freedom has me excited about autumn and winter...
This
is not an easy thing for me. I don't do winter well. And I don't even
live in a cold area - I would not survive a European winter (or a US
polar vortexy one). But, walking into what I thought was a run-down
dilapidated terrace house* in Woollhara on Tuesday for the Freedom
launch had me thinking it just might not be so bad on those
curl-up-on-the-couch-it's-so-cold days. I guess that's what makes a good
homewares collection - the ability to see yourself in your space with
THEIR things. And that's exactly what the new Autumn/Winter collection
does for me - makes me want to buy everything and totally make my home a
coppery, inky-blue and prettily-patterned space. Except, of course,
that this all costs money. But if money were not a slight stumbling
block? I'd totally do this using these fave new pieces from Freedom...
Couch: Copenhagen 3-seat sofa in Lido Teal, $1499
Rugs l-r: Rajasthan floor rug (limited edition), from $999; Moroccan Boxes rug, from $349
Side tables l-r: Mr Johnson side table in antique copper, $229 (introductory price - it will be $279 from March 15); Palisade side table in natural, $199; The Professor Square side table in copper, $289 (introductory price - it will be $349 from March 15)
Cushions l-r: Tulia Allover cushion in ink, $34.95; Quest cushion in almond, $49.95; Tulia cushion in ink, $29.95; Avi cushion in natural, $34.95
Accessories l-r: Hathor Deco Bowl in metallic copper, $54.95; Acclimate Vessel in squid ink, $34.95; Fete 2 handle basket in white, from $49.95; Magnium Hourglass in charcoal, $29.95; Tre table lamp (limited edition, $179
But
with tens of thousands of dollars poured into my renovation recently
(oh and no, we're still not finished the kitchen - there are windows but
no walls. Plasterer coming on Tuesday. Apparently.), I only have a
small furniture and homewares budget so have to be careful. So no
gorgeous teal couch for me. BUT on my definites list is the hourglass
timer above (it reminds me of my diamond light
bulb), a copper table lamp (my fave hasn't been shot yet, but it's the
Metro Table Lamp and is $149) and at least two of the above cushions.
I'd love a copper side table, but there is a rule I have for trends and
that's not to buy them big or bulky or expensive - little doses is more
me and I can always spraypaint a lamp (it wouldn't be the first time. Or
third).
Saying
that, my absolute favourite pieces in the new Freedom collection were
the trend ones - the gorgeous copper everything (there is a BED!),
the limited edition overdyed rug and the shibori textiles. Next, the
limited edition timeless heroes - a teal button-backed sofa, a leather butterfly chair,
a spectacularly patterned round rug... But a quick way to add some
warmth, colour, pattern and style to a space and make it cosier and
Pinterest-worthy is the littler things - really beautifully patterned
vessels and bowls, tall glass hourglasses, touch-me cushions and throws,
a glam copper lamp with huge round Eddison bulb. And a new rug, below.
These rugs
are beautiful - neutral enough to last the test of time, but so
on-trend now - two-birds people. And this is the last time I am
mentioning the word trend...
Small and not-forevers they may be (save the rugs), these pieces ARE
worthy investments because they're little bits of happy that instantly update a space when you might
not be able to spend over a grand on a couch. And double-duty items are the best kind - all of these are not
limited to one room like, say, a bed! Cushions and throws work in the
living room, on a bed, outside in the teepee for picnics, on a bench
seat at the dining table - heck, on a cold metal chair at the dining
table or desk; throws are for rugging up in on couch, for dressing up a
bed or an occasional chair and for CREATING teepees in the backyard for
picnics (just ask my kids - anything bigger than a face washer gets
dragged outside for impromptu cubbies. Even in the rain.) Vases and
bowls can be moved into any room for a fresh new vignette - as can
lamps. See? And just like when you break down the cost of a piece of
clothing by how many times you wear it, the same can be done for
homewares!
So to rave just a
little more, I'm very impressed with Freedom's autumn/winter - well
done buyers! I did mention to them I've noticed a slight change in their
most recent ranges - I believe they've upped their game significantly
since West Elm and Pottery Barn opened up in Australia. In fact, I
believe a fair few of Australia's homewares stores have gone out of
their way to make their latest ranges fresh, current and more
competitive. And good on them - many people would prefer to support
local rather than global giants.
To
finish, here is a sneak peek at the launch through the lens of my very,
very cracked iPhone and Instagram - where stylist Jason Grant put all
the pretties together to come up with this...
See anything you like?
PS: you can follow me on Instagram here or at @belindagraham
*The
house was actually NOT dilapidated, but very cooly refurbished and
decorated with the most amazing chandelier made from crystal decanters.
It's called Bite Club House and is available to hire for events or can
be booked for a very awesome dinner party. Check out the website and the
before and after pics here.
Image credits: 1. Collage by Belinda Graham for The Happy Home; 2. and 3. courtesy Freedom; 4. collage by Belinda Graham for The Happy Home using Instagram and phone images.