Precinct Visit the hidden gems of New South Wales’ Kiama
WE REVEAL AUSTRALIA’S MUST-VISIT SHOPPING DESTINATIONS AND THEIR HIDDEN GEMS
THANKS TO a picturesque harbour, golden beaches and a beautiful countryside setting, there’s plenty more to this NSW South Coast destination than its famous sea-cliff blowhole. A host of delightful homewares shops, deliciously cosy cafes and plenty of handsome, heritage architecture combine to deliver year-round appeal.
1 | BEACHSIDE EMPORIUM
Owner Kathryn O’Brien worked in banking in Sydney before making a sea change to the south. Her focus for Beachside Emporium is to stock largely Australian-made products and support local artists and designers, including jeweller Magdalena Pillai, textile artist Deborah Devaal and also painter Auguste Blackman, who is the son of notable Australian painter Charles Blackman. Among the offerings you’ll find homewares with a relaxed beachy aesthetic, as well as racks of thoughtfully chosen, casual clothing from labels such as Before Anyone Else and Mavi. “It’s just things that I like,” says Kathryn with a smile.
MUST-HAVE: Timber dining
table, $995.
VISIT: 15/106 Terralong Street, 0408 118 209.
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. BOOKMARK: beachsideemporium.com.
2 | THE INSIDE STORY
When interior designer Kathleen Bowen opened her store in 2018, she had intended to use the front area as a showcase for her work and retain the rear section as her studio. But that plan lasted only as long as it took the locals to discover the shelves filled with Ralph Lauren-esque homewares, which she and colleague Simone Griggs source. Kathleen’s style was formed, she explains, while “travelling to places that had depth and richness in culture with an overlaid expat feel”. The store’s appealing product range perfectly reflects that vibe, while Simone’s background in fashion contributes to their beautifully curated collection of casual clothing. “It’s a collaborative effort,” she explains.
MUST-HAVE: Pineapple Plantation trays, from $79.20.
VISIT: 11/106 Terralong Street, 0419 447 184.
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm;
Sun, 10am-4pm.
BOOKMARK: theinside
storydc.com.
3 | INDIGO ROSE HOME LIVING
Among the gift shops and cafes that inhabit the picturesque row of heritage cottages known as Kiama’s Historic Terrace Houses, lies this homewares gem. Owner Rose Hughes worked in fashion and as a graphic designer before opening her store two years ago, and her discerning eye is evident in the beautiful ‘rooms’ that make up the small space. “I wanted to show people you could get a little old house and turn it into a home,” says Rose, who also offers styling services. She favours a natural design palette featuring touches of – quite unsurprisingly – indigo, along with a sophisticated coastal vibe. “I felt what I was bringing in represented where we live,” explains Rose.
MUST-HAVE: Wicker hanging
chair, $1199.
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-4.30pm; Sun, 10am-4pm; closed Tuesdays. VISIT: 38 Collins Street,
(02) 4232 2838. BOOKMARK: indigorose.net.au.
4| PARFAIT PATISSERIE
In a town teeming with cafes it takes something different to make an impact, but since opening this cafe, bakery and patisserie in mid-2018, Troy and Sam Hindmarch have certainly done that. Customers throng the place for Troy’s gorgeous sourdough bread, delicious cakes and simply unmissable pies, all baked from scratch on the premises. “We really just wanted to open our own place so we could work and spend a lot of time together, and share my passion for the industry,” Troy says.
The light-filled French-meetscoastal feel is the brainchild of Sam, a former hairdresser. The pair did the majority of the fit-out themselves with the help of some friends.
MUST-HAVE: House-made Moroccan lamb pie, $5.80.
VISIT: 38-40 Manning Street, (02) 4232 1030.
OPEN: Wed-Mon, 6.30am-4pm.
BOOKMARK: parfait patisserie.com.
5| DEER WILLOW
Owner Vicki Saran worked as a money-broker for 10 years, but her passion for interiors saw her establish Deer Willow five years ago, with an emphasis on natural, organic and textural materials and unique homewares which have a story and can’t be found everywhere else. “Travel is a constant inspiration for me and, without a doubt, a major influence for what I choose to put in store,” says Vicki. The space expanded upstairs two years ago, allowing enough space for Vicki to add furniture to her range of homewares, both vintage pieces as well as items from MurchisonHume, HK Living and Cultiver bedlinen. “To hear our customers say they wish they could move in upstairs makes my heart sing!” she says.
MUST-HAVE: Cane bedhead,
$399/queen.
VISIT: 12 Manning Street,
(02) 4293 1033.
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. BOOKMARK: instagram.com/
deerwillow.