Jacqui Way
The Stepney end of Magill Road in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs has long been a haven for preloved finds – but since 2000, it has also welcomed covetable furniture, gorgeous giftware, unique homewares, slick design studios, fresh flowers and buzzy cafes.
Home Beautiful first popped into the area four years ago – today, the bustling main road, just three kilometres from the CBD, brims with even more interiors inspiration, making it an ideal place to lose an afternoon.
Stop 1: Aura Objects
Authentic and progressive are just two words to describe Magill Road’s latest furniture showroom, Aura Objects. Directors Simon Zappia and Lesley Williams, who have a long-established design cred in Adelaide, have joined forces with consultant Richelle Martin to create a 300-square-metre gallery-style store. It has creations from international brands such as Vitra and Normann Copenhagen, as well as Australian labels Mr And Mrs White and Nonn. Visitors can find ceramic vessels from Studio Twocan, digital artwork by SA’s own Lisa King and Simon and Lesley’s brand, Botanica Boutique (botanica.boutique) – a range of planters and terrariums.
Must-haves: Nonn ‘Phantom’ sofa in Instyle ‘Atelier’ velvet, $8200 (top, far left); Lisa King digital prints (left, on shelves), from $175 each.
Open: Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm.
Visit: 99 Magill Rd, 0400 956 881.
Bookmark: auraobjects.com.
Stop 2: Little Love Co
The charming ambience at florist Little Love Co is best described as rustic-chic. Think crisp white walls, chandelier lighting, wooden floors and vintage tables with stunning blooms in rainbow gradations. Pre-prepped bunches are available, but the team pride themselves on creating bespoke bouquets. Choose the colours and styles you like and they will whip it into an arrangement designed to impress. For those looking for something a little offbeat, there are kokedama (Japanese moss balls), body products, candles and eclectic jewellery to choose from. Little Love Co also hosts floral workshops in nearby cafe The Libertine By Louis, only three doors along from their shopfront.
Must-haves: Kokedama, from $40; Koala N Fox miniature Little Love Co candles, $25 each.
Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-4.30pm.
Visit: 127 Magill Rd, (08) 8363 7443.
Bookmark: littleloveco.net.au.
Stop 3: Twopairs
Christina Moulton’s homewares and furniture boutique Twopairs is bound by one rule. “I have to really love what I’m selling,” she says. “I need to know I could put it in my home – then I’m happy.” And her modern-luxe sensibility, which focuses on neutrals, texture and monochrome, has proved popular. Since opening eight years ago, the business has done nothing but grow, taking over the two stores next to her original one. From soft furnishings, tableware, glassware, curios and furniture to clothing and body products, it’s a great mix of local and overseas brands.
Must-haves: HK Living ‘Button’ mango wood and leather hooks, from $15 each; Normann Copenhagen ‘Shorebird’ knick-knacks, from $55 each (both opposite, top right); traditional African Bamileke feather juju, $800.
Open: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm.
Visit: 145 Magill Rd, (08) 8363 7916.
Bookmark: twopairs.com.au.
Stop 4: Danish Vintage Modern
When husband-and-wife antiques dealers Amelia Ansaldi and Adrian Cutting took their first buying trip to Denmark in 2000, they saw the appeal of mid-century design. “It was beautifully made, high-quality furniture,” says Amelia. “There was nothing like it in Australia at the time.” Now their show-space is a trove of mid-century elegance – sleek sideboards and dining tables, chairs, coffee tables and chests of drawers, all complemented by striking Louis Poulsen light fittings and a coolly curated selection of Danish art and exclusive retro prints from the Copenhagen Zoo.
Must-haves: Louis Poulsen ‘PH Snowball’ pendant.
Open: Wed-Fri, 11.30am-4.30pm; Sat, 12.30-4.30pm.
Visit: 148 Magill Rd, (08) 8363 7086.
Bookmark: danishvintagemodern.com.au.
Stop 5: The Nourish’d Kitchen
Since its doors opened in July 2015, this cafe has become a firm Stepney favourite, loved for its wholesome, tasty fare. The fit-out is airy and neutral and the menu firmly focuses on owner Katie Stocks’ “real food” philosophy, serving up staples like smashed avo and haloumi on toast with health fare such as vegan sweet treats. The smoked salmon and eggs even feature a cashew dill ‘hollandaise’.
Must-haves: ‘From The Wild’ vegan chocolate rose cake, $6.90.
Open: Mon, Wed-Sat, 8am-3pm; Sun, 9am-2pm.
Visit: 3 Ann St, (08) 8362 4464.
Bookmark: thenourishdkitchen.com.au.
While you’re there
There’s plenty more to inspire you in Stepney. Try Spaces + Places (spacesandplaces.net.au) for colourful contemporary finds – such as their kaleidoscopic array of cushions. For secondhand gems, hit up Eureka Antiques (eurekaantiques.com.au). The 12 ever-changing rooms at Willie Stewart Interiors (williestewartinteriors.com.au) are a genuine treasure-trove, filled with modern pieces from more than 75 suppliers worldwide – you could quite happily spend hours checking it all out. This strip of Magill Road is also the home of Khai Liew (khailiew.com), one of Adelaide’s most renowned modern furniture designers. But would-be purchasers take note – Liew is in such high demand that it can be tough to even secure an appointment to view his collection. If you can, you’re in for an experience.
