INTRODUCING OUR LATEST: THE 'PIER' COLLECTION

- DESIGN LIFE -

With much of my downtime spent among our coastal regions, the image of a pier strikes a familiar picture, filling me with fond nostalgic memories of slow summer days with their sense of freedom and the smell of saltwater in the air.

Such is the inspiration for anaca studio’s latest collection, The Pier, which gives the nod to these structures that connect the solid ground to the sea, and in embracing the idea of pilotis, a design concept was developed, which I then adapted for a bed, dining table, and coffee table.


PIER BED

Constructed from solid timber in a variety of finishes, our Pier bed is a testament to the beauty of refined craftsmanship and quality.

We use our bedrooms to reset and refresh, so it was important for us to design a bed that adds a beautiful soft presence to this space. The rounded corners of the bedhead soften its overall appearance, with the pillars keeping it floating above the ground. 

While we’ve taken quite a sculptural approach with this, the design remains classic, ensuring its adaptability in different environments and simply calling you back into dreamland.


PIER DINING TABLE

Celebrating and nurturing the joyous moments of sharing meals with family and friends, our Pier dining table is elegant yet imposing in nature.

Just like a pier is often used to host oceanside recreations, our Pier dining table gives way to life’s treasured activities, be it rushed breakfasts before school runs or long, lazy lunches with friends.

This design is available in various sizes, ranging from a 4/6 seater to a 10/12 seater, featured in solid American oak (with other timbers also available) and finished in a choice of beautiful timber stains.


PIER COFFEE TABLE

Much like our dining table, the Pier coffee table was inspired by a need for simpler shapes and pairing things back to their practical nature.

Resembling the pilotis that support piers found by the sea, the rounded legs of the coffee table are a bold feature contrasting its slim circular top. Crafted to be durable and strong, its minimalist nature will complement just about any lounge setting.

With all items from our Pier range manufactured using sustainable timbers, the Pier coffee table stays true to anaca studio’s ethics, with each piece made to order in Melbourne.

Photography: Martina Gemmola - Styling: Sam Clayton & Jane Newey from Hausfrau Interiors. Linen on bed and table by LM Home. Ceramics by Ochre Ceramics, Jamfactory and Three Bowls Full (available from our online shop).

- ANACA LIFE -

Designer’s Letter

We are starting the year strong and excited to introduce this long-awaited new collection.

Both the dining table and bed are items I’ve been hanging to bring into the range. It just had to be the right inspiration, timing and design to ensure it would seamlessly integrate with the exciting collection.

When we released our Toulouse and Zola (here), it was about upholstery. So this time, we’re making timber the hero material of this new collection.

All this is probably at least a year in the making since scribbling the first sketch. Developing the ideas, refining the designs, and working through the prototypes. This is not just about getting the design right but also creating a strong and beautifully built product that will stand the test of time.

I hope you are as excited about this as I am.

I’d love to hear from you so feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts or get in touch if you can already see these new products in your projects.

Speak soon,

Anne-Claire xx

- CREATIVE LIFE -

Highlights on Ochre Ceramics

It’s no secret I absolutely love ceramics. And even more when there they are locally hand-made! Ochre is featured throughout the images in our new Pier collection.

Reasons to love:

  • Wabi-sabi feel

  • Australian-made

  • Microbusiness

  • Earthy & natural

  • Sustainable & supports reforestation

Ochre_Sweetie%2BPot_Earth-2.jpg
Ochre Ceramics - Sweetie Pot
A$70.00
Ochre_Soap+Dish_Earth_2.jpg
Ochre Ceramics - Nora Soap Dish
A$40.00
Ochre_Small%2Bplate_Earth_3.jpg
Ochre Ceramics - Penny Plate
A$40.00

For all of your designer furniture needs, simply contact us or come into our Melbourne showroom today.

WHY CONSIDERED DESIGN MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

- DESIGN LIFE -

As we spend more time in our homes, many of us are paying closer attention to the finer details of the little corner of the world we have created for ourselves. We’re becoming better at noticing how our different spaces function and what makes the framework of the designs that we bring through our doors.

With this growing understanding, we are learning the importance of sustainability and quality; and how these are not luxuries but necessities.

Here are just some of the reasons why we believe considered design should be top of mind.

All of our designs uphold the studio’s principles of practicality, integrity, clean aesthetics, and simplicity.


CREATING A HAPPY HOME


In recent years, our homes have had to work overtime, adapting as a workplace, school, and gym, yet still be a place for us to relax and recover from all of life’s stresses and strains.

This is why creating a happy home is more important than ever, and we believe choosing considered design plays a pivotal role in this. Good design holds the ability to support our new ways of living, nourishing our sense of identity, productivity, and family cohesion.

To discuss how our designs can help make your home more joyous, please feel free to contact our studio.


FORGET FAST FURNITURE


There’s been a lot of talk about fast fashion and its impact on our world’s landfills, wallets, and the welfare of the workers who make them, and while “fast furniture” is less talked about, it is equally detrimental.

While purchasing fast furniture is popular for being more affordable and convenient, they are often made from cheap materials that are not made to last. Over time, this can be more costly for customers, with the need to purchase replacements time and time again.

Taking a considered approach to our designs means never losing sight of function, livability, and sustainability, allowing us to remain true to our studio’s ethics.

Each unique piece is made to order, meaning our designs are basically customised based on not only your taste, but budget too.


TIME FOR TRANSPARENCY


Honesty is essential for a strong relationship in any form, including that between designer and customer. We take pride in being a transparent brand, forthright about what inspires us, where our designs are made, and by whom.

We believe this not only gives the customers the information they deserve, but also allows them to know more intimate details about their favourite designs.

That said, our furniture and accessories are made in Australia using sustainable timbers, materials, and finishes. At the same time, our studio proudly works with a number of small businesses, meaning your support of our brand is also felt by other local talents.

Bird’s eye view of our Flo armchair.

Flo coffee table.

- ANACA LIFE -

Designer’s Letter

In 2018, I teamed up with Liz from One Fine Print to set up a little pop-up store in Collingwood. Our theme back then was “Considered Aesthetics” and it was all about locally made and conscious buying.

The idea that we need to think more carefully about the products we purchase is nothing new but is possibly more important now than ever. The “buy well, buy once” approach is one we all need to favour as much as possible.

Something to reflect on if you are renovating and refurbishing your home. On a smaller scale as we are in full Christmas gifting mode, think local, think hand-made, think small businesses and creatives practices.

A la prochaine,
Anne-Claire.

- DESIGN LIFE - PART 2

Beyond anaca studio - Inspiration from acp atelier


As you may know, acp atelier is our second design brand, born from a collaboration with Stylecraft Furniture in 2018. This year, we've been so excited to see our little Sedis family grow once more.

Back in May, we released a 4 legged base option that injected an unexpected and wonderful mid-century flavour into the range. The new collection includes a dining chair, an easy chair and barstools for breakfast and bar height.

View them all at acpatelier.com.au

Order through Stylecraft Furniture, the exclusive distributor of acp atelier.

Sedis dining chairs in Stylecraft’s Sydney showroom.

- HAPPY LIFE -

Easy DIY Coconut Deodorant

Magic Coco Deo

Want to smell wonderful all Summer? Try this easy DIY deodorant. I’ve been making it and using for nearly 10 years now. It’s the best toxin and packaging free alternative I have found and it works.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Arrowroot powder

  • 1/2 cup Baking soda

  • 5 tbsp Coconut oil, unrefined organic

  • Optional: 20 drops Grapefruit or other zesty essential oil (personally I don’t use it anymore, Coconut smells fab on its own - but it can be a nice addition)

How to:

  • Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium size bowl.

  • Add the coconut oil (softened is easiest) and essential oils. Mix well. You can use a small mixer otherwise, I simply use a fork.

  • Transfer into clean air-tight jar.

  • Depending on the season, it’ll be a bit hard or quite soft. Scrape a pea size. In winter when it’s a bit solid, heat it up by rubbing it between your fingers and then onto your lovely armpits. This should be enough to keep you going all day.

Give it a try, it’s so easy to fill a small jar and it last for quite some time.

For all of your designer furniture needs, simply contact us or come into our Melbourne showroom today.

THE TRUSTY AND TIMELESS OTTOMAN

- DESIGN LIFE -

The ottoman has come a long way since they were introduced to Western Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century; traditionally forming the main piece of seating in the home and heaped with cushions.

Today, they have evolved to adapt to our modern lifestyle and needs, far exceeding their initial purpose, making them a trusty and timeless piece.

Here are just some of the reasons why we consider ottomans as a must-have design.

Toulouse sofa with Zola ottomans - Photo Martina Gemmola | Styling Sam Clayton, Hausfrau


THEY ARE VERSATILE AND DEPENDABLE


Ottomans of today are versatile and provide a variety of different functions. They are no longer simply an item to help prop up your feet but rather a fundamental staple that performs a variety of duties.

Hence, our approach when designing ottomans is to have adaptability as a primary focus. This way, people can double them as coffee tables, tray-topped cocktail tables, or even give way for extra seating when you run out of chairs for guests.

Take, for example, our Flo ottoman, with its stylish yet simple solid timber frame and foam seat cushions, presenting an extremely comfortable chair-like design that will undoubtedly come in handy during those impromptu family visits and lively dinner parties.

This reimagined ottoman also makes for the perfect companion in the bedroom when placed at the end of a bed, offering a cosy spot to sit for those morning or night routines.

Flo ottoman comes in 3 standard sizes suitable for Double, Queen and Kind bed.

The Zola tables are the perfect hybrid between an ottoman and a coffee table.


THEY INTRODUCE COLOUR AND TEXTURE


Introducing colours into the home has a brightening and joyful effect while adding layers of texture provides a lovely sense of warmth. When it comes to ottomans, both of these outcomes can be achieved, particularly when the right design is chosen.

This opens the opportunity to go bold, opting for bright colours and rich textures that pop, making for a great focal point in any room.

For instance, our Zola ottoman welcomes a world of creativity, being available in a number of sizes ranging from small to extra large, as well as a wide range of upholstery options that vary in texture and tone. Some of our favourite colourways include Wattleseed, a mustard-like warm hue; Marshmallow, a soft pink that radiates a feminine touch; and Red Ochre, a rich earthy shade reminiscent of our natural landscape.

To add further intrigue to a space, you can mix and match sizes and colours and display them side by side.

Zola ottomans, large and small in various upholstery colours - Photo Martina Gemmola | Styling Sam Clayton, Hausfrau


THEY CAN BE USED IN ANY ROOM


When contemplating where an ottoman may be parked in the home, the options are again endless, given some thought and consideration.

The first place that likely comes to mind is the living room, where ottomans can certainly look and feel right at home. They offer a great spot to put your feet up and relax but also make for smart alternatives to your typical coffee table where small children are involved. Take our Coco ottoman range, which presents a stylish substitute, replacing hard surfaces and sharp corners with soft materials and rounded edges.

As for those working from home, an ottoman also works well in the home office, providing a place to kick your feet up as you plug the day away. This is where our Phileas range could come into use, designed as floor cushions reminiscent of old suitcases with leather corners and handles.

Moreover, ottomans can even deliver style, seating, and storage to spaces like the bedroom, dressing room, library, and media room — the list goes on.

For the remainder of the month, we'll offer 20% off the full-priced ottomans in the shop.

Use OTTO20 at checkout. Follow the link below.

Also, get 10% off any new made-to-order ottomans. Get in touch.

- ANACA LIFE -

Designer’s Letter

I’m excited to say that this newsletter is the first in a new monthly series that will bring you some of the highlights from the life at Anaca Studio. Every month we'll be focusing on the below topics:

Design Life: What’s happening in the studio. Focusing on all things design within the realm of Anaca Studio. This includes our design process, manufacturing, sustainability, new releases, and new ideas or collaborations. 

Anaca Life: What’s going through the designer’s mind. The equivalent of the Editor’s Letter. Monthly musings.  

Creative Life: What else influences our moods or our ideas? Art, photography, colour, fashion or crafts. 

Happy Life: What good is all this if we don’t have our health and happiness? Happy Life is about mindfulness, cooking, socialising and travelling. It’s about living a good healthy life. 

Hope you’ll enjoy this new format.

Merci,

Anne-Claire x

- CREATIVE LIFE -

Making Paper Flowers

Is it too early to talk about Christmas decorations (only a few weeks away)? Ok… what about wedding table decorations? I recently made these paper flowers as part of a personal project, and I actually felt it was quite a meditative process. It’s a great project to do with the kids or by yourself listening to your favourite podcast. Best of all, they’re sustainable.

You often get tissue paper with many purchases, so it’s easy to reuse what you have at home. But if you need to buy the paper, it’s pretty cost-effective. You can also throw them into your home compost when you’re done with them (or in the recycling bin if you don’t compost). They’re inexpensive and fun, and you can get as creative as you’d like with colours. Just stick them on your Christmas tree or spread them on the dining table.

I posted the video on Instagram recently, but if you’ve missed it, you can watch it below to see a quick (1-minute) how-to and get making!

Tutorial: how to make paper flowers

- HAPPY LIFE -

Jade Noodles

On Pinterest or Instagram, the images I save the most are those of recipes.

This one is really super easy and quick. I'm not a patient cook and generally prefer the one-pot type recipes like this one.

Vegan and absolutely delicious! I often go to it as I usually have all these veggies in the fridge and skip the tofu if I have forgotten to buy it (although it is extra tasty using the crispy tofu method).

Try it, and you won't regret it! Click here for the link or on the image to get the recipe.

Enjoy! x

For all of your designer furniture needs, simply contact us or come into our Melbourne showroom today.

Only one way to make your dreams come true for Christmas... 🎄

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
anaca studio - Christmas cut off 2nd September

It's hard to believe we're starting to talk about Christmas!

This year, our cut-off date for pre-Christmas deliveries is set for Friday 2nd of September.

Please make sure you confirm your orders by the end of that day to receive your beautiful furniture before Christmas. Past this date, we will do our very best, but we will not be able to guarantee the completion of your orders.

Remember the showroom is open Saturdays 11-3 pm or by appointment during the week.

We're here to help with any enquiries, so if you have any questions at all, please get in touch.

A bientôt,
Anne-Claire.