Journal
Care & styling
Small habits that keep natural materials looking good for years, and a simple way to layer a room.
Layer a room in four steps
- Start underfoot. A rug sets the room’s size — go one size larger than feels safe.
- Add soft weight. Two or three cushions in different weaves beat six matching ones.
- Fix the light. One warm lamp at eye level does more for an evening than any ceiling fitting.
- Finish small. A vase, a tray, a stack of books — leave space between them.
Washed linen
- Machine wash cool on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
- Skip fabric softener; it coats the fibres and stops them softening.
- Line dry in shade — direct Australian sun fades colour quickly.
- Warm iron while slightly damp if you want it crisp.
Wool
- Air outdoors in the shade rather than washing.
- Spot clean with cool water and a wool wash, blotting rather than rubbing.
- Store folded with cedar, never on a hanger and never in plastic.
Jute & seagrass
- Vacuum without a beater bar; shake smaller pieces outside.
- Blot spills immediately — natural fibres hold water.
- Rotate rugs twice a year so they wear evenly.
Ceramics & timber
- Hand wash stoneware; avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Wipe timber with a barely damp cloth and re-oil once a year.