2020

JAPANDI | A Hybrid Blend of Perfection

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Japandi Style is the combination of Scandinavian and Japanese Design. It showcases a focus on function driven spaces while highlighting beautifully crafted statement pieces.

THE RISE OF JAPANDI

This trend has slowly been gaining appreciation over the last few years, with design experts predicting its rise in 2020. So, let’s break this style down.

Japanese interiors showcase a timeless sense of elegance with a sleek minimalist style. Its use of rich tones breaths warmth into spaces that could otherwise feel quite cold and bare. While Scandinavian design highlights the use of rustic elements that uses a mixture of neutral hues, woods and pops of pastel accents.

Japandi design stands out from other Scandinavian or Nordic design trends as it’s a little less casual and a little more sophisticated.

The mixture of these two styles allow for the perfect blend of minimalism and warmth. While also shining a light on its underlining emphasize on sustainability as it turns away from fast fashion and extensive décor items.

THE AESTHETIC OF JAPANDI

When designing a space using this style, Japandi rooms commonly start with a darker neutral base. Then through integrating a mixture of light natural woods, and darker black hues allows for contrast and visual interest.

Accent colours for soft furnishings are normally seen in a monochromatic range that allow these rooms to create a sense of harmony. However, a few vibrant colours can be added through natural sources such as house plants and other greenery.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF JAPANDI

Japandi is also seen as more than just an interior style or trend but as a philosophy.

The Japanese ethos of Wabi-Sabi shows beauty in imperfection, while including elements of simplicity, intimacy and the integration of natural objects. This ethos perfectly describes this design principle.

It’s easy to see why this style has been gaining so much attention over the last few years. With its effortless sense of sophistication and comfort I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of Japandi style in the coming year!

CONTENT AND IMAGE SOURCES Clem
HEADER IMAGE Live for Interiors

COMMUNITY | naked for change calendar

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Naked For Change charity calendar is helping to raise funds for domestic violence victims. The calendar features our very own HDS trainer, Kim Stenhouse of Hunter Valley Bouquets.

NAKED FOR CHANGE STORY

The project was created and fuelled by Ashleigh Palmowski of The Naked Florist, and features 12 nude florists, seven of them based right here in the Hunter.

Palmowski put the call out to florists to collaborate in a cheeky yet tasteful nude photoshoot with the aims of raising funds and support for women and families affected by domestic violence.

Each florist was able to chose their photographer, creative team and a scene. This creative freedom produced 12 unique looks as each participant allowed their own personality or floristry style come alive and shine.

The result of 44 creatives working together is the liberating Naked for Change calendar.

In an interview with the Newcastle Herald, Palmowski shared:

“Our biggest aim is to raise money and awareness for Got Your Back Sista, although we are also promoting and encouraging conversation.”

HELPING THOSE IS NEED

Got Your Back Sista is a local Hunter charity, which supports women and families affected by domestic violence. Their vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of domestic violence.

As such, Got Your Back Sista offers benevolent relief and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and are at risk of living below the poverty line. GYBS give a hand up for them to begin again and live independently.

The Naked for Change calendar costs $20 with all proceeds going towards Got Your Back Sista.

The calendar is available at Flower HQ, Newy Burger Co, Kinfolk Barbers, Floweresque, Piccottee Floral, Blooms On Darby, Newcastle Flower Markets, Worn Out Wares, Pearsons Darlinghurst, IF The Florist, Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows and The CoWork Space Cessnock.

KIM STENHOUSE
HUNTER VALLEY BOUQUETS
THE NAKED FLORIST
GOT YOUR BACK SISTA

EVENT STYLING | coachella 2019: fave brand activations

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Over 20 years, Coachella Music and Arts Festival has grown to be one of the most famous festival worldwide, as each year sees massive headlining artists, celebrities, big brands, influencers and punters flock to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

Coachella isn’t really Coachella without the host of swanky, off-site pool parties and late-night soirees that take over the desert each year.
Here are a few of the eye-catching brand activations that caught our attention over the two sold out weekends!

INSTAGRAM

The social media platform partnered with artist D’ana Nunez of COVL and experiential agency, Manifold, for an invite-only house called Instagram Desert Chill. Top creators were invited to come chill, create content and enjoy the sunshine.

YSL

Designed and produced by AKJOHNSTON Group, the space replicated a gas station with vintage convertibles, tour bus, towering neon lipstick sign, and bright pink gas pumps. Next to it was a field of black balloons with the YSL Beauty logo, creating a unique photo op in the desert environment.

PACSUN x McDONALDS

CONTENT AND IMAGE SOURCES BizBash, LA Guest List, Event Marketer
HEADER IMAGE The SF Egotist

INFO NIGHT | mid-year intake 2019

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FORGE YOUR OWN PATH

“The question isn’t who is going to let me;

it’s who is going to stop me” – Ayn Rand

The design industry is continually expanding, and the range of career paths is diverse.
As our environment and technology changes around us, design is a constant.

Design is more than aesthetics.
It is the unseen bond between the elements that make sense of the world.
It is what makes a room feel right, or a website easy to navigate.

Design is humanistic.
It solves problems with critical thinking and creative solutions.
It uses technology as a tool rather than a driver.

Design is curious.
It questions, explores and plays.
It allows continual learning and discovery.

Join us for an awesome night.
Ask any questions you have about curriculum, dates, prices, career opportunities etc.

Monday 6th May
5.30pm – 6:30pm

Make sure you reserve your place by completing the RSVP form below.

INSTA CRUSH | iridescent kitchenware by essarai ceramics’

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Crystals and ceramics – together at last! American artist Collin Lynch meticulously blends the two together to create a unique and colourful collection. Inspired by nature and seeking to break the mould of conventional shaped kitchenware , Lynch crafts quirky custom pieces from his home studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Essarai Ceramics opens a door for whimsy, wonder and the curiosities of our childhood to reenter and re-inspire, enriching our lives through reminders that decorate ones home. Each piece is handcrafted with water, clay, hands and heart; each piece of wood, crystal or notch carved and strategically placed by Fate, where all things eventually fall into place.

Machines manufacture perfection- the stark white, flawless atmosphere created by mechanics and mathematics- a realm where the soul has been lost. We now live in a world where our aesthetics have adapted to a fabricated perfection, stunting the bud of creativity that is attempting to blossom.

The pieces sit in the middle between functional and sculptural. Geometric shapes burst from the side, making you feel like you are holding a collection of iridescent crystals – an exciting perk to your morning ritual!

Through my work, I seek to unveil perfection through imperfection, which is where Truth lies. Nature, being the most delicate yet enduring example of this paradox, is where through the rough surfaces and shattered angles, we are reunited with ourselves.

Essarai Ceramics’ products are inspired by and named for specific stones like Amethyst and Smokey Quartz. The range is available in a variety of colours to choose from, and also the option to custom order if you are looking for a specific hue.

INSTA @essarai_ceramics
SHOP Essarai Ceramics’

EVENT | HDS x The Design Kids

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HDS is thrilled to be hosting April’s edition of #tdktuesdays! Join us next Tuesday at to kick off the sixth edition of 36 Days of Type! There will be plenty of cheap drinks and a few drawing materials if you can’t source your own. Digital and analogue tools welcome – there’s plenty of space for all kinds of experimentin’.

Come flex your type skills!

36 Days of Type (@36daysoftype) is a project that invites designers, illustrators and visual artists to express their interpretation of the letters and numbers of our alphabet. The challenge is to design a letter or number for each day of the 36 days. Participants share their artworks via Instagram by uploading their entries with the project hashtag #36daysoftype and daily hashtag #36days_[Letter/Number]. From all daily entries, a curated selection will be published on the 36 Days of Type Instagram account (169k followers!).

This is a chance to get a head start on your first few letters if you think you’re up for the challenge! If you want to participate for a few days or even just a single letter you can too. If you don’t want to draw but feel like some quality banter on your Tuesday night, that’s good too.

Not sure what #TDKtuesdays is all about? It’s a no-pressure, beginners welcome, hi-fives encouraged anti-networking event on the first Tuesday of every month.

We’ve decided here at The Design Kids HQ that there is waaaay too much emailing and not enough socialising. So roll on #TDKtuesdays, where every month our fabulous TDK City hosts across the globe organise everything from free workshops to panel discussions, to design pub trivia, to studio tours with some of our fave industry peeps, and heaps more.

It’s a great place for design students, graduates and professionals to meet other design students, graduates and professionals, have a chat, swap notes, get involved and just generally build a bigger and better design community in their cities. If you are shy and “networking” (dirty word) is hard, this is an easy place to start. Grab a friend and come say hi!

RSVP to the Facebook event HERE

Feature Image Wallphabet by @otto_baum and @copenhagensigns
Images X by @linuslohoff K by @mariasern.art

LA ISLA | t – magazines best product of the year 2018

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SANCAL, a leading manufacturing company of contemporary design, have taken out T-Magazines Best Product of the Year for 2018 with La Isla.

T Magazine’s debut Design Awards ceremony sought out to recognise designers who demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking, originality, talent, impact and creative vision, and products that are innovative and progressive, can integrate with the environment, and have honesty, simplicity and versatility as well as being sustainable. The awards also recognised the use of valuable resources, such as traditional craft techniques and new materials for economic efficiency.

The Spanish company approached NOTE, Swedish design firm, for a design solution to make transit areas friendlier.
Crafted to accomodate relief for weary travellers, La Isla provides comfortable seating spaces into transit areas.

An enticing destination in a sea of nothingness…….As we travel more, we continually find ourselves in transit areas – vast seas of inhospitable and unwelcoming space that Marc Augué has dubbed “non-places”.

As the jury commented: “Finding rest in the increasingly frequent places of transit, such as lobbies or waiting rooms, is not an easy task. The conjunction between the Swedish studio and the Spanish company has led to a multiple seat that stands out for the comfort of its upholstery, the softness of its shapes and its sinuous curves.”

Images NOTE
Source KE-ZU

EVENT | The Brief

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Set in a relaxed atmosphere, we invite leading designers to deconstruct project briefs and open engaging discussions about the design industry.

September’s edition we are thrilled to host Ian Wrightson from Wrightson Stewart!
Ian will be taking you through one of their latest commissions, Wilston Project, from initial brief through to completion..and beyond!
Wilston Project is a Finalist in the 2018 IDEA Awards.
[see image and link to gallery below]

Whether you’re a professional, freelancer or student, this event is designed to offer personal development and advice, helping you grow in your field. Opportunities for questions throughout the night are welcomed. Complimentary nibbles and wine provided!

Not yet working or studying in the industry? No worries! Anyone with an interest in the design world is welcome!
Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable industry knowledge from our special guest.

Click for full gallery

Ian Wrightson | Wrightson Stewart
http://www.wrightsonstewart.com.au/

Ian Wrightson, a born and bred Novacastrian, is one of the Directors at Design Practise, Wrightson Stewart.

Industry-leading since 2001, Wrightson Stewart specialises in customised built environments, specialising in quality interior design, architectural adaptation, contemporary styling and original product design.

Wholly responsive to the client’s vision, Wrightson Stewart is synonymous with clever adaptation of space and an inimitable polished and timeless international aesthetic that breathes new life into hero architectural features.

Resulting from a customised, considered approach to each project, Wrightson Stewart has featured in all of Australia’s leading design and lifestyle publications, including Vogue Living, Houses, Australian House and Garden, Inside Interior Design Review, and Queensland Homes.

[icon color=”Accent-Color” size=”small” image=”icon-calendar”] WHEN Friday 14 Sept 2018

[icon color=”Extra-Color-2″ size=”small” image=”icon-road”] WHERE Hunter Design School

[icon color=”Extra-Color-2″ size=”small” image=”icon-edit”] RSVP Here

FIBRE LOVER : Miriam Ragen

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I can remember as early as 5 years old sitting at our big kitchen table at home cutting crepe paper to make flowers and other general crafts with my mum.

This was a regular occurrence in our household as we grew up in almost country (blue mountains) where we weren’t close to the beach or shops for entertainment. My mum was a really talented quilter and completed her sewing studies at Tafe in the 80’s when the course was still on offer. I was use to seeing her knit and sew and crochet and she often gave me little projects to do with scraps of wool or material so I could learn what she was doing.

When I was a teenager and then a young adult I lost sight of these hands on crafts and focused on my career in visual merchandising and styling until one day I came across the weaving work of Australian fibre artist Natalie Miller. She was running workshops at Alexandria’s famous design hub Koskela. With my passion for fibre arts re-ignited I ended up doing a couple of Natalie’s classes…even an intermediate weaving class at her studio in picturesque Robertson south of Sydney. I loved weaving for its chance to handle rich hand dyed wools and experience the texture of raffia and cotton. This led to another class at Koskela in Macrame. A lot of people cringe at the idea of Macrame but the style I’ve adopted is so modern I hope it changes peoples perspectives a little when they see my work. At first I wasn’t that into it…maybe its because my hands were use to the repetitive back and forth method of weaving but once I realized the potential that rope has to make so many designs with only a few knots i have persisted and developed my own style. I am a modern macramé artist. As much as I appreciate traditional macramé and without it I wouldn’t have found this art, I am definitely not satisfied by knotting traditional style macrame myself.

I am always looking for inspiration and new ideas to make designs that are original. I love working with chunky soft cotton ropes that are so tactile and textural in my hands. I find so much enjoyment in working on big pieces that make me feel small standing next to them. To be able to physically create something that is bigger than me is so exciting! I draw some inspiration from international modern Fibre artists like Belensenra and Tanya Aguiniga but really I try to make things that I would like to see in my own home. Like most stylists I have my favorites…i’m in awe of the work of Australian stylists Glen Proebstel, Karen McCartney and Kara Rosenlund who take advantage of the natural environment and its imperfections to put together beautiful textural images.

GET CREATIVE with Miriam at her upcoming macramé workshop on Saturday 28th May : Learn 5 knots to make and take home a large macrame plant hanger using soft cotton ropes. Click here to find out more and spot.

SiIGNWRITING : Newcastle’s Lost Pieces of Art

Jessica No Comments

Tradition signwriting is like a lost art that changed as technology advances. Where signwriters used methods that were closely related to those of the fore-bearers of this craft and did not depend on technology – they are able to set out a sign with chalk and write it by eye in freehand. They didn’t rely on fonts and normally have their own individual lettering styles yet with the ability to render fonts closely to brand and for example architectural design briefs.

We love how these traditional signs grow more beautiful with age eventually becomes what’s known as a ‘ghost sign’ as it fades revealing grounds, surfaces, brushstrokes and undercoats; generally becoming a beautiful piece of artwork.

To learn some of the basics of signwriting, join us at our upcoming signwriting workshop

Check out some of Newcastle’s lost and ghost signage provided by local members of The Lost Newcastle.