Journal

Banquette Seating, also know as "booth" seating, generally entails some sort of built in bench seat against a wall, using a combination of timber and upholstery. Often used in restaurant designs, this style was also commonly used throughout homes in the mid to late 1900's.  If you have ever bought an older home chances are you pulled one of these retro gems out or if you're that way inclined you decided to hold onto to it, along with the 70's flower pattern upholstered cushions it came with...we dig it. 

Last year we were approached by CM Studios to design a banquette for their clients brand new home on Sydney's Northern Beaches. We were excited with the opportunity to design this piece, looking at the traditional "booth" style and re-designing it for the modern coastal home...no retro flowers in this design, sorry guys.

A unique consideration of the design was that it was to be positioned in the corner of an open window area, allowing a visual of the banquet backing from the outside onlooker. To allow that open, airy flow that the house embodied, we decided to design the backing to well, have no backing. With clean lines being an important component, we positioned a low rail to wrap around the L shape banquette, permitting the fine timber detailing to be seen from the back and on the inside the tan leather upholstery is present for maximum comfort. There is a subtle curve on the end of each rail and base, hugging in the ends, and continuing in this same line with the arch like ends of the dining table. 

After much designing, drawing and discussing material options with clients our craftsmen were put to work. Below you will see the final result ... a modern and minimalist twist on the traditional banquette seating.

House Design: CM Studios; Builders: Bau Group Construction; Photography: Prue Ruscoe; Styling: Alexandra Gordon

We had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful home of Paul and Maria from Bilgola on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Maria and her husband are the new owners of our local favourite The Pot Warehouse in Mona Vale. This is our go to for beautiful pots and plants for our showroom and home. We love what they selected from our furniture range for their kitchen and living room, which features the Woodford Bar stool in walnut and the Box Chair in walnut and sheepskin upholstery. 



Visit: The Pot Warehouse - Harkeith St, Mona Vale

follow: @the_pot_warehouse

Seeking authenticity and a sense of atmosphere in his work, Glen has the rare ability to find intriguing images in moments and subjects that are entirely unposed and uncontrived.

Laura Butler and her partner Aman Braich are the makers behind Mennt, a brand new Sydney design studio creating simple tableware for the detail-oriented.

Here we worked with Natalie Marie Jewellery, fitting out her space in Avalon, NSW - a beautiful space where Natalie and her team make and display their unique, handmade collections. Each piece carefully and lovingly crafted right there in the store. 

Located on the edge of Sydney Harbour, The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia exhibits some of the world's most prolific contemporary artists. At what was once the entrance to the MCA, now exhibits the newest store by the unique washable paper bag company - UASHMAMA.  

"UASHMAMA washable paper looks and feels like leather but washes with ease. Our bags are soft yet resilient, where the manufacturing process is similar to leather the paper is stretched and tanned making it durable to withstand washing and daily use." 

Mr and Mrs White came together with founders of UASHMAMA Australia, Casey and Nico, to help create their newest retail space in The Rocks Sydney. 

Visit Uashmama, The Rocks - 140 George Street, The Rocks, NSW, 2000

Photography by Joshua White

Celebrating Mother's Day coming up on Sunday 8th May, Mrs White interviewed Kelly Wright, the founder of Feather Drum - a children's clothing label, and mother to daughter Willow. In the interview, Sasha gains insight into Kelly's journey, the trials and triumphs of juggling motherhood and running a growing business.

Tell us a bit about Feather Drum - what was the inspiration behind starting this label?
As cliché as it sounds...the birth of my daughter, Willow Niah, inspired me to create Feather Drum, a high-end kids clothing label for boys and girls newborn - age 12.
At the time I struggled to find clothes for her that were not pink, lilac or covered in gaudy cartoon characters. There was nothing on the market that reflected the rich earthy colours and bohemian flair that I love. A few simple words from my supportive partner ('so why don't you design them?') set the wheels in motion and in no time at all I had filled sketchbooks with designs.

I never expected the label to take off so quickly, particularly overseas and without doubt, it's definitely been more work than I anticipated.  Within the first year we were stocked in over 12 States in the US and had stockists in Japan, Korea and Kuwait. The label is now beginning to break into Europe, but as a proud Australian brand, my focus will always remain closer to home. 

You started the business when your daughter Willow was very young. What was it like embracing motherhood and the demands of a new business?
At the start it was very tough as I was still working part-time as a lawyer, whilst also setting up Feather Drum and facing all the challenges of spawning a new business…plus getting to grips with motherhood itself, (not helped by having a touch of post-natal depression).

I couldn't have done it without the help of a very supportive family! At times (and occasionally still do) I would have huge guilt pangs about not spending enough time with her but quickly realised that it's not always the quantity of time you spend with your child but the quality of time.

We now have our morning and nightly routines and Friday, Saturday and Sunday are our days together where I try (wherever possible) not to do any work at all.

What do you love about being a mum?
The thing I love most about being a Mum is watching a little person you have created grow and flourish whilst they retain their very own personality and characteristics with which they were born.

I see my role as a protector and a guide, imparting values I personally find important such as kindness and compassion to humankind, animals and our planet, yet allowing them be their own person, and to grow confidence in who they are as an individual.
Whilst being a mother has been one of the most challenging roles I've ever played, it's definitely been the most rewarding. Nothing can come close to when a small pair of hands clasps your face and, eyeball to eyeball with yours, a little head says 'I love you Mummy'.

How will you be celebrating Mothers Day this year? 
Hopefully we'll be escaping down to a favourite spot of ours on the Coal Coast for beach hangs and a nice Mothers Day lunch.

Happy Mother's Day, from all of us here at Mr & Mrs White.

Visit Feather Drum's Website: http://www.featherdrum.com/

Photography by Joshua White