Celebrating Australian Women in Homewares: Inspiring Brands Making Their Mark
The Australian interiors landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with the creativity and passion of countless talented individuals. From the lens of photographers capturing stunning visuals to the meticulous planning of interior designers, the entrepreneurial spirit of business owners, and the discerning eye of homeowners, we are constantly in awe of the ingenuity on display nationwide.
This International Women’s Day, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on some of the incredible women who are not only founding and leading successful homewares brands but are also making a significant impact in their respective fields. These entrepreneurs are not just creating beautiful products; they’re building businesses with purpose, fostering community, and providing us with a continuous stream of inspiration.
Here are eight exceptional female-founded homewares brands that deserve our support, not just on International Women’s Day, but all year round.
1. IN BED: Comfort, Style, and Community
Pip Vassett, the driving force behind IN BED, has masterfully crafted a successful linen bedding and lifestyle business with an aesthetic that is both unique and highly desirable. Beyond her design prowess, Pip is deeply committed to giving back.
IN BED has established a meaningful partnership with Women’s Community Shelters (WCS). This ongoing collaboration involves regular fundraising events and activations organised by IN BED to raise crucial awareness for WCS. Furthermore, IN BED consistently makes donations, including much-needed bed linen, to support the women and children seeking refuge at these shelters.
* In Bed 100% fitted sheet in Grey & White Stripe
* $200, available at The Iconic
* This subtle grey and white striped sheet set offers a touch of understated elegance. Its neutral tones make it incredibly versatile, effortlessly pairing with a wide array of other bedding colours and patterns. Crafted in Portugal from pure, certified European Flax®, these sheets are exceptionally soft to the touch, promising a luxurious sleep experience.
2. Maison Balzac: Whimsy and Colour for Every Table
Founded in 2012 by French-born Elise Pioch Balzac, Maison Balzac is a homewares brand that embodies playfulness, quirkiness, and a vibrant splash of colour. Each collection is born from Elise’s imaginative dreams, designed to instantly elevate any dining setting.
From whimsical palm-shaped napkins to colourful glass carafes and unique pieces like the forever-garnished orange slice glass, Maison Balzac offers perfect gift ideas for friends, sisters, mothers, and anyone who appreciates a touch of joy in their home.
* Wild Rose napkins
* $199 per set of 4, available at Maison Balzac
* Maison Balzac consistently delivers collections that are more whimsical and wonderful than the last. These Wild Rose napkins are a prime example, designed to bring a unique charm and elevated aesthetic to your table setting, ensuring it stands out from the ordinary.
3. CULTIVER: Everyday Luxury from Maternity Leave
Nicolle Sullivan, the founder of Cultiver, embarked on her journey to create a luxurious homewares brand while on maternity leave, transitioning from a decade-long career in banking. Today, Cultiver’s sumptuous linens are a sought-after commodity, stocked not only across Australia but also in New Zealand, the United States, and now the United Kingdom.
The core philosophy behind every Cultiver product, whether gracing the bed, the table, the kitchen, or even the wardrobe, is to infuse everyday life with small, delightful moments of joy.
* Silk Linen Flip pillowcase in Blush
* $72, available at Cultiver
* This Cultiver pillowcase is a standout for its dual appeal. It not only enhances the visual aesthetics of your bedding but also offers the practical benefits of sleeping on silk while allowing you to maintain a cohesive linen look for your bed.
4. Aura Home: Travel-Inspired Designs for Sublime Spaces
Tracie Ellis established Aura Home in 2000, driven by a desire to bring the inspiration she gathered from her travels into her own home. The brand’s extensive collection has become synonymous with “sublime colours, tactile natural fabrics, and exquisite patterns.” Aura Home offers a comprehensive range, from bed linens and homeware accessories to ceramics and much more.
* Cloud fringed round pendant in Marshmellow
* $279, available at Aura Home
* The transformative power of soft lighting in setting a home’s mood is undeniable. This pendant light serves as a striking sculptural piece, crafted from fringed linen and designed to resemble a cloud. It emits a gentle, ambient glow, creating a serene atmosphere after dark.
5. I Love Linen: Inspired by France, Crafted for Comfort
Lauren Roe founded her beloved linen label, I Love Linen, in 2013, a journey sparked by a memorable trip to France. With a background in retail, having grown up in a family of business owners, Lauren possessed an innate understanding of product selection and business operations, making the evolution of her brand a natural progression.
Today, Lauren remains deeply involved and hands-on in the business, which has experienced remarkable growth. I Love Linen has expanded its offerings beyond the bedroom to include collections for the dining room, living room, and wardrobe. The range even extends to essential items like pillow inserts and mattress toppers, ensuring customers can curate their ultimate sleep sanctuary.
* French flax linen sheet set
* $213.50 (usually $315), available at I Love Linen
* This sheet set is a standout not only for its construction from 100% French flax but also for its unique and captivating green hue, a colour rarely seen in the market. It strikes a perfect balance between softness and a saturated, rich tone, making it a truly distinctive choice for your bedding.
6. Sarah Ellison: Australian Style, Global Appeal
Sarah Ellison, a former Real Living Style Director, accomplished interior stylist, and product designer, is renowned for her distinctively Australian take on modern aesthetics. Since launching her eponymous product range in 2017, her brand has rapidly evolved into a go-to destination for highly desirable furniture pieces, patterned floor tiles, and a curated selection of minimalist homewares. Sarah Ellison’s ability to consistently deliver exceptional design is truly impressive.
* Pepé side table in Ash/Walnut
* $849, available at Sarah Ellison
* This side table makes a bold statement with its striking striped detailing and asymmetrical form. Designed to be a focal point, it would be a perfect addition next to your bed or sofa. Each piece is meticulously crafted in Vietnam from kiln-dried hardwoods, ensuring a unique character for every item.
7. McMullin & Co.: Designing Spaces for Connection
With a solid foundation in spatial and interior design, Alice McMullin launched her popular homewares brand, McMullin & Co., in 2018. Her vision was to create and produce a curated collection of homewares that thoughtfully respond to how we interact with and experience our living spaces.
In just a few short years, the brand has achieved phenomenal success. Alice’s talent was even recognised with an invitation to collaborate with the boutique hotel Three Rooms in Potts Point, where she designed an entire room adorned with her stylish wares.
* Lyle floor lamp
* $470, available at McMullin & Co.
* McMullin & Co.’s diverse collection spans from homewares and beds to sofas and lighting. The Lyle floor lamp is particularly noteworthy for its modern interpretation of a classic shape, making it a versatile piece that can complement a wide range of interior design styles.
8. Mrs Tablescape: Handmade Charm for Memorable Gatherings
Carolyn Dorrian founded Mrs Tablescape during the challenging COVID-19 lockdowns, all while balancing her demanding career as a lawyer and caring for her young child. Her impressive creativity is evident in her tableware designs, which expertly incorporate a rich array of colours, patterns, and textures. Her unique approach has even caught the attention of esteemed interior stylist Steve Cordony.
Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous care, from the distinctive ceramic hand-painted plates to the printed candles. The result is a collection where no two items are exactly alike, guaranteeing that each piece will serve as a captivating conversation starter at your next dinner party.
* Rasberry Mist Ceramic Square Dish
* $20, available at Mrs Tablescapes
* This set of plates would be an ideal choice for a special Mother’s Day breakfast in bed. Featuring a soft, rounded edge and a charming whimsical red border, they exude an undeniable sense of elegance and thoughtful design.
