In a recent post, I declared that ceramic pineapple homewares had had their time in the decor spotlight. But the pineapple motif spread across other pieces… that’s very much still on my lust list.
In fact, the tropical homewares from Aussie store The Chroma Club are so stunning that they conjure up far more than mere lust. Their pieces are so next-level that I’m pretty sure it’s full blown love!
In today’s post I’m having a chat with the talented creator behind the brand, and showing you some of her amazing work!
Tropical Homewares from The Chroma Club
Creator Kim Raath is the talented Gold Coast creative behind the tropical homewares in this post, which range from cushions to portholes, prints to table tops. They’re a colour lovers dream and bring a charming handmade element to any home (including my own!). Kim tells me that her connection to colour is what inspires her to create most of her pieces.
“I have an emotional connection to it and cannot live without it,” she explains. She is also a fan of “the movement of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, in particular Rothko and Warhol”.
Kim admits that her work takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to produce (it’s all handmade) but it’s a creative process which she admits to reveling in.
“I do spend A LOT of time in my studio. But I love it as it’s my haven and secret garden where time doesn’t exist. The best thing to happiness in life is being present and in the moment – so when I’m there it’s happiness”.
The Small Biz Struggle is Real
Many small businesses become a family affair and Kim’s situation is no different. Juggling the creative and business side of The Chroma Club is no easy feat. Kim gets a few of her loved ones involved when they’re needed – even if she doesn’t necessarily always take on their feedback.
“I rope hubby in to give me his second opinion on things, which annoys him as I don’t listen to him. And often to help me package up my orders. I get the kids to sometimes hold my silkscreen down if it’s a big one. But they’re always pottering and fluffing around with me in there anyway”.
My favourite pieces from the collection are the anchor portholes. The wood for which Kim sources from an 80-year-old toymaker she found at her local markets. I’m also a fan of the heavenly pineapple motifs. They’re printed onto cushions, tables, portholes and more.
The process in which Kim creates the pineapple design is a very interested one to say the least: blind drawing!
Connect with The Chroma Club
“I love doing blind drawings as it automatically switches on your ‘right brain’ and forces you not to worry about the outcome. Creativity and original design: tick”.
Handmade in Australia, homewares with colour and pieces with bold pattern; I’m sold. Please give me 10 of everything!
Connect with The Chroma Club: Website | Facebook | Instagram
What are your fave pieces from this tropical homewares collection? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Thank YOU for putting out stunning pieces!
Thanks for the fabulous write up Chris, I love your design sense and writing style! I look forward to more interesting new fun facts and crafty stories from other independent creative. Cheers Kim – The Chroma Club x
So good to feel the tropical breeze from down under. Love the pineapples!
Where are you from Simone? Thanks for stopping by. Glad you’re embracing some of the colour and tropicana we have going on in Aus 🙂
I’m from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and I’ll tell you this: it is hot here right now! So it’s nice to get some summer inspiration from abroad besides all the winter stuff that’s going on…Thanks Chris, loving your blog! <3
Thanks Simone, keep on coming back :).