Aesop’s First Lamp, Ottolenghi’s Playful Vase Collab and More Homewares We’re Eyeing in May

At what point do we stop talking about the weather? Never. With winter closing in, we’re leaning all the way into cosy. That includes plush robes and PJs, candles on rotation and lighting that casts a soft, warm glow – the kind that doubles as art. We’re looking to local designers like Volker Haug, Rachel Donath and BMDO, alongside the timeless silhouettes of Akhari. 

Considered design details go a long way in warming up a space. This past month has delivered a string of standout collaborations, both local and international. On our radar: Ellison Studios’s latest jewellery dish made with Mejuri; Ottolenghi’s playful collection of ceramic vases with Belgian design brand Serax; West Elm’s nostalgic, mid-century-leaning collection with Emma Chamberlain; and fashion cool-girl label Staud’s first-ever homewares range.

In the kitchen, we’re swapping worn-out rags and sponges for non-toxic, plastic-free alternatives. But that’s just the start. Here’s everything the Broadsheet team is shopping.

Holly Bodeker Smith, newsletter editor

I never thought I’d be that girl, but I’m finally worried about chemicals – is this being in your 30s? After falling down a rabbit hole via Netflix’s The Plastic Detox, I’ve started quietly swapping out my kitchenware for plastic-free alternatives. I’m starting with everyday basics, including Kitchen Pro’s affordable baking tray trio, and also adding Designstuff’s bamboo dishcloths and hemp sponges to the cart.

I’ve been sitting on a Citta birthday voucher for way too long and their latest drop might finally my time to use it. I’m pointing it squarely at this bold night-light. Plus, Toast’s splatterwear oil pourer is an item I didn’t know I needed until I did, very badly, immediately.

Grace MacKenzie, Sydney food and drink editor

It’s getting chillier and I’m saving for a trip to Italy, so I’m spending lots of time pottering around, doing the things I’ve meant to do for ages. Not my taxes – stuff like framing my treasured photo strips. This special handmade piece by Stone Bridge is near the top of my wishlist, behind only Fleur Studios’ exceptionally vibey side table. Imagine it topped with a mushroom-esque lamp and a lit candle (poured in Sydney at Provider Store, please). Slow Down’s vibey throw hanging on the wall, too – peak cosy. Now I just need to repot all my plants (and do my taxes).

Gitika Garg, assistant editor – art, design & style

No one does design quite like Milan. I’m feeling inspired after seeing everything at this year’s Milan Design Week. Top of mind: Aesop’s first foray into lighting. The Aussie label has crafted a table lamp, pendant and floor lamp – softly angular, each inspired by the cap of its bestselling hand balm. They’re not available in Australia just yet, so I’m swooning over a resin design by local maker Rachel Donath instead. Milan design studio R&D Lab nails pared-back simplicity. A sage pepper mill and these clear coupes are on the wishlist. So are these speckled shell napkin holders from Gohar World’s new collection – chic with just a touch of whimsy. I’m seeing my dream dinner party come to life.

In the bathroom, my essentials are due for a serious upgrade. I’m ready to swap my rough, scratchy towels for these plush striped ones from Aura Home (currently 20 per cent off). This khaki bath mat and Leif’s Buddha Wood handwash also make for plush revamps.

Another current fixation: Staud’s first-ever homewares collection. The LA-based label brings its signature cool to vases, ceramics and other trinkets. I want to set the table at said dinner party with these woven leather placemats and pop a few statement flowers in this mustard-coloured vase.

James Williams, creative solutions manager

My mum’s big into colour these days and In The Roundhouse’s nostalgic yellow and blue scallop plate set takes me straight back to my childhood dining table. It’ll make a great Mother’s Day pick. Ottolenghi’s collab with Serax also hits the mark. As for myself, with winter around the corner, I’m eyeing Muji’s futon-esque floor chairs so I can sit as close to the fireplace as possible.

I need to address the ever-growing book stack in my bedroom, but I don’t really want a towering bookshelf, which leads me to Mugu's shelving units. While it’ll first be used to present my books and magazines in a more considered way, it could also live a second life as a TV unit (when I inevitably require a bigger bookshelf). Volker Haug lamp on the top shelf, but I’ll settle for admiring them at Melbourne Design Week for the time being. For now, a Dr Vranjes Gold Oud candle will set the mood – a new favourite. 

Steph Vigilante, head of social media

I recently added a new couch to my living room, but my old cushions weren’t quite speaking the same language. These Emma Chamberlain x West Elm stripes are the perfect, playful pivot for a seasonal mood shift. And given they’re reversible, I can just turn them inside out the next time I get the itch to redecorate. A recent weekender with a plush Baina robe has inspired a linen-cupboard overhaul. I love these muted-blue bath towels for winter. On the bed. side, Ellison Studios’ Shoal catch-all – which honestly just looks like a chic frozen puddle – is the ultimate landing pad for my daily trinkets. I also recently discovered the botanical range by local ceramicist Angus & Celeste. I love this pretty little side bowl with a delicate grevillea blossom.

Every time I walk past Oigall Projects on Gertrude Street, something catches my eye. And recently I’ve been obsessing over the striped fabric lamps by BMDO in the window. They’re such beautiful statement pieces that’ve been added straight to the top of my wishlist.

Lucy Bell Bird, national assistant editor

Daylight saving has ended – and usually that ushers in my seasonal sulk on coming home to a dark house. This year, I’m going to do something about it by making my home as cosy and comfortable as possible. I’m starting with new PJs from Hommey because matching pyjamas make me feel like I’ve got my life together. I’m also hoping to lean into some aromatherapy with scented candles to help me wind down at the end of the day. Then, I’m upgrading my bathroom with new handtowels that match my bath towels. I’m bringing summer sunshine into the living room with this gorgeous print from Food for Everyone to tide me over until my next holiday.

Over in the kitchen, I’m looking to replace my wine glasses after a series of unfortunate glass smashes last week. And I’ve got my eyes on Grape Garden’s chilli oil, which’ll be great to fill the crispy chilli oil jar from Maison Balzac I was recently gifted.

Emmanuelle Lee, social media coordinator

Rose, cream, soft pearlescent neutrals and mixed metal accents are colours I keep coming back to, no matter how far I try to stray. It’s a palette echoed in the works of Iona MacKenzie, which I recently spotted at Saloon Store. Melbourne designer Corey Ashford’s brass madeleine box is a piece for both function and admiration. 

For the table, Gracie’s orange wine, a collaboration with Konpira Maru, is an easy addition to any bar cart. It’s textured and a little savoury. Plus, these drift dishes from Dinosaur Designs in sandy pearl work just as well as a catch-all as they do for serving olives and hummus on a cheeseboard.

I recently purchased the body pillow from Sheet Society, and it’s become an unexpectedly great addition to my bed, both for styling and comfort. Fleur Studios’ stainless steel side table has been on the list for years, ideally with a few sleek wine glasses sitting on it and a Loewe wax candle that’s almost too pretty to burn – not essential, but hard to resist.

Meg Nolan, social media performance executive

Side tables are my nemesis. For years, I’ve avoided committing to one to replace my haphazard bedside stack of books, but I think I’ve finally found the solution in the form of this Fleur Studios brushed stainless steel piece. Super simple, but perfect to add some edge to my period apartment. To go on it, I will absolutely need a fun new water carafe, plus this glass Ellison Studios jewellery dish, which I’ve fallen head over heels for.

Moving to the dining room, I can’t go past this beautiful vintage linen mulberry tablecloth. I’m a sucker for a fun coaster (or anything quirky around the house, really), so these hors d’oeuvres ones will also be coming home with me.

And last but not least, the Akari floor lamp of my dreams – which I’m still, years on, trying to convince myself I don’t need. My birthday’s in a few weeks, and it might finally be time to treat myself.

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