October 1st 2010

Our retailer profile this week takes us up the coast to beautiful Byron Bay, where the people are relaxed, the weather is sensational and the beaches are covered in SunnyLIFE umbrellas, chairs and beach towels. As you know I was there earlier in the year and had a fantastic break.

The Byron Bay Greenhouse located on Fletcher street in the center of town has been evolving for over 10 years, and has since become one of the leading home wares and gift idea stores in Australia. Owner Melissa Graigner sources products from all over the world and stocks loads of beach ‘must haves’

We sat down with Melissa to talk about her summer ahead.

Describe to us what the Greenhouse is all about?

It’s really about a relaxed shopping experience, as a lot of our customers are on holidays they can spend hours wondering around the store taking in all the interesting products we display. We also have an online store so we can send your items home for you, saving you the stress of having to take them home yourself.

How long have you been stocking SunnyLIFE for?

Hmm I think around 5 years? Is that correct? We have been stocking SunnyLIFE for awhile now, and its a best seller at this time of year. Everyone walking past on their way to main beach will pick up some paddles, a beach sounds or an umbrella.

What is your favorite SunnyLIFE item this season?

I’d have to say the Noosa umbrella and beach towel- I just love the design, its so eye catching and would look fantastic on the beach with the pass (one of Byron’s famous beaches) as the backdrop.

Who is the Greenhouse Customer, what are they looking for?

The Greenhouse customer is everyone. Some people are looking to redecorate, some are looking for that perfect gift and others see something they just can’t live without. As we have a price point for everyone it’s accessible to most people.

We hear your opening a new store on the Gold Coast?

YES! We will be opening a new store on the Gold Coast on the 4th of October. We will now be located at the Ferry road markets in Southport. We are so excited!

What’s the best time of year to visit Byron Bay?

Anytime! It’s beautiful rain, hail or shine. Pop past when your in town and say hello.

I stumbled across this Hong Kong apartment on an architecture site I look at… Architect Gary Chang has transformed his families 32sqm tiny former home into an uber statement on efficent use of space. Amazing concept and finish - but somehow it still feels small. Watch the video here.

This season at SunnyLIFE sees us vastly expanding our outdoor dining and entertaining focus with our Melamine and Acrylic ranges. When creating this collection we were focused on function and purpose – everything has to enhance the way our customers live and entertain. Obviously – how it looks is an element of that “enhancement” and from my point of view, it looks brilliant! It just keeps getting better - given the fact it’s also dishwasher safe.

A new member of our design team, Adrienne, suggested that I reintroduce the ‘Things I Like’ posts to the blog. Good idea…

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend a very good friend’s wedding in Trani, Italy. It was an amazing experience – like something out of an Italian movie (see the pic below). The wedding venue, and where I stayed for 4 days, was the Mare Resort in the centre of the old town. The Mare is a converted Palazzo with just 13 rooms, so by virtue of being one of those lucky few, I felt like an Italian aristocrat – I really tried to dress the part. The hotel was created by the people behind the Italian homewares brand Culti – one of my absolute favorites (think SunnyLIFE meets Armani Casa). I can highly recommend the hotel – and if you do get there, make sure you send my regards to Gaia… Quite possibly the happiest and nicest person I’ve ever encountered working in a hotel. For Culti visit www.culti.it  and for the hotel visit www.mareresort.it.

Oh – and big congratulations to Jess & Sabino.

It’s mid-July – which at SunnyLIFE means that summer has arrived, or more specifically our summer collection is being launched. The launch is the culmination of many months of work by so many people – it’s a big moment for us so you’ll have to indulge me a little.

I’m incredibly proud of the new range – it is truly the execution of our founding vision to furnish a complete sunny lifestyle. Early on, we identified the blurring of the distinction between living and entertaining indoors and out. Walls are literally coming down between living rooms and alfresco entertaining areas and SunnyLIFE is right there providing all the elements to complete that space.

I’ll blog about the this year’s categories individually (far be it from me to gush) – but our re-categorization will help convey how our offer is expanding. Beach – our original category, Kitchen & Dining, Living, Outdoor Living and Bathroom all include products that will help make your space and life more sunny.

The image I’ve posted is my favourite shot (from our photo shoot in May) – our cushions and acrylic champagne glass look so chic and LA. Phillipa, our model, looked very chic too.

Enjoy looking at the new collection online – it will be in store from next month.

Happy Summer,

Joel.

Do I start with an apology? Do I pretend nothing happened? Do I provide excuses or do I just move on? Let’s try all of the above…

I’m sorry that my posts dried up - my attentions were elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care about the blog… I do. The good news is that I’m back - and I have a secret weapon up my sleeve that means the blog will never again be unloved.

Stay tuned. JB.

Hi there Sunny People, I just got back to town after a week in Byron Bay. Some intensive beach research took place and I can report that Byron Bay has been added to my favourites’ list.

The reason I started SunnyLIFE in the first place was because I love the beach – and my love affair continues after the recent break. Wide open beaches, warm ocean waters, stunning trees – these things encourage and enforce relaxation. I don’t recall being as relaxed in a very long time. It also gave me a good chance to road-test some SunnyLIFE products… good news is that our towels work perfectly. 

Byron Bay is famous for its laid-back vibe – a charming antidote to city-life. After a couple of days in the sunshine – I found myself overcome with “Byron Brain”, which in my case, hampered my ability to process anything beyond the simplest concepts. It meant that making the most basic of decisions (e.g. Pool or Beach), became incredibly challenging. Apparently ignorance really is bliss.

As is often the case on holiday’s – food is a central feature – this was certainly the case for us. The restaurants in Byron Bay were sensational – 2 that spring to mind, and if you get the chance you shouldn’t miss, are Byron Beach Café and Rae’s at Wategos.

Hopefully I’ll get back up there very soon!

Joel.

Ho Ho Ho Dear Blog Readership.

I hope that your 2009 has been healthy, successful and sun-filled. As the calendar year ends, the SunnyLIFE office winds down and everyone heads to the beach for some R & R. However you spend your Xmas/New Year, enjoy the break, the sunshine and the good times. Wishing you more of the same in 2010.

Find below some shots from the SunnyLIFE Xmas Party last week. What a fabulous group and what a fabulous time!

Sam, Nick & Sarah.

Lu & Cam.

Kelly, Ross & Caitlin.

Kneeling Dave, Merin & Cova.

Dan, Georgia & Allan.

Joel & Paul (no matching outfits this year).  

So my blog has got away from me. I know, I know, if a blog isn’t nourished it can’t survive. I guess I shouldn’t get that puppy after all. So why so long between posts? What can I say – it’s a busy time of year! In the past month, I’ve been to HK & China, had the races, been finalising and presenting our ranges for Summer 10/11 and had 5 days in Sydney for my brother’s wedding festival. Suffice to say, I’m greatly looking forward to summer holidays.

As mentioned, we’ve been working on our ranges for next year. We are creating the 7^th season of SunnyLIFE! Where does the time go? As is always the case, our aim is to evolve our designs and our product mix. Next year, we’ll be adding a lot of categories and products to our home décor offer – which is very exciting as we continue to expand our SunnyLIFE.

I’ll be blogging more regularly till Xmas… I promise! Happy Summer for December 1.

As mentioned, I’ve added a new element to the blog called “things I like”, but perhaps I should change it to “things I love”, after my stay in London. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a great hotel experience where style, rooms, service and location all beautifully aligning. The Haymarket Hotel is at the centre of everything London – 1 minute from Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, we had the entire city at our disposal. Soho, Regent & Oxford Streets, Covent Garden, Mayfair etc. etc – everything was in walking distance.

The Hotel was created by Kit & Tim Kemp as part of their Firmdale Group. Kit Kemp is a renowned interior designer – and has amazing style which results in even the most eclectic items looking fantastic together. A key element to achieve that eclectic cohesion is the use of symmetry. See a photo of the beautiful ballroom below which reflects that.

For better photos or more info, check out the website here.