Karen McCartney visited the Life Instyle show in Melbourne with our buyers Caroline and Sophie, and her editor's eye captured the highlights for us. Let us know which of these products you'd love to see on Temple & Webster by leaving a comment below.

There is no better way to spend a day than at an inspiring design show – meeting the makers, the designers and importers. Never before has there been such a sense of opportunity for new and established designers as online retailers complement existing outlets to broaden the exposure of small, creative, clever brands.  While there were many more I could have covered, here I highlight a number of stands I found inspiring in terms of product and display. It is but a taster of the sheer creative energy in Australia design today.



(Left) Myrtle & Moss used beautiful silver birch branches (owner Georgina Nelson claims she could have sold the branches several times over) to evoke the random charm of a natural setting for her Australian Made botanical skin care range.  (Right) An assortment of white canvas bags created that "I want to be in a French garden, right now' feel at the Beautiful Spaces – Inside and Out, stand.



(Left) I am a longstanding fan of Me and Amber, having bought their quirky gift cards for many years, but I had not seen their screenprinted cushion and tea towels – all with their distinctive signature graphics - before. (Right) As I am a sucker for all things paper (see above) Telegram Paper Goods are no stranger to me. They showed a huge variety of great product, and being borderline addicted, I wanted it all.



(Left) There is no denying the power of colour and Collect Home know how to work a look. Tantalising colour in complementary groups made for a joyous display of recycled glassware, exuberant silk flowers and handmade woven baskets. (Right) What is not to love about Ask Alice; linen-covered notebooks in fantastic berry colours, letterpress prints and letter writing sets that make you want to forget twitter and dip a quill in ink – yes really.



(Left) Anyone who knows me is aware of my passion for pure linen bedding, in general, and Bedouin Societe in particular. The owner is a friend and I am in awe of the lengths she goes to to perfect colours and finishes. The results are worth it. This season sees a new injection of a tangerine and ochre to inject a bit of spice into those tasteful neutrals. New to the range are Turkish towels and mohair throws. (Right) Hamamist are already friends of Temple & Webster (in fact the first item I bought from T&W was a Hamamist hand towel). These jewel-like tins containing natural olive oil soap are a great addition to the brand.



(Left) 'Well conceived, well-made objects', is the aim of Enoki whose organic lighting throws out a soft, warm light. They look as good grouped as they do as one magnificent single shade. (Right) Cote Provence is a source of the unusual and the beautiful. Of particular interest were original translucent paper plans complete with copper-plate writing,



(Left) I really enjoyed the creative energy at the bonnie and neil stand as colour and bold pattern clash in the best of ways. Screen printed cushions, handcrafted flower displays, timber storage  and tableware make a statement, whether just one piece or a combination of many. (Right) A close-up of a timber tile.



(Left) Pony Rider's Australian designs have a signature style all their own with original cushion designs sitting alongside tableware, quilts, wall flags and panels. I am already a customer, having bought my daughter a cushion cover for her 10^th birthday. (Right) I can't go past a big letter and these cards from Me and Amber sum up what I love about their work. Graphic, simple and well-priced - card art waiting for a frame.