Have you seen our amazing Doveton Kay feature?



Doveton Kay is an exotic emporium of African and international-flavoured furniture and homewares, tucked away in Sydney's Double Bay. You might have seen some of their contemporary African furniture featured recently in Vogue Living, Belle and Home Beautiful.

We're taking you behind the scenes with our guest this week, Doveton Kay owner Shelley Madden.

Shelley, what inspired you to open Doveton Kay?
I was decorating my own house a few years ago, and really had trouble finding anything unique. I didn't want a cookie-cutter interior, or something that looked the same as all my friends' houses, so I started sourcing things from overseas for my own home, and it snowballed from there into opening my own store. My aim is always to find furniture and homewares with integrity, which are also well designed and beautiful.

How do you source your pieces?
My father was South African and I have a close connection with Africa — I travel there often and come back with containers full of treasure. I look for pieces made by hand, or by small communities or family-owned companies. The idea of artisanship is so important today, when so much of what we have is mass-produced. I also draw from other cultures – for example I carry some Australian designer furniture and Belgian linen sofas. Everything works perfectly together though – that's the beauty of simple design and great craftsmanship.

How do you suggest mixing African or international pieces with existing décor?
People often worry that my pieces won't fit in at their home. I always tell them not to be afraid of mixing styles. I grew up visiting wonderful South African homes, and African style incorporates all sorts of colonial influences – English, Dutch, Belgian and French. I really believe a home is so much richer and more interesting if it has layers of old and new. Think about contrasting texture and design, too. If your furniture is super streamlined and neutral, add something with intricate detail or a pop of colour. If you have lots of decorative patterns and prints in your home, choose something clean and sculptural. And our juju hats look fantastic, whether your home is traditional or more contemporary.

Can you tell us more about the juju feather hats?
They're really special. They are made by hand from hundreds of feathers in Cameroon, where they are traditionally worn by senior tribe members for ceremonial dances. They are just so striking on the wall - they look fantastic above a fireplace, or in an entry hall.

Happy shopping,
Victoria