Culture, creativity and craftsmanship are the touchstones by which friends Liss Harvey and Sally Klopper (below) choose products from around the world for their online store HARKLO. We asked about the products they love, and why.

How did you meet, and how did you come to start Harklo?
We both grew up on the coast outside of Melbourne and met through mutual friends in high school. We have been close friends and travel buddies since, sharing a love for design, home style and gin.

After many fun globe-trotting adventures together, we came up with the concept of HARKLO in 2011 to combine our passion for home accessories with world travel. It was the perfect excuse to continue our adventures abroad and bring something unique to our Aussie following. We were both keen to start our own businesses and saw the opportunity to combine our skills and bring something fresh to the home accessory scene.


Canvas metallic pebble dishes in gold and platinum.

What is the common thread running through the products you stock?
Our products are selected whilst travelling the world together.  We look for unique accessories that are fun and show personality - exactly what we want to bring to the homes of Harklo fans.  At the moment we are obsessed with all things shiny and metallic which has become a theme in this range.


Brazilian agate bookends.

Many of your products are sourced overseas.  What is important to you about the brands & suppliers you work with?
We are passionate about culture and craftsmanship.  When scouting for suppliers, this is our key focus – products that have a story to tell and are beautifully crafted.

We fell in love with Electriclove after seeing the husband & wife duo's passion for creating beautiful wall sculptures out of natural materials. They weave each piece by hand in their Brooklyn studio, truly amazing!  Our HARKLO agate products are carved from volcanic caves and carefully hand-crafted in Brazil. We look for items that bring a story into peoples homes. Quality also plays a huge role when building relationships with suppliers.

How would you describe your own personal aesthetic – is it reflected in Harklo?
Yes our personal aesthetic is definitely reflected in HARKLO.  Our styles complement each other seamlessly, we are a little bit yin and yang in that sense.  We are eclectic, elegant, bold but refined.  We are sometimes attracted to different things, but it always works together!


Brazilian agate platter and Jonathan Adler Futura salt & pepper shakers

Do you have a favourite product in this collection?
Such a tough one!!  The Electriclove dreamy wall hangings are très magnifique but our Agate Platters really are something else.  Each one is entirely unique and the gold leaf edging brings that bit of bling to the tabletop.

Quick fire questions:

Design icons: Gilles et Boissier, Joseph Dirand, Karl Springer, Florence Knoll & Kelly Wearstler
Pet hate: Knock-off furniture
Failsafe styling tip: Mix it up – something vintage, something new, add some colour, some pattern and don't forget the bling!
Dream Christmas: Family, sunshine, the beach, a well-dressed Christmas table, a bottle of bubbles, strawberry caprioskas and an almighty feast
Can't live without: Our passports

Portrait of Sally & Melissa by Steve Gourley. Product images by Bec Hudson.