I’ll be honest, Valentine’s Day in our household is pretty cruisey for me. As long as I remember to buy my wife a funny card and write a short novel, I’m sorted. In fact, this year, she specifically asked that I skip the flowers and instead contribute to the second dog fund. When you consider that Shelby cost us a fraction of the price of an elaborate flower arrangement ($50 dollars each, to be precise), this really is a bargain for me.
You can imagine my surprise when after a text suggesting the 20th rescue dog of the day, a slightly different screenshot came up on my screen. A cardboard sign that read “Roses Die. Diamonds are Forever”. Admittedly, it was clever advertisement for a jewellery brand, but I was rather confused at how we pivoted from dogs to gemstones. Turns out she was just sending me ideas for this week’s email subject line. How foolish of me to think she’d settle for anything less than a Great Dane to keep Shelby company…
I consider myself lucky that I don’t have to spend hours wondering what would make Lou’s day – it’s always dogs – so I’ve put that energy toward a gift guide with some local favourites of our own. Who knows, if you’re already sorted for next weekend, you might find this comes in handy next year (you know, if hypothetically speaking you or your loved ones ended up with the keys to one of these properties by then)!
FOR THE EPICUREAN HOST // 101/54 Vernon Terrace
The generous use of striking Quartzite throughout this property makes my former geology student heart beat faster. Every time I set foot inside this renovated top floor Woolstore, I am blown away by the scale and sophistication of this apartment. It truly is an entertainer’s dream, so our selection is heavily skewed towards leisurely soirees with friends and a crisp white.
Original Art from Jan Manton Gallery
Conveniently located at the foot of the building, just a lift ride away, a piece of contemporary art is the perfect way to fill those soaring gallery-style walls.
Libertine Parfumerie Home Fragrance
A chic Trudon candle from Libertine Parfumerie, specifically the Ernesto scent with leather and tobacco notes to fit the industrial vibe, will make the grand-scale living space feel intimate and fill it with an irresistible scent.
Mud Australia Ceramics
According to the ladies in the office, you can never have too much dinnerware A handmade set from Mud Australia will perfectly complement the bespoke navy cabinetry and Quartzite bench and add an organic touch to the kitchen’s sleek lines.
FOR THE ARTISANAL COLLECTOR // 212/88 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe
This residence is a meticulously curated jewel box of a home. It celebrates tactile, reclaimed materials, specifically the heavy use of timber from the local Big Red Shed, and a globally-inspired, artisanal aesthetic. These gifts will match the inviting, unique and soulful interiors of this unique Woolstore.
Curated Brass Accents
To match the concrete and brass pendant lights hanging over the breakfast bar, a brass pepper mill is a practical gift, perfect to tie the industrial elements and bold colourful accents together.
A Sand Free Beach Towel
Our wonderful property stylists at LUMA Design Co gifted our team lightweight Sand Society towels for Christmas – these would be just as perfect for summer afternoons in the communal garden by the residents pool as weekend escapes at the beach.
An Avalon Florals Bouquet
A structural arrangement from our favourite florist on Brunswick Street would perfectly complement the unique wallpaper that adorns the bedroom.
FOR THE HERITAGE CURATOR // 420/88 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe
This Dakota Woolstore residence feels grand yet intimate, balancing the structure of the heritage features with the airy lightness of a top-floor retreat. The next owners of this impressive apartment may not have a greyhound, but we still had to include something for the pups too!
A Barney Bed
Chances of a greyhound choosing their own bed over any other soft surface in the house are slim, but a Barney Bed is a chic addition to any home regardless. There’s an endless choice of covers to make this orthopedic support bed look like a piece of designer furniture against the timber floors.
A Sleek Designer Daybed
In a home defined by its grand scale and heritage features, a daybed softens the industrial edges of the interiors and provides the perfect perch for an afternoon nap – we just can’t make any promises a canine friend won’t claim it for themselves…
A Georg Jensen Bloom Piece
To contrast the timber floors and red brick, a mirror-polished stainless steel piece is the ultimate accessory. The fluid, organic curves will catch the soft light from the sawtooth windows, creating a shimmering focal point on the massive kitchen island.
FOR THE ALFRESCO ENTHUSIAST // 75/36 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe
This top-floor London Woolstore is defined by its rare balcony, warm hardwood floors, and a highly private enclosed mezzanine. These gifts beg for leisurely, relaxed get-togethers with friends, watching the sun disappear behind Teneriffe Hill on a balmy Brisbane evening.
Maison Balzac Glassware
You can’t go wrong with a carafe, jug or fun glassware from this whimsical brand for sunset drinks overlooking the city.
FOR THE SOPHISTICATED MINIMALIST // 233/64 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe
The monochrome renovation of this apartment perfectly balances the rich tones of the brick walls and timber beams with a light, airy, gallery-like feel – you bet we’ve found the perfect presents to elevate this beautiful home.
A Statement Dinosaur Designs Piece
To sit atop the expansive kitchen island, a large resin Bones bowl mimics the organic textures of the home while staying within the neutral colour palette.
Coravin Wine Preservation System
For the collector who enjoys a glass of red while looking out over Macquarie Street, a piece of tech is the ideal gift to pick up from The Wine Emporium at Gasworks Plaza.
A Textured Wool Throw
In a nod to the building’s history as a wool store, a chunky, oversized wool throw in charcoal or oatmeal from Jardan adds a soft, tactile layer to the sofa or the bed.
If your weekend isn’t consumed by gift-hunting ahead of next weekend, why not join us for some property hunting?
Talk soon,
Ben
