Journal

The Armadillo Journal is home to stories and conversations covering Places, People, and Purpose. You'll find features on people who inspire us, places and projects that delight us, explorations of ideas that ignite us, and rich reads for all those who journey with us.

People

Fleeting Beauty with Tildy’s Bonsai

In our encounters over the years with artists, makers and creatives, we’ve learned that anything of value takes time. Having honed his skills in the ancient art of bonsai and founded plant studio Tildy’s, Billy Ho has patience in spades. With his miniature trees making their presence known everywhere from the sanctum of his workspace to our quiet campaigns and sun-filled Sydney showroom, we sat down to discuss how a spare-time pursuit became a passion. Studio photography courtesy of Tildy’s Bonsai Campaign styling by Joseph Gardner Campaign photography by Anson Smart

People

Storied Design with Studio Gardner

Stylist Joseph Gardner has a preternatural talent for visual storytelling. If one were to collage his set designs, they would tell an emotionally resonant tale of interior worlds that luxuriate in quality craftsmanship. With the gallery and showroom Studio Gardner, he and partner Aaron Wong have endowed us with a treasure trove of covetable art, furniture and design to make our very own. Photography by Studio Gardner & Dave Wheeler

Place

Villa Des Fleurs with Chloe Tozer

When it came to updating their home in Peregian Beach, Queensland, Chloe Tozer and her partner Jack Clissold embraced a denouement full of history and character. The founder of CLO Studios, an acclaimed interior design atelier and boutique, is not one to shy away from color, texture and silhouette. To the contrary, inspired by the couple’s globe-trotting travels, Villa des Fleurs houses an exceptional collection of antique and vintage souvenirs showcased with contemporary flair. Styling by Emma Bestek  Photography by Lillie Thompson

People

A Layered Approach with Kirsten Blazek

As founder of A 1000 X Better, the lauded Los Angeles-based design firm, Kirsten Blazek has shown a knack for transforming blank spaces into striking interiors layered with history, individuality and meaning. As she launches her first book, Kirsten shares with us how color, texture and eclectic vintage finds can make a home feel warm, authentic and a pleasure to live in. Photography by Michael P.H. Clifford and Alex Zarour

Place

Cape Schanck by Studio Goss

We’re no stranger to the elegant design eye of David Goss, having commissioned his multi-disciplinary practice Studio Goss to bring the spatial incarnations of our brand to life across all six Armadillo showrooms. Their latest project is a residential wonder perched on the coast of the Mornington Peninsula – a series of strong yet serene courtyard spaces that capture the enigmatic beauty of natural and ambient light. Photography by William-Dirk du Toit

Place

Refined Luxury with Cuff Studio

It always feels like a beautiful alignment when we come across brands that share our intent as well as our esthetic. To celebrate the launch of Meadow, Cuff Studio recently curated an effortlessly stylish vignette at our San Francisco showroom featuring pieces from their new line of covetable furniture and furnishings. Below we speak to Wendy Schwartz who, alongside co-founder Kristi Bender, has championed female-led business, sustainable design and quality craftsmanship. Showroom photography by Bess Friday Campaign photography by Ori Harpaz

Place

Force of Nature with Molly Sedlacek

At ORCA, the outdoor space is no afterthought. Instead, landscape designer Molly Sedlacek exalts an authentic connection to the earth with artfully undone gardens graced by found materials. This dedication to biophilia extends to her own abode in Los Angeles. Originally built by Michael Tessler of Responsive Homes, the 860 square foot residence is beautifully designed, with scenery that Molly has tended to thoughtfully. Photography by Austin John

Playlist

The Armadillo Playlist Vol. 17 | The Lilt of Leisure

In this genre-spanning, 70s-inspired set list by DJ Leslie Kirchhoff, we let loose and celebrate a life well-lived. A soundtrack for the pleasure of good company or time indulged alone, it’s an apt reminder to unhurriedly unwind.

Place

An Evening on the Future of Design

In celebration of B Corp Month and the theme “This Way Forward”, we hosted a panel discussion at our Sydney showroom on the future of sustainability in design. Facilitated by Tim Ross, the wide-ranging conversation included Jeremy Bull of Alexander &CO., Eva-Marie Prineas of Studio Prineas, and author and journalist Karen McCartney. Below, the speakers share their insights on the benefits of becoming certified as a B Corp, how sustainability informs their approach to design and the growing consumer appetite for values-led brands.

People

Designer’s Own with Christopher Elliott

Led by integrity, interior designer Christopher Elliott intuitively knows when to approach a space with sensitivity and when to exert vigor. The through-line of his projects remain clean lines, quality materials and custom finishes. When it came to creating a new Melbourne workspace for his namesake practice, those same principles came into play. Photography by Jack Lovel

Place

Transcending Time with Alicia Racovolis

For fledgling designer Alicia Racovolis, curation is everything. Fluent in the nomenclature of fine art and vintage furniture, each of her interiors could be a case study in everyday refinement. Her latest project in Elizabeth Bay has a beautiful natural aspect, but it is the tactile elements and striking details invigorating the tonal décor that inevitably draw the eye. Photography by Dave Wheeler

Place

Plateau Project with Georges Antoni and Phoebe Ghorayeb

Home to fashion photographer Georges Antoni, model and presenter Phoebe Ghorayeb and their three young children, this 60-year-old Sydney bungalow is at its core a love letter to family. In giving the residence new life, the couple honored the post-modernist heritage while infusing it with modern warmth. Understated in palette and lively in texture, everything feels intentional and inviting – the perfect backdrop to rest, play and gather. Architecture by RAMA Architects Interior Styling by Lara Hutton Shoot Styling by Joseph Gardner Photography by Sean Fennessy & Georges Antoni

Playlist

The Armadillo Playlist Vol. 16 | Remnants of the Day

Contemplate in comfortable elegance with our latest playlist, an edit of sophisticated tunes for those remnants of the day that conjure the deepest beauty and emotion.

Place

Kings Road by Phoebe Nicol

This artful reimagining of a 1920s Sydney home is emblematic of Phoebe Nicol’s approach to design. The interior is light, airy, calm and quiet – filled with pockets of space that offer respite from the outside world. Embellished by bespoke design details and French antiques sourced through The Vault Sydney, her business with husband Jeremy Bowker, it’s an intimate home with enduring style. Styling by Joseph Gardner Photography by Dave Wheeler