What would a stylist choose?: Freedom Furniture edition
One of my core business values is to offer affordable interior styling advice because I truly believe everyone deserves a beautiful home, no matter the numbers displayed on their bank balance.
While I’m not a fan of buying everything from just one or two mainstream stores and will always encourage slowly collecting and displaying decorative bits and bobs that are unique to you, your style, travels and life experiences, I recognise that these stores can often have that perfect piece you’ve been looking for, or something that will at least do a great job of filling the spot until such time as you do find the perfect piece.
In fact, I love mixing high and low (or sometimes even low and low!) and am not at all snobbish when it comes to the retailer if what I’m seeing on the shelf or floor is of good design, proportions and has that special… I dunno… something!
So, I thought I would start a little series showcasing the pieces from the more affordable major retailers that stand out to me as an interior stylist. I drop in from time to time to keep up to date with what’s on offer, so will snap some photos of what’s available at my local store and share. The photos will be completely casual and unedited, but I’ll link to the products so you can check them out in a more stylised, beautified way!
First up? Freedom Furniture!
Here are the pieces I recently spied and a quick note as to why they stood out to me:
Why I liked it:
This cushion was a perfect neutral tone (not too warm or cold) and the texture and simple colour-block design would make it a winner in many an interior.
The colour of this sofa fabric (Sofia Terracotta) was also so lovely! A little punch of life for your space without being too overpowering or high-contrast. It would work beautifully within an earthy neutral interior palette. I think it may only be available in one sofa design though, which I didn't love so haven’t linked to.
Havelock Scatter Cushion - $55.00
Why I liked it:
Sometimes all you need is a fun little pop of pattern and, in the right space, this ottoman would deliver.
Kasbah Storage Ottoman - $374.00
Why I liked it:
The subtle patterning, texture and tones of this rug would make it great in an otherwise minimal, neutral interior complemented by warm oak and soft, creamy beige and stone tones.
Fosca Floor Rug - starting at $449.00
Why I liked it:
The shape, colour and texture of this armchair work beautifully and I can see it easily slotting into any earthy neutral, warm minimalist, or organic modernist style interior.
Archer Fabric Armchair in Sage - $1,519.00
Why I liked it:
These kind of footed bowls are very handy, particularly for shelf styling, a coffee table, dining table, kitchen bench fruit bowl, or even a bathroom with chunky soaps and a hand-towel displayed in it. This one was a good size, texture, colour, and had a nice weight to it.
Artisan Decorative Bowl - $96.00
Why I liked it:
The simple shape and curve of this bedhead would bridge many different interior styles, I just wish it was available in some more playful fabric colours and textures!
Audrey Curved Headboard - $1,424.00
Why I liked it:
There’s just something about a wide tapered lampshade and a generous lamp base. I’m all for putting a little more money towards a great lamp as they add a sculptural element to any space and, of course, you can never have enough soft lamp lighting!
Monbulk Table Lamp - $244.00
Why I liked it:
It’s hard to go past a great blue when you find one as they are just so versatile. This ‘ink’ blue was the perfect depth of colour and, although it’s not as wide as I’d ideally like it to be to lay flat across the width of a Queen or King size bed and hang generously over the sides, it would be a smart addition stretched out flat over the end of a child’s single or maybe even a double bed. It could be paired with lighter denim blue bedding, perhaps indigo ticking stripe sheeting and a couple of tan or ochre-toned pillowcases.
Saidee Throw in Ink - $79.00
Why I liked it:
There were multiple sizes of these and the chrome option would be great on a coffee table, a kitchen shelf, or a dining room buffet, with or without the actual candles.
Nina Candlestick Holder in Chrome - from $14.00
Why I liked it:
A great tone for a warm, neutral or beachy interior, with just enough going on at the top to hold its own if displayed empty.
Nell Vessel - $79.95
Why I liked it:
Artificial flowers and stems have come a long way, but I still find it takes a lot to get me over the line (fresh is obviously more beautiful but not always practical or affordable). It’s usually the plastic or papery leaves that let the overall look down so I tend to gravitate to the more compact options with fewer leaves. This sedum looked great en masse in a squat pot like this, but would also look great as a single stem or two in the right vase.
Sedum Spray - $28.00
Why I liked it:
Similarly, this soft burgundy Queen Anne’s Lace got me over the line thanks to its lack of leaves and more compact petal design (versus the papery/fabric look of the peonies and their leaves in the background). They would work beautifully as a single stem or two, or a larger bunch as pictured here.
Queen Anne’s Lace in Purple - $25.00
Why I liked it:
Both the pink glass and blue-ish greeny grey vases caught my eye here.
I can imagine the pink glass vase in a rich and moody interior of dark walnut, viola marble, burgundy, and chrome or stainless steel and, placed in the right spot, it would catch and cast the light so beautifully. The faux purple Queen Anne’s Lace above would actually work well in this vase!
The oceanic style blue-ish greeny grey vase, on the other hand, would work beautifully in a lighter, brighter coastal interior paired with oak, crisp whites and soft pinky clay tones. I’d try it with a minimal branch of large brown gumnuts or just leave it empty.
Tussock Vase - from $20.00
Mariana Vessel - from $52.00
That’s it for this edition but I’ll check again down the track or once any new season stock is rolled out.
In the meantime, if you need help piecing things together for your own unique space or are in dire need of a fresh set of eyes, reach out and I would love to have a chat!
Where to next? IKEA?!
Fiona 🌞