from 1803.

5 minutes with…David Edmonds

Sydney based ceramic designer, David Edmonds, produces an original range of quality tableware for everyday use. Over a number of years David has developed a unique silk surface combining durability and colour saturation which is food safe and designed to compliment and enhance the pleasure of food. Mocha, pistaccio, chocolate, vanilla and  musk…soft and delicious. All pieces are made in his Balmain studio and are microwave and dishwasher safe. 

1. What was your inspiration for your collection? 

The inspiration for this new range comes from a love of food. The work not only acts as a canvas on which cuisine is presented – to complete the total sensory experience of enjoying a meal – but works also as a sculptural object. Being visually trained, inspiration comes from any and everything – a continuous  process of thought and making and eating -very hands on- literally drawing in the clay.

2. How did you start as a designer?

After art school and having worked in the sculpture and design departments of both Sydney and NSW universities I wanted to try and make a living from my art practice. I was skilled as a potter – a long term interest –  so was determind to create a new range of collectable and usable pieces in a unique satin matt surface, which I had spent sometime developing. So far so good.

3. Your most treasured item?

I have a treasured  Alessi stainless steel cocktail shaker I acquired in Rome years ago that has preserved my sanity many a time.

4. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee from Ed at Little Marionette and The Lodge Balmain.

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?

Beach. A dear friend’s beach house up the mid north coast of NSW. Dont want to say exactly where. Unspoilt, quiet in high summer, pristine and really good coffee. Aussies are so spoilt for choice in beaches.

LITTLE LOCAL SECRETS…The Cook and Baker

“At the Cook and Baker we are incredibly passionate about sharing the pleasure that food made with love can bring into your life. We bake from scratch everyday. Creating food we want to eat and reminiscent of our New Zealand upbringing. We want everything to taste of what we used to make it, the best of ingredients using organic where possible. We love what we do and even more sharing it with you. From our hands to yours…”

These are the words written on the chalkboard above The Cook and Baker kitchen and I think it sums up everything that you experience when visiting their Bondi Junction cafe and catering business. Run by the friendly Cook and Baker themselves, Cherie and Tass, everything they make is the epitome of scrumptious. The Design Hunter favourites include the carrot cake with cream cheese icing and the more-ish caramel popcorn. (Have never been able to stop at just one bag.)

We recently used the Cook and Baker catering services and ordered mini quiches and sandwiches for our First Birthday event, (which went down a treat), and also included the caramel popcorn in our gift bags which went to each of our guests. We’d definitely recommend their services for any event you have coming up. The food was fresh and delicious and the staff were helpful and professional.

Personal pieces collected from around the world are lovingly placed throughout the little shop, adding character and personality to the space.

Above is a shot of the delicious Rasberry Coconut Ice and the addictive Caramel Popcorn. Cherie and Tass have used colourful, vintage illustrations to liven up their display, which is such a cute, personal touch.

To bring the outdoors in, and lessen the impact of busy Oxford Street, a luscious vertical garden covers one wall of the shop.

The Cook and Baker is located at 238 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction (opposite the About Life health food shop). Open from 7am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. You can also check out their website www.thecookandbaker.com.au. Cant wait to go back again and have a leisurely Sunday brunch!

5 minutes with… designer Sarah Long

This week we spoke to the lovely Sarah Long, who is the designer behind the clever and unique Pebble Platters. Hand made in Australia from cast concrete,  The Pebble Platters are perfect for displaying cheese, fruit or antipasto.

1. What was your inspiration for your collection?
My Pebble Platters are the result of a bit of an obsession with concrete. After experimenting with concrete during my final year at uni, I wanted to explore how this beautiful, simple material could be used in small, designer objects- not just in industrial applications. I really like the beautiful smooth finish and simple rounded form – and being made from concrete, I think people find them quite intriguing!

2. How did you start as a designer?
When I was little, I spent my weekends under my dads feet, watching him tinker away and build things in his backyard shed. Later when I started studying design, I took over his shed space and started creating my own small projects, and I’ve never really stopped. I particularly love working with reclaimed timber and furniture, textiles and concrete.

3. Your most treasured item?
My books – I collect them wherever I go and love flicking through them when I need to feel inspired. And of course my beloved Macbook! Like any designer’s laptop, she’s had a pretty hard life. She gets a bit hot and flustered sometimes, but she works long hours and never lets me down!

4. Coffee or Tea?
Tea! Super strong, sweet and often.

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?
Absolutely the beach! And Australia does them best- my partner and I love finding secret swimming holes where we’re the only ones there. And Hahei, NZ and Lord Howe Island are both places I really want to go back to soon!

Sarah’s Pebble Platters are produced by &Company and available through The Design Hunter.

5 minutes with…stylist Adam Robinson

This week we’ve been lucky enough to catch  stylist Adam Robinson in between his busy schedule of styling projects for a quick chat.

Adam has always had a flair for design. He began restyling his parent’s house at just 15 years old and knew from very early on that design was his true calling. Launching Adam Robinson Design in 2011,  Adam has worked on some incredible places and spaces. He is also a regular contributor to Home Beautiful and Real Living magazine.

1. Where do you go for inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere. It can be from something as silly as another persons outfit on my walk to work, to the way scrub, sand and water work so effortlessly together. Nature never gets it wrong, so when it comes to composition and colour this is good place to start. I’m often in and out of retail shops sourcing for shoots and find the way these retailers style their shops very inspiring. I realise a lot of time goes into the visual merchandising and it’s very much appreciated.

2. How did you start as a designer/stylist?

I first started in landscape construction. I completed my trade certificate and worked on the tools for a few years. I soon realised pushing wheelbarrows and cutting stone wasn’t for me, so I went on to study landscape design. I truly fell in love with garden design whilst studying and my love of plants only grew stronger. I then shot off to Europe for a big holiday to celebrate the many years of study and in the last week of my holiday I was offered a design job back in Sydney which I happily accepted. I believe the styling aspect is so crucial to any space, outside our inside. The furniture, colour, cushions and accessories are the icing on the cake, so it makes sense to me for these to follow.

3. Your most treasured item?

My vintage Burberry trench coat. I’ll have it forever.

4. Coffee or Tea?

I find it hard to say no to coffee. Herbal tea is my preference in the afternoon.

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?

Definitely beach. I often drive to the coast on those overwhelming days to gain perspective. Laying in the sun and swimming is so healing to my soul.

Above is a snapshot of Adam’s work in Home Beautiful Magazine this month.

First Birthday Celebrations

It has certainly been an exciting first year at The Design Hunter! We’ve grown at an astonishing rate, with barely any time to stop and take it all in. We’ve gone from having an “office with a small retail space” and two staff, to a full retail store and large design services office with over nine designers, assistants, admin and interns.  We’ve expanded our range of services to include Property Styling for Real Estate and e-Decorating – both which will officially launch later this month!  It’s been an amazing year which would not have been possible if not for the the involvement and support of so many wonderful suppliers, clients, retail customers, media and staff.

We decided to celebrate all our achievements and give thanks to all our clients, friends, suppliers and family by holding a fabulous First Birthday Soiree on the anniversary of the day we opened.

Our team worked tirelessly to decorate the shop and courtyard, with help from Garden Life and EJM Paving and Landscaping, and family and friends pitched in to prepare the food and drinks for over 100 guests.

Guests enjoyed homemade salmon blinis, fresh fruit and delicious finger sandwiches and quiches by The Cook and the Baker, as well as a special Design Hunter white wine, champagne and mocktails made in gorgeous glass jars by Rainy Sunday.

We hope everyone had a wonderful evening and look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the future! 

A huge thank you to the following supporters of the night, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Garden Life
House and Garden Magazine
The Cook and the Baker
Rainy Sunday
Vincent & Dupree
Dusty Miller
Gascoigne & King
EJM Paving and Landscaping for our lovely turf and all our succulents
Urban Walkabout

Also to our fabulous bar staff, Sebastian, Pete and Lucy, assisted by Cydney, Kathryn and Emily and to Melissa’s mum Glenice for all her hand work and her amazing handmade blinis.

See more pics on our Facebook page.

5 Minutes with…artist Nikki Perzuck

The Design Hunter team was extremely excited to receive 3 stunning works by Melbourne based artist, Nikki Perzuck, one of which has already sold! We’ve been long time admirers of Nikki’s work, having seen her pieces in galleries around Australia. Her intensely colourful and vibrant style uses layers of of textures, colours and imagery, resulting in festive, whimsical and uplifting works of art.

Each piece is like a story waiting to be explored and discovered.  As you follow the pathways and take in the hidden details, the works come alive. 

This week we chatted to Nikki to find out a little more about her and her work.

1. What is the inspiration behind your collections?

I am often inspired by the simple things in life which capture my attention. A lot of my inspiration has come from travelling to interesting places where I have been transformed by the creative influences around me, from the festivals in France to the vibrant colour influences and architectural charm of Spain. The Australian landscape is a also a constant inspiration with its ever changing sunsets, countryside and dynamic coastal views. l also embrace the freedm to express optimisim and harmony through my work.

2. How did you start as an artist?

I studied Graphic Design in 1992 and worked in product development, colour forecasting and textile design for fashion and interior design companies before shifting my focus back to my true love of painting several years ago.

3. Your most treasured item?

I treasure the pictures and notes from my daughters, Tahlia & Jade, they are pinned up all around our home and are very endearing.

4. Coffee or Tea?

Camomile tea with a dash of honey!

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?

I love to travel to places where I can explore their local markets and architecture. I can spend hours absorbing all the rich colour, design and culture.

We currently have 2 works by Nikki currently available in store, By The Sea and My Retreat. You can view more of her work on her website at www.nikkiperzuck.com

5 Minutes With…designer Naomi Taplin

This week we spoke to the talented local artist and designer, Naomi Taplin, who creates our porcelain Bounty Shells. The hand cast shells work beautifully for holding jewellery, or as sweet serving dishes for olives, dips or salt when entertaining.

1.         What was your inspiration for your collection? 
The idea came after sharing a meal with an oyster farmer who grows the most divine, award-winning oysters on his sustainable farm in Tathra on the south coast of NSW.
Whilst he only supplies a handful of top end restaurants, the shells need to be relatively unblemished to be served to the discerning diner. There are numerous oysters which are perfect on the inside, but whose shells may be damaged in some way. So, Bounty was developed to act as a vessel for otherwise immaculate produce.

2.         How did you start as an designer?
I started as I intend to finish- Interpreting the world around me and striving to get as close to the truth of the matter as possible. I have always drawn, and growing up my mother had a pottery business so there was always mud to play with!

3.         Your most treasured item?
My photographs – records of the places and the faces I love. Frighteningly contained within a portable hard drive device.

4.         Coffee or Tea?
Both, in relative abundance. I sleep terribly.

5.         Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?
My favourite holidays are undoubtedly in places where I can have both. Places where mountains meet the sea inspire me beyond words. The hinterland of Byron Bay gives you the best of both worlds – lush, green hillsides buzzing with everything alive, only a few minutes drive to some of the most magical beaches on the east coast. Sunsets from both altitudes take my breath away.

Jillian Leiboff Imaging

We were recently approached by photographer and blogger, Jillian Leiboff of Jillian Leiboff Imaging, who asked if she could profile our store on her blog. Of course we were thrilled to be involved and were super excited to see it go live. Jillian has really captured the essence of The Design Hunter and her beautifully collated photographs give a sense of how the pieces in the store all work together.

You can see more of Jillian’s work at www.jillianleiboff.com and via her blog jillianleiboff.blogspot.com.au.

5 Minutes with…designer Susanna Bilardo

Susanna Bilardo is the designer behind the beautiful Cumulus lights that we have in store. This week we discovered more about this talented designer.

1. What was your inspiration for your collection?

The world the surrounds us, nature, urban environments, paper folding, patterns and an obsession with the alphabet.

2. How did you start as an designer?

A long time ago now….a burning designer to turn all shapes into objects, then into products that shape our interiors which add quality and beauty to our lives.

3. Your most treasured item?

My mum’s weddings shoes.

4. Coffee or Tea?

Veggie juices.

5. Fave Holiday Destination; Beach or Mountains?

Beach! Port Elliot and Positano.

More of Susanna’s work can be viewed at www.enoki.com.au