An Antipodean Gathering in NYC
Last week we celebrated the launch of Barefoot, a natural rug cleaner created in partnership with Leif, at our New York showroom.
Journal
The Armadillo Journal is home to stories and conversations covering Places, People, and Purpose. You'll find features on people who inspire us, places and projects that delight us, explorations of ideas that ignite us, and rich reads for all those who journey with us.
A Barefoot Moment in Sydney
We celebrated the unveiling of Barefoot, our collaboration with Leif, with an intimate luncheon at Beau in Surry Hills.
The Armadillo Playlist Vol. 13 | Clean Slate
We've assembled a list of effervescent anthems with the groove and sizzle to get us moving (and dancing!) as we tackle the day's chores.
Form and Formula with Jonnie Vigar of Leif
To celebrate the launch of Barefoot, a plant-based rug refresher and concentrated spot cleaner created in collaboration with Leif, we spoke to their co-founder Jonnie Vigar. Known for their botanical care products, Leif is a design-led brand that wholeheartedly celebrates its Australian roots and champions innovations in sustainability. Jonnie shared how the partnership with Armadillo came to fruition and why transparency is so important to customers today.
The Cloth of Culture with Grace Lee-Lim
Like much in life, a beautiful home comes down to balance. Luckily, the California-based interior designer Grace Lee-Lim has a knack for achieving harmony. Gently influenced by her Korean heritage, the spaces she imagines are serene and sentimental, lovingly layered but with room to breathe. Below, she reminisces about her career path and walks us through her latest project, a joyful family home in the Bay Area. Photography by Molly Haas
Forward Thinking with Alexander &CO.
For Jeremy Bull, the bigger picture has always loomed large. The founder of architecture and interior design studio Alexander &CO. has an expansive worldview that discerns the long-reaching impact of the simplest design decision. We spoke to Jeremy and marketing director Tess Glasson about the social and environmental considerations that have shaped their practice and why it was so important to undergo certification as a B Corp. Portrait by Alicia Taylor. Project photography by Anson Smart.
Taking Shape with Danya Ahmed
Danya Ahmed, founder of Gray Gardens Plant Studio, has always leaned into life’s unexpected twists and turns. Born in Ohio, she emigrated to her ancestral homeland of Lebanon after studying fine art. While spending two years living in a remote mountain village, she started experimenting with concrete to create raw yet sensual planters. We reached out to the artist to learn more about these architectural yet organic vessels that elevate the humble potted plant into a living sculpture.
An Homage to Artisanship
Located on bustling Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, CA, Stahl + Band is a haven of art and design. Opened by Jeffery Molter in 2016, the showroom and gallery has a rich history as the former studio of artist and actor Dennis Hopper. Today, it houses an ever-rotating collection of furniture, lighting and art from around the world, including pieces of Jeffery’s own design. We spoke to the curator and creative director about his passion for artisan craft. Styling & Photography of San Francisco Showroom by Rosy Strazzeri-Fridman
The Artist in Flux with Chanel Tobler
Both in person and through her work, Sydney-based artist Chanel Tobler proves to be as introspective as she is expressive. Her abstract, primarily pastel-based drawings explode in delightful color, yet hint at deep-feeling themes around place and making sense of one’s surroundings. We visited Chanel at her beachside studio to peruse her latest visual explorations and discuss the challenges of translating ideas to paper.
Casa Soleto by Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez
In the Salento area of Puglia, stands a 17th century palazzotto, lovingly restored by Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez to give guests an authentic experience of Italian village life centered around the experience of barefoot luxury. For twenty years, the labyrinth property remained unoccupied – furniture, books and photos from previous residents left untouched inside as if time stood still. Architect and interior designer Andrew Trotter has majestically brought Casa Soleto into the twenty-first century while preserving its historic features. We spoke to him about the importance of craftsmanship and how earthy, natural materials can create a feeling of ease. Photography by Salva Lopez
From The Ground Up With Julie Van Daele
Julie Van Daele’s foray into interior design is proof that one should never pass up an opportunity. The founder of Well Received began her career in New York, working in public relations and marketing, but always harbored a passion for art and design. After relocating to California and building her dream home, Julie instinctively pivoted into the interiors industry, where she has become renowned as much for her warm personality as her textural aesthetic. We spoke to the designer about being authentic in life and work, and interweaving her personal style into the homes of clients.
An Evening at Our Melbourne Showroom
Last week we celebrated the unveiling of our latest collections, Eden and Corsica, with the first event at our new showroom in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
The Armadillo Playlist Vol. 12 | Promenade
Like our newest releases, Eden and Corsica, 'Promenade' is inspired by the lull of island life. Ambient sounds that nod to the new and nostalgic gently ebb and flow, beckoning us to escape into moments of reverie and repose.
Escape to Rosedale Farm with Steve Cordony
A noted aesthete and joyful epicure, Steve Cordony is also the host of Rosedale Farm, a sprawling country estate located in the picturesque town of Orange, NSW. We spoke to the stylist extraordinaire about curating an unforgettable guest experience at the property’s new farm stays.