It's on again.....Our Fabulous Warehouse Sale!

 

Our fabulous Warehouse Sale is on again!!!  If you came last time in May you will know how brilliant the bargains were and if you didn't you need to get along to this one and find out :o)

The Brown Trading Co is joining forces with our friends Sharnel Dollar Designs, Apple & Bee, Little Branch, Ruby Olive, Little Maison and Jessie Lauren to bring you sensational prices on end of season stock, samples and discontinued lines.

On offer will be soft furnishings, homewares, jewellery, stationery, wrapping paper, prints, party goods, cake stands, cosmetic bags and more.

SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER

8.00am - 12.00pm

Unit 5, 623 Toohey Road

Salisbury   

See you there, it's going to be fab!

Have a colour filled weekend!

Here is my beautiful Humphrey - wishing you a colour filled weekend!

My Humphrey - the sunshine in my days!  Photo taken this morning by me :o)

Guest Post: Arcadian Lighting - A Pop of Colour!

Today's guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting started selling decorative home light fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products. Visit their website and cool blog for more information. Enjoy.

Color adds so much to a room's design. Not only does a pop of color break up a neutral palette, bursts of contrasting (or complementary) colors create a dynamic tension that adds interest. Adding just a pop of color in an accessory, accent wall, textiles or area rug will change the look and feel of the room. Check out these chic examples of pops of color throughout the house.

Sandra Espinet via

Just a pop of color really brings this bedroom to life. Using the orange headboard as the jumping off point, orange trim adds a pop of color to the white linens.

DecorPad via

Another bedroom that uses pops of orange to liven up the space. This orange chair, with aqua painted legs, adds a burst of warm color in this cream and aqua bedroom.

Traditional Home via

A neutral palette of cream and pale green gets a pop of contrasting color in the form of red pillows. The red is even more striking against the green and white chevron stripe wingback chairs.

Real Simple via

Accessories are the perfect place for a pop of color. These Fu dogs pop in rich turquoise against the grey, black and white decor. The brilliant color catches the eye even with the stunning lamps and Venetian mirror vying for attention in the space.

Pinterest via

White and light neutrals in wall color and the sofa let the blue accent rug and occasional chairs pop in this room. The complementary yellow pillow really pops against the blue.

Pawley's Island Posh via

The trend in white kitchens sets the stage for colorful kitchen accessories to add pops of color. Tea towels, counter-top appliances and other accessories can add easy pops of color to a neutral kitchen.

Better Homes and Gardens via

A single piece of brightly painted furniture really pops in a neutral room. Painting a vanity red in the bathroom is unexpected but very stylish.

That's Chic via

Fresh flowers are a wonderful way to add a temporary pop of color to a room. Flowers are inexpensive and colorful and a great addition to any room. Love that unexpected light fixture of an ornate chandelier in the kitchen beyond. Even so, the flowers still hold the center of attention.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. If you like this post, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Lighting blog and say hello!

Raine & Sage Giveaway!

The gorgeous Sonia from Raine & Sage is having a little giveaway to celebrate her 1 year blog-a-ver-sary!

Luna Turquoise Cushion - image by Raine & Sage

Head on over to her beautiful blog and go in the draw to win one of our stunning Luna Turquoise cushions.  If you win you will be one of the first in Australia to have your hands on this little pretty - they are only hitting stores this week.

Sonia is moving to Darwin soon, I shall miss her, she lives not far from our warehouse but I've made her promise that she has to open a beautiful homewares store up there in the north end and take some Brisbane style with her!

Elephant & Tiger

Elephant & Tiger Savita Napkins and Tablelcoth
Styling and Images by Sharnel Dollar Designs

I have been missing in action again, so much happening behind the scenes at The Brown Trading Co.  We exhibited at Life in Style trade fair in Melbourne last month which was a huge success and so much fun - we love trade fairs.  Although they are so much work before, during and after we always have a brilliant time and love seeing our trade fair friends, catching up with our current customers and meeting new ones.

One of the things we have been busy with is design and production of our new hand block printed collection - Elephant & Tiger.  We work with a village in Rajasthan in the north of India to produce our beautiful textiles and it's so encouraging to know that our business relationship enables the village to access better health and education facilities - this is what it's all about - helping others!  Being an ex-teacher I find this relationship so rewarding on so many levels, it makes my heart sing working with these talented artisans.

Introducing our first two Elephant & Tiger designs in tablecloths, napkins and cushions - hitting stores in October!

Elephant & Tiger Maya Tablecloth and Napkins
Styling and Images by Sharnel Dollar Designs

Elephant & Tiger Maya & Savita Cushions in 50 x 50 and 60 x 40
Styling and Images by Sharnel Dollar Designs

A huge thank you to my beautiful (not to mention most talented) friend Sharnel Dollar of Sharnel Dollar Designs for not only lending me her stunning home again but for styling and actually shooting these images...you are the best BFF and I love travelling the fun road with you always.

We will be adding new designs and products to the Elephant & Tiger range over time - this is such an exciting launch for us.

Have a colour filled weekend!

Keren
xx

The Ship Song Project

As a little girl I was always in awe of the Sydney Opera House and hoped that one day I would get to see it in real life.  When I was in 11 my Mum gave me a Christmas Card with my gift that said 'Sydney here we come!'  We stayed in an apartment for 2 weeks and every day I woke up the Opera House was glistening in the sunshine.  I felt like I was in heaven and for me it might as well have been New York or London.

I've flown over many cities over the years but there really is nothing quite like flying over Sydney and the Opera House and her majestic sails.  Every time I visit Sydney now I have a special spot that I visit right down on the harbour, it's almost like you are sitting on the water with the Harbour Bridge above to the left and the iconic Opera House to the right.  It's my little history.

image via 

Nick Cave's 'The Ship Song' has long been a powerful moving song that I have loved for many years.  This morning I discovered 'The Ship Song Project' - 100 artists, 1 million tiles, 1 year in the making and it's a love song to The Opera House using Nick Cave's legendary music.  You will be moved beyond words.

Performed by Neil Finn, Kev Carmody and The Australian Ballet, Sarah Blasko, John Bell, Angus and Julia Stone, Paul Kelly and Bangarra Dance Theatre, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Opera Australia, Martha Wainwright, Katie Noonan and The Sydney Symphony, The Temper Trap, Daniel Johns and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

I cannot get enough of this powerful moving ballad.

Make a little history...

Keren
xx

Shop Online With Us!

Over the past few years we have had countless requests to open an online store where customers can access all of our designs in the one place.  This is especially wonderful for our customers who don't live near or have access to any of our gorgeous retailers across Australia. So here it is.  We can now ship Australia wide with a Flat Shipping Rate of $12.00.

Online retailing is actually where we began at the beginning of 2008 so for us this is a natural progression and we are excited to be offering this service.

Shop Online with The Brown Trading Co

The keren brown and Elephant & Tiger collections will be released at Life in Style in Melbourne next month.  Both of our new collections are designed in Australia by us and produced in collaboration with traditional artisans in India.  We hope you love them as much as we do - a little sneak peek tomorrow.

Shop and enjoy :o)

Keren
xx

Home Beautiful

Several months ago the lovely Angela Steyn of Wicker & Stitch contacted me regarding writing an article about The Brown Trading Co for Home Beautiful Magazine.  I was so thrilled!  The August issue is out now and the article Angela wrote is wonderful (thank you so much Angela).  The whole process was so much fun and every single person I came in contact with at Home Beautiful was just delightful.  So here it is.....

Home Beautiful August Edition Cover

Home Beautiful Article written by Angela Steyn of Wicker & Stitch

What I am also loving about this issue is the purple cover!  Like most little girls I loved pink and still do but I have always had a soft spot for purple too.  It's a very under rated colour and I believe it should be given much more credit.  Our Bungalow collection features some stunning purples in cushions and quilts.

Bungalow Dahlia Purple Quilt, Nalini Purple and Dahlia Purple Cushions

Clearly we are on to something with purple because even the gorgeous Kate Middleton was recently seen frocking up in Canada in purple!

Kate Middleton frocked up in purple Issa image via 

And how fabulous is this chair in a rich purple velvet?

Love this chair! image via

And who doesn't love purple Hydrangeas?

image via

Here in Brisbane come November this is what we see, masses and masses, street upon street of perfectly pretty Jacaranda trees.

image unknown (sorry)

Think shades of amethyst, eggplant, plum, violet and wine.  Purple is associated with luxury, royalty and spirituality and can boost imagination and creativity.  I think it's high time purple was given some street cred.  Thanks again Home Beautiful for the lovely article on us and the wonderful splash of purple.

Keren
xx

Rani Blue Quilts, Books and Friendship

Rani Blue Queen Size Quilts

A few weeks ago we received a new shipment of our Bungalow Quilts. Some styles have sold out already!  This one is my current favourite - Rani Blue queen size, I just love it and the reverse stripe is absolutely gorgeous.  Our hand block printed quilts are so soft, perfect for snuggling up on a Winter's afternoon with a cup of tea and a great book.

Contact us for stockists www.thebrowntradingco.com.au

Speaking of great books, I received my copy of Holly Becker's divine book Decorate a few weeks ago.  If you don't already have your copy you need to buy one, Holly's wonderful design book has even made it to the New York Times Bestseller list - what a star!

Decorate by Holly Becker.  Neem Yellow Tea Towel

Sunshine print from the fabulous Annechovie

The 'Sunshine' quote print from Annechovie was given to me as a gift from my beautiful and amazing friend Amanda.  It sits in my dining room and is a constant reminder of how precious our friendship is.  It makes my heart sing.

Hope you are having a wonderful week.

Keren
xx

Est Magazine

Est Magazine 1st Edition April 2011

Back in April a refreshing new online design magazine hit the inboxes of Australia and no doubt around the globe.  Apart from the crisp, fresh cover featuring a stunning shady old tree, lush green grass and pops of red, it was their masthead that made me inhale and exhale with a sense of belonging 'Global Living With An Australian Twist' ' Welcome home to the heart of Australian style'.  Instantly I felt like this magazine was calling my name.

Editor Sian Macpherson and her team have created a magazine worthy of global recognition featuring 'the best that global design has to offer with an Australian twist'.  I loved every single page but highlights for me were the atelier of Danish artist Lisa Marie Frost, her darling studio (pictured below) is on my 'must have' list for my future home.

Studio perfection of Lisa Marie Frost image via Est magazine

Lisa Marie Frost in her studio.  Image via Est magazine

The 'Style Nomad' article was another winner encouraging us to 'surround yourself with things that only make you feel good - not weigh you down' and a personal favourite quote from Sian 'collecting memories not just designer furniture'.  I found myself dreaming and longing over the photography by Colin Doswell and styling by Deb McLean.  This is a magazine to lose yourself in.

How fabulous are these giant scissors! Oh and I really want to eat those apples. Image via Est

What a cosy little nook.  Image via Est

A nomadic gypsy caravan - how fun! Image via Est

All I can say is, I cannot wait for the next refreshing edition of Est Magazine.  It's a winner from start to finish.

Keren
xx

If I owned a cafe...

gorgeous store - source unknown via www.modernhepburn.tumblr.com

If I owned a cafe....I'm sure I would love it to look something like this.  Warm and inviting yet filled with light.  I'd have delicious pastries and cakes on display and baking in the kitchen, the aroma of coffee filling the air, an ever changing chalk board with menus and messages for my customers, antique timber counters, rustic wooden floors, a beautiful mix of old and new.  I would have shelves stacked with magazines, newspapers and books for a quick news fix or a long relaxing read.

I would love to know where this store is, if anyone knows, please share?

Keren
xx

Oh Linda...

Linda Evangelista circa 1991 by Steven Meisel

The 1990's when the world truly did have Super Models.  I couldn't resist posting this image, it's perfection!

Keren
xx

Wrap yourself...

Leaf Turquoise Quilt Queen and Single

When the icy winds hit there is nothing better than cocooning yourself inside and looking out to the crystal blue skies with a hot cup of tea, a fabulous book or magazine and wrapping yourself in one of our stunning hand block printed quilts.  This season's must have to keep the chill at bay and the toes snuggly warm.

Available in Single and Queen sizes in a gorgeous variety of colours and designs, see our website for stockists and more designs www.thebrowntradingco.com.au.

India Yellow Queen Quilt 220 x 220 cm

Dahlia Purple Quilt Queen 220 x 220 cm

Leaf Rose Orange Quilt Queen and Single

What's your favourite thing to do when the weather is chilly?

Keren
xx

Slow Weekend

Gorgeous artwork by the beautiful Anne Harwell of Annechovie

This weekend has been a blissful combination of slow life - resting, reading, cooking, sleeping, playing with the Humphrey and doing as little as possible and I've loved it. 

I find a little Norah Jones playing in the background, a good book and a fragrant candle burning is so restorative.  I adore candles, Glasshouse are one of my favourites and I have them burning a lot of the time when I'm home.  One of my very few indulgences is a space in my cupboard filled with supplies ready to go when one has flickered out.  The fragrances are divine, this one above is 'Caracas' other favourites are 'Amalfi Coast' 'Montego Bay' and 'Little Black Dress'. 

Did you know that Glasshouse have a little sister offspring called Circa Home?  Their home fragrances are just as delicious.  The special thing about Circa Home is that each fragrance represents a particular year so far I've had 1962 Jasmine & Magnolia, 1972 Coconut & Orris Root and 1998 Mango & Papaya and each candle comes with a special story about it's inspiration. Like this one...

1972 is inspired by sizzling picnics on the beach, sandy sandwiches and buckets and spades. Reef oil and boogie boards. Never-ending road trips. Family holidays that make up the fabric of childhood memories.



Image via Circa Home Fragrances



I seem to be a collector of the beautiful and talented Anne Harwell's (Annechovie) artwork as well, my newest addition is the Suzani Settee pictured above which arrived on Thursday in the mail, when I opened it my heart skipped a beat, it's so pretty!

Hope your weekend has been as relaxing and rejuvenating as mine.

Keren

xx

A Gorgeous Group Warehouse Sale!

We've been busy these past few weeks organising a super Warehouse Sale with our friends at Verandah House, Sharnel Dollar Designs, Habitat Baby, Little Maison, Little Bubble and Tree, Ruby Olive, Apple & Bee and our other business The Cupcake Courier.

If you live in South East Queensland then you need to mark Saturday 7th May in your diary.  Between 9.00am and 1.00pm CASH ONLY.  Held in the carpark of our warehouse Unit 5, 623 Toohey Road, Salisbury.

Enormous savings on children's bed linen, gorgeous jewellery, stunning homewares and furniture, party ware, cake stands, children's kaftans, Jessie Steele aprons and accessories, The Cupcake Courier, Bungalow linen and much more.  Everything from end of season, discontinued lines and sample stock - hugely discounted or at wholesale prices or below.

It's also the day before Mother's Day so still plenty of time to get a gorgeous gift for Mum at a brilliant price.

We can't wait to see you there!

Keren

xx

Now Is the Time and It's Never Too Late

It's Never Too Late and Now Is the Time by Patrick Lindsay purchased from Hamptons Home Living



Here are the two gorgeous little books I accidentally purchased on my visit to Hamptons Home Living last week to deliver extra stock.  It was the playful simplistic dust jackets of It's Never Too Late...174 simple acts to change your life and Now Is the Time...170 ways to seize the moment both by Patrick Lindsay that whispered 'you must buy me'.

Now Is the Time and It's Never Too Late by Patrick Lindsay

They are both filled with 'morsels of insight' and inspiring quotes.  I love the fact that you can open them at any page and be uplifted and encouraged by beautiful words reminding us to celebrate elegance, use your talents, let yourself dream, ask for help, prove them wrong, listen to your body, to break away from the herd, to smell the country air and on the flipside to that one for those of us who are city dwellers like me, embrace the traffic!  This one might be a challenge but I'm willing to give it a go - I'll let you know how my embracing of traffic progresses.

PS.  Photographed on the samples of our new Hamilton Aqua fabric which will be available in cushions, fabric and bedlinen!  Currently in production and coming very soon :o)

Hope your weekend has been a wonderful one.

Keren
xx

Hamptons Home Living = I'm moving in



The 'Living Room' at Hamptons Home Living - I'm ready to move in.

Step inside the glossy black trimmed doorway of the gorgeous new Hamptons Home Living on Latrobe Terrace at Paddington in Brisbane and guaranteed you will never want to leave.  The divine new store is like walking into a warm, cosy home with distinct living, dining and bedroom areas featuring the finest furniture, linens, tableware, homewares, lighting, books and decorative pieces. 

Gorgeousness as far as the eye can see.

Super stylish and gorgeous owner Tania Bailey and her award winning restaurateur husband Luke Stringer have created something truly special in the Brisbane homewares and cafe scene.  If the food at the opening night on Monday is any indication of what's to come when the cafe is fully functioning in the next few weeks, then you are in for a sublime experience.  I could seriously taste the ocean in the Oysters!  The cafe is currently open for superior coffee and delicious sweet delicacies and will be open for Breakfast and Lunch in the next few weeks.

Luke and Tania are amazing hosts and it was a wonderful evening of laughter spent with some fabulous friends including Judy from Verandah House, Carla from Habitat Baby and I was so thrilled to finally meet the delightfully talented Kerri from Driftwood Interiors.

Look, the locals have already discovered this little treasure! 
The cafe is toward the back and the view from the verandah is beautiful, serene and feels like you are far from the city hustle and bustle.

I popped back into my new favourite haunt this morning to drop off some more 'emergency supplies' aka stock because it's been flying off the shelves and well I had to stop and have a coffee and a to die for chocolate biscuit based cheesecake with my friend Carla from Habitat Baby.   Oh and I did manage to accidentally purchase a couple of adorable books - charged to the business of course - necessary for well...ME. I will show you them tomorrow - too dark for photos tonight.

Tea on the back balcony - bliss.

I almost had to be peeled from the front doorway and I believe I was heard saying 'don't make me leave' as I was heading back to the office this morning.  My visit to Hamptons Home Living kept me uplifted and smiling all day, this is a place to lose yourself, rejuvenate, relax and you will truly feel like it is your home.

Do yourself a favour and meander up to 180 Latrobe Terrace asap and say hi to Tania and Luke, they will welcome you with open arms.  Maybe I'll see you there!

Keren

xx

A broken ankle and a new collection!

Hello again everyone

I've been missing in action for quite some time, almost 4 months...

New 'keren brown' Cockatoo - Pink (also available in aqua, and green)

I had my 2nd severe bone break in 6 months - the first one was in May and was my wrist.  On the 15th December I managed to slip over while trying to shut the front door from a storm and smashed my ankle and dislocated it in 3 places - 4 days in hospital, 2 plates, 10 screws and a rod in my leg, no Christmas to speak of, no birthday celebration either, 11 weeks in a wheelchair, 2 surgeries, months of physiotherapy which is continuing and I'm starting to feel like a normal person again and beginning to hobble.

Who would have thought a broken ankle could be so very debilitating?  Let me assure you...it is dreadful!   We did however manage to get ourselves to the Trade Fair in Sydney in February (in said wheelchair) which was a marathon effort but we did it :o) 

At the fair we launched our new 'keren brown' collection of cushions, fabric by the metre and bed linen.  I was just so excited and relieved to actually get there as there were many times over the months when I truly didn't think we would make it.

The response to our new collection was truly wonderful and overwhelming.

Here is a sneak peek of rest of the collection due to hit the shores in August (fingers crossed).


Avalon - Green (also available in pink, aqua)




Hamilton - Aqua (also available in pink, green)

So good to be back and feeling like I want to blog again!

Keren
xx