On my recent visit home to Sydney, I was strolling through my old neighbourhood of East Redfern and discovered a lovely little store with a name to fit, Smallspaces.
Sarah opened Smallspaces after a lifestyle change when she purchased a studio apartment. She was looking to get a one-bedroom apartment, but decided against it when she realised the big mortgage would have dictated lifestyle choices. She then started to look at studios and wondered if she could make some changes in the way that she lived. “It made sense environmentally to live small, and I began to realise that I wasn’t the only one thinking that way.” She told me. The seed for her store was planted.
Not long after moving in, Sarah started to design her own furniture to best use the space. “I made a daybed on wheels with two good quality mattress’. “ she told me. “In the day I split them apart and configured them like a modular sofa. I wanted good comfortable seating along with healthy sleeping.”
Eighteen months after her purchase, Sarah was ready for a career change and opened her store in Bourke St, Redfern with the idea of sourcing furniture that works beautifully in small areas.
She has an inclination towards Japanese and Scandinavian designs, yet also sources locally; the stunning Shibori Dyes are made by an artist a few streets away and the ceramics by Keiko Matsui, originally from Japan who trained at the National Art School and currently has a solo exhibition at the Sturt Gallery. Sarah also exhibits work by New Zealand artist, Matt Palmer.
You can also find vintage pieces like the Ercol Chairs, that Sarah restores, ”Ercol makes sense on a lot of levels; they are light, airy and beautiful in design.” She said.
Sarah’s favourite pieces in the store are the Muuto Storage System and the Shibori dyes. “You can configure the Muuto Storage System how you want and add to it, which works perfectly in small spaces. I also really love what Alison does with the Shibori dyes.” She said.
I also love the Muuto range that she stocks and actually purchased the Coat Hook Dots, which is a much-needed addition to our home.
I asked Sarah where she sees the trends going. “I’ve noticed that people want less but have more value in what they have,” she said, “The other stuff is just clutter. “
Thank you so much Sarah for inviting me into your lovely space, I look forward to visiting next time I’m in Sydney!
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What an interesting looking shop, look forward to checking it out!
Thanks Gemma. Yes it’s a really gorgeous store, definitely check it out! Mel x
Gorgeous gorgeous. You guys down under are so good at all things creative-love it. More local shopping trips please!! x
Will definitely be doing some more Caroline:)
looks gorgeous, will definitely check it out
I love the way Sarah thought outside the square and it morphed into a wonderful business. How great it would be to be part of an artistic community like the one Sarah has surrounding her. Nobody does small spaces like the Japanese..I was there last year and was endlessly fascinated by their spaces and design..their fire engines are so small and cute! These products are so earthy and beautiful, love the shibori dyed products also.