Our writer treated himself to a trip to Melbourne to catch the Australian Tennis Open in January 2010. Amidst the after-effects of having watched Roger Federer sparred live at the Rod Laver Arena and determined to absolve his guilt over the indulgence, he incoherently decided to spend several weekends to look out for unique home furnishing stores in Melbourne, for this issue of ViTRINE. Here are some that our team recommends that you stop-by…
Dining table from Blueprint Showroom
01 Blueprint, 472 Bridge Road, Richmond Every furniture item here is made with recycled Australian (typically gum tree) timber. If nothing catches your fancy, you can also order a custom made piece with your choice of timber (recycled) and varnish. ViTRINE recommends their box base and side tennon models in Stringybark and Jarrah wood. Graham’s friendly disposition makes furniture shopping pleasantly calming.
02 Cottage Industry, 67 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Shop owner and artisan Penelope Durston described herself as a textile designer, op-shop tragic, cynic, skillaholic, saver of abandoned machinery, grumpy, in need of a very long holiday, and rag-picker. Intimidating as it may sound, Penelope’s store is a wonderful respite for those who needs a break from run-off-the-mill home furnishing store.
03 Wilkins and Kent, 230 Brunswik St, Fitzroy Wilkins and Kent Furniture was established by Jeremy Wilkins and Stephen Kent in 1994. Originally setting up their workshop in an unassuming Fitzroy side street the pair lovingly created quirky, brightly coloured bookcases, charming cupboards and chests made from bits and pieces reclaimed, as they would say it, from skips or foraged from the tip. Their furniture style was reminiscent of early Australian depression period, where furniture were crafted from need and ingenuity.
Craft Victoria, 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Craft Victoria showcases the best of Australian contemporary craft and design, exceptional art objects and limited edition (and affordably priced) ceramics. The gallery also offers special commissions and wedding registry services. ViTRINE hearts the unique and yet functional ceramic pieces showcased in the gallery.
ViTRINE 