Brisbane designer Simon Hooper gives woodworking a contemporary and redefined image. His impressive craftsmanship captures the beauty of the materials he uses, making any of his pieces a visual experience.

He uses rare recycled timbers, weaving together his visionary skills and craft in cabinet-making to create Art Deco inspired pieces with a modern finish.

If his work takes your fancy, you can even commission Simon to work his wonders on your very own stunning piece of furniture.

> You can find out more about Simon Hooper and contact him through his website at simonhooperfurniture.com

Or

> Follow his blog at simonhooperfurniture.com/blog

- Despina Papamanolis, QH Guest blogger

It’s a well known fact that shopping for ‘gorgeous little things’ makes a woman hungry … and thirsty.

So it’s good news to hear that Lily G has opened a coffee shop in the midst of the home of said gorgeous little things in downtown Norman Park.

Well known as a place to go for inspiration for the home with a real feel for sub tropical living, Lily G offers a delectable range of homewares and furniture, accessories and even fashion - what’s not to love?

> You can find Lily G on 172 Bennetts Road, Norman Park
> Click for more Lily G on the Queensland Homes website!

- QH Editor, Margaret McGuire

With the full intent to spend the summer days outside entertaining and relaxing, one must have a stylish chair in which to lounge away the hot days and balmy nights.

Welcome the Acapulco Chair! The iconic 1950s Mexican chair is found on beaches and in lounges throughout its homeland, and it’s now available in Australia.

The Acapulco oozes both retro and contemporary cool, with a fab range of colours like hot pink, sky blue, beige, black and white.

And from $440, available online at acapulcochair.com.au or from Jrae Agency in Queensland (phone 0424 754 844) we simply have to have it!

- Guest Blogger Natalie Bannister

I just can’t resist a curb side collection - it’s crazy what some people are willing to throw away!

Although these days I don’t go out specifically to hunt down these pieces of ‘treasure’, I’ll still occasionally stumble across things that I just can’t bear to see be left in the gutter, only to die a nasty death long before their time.

Chairs are usually in my line of vision.

My husband Ben was particularly thrilled when an incidental trip to the dry cleaners turned into a mission to find the five remaining directors’ chairs that would complete a set of eight that I would definitely ‘find a use for’.

While these common household items are so often seen as junk and totally ten years ago, in my head I had the vision that with a little bit of paint, some decent looking fabric and a bit of effort, they could be something more.

And yes Ben, we do have an impending christmas break full of outdoor entertaining that could be enhanced by a few quirky and useful outdoor chairs to match the table setting … better get to it!

I convinced Ben to do all the dirty work for me - sand them back, fix the broken bits and paint the first couple of coats, while I did the fun stuff - chose the fabric, measured up, made a pattern and did the sewing.

Ta-dar!

So that’s the chairs sorted. Now I just have to finish the tablecloth, make some matching place-mats, work out a centre piece. And maybe sometime before christmas lunch, think about the food.

- Guest Blogger Michelle Perry from Production Dept.

As a lover of all things cute and quirky, I was excited to come across Jellio interior design.

Jellio’s concept is to bring the fun out of our childhood days and very cleverly combine it with interior design.

They have some seriously cool decor ranging from tables, glasses, light fixtures, rugs and mirrors. Here’s a quick list of what you can expect (how cool do they sound?!):

• Rubik’s Cube Table
• Gummi Bear Lights
• Cap Gun Mirror
• Ice Cream Ottoman

Jellio also works on custom projects, meaning they can literally make anything you desire! Check out their custom projects here.

Jellio designs will definitely add that quirky touch to your home. My personal favourite? Definitely the Gummi Bear lights - they are too cute!

Have a browse through their website  on www.jellio.com to view product descriptions and prices.

- Guest Blogger Cherizza Almario from QH Web Dept.

Coco Republic is definitely one of the ‘go-to’ furniture showrooms in Brisbane if you are searching for something sensational that will make your room come alive. Their showroom in Fortitude Valley is filled with amazing pieces that you will want to take home with you. Everything from French Provincial dressers through to sexy Art Deco-inspired cocktail tables.

The staff are passionate about their product and to this end they have introduced a series of Lifestyle Lectures which aim to create a sense of ‘community’ around the brand. High profile industry speakers are invited to give talks on everything from property through to design and culture. “The aim is to make this an educational experience for clients, one they will learn from and take something away” says Susie Thompson, the media and events manager at Coco Republic.

Rhonda Bannister, Editor-in-chief of Graphic Publishing, along with Damian Hackett, CEO of Place Estate Agents gave one of the first lectures on September 17. On Thursday October 1, designer and architect Nic Brunner and magazine editor Margie Fraser will give the next lectures in the series. If you wish to attend please RSVP to rsvp@cocorepublic.com.au