Habitus Living: Please tell us about your backgrounds, Jessie and Laura. Where are you from and what are your stories in design?
Jessie: After working in PR and wholesale fashion throughout my 20’\s, I decided to go back to uni and study a Bachelor of Interior Design at RMIT. My first job after studying was in-house Interior Designer for an iconic Melbourne brand, where I learned a lot and my design skills flourished. It was also the place where I first met Laura!
Since then, I have worked primarily in the Major Events space, delivering a vast range of designs and experiences to high-end corporate clients. I am excited to be working on something more wholesome now, something that is ours and promotes good design and a circular economy.
Laura: A love of interiors and design was established alongside my father over 15 years ago – trawling local furniture auction houses, restoring beautiful vintage pieces and re-selling. I fell in love and had a real appreciation for the timeless design and adrenalin of the constant treasure hunt to discover new pieces. From here I studied interior design and have since worked as a designer, senior stylist and in management in some of Australia’s leading design studios and retailers.
What is CASA CASA?
Inspired by our passion for incredible Australian and European design, CASA CASA sources beautiful and unique pieces from local and international makers.
We collaborate with local industry to restore and reupholster where required, injecting a new lease of life into these previously loved items. We wholeheartedly support a circular economy and get so much satisfaction in finding new homes for our incredible pieces.
We have a growing collection of beautiful furniture and wares and believe that every piece should tell a story! Transporting its owner to a different time and place. By blending our love for design, travel, history, sustainability and our expertise in interiors, we’re on a mission to curate spaces that evoke a sense of wanderlust and sophistication.
What made you create CASA CASA?
I think for both of us, the idea of running our own design studio has long been a dream. We are both mad about good design and love the story that an amazing piece of furniture or beautiful murano glass vase can tell. We are also incredibly passionate about sustainability, and have witnessed first-hand that our industry really needs to be making some positive changes for a more sustainable future.
We believe there is amazing pre-loved furniture and wares both in Australia and abroad to be showcased, so we took this as our starting point and are so excited to grow CASA CASA! Finally, it also came down to good timing and after years working in the industry, we both knew we were in the perfect position to lay the foundations and give it a shot!
What are some of the advantages of opting for ‘used’ furniture?
We think it’s imperative for us as consumers to start valuing what we have and not always wanting to purchase what’s ‘new’ and ‘on trend’. The earth is in such a fragile state at the moment and we really need to be taking steps to prepare for a more sustainable future. If we can encourage consumers to consider the second-hand market for ways to reduce waste, valuing original designs and restored pieces that infuse personality and style into our homes, then that’s a win-win-win, right?!
Pre-loved furniture offers us an opportunity to elevate our style, mixing with our more contemporary pieces. For example, adding a pair of our beautiful Georgian mahogany twist stem wine tables to a room instantly adds personality and warmth to the space, creating a layer of timeless style that you just can’t achieve with all modern furniture.
They just don’t make them like they used to – quality pieces that have and will continue to stand the test of time. Made with love from high-quality materials that will last for generations to come.
Then there’s saving resources and reducing waste. From textiles to plastics and all the packaging these items arrive in – avoid all this with a pre-loved purchase.
Do we need to see a change in mindset among consumers in terms of wanting ‘perfect’ custom pieces rather than valuing the uniqueness of older objects?
Absolutely! There needs to be more education and understanding around the value the pre-loved market can bring, and how this can positively affect the buyer and the impact they’re having on the planet.
We are not saying that everyone should only buy pre-loved items, but if every person did purchase more consciously, seeing the value in pre-loved items over new custom pieces, imagine how much fabulous furniture could be saved from landfill.
Finally, there is such an incredible amount of style and personality that these timeless designs bring to a space. Rather than everything being new and shiny, these pieces bring incredible form and texture, and will no doubt become a talking point of the space.
What are your plans for the future?
CASA CASA is excited to open a Melbourne studio within the next twelve months and expand our offering to include sourcing, procurement and an interior styling service.
We have some exciting buying trips planned both locally and internationally, as we are always on the hunt to add more incredible pieces to our growing collection!
