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The day I’d been waiting for: the Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma preview

May 2, 2013

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So, for several months now I’ve been banging on about the Williams-Sonoma Inc big four coming to Sydney. For the uninitiated, I’m talking about Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma. I’ll be straight with you, as a non-mummy blogger, I have little interest in Pottery Barn Kids and as a less than enthusiastic cook (I’m going to make a rubbish wife!) I had minimal interest in Williams-Sonoma. Pottery Barn and West Elm however, bring that on! I know you’re fans too because posts about these stores have been consistently in my most popular for months! And at yesterday’s much anticipated preview, I was definitely not disappointed.

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West Elm is SO COOL. I have to admit it’s my favourite. Who better than creative director Vanessa Holden, a Sydney girl who made the move to NYC (who I interviewed recently) to show us round? She talked about West Elm’s trademark eclectic, global mix of pieces which you’re encouraged to mix up as you wish with your existing pieces or family heirlooms to create your own, confident style at home, with the help of their friendly and knowledgable staff.

west elm 2

west elm blue

West ย Elm is young and cool but not too hipster. It’s mix and match, laidback but not too casual. I just love it. Its pieces are more apartment-appropriate than Pottery Barn’s larger furniture and well, they just look look like they belong in a warm and comfortable, trendy, young space. You do feel like your parents could equally walk in and find something which worked perfectly with their much loved pieces. It’s just that kind of range, and the range will change frequently.

West Elm creative director Vanessa Holden
West Elm creative director Vanessa Holden

The store’s been given a local feel, with a huge ‘Brooklyn to Bondi’ installation in the window. It still feels very New York though, and so it should.

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As it does in America, West Elm will have collaborations with local brands (more to be announced soon) as well as Etsy sellers, whose artwork can already be seen, and bought, in store.

West Elm etsy

So yes, I heart West Elm. Very much.

And I know you all want to know what the prices are like. I’ve not gone as far as comparing like with like and American/Australian prices, mainly because I just don’t think you can. Things do not cost the same in Sydney as they do in the US (they cost more, and I’m talking staff, rent etc). But the finer details of the prices aren’t really my department. (Take it up with them if you really want to!) What I will say is that looking at the prices and taking into account the quality and the price of similar items in other Australian high street furniture and homewares stores, I was very pleasantly surprised and definitely think things are very good value.

So everyone who thought it was too good to be true and the Aussie version would be overpriced, think again. I’m sure you’re happy to be proven wrong!

West Elm lounge

Moving on to Pottery Barn, because we all know it’s the biggy, the brand we all know, the one whose furniture was on Friends. (Did I tell you that when my now-fiancรฉ and I first met, I was attracted to the fact he owned a Pottery Barn coffee table book on storage? True story.) ย For a store many Aussies have never set foot in, the brand awareness is huge. And although I love West Elm best, I love Pottery Barn too. It’s what I want my house to look like when I grow up (at 31, I have no idea when that will be, but no time soon, thanks). It’s classic, comfortable, neutral and very American, in a preppy, Hamptons kind of way. Its big, solid beds and super soft white couches are so inviting and luxurious. If you told me I could only have Pottery Barn furniture and homewares in my homes for the rest of my life, I could live with that, no problem.

See what I mean? And yes, that lounge is as comfortable as it looks!

pottery barn

Can you imagine my interiors addict head spinning with all the visual stimulation?! I really need to come back again and look around in a much calmer manner and without a group of very excited bloggers and other media (naming no names, someone declared today to be the biggest day of her life so far, after her wedding and the birth of her kids, OBVIOUSLY!). With all the photographing, tweeting, instagraming, oohing and ah-ing, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed after a full-on couple of hours. I know, tough gig, but someone’s gotta do it!

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It’s not just the product and the pricing (equally pleasant in Pottery Barn. Think not much over $2,000 for a solid mahogany queen size bed made in America) which will draw in the crowds and keep them coming back, it’s the extras and the service. Things like free design consultations in store or at your home (West Elm, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids) with no obligation, story time for kids and while-you-wait monogramming at Pottery Barn Kids, free design classes at Pottery Barn and the ability to take home swatches of rugs, timbers and fabrics to see if they work. Delivery (and in some cases assembly!) is usually $99.

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When Pottery Barn, for example, set up entertaining ‘stories’ in store, they not only illustrate how to lay the table but give you the recipes and the playlist for your evening too. Love that holistic approach!

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I think I’ll leave Pottery Barn Kids to the mummy bloggers (I’m just not there yet, although I did see an awesome setup with a grey and white chevron rug and a crib with navy and white linen, plus I think monogramming is cute), but I will give you a quick tour of Williams-Sonoma! I’ve never seen serving ware this gorgeous in kitchen shops before and I do like to entertain.

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Being that I’m not a great cook (I’m not bad, I’m just not that into it) I think I might have to try out a class at its world first in-store cooking school. Yes, even the States don’t have this yet. Go Aussie! It’s really gorgeous too, not like one of those clinical industrial kitchens. I wonder if they let you drink wine while you’re cooking. Probably not… That’s head chef Vlad, by the way, who used to work in Michelin starred restaurants, don’t you know?

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Williams-Sonoma is a foodie’s/chef’s idea of heaven with all the gadgets, utensils, ingredients, knives and pans you could ever want!

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Anna Last (below), the brand’s creative director and an Aussie now living in America, like West Elm’s Vanessa Holden, showed us around this store. (Don’t you think she’s a dead ringer for a younger Martha Stewart, by the way?)

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Did I mention the juice bar?

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I thoroughly enjoyed this morning (although I didn’t buy anything, amazingly). It definitely felt unlike anything we already have in Australia and I think the shopping experience will come to be as addictive as the catalogues. Aren’t we lucky to be the first country outside of North America to get these brands? And you know why? Because online orders from here are bigger than from anywhere else outside of the US.

What you need to know

As I seem to have become a little of a Williams-Sonoma tragicย expert lately, I thought I’d pull together the answers to some of your frequently asked questions:

When is it open to the public? Today! Yippee!

Is everything much more expensive than in the States? In my opinion, no. While some things may be more expensive on a straight comparison, I don’t think it’s fair to compare like with like.

I’m not in Sydney. Can I shop online? Yes, all stores ship everything anywhere in Australia. They all launched Australian-specific websites yesterday.

How much is shipping? Standard parcel delivery from $12.95. Home delivery and assembly is $99. Expect to wait 1-2 days in Sydney and up to a week interstate.

Are they coming to Melbourne? Yes, next on the list before Christmas, with expansion across the rest of the country expected but no other locations or opening dates confirmed yet.

Where are the stores? In the Exchange Building at Bondi Junction, right next to Westfield.

Are there trade discounts? Yes, 10 to 20% off. Learn more.

west elm 3

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Comments

  1. AvatarMandy Rodrigues says

    May 2, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Jen,
    Great work! Must have been a hard day for you! But yes someone’s got to do it! Cannot wait for it to come to Melbourne – found this link – http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/highend-us-retailer-heading-to-chapel-st-20130226-2f409.html
    Not sure how much is true…

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 2, 2013 at 6:52 pm

      I’ve heard from people who know that it is opening there before Christmas ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. AvatarAlicia says

    May 2, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Great post Jen, thanks! I have been oo-ing and ahh-ing over all the pretty Instagram pic’s over the last few days. Might have to make the trip from Adelaide just to visit the stores – we’ll call it… a business trip ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 2, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      I like your thinking ๐Ÿ˜‰

  3. AvatarLynette says

    May 2, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Absolutely loved reading your day at Pottery etc it all sounds so FABULOUS I am very excited to visit and spend a little or alot of my money.

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 2, 2013 at 3:56 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it Lynette! Thanks for the comment.

  4. AvatarYiran says

    May 2, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Let me start off by saying I’m a huuuge West Elm fan and I used to purchase regularly from their US site. Recently though, since I’ve found out from your website that they are coming to Sydney, I have held off buying a few things.

    Today I got up bright and early to go to the opening to be able to purchase these things. So, you can imagine my shock when on my arrival I noticed that my shopping list of items is significantly more expensive now. Namely there was a coffee table that was on sale for $299 from their US site which is now $399 from Sydney. When I originally had this in US West Elm cart, the delivery from Fifty One came to approx $50. Which would have worked out to be no more than $350, less exchange rate, I probably would’ve paid AU$340. Now that there is an Australia version of West Elm, I’ve discovered that I can no longer order from their US site as shipping to AU is disabled. So if I wanted to buy the coffee table, I’d then have to pay another $36 shipping. This brings the cost of the coffee table to $425. Big mark up from $340.

    Another issue is that it seems the AU West Elm range is much more limited than the US West Elm, thus our access to their full range is now limited.

    So it seems to me, that us poor aussies are in fact worse off now that there is an Australian West Elm than we were prior.

    I find this extremely disappointing. Sorry for airing this on your blog, but I am such a big fan of yours and feel you should be made aware of this.

    Keep up the good work, I love your blog.

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 2, 2013 at 6:50 pm

      Hi Yiran! Totally understand where you’re coming from and while it’s not really my place to justify or explain this, I would just say it seems reasonable that things cost more here (staff, rent etc) so the products will too? And it usually happens that when an overseas brand opens up in another country they stop shipping from overseas and you can, sadly, not take advantage of the cheaper prices/exchange rates anymore. But from your point of view I can see that you’re looking at a disappointing markup and wishing you’d bought from the States while you still could! I would just add that although the range is smaller, the benefit is that we now have the physical stores here in Australia and the great in-store experience and service they offer.

    • AvatarBelinda says

      January 22, 2014 at 8:57 am

      WARNING – BUYING ANYTHING FROM POTTERY BARN ON BACK ORDER MAY TAKE A LONG LONG LONG TIME

      My husband and I purchased a sofa in September 2013. We were told it would take 16 weeks for delivery. So in January 2014 – we were very excited that our sofa was going to be delivered – to no avail! We were sent a notification by Pottery Barn – the DAY BEFORE THE SOFA WAS DUE TO BE DELIVERED ADVISING IT WONT BE DELIVERED UNTIL APRIL 2014 – 7 MONTHS LATER. The biggest issue – Pottery Barn take upfront payments so they have our money. A second item of furniture that we ordered that was supposedly in stock and to be delivered that week still has not arrived. We have been advised 3 different amendment dates so far. Each time, a day before the delivery date, we are sent a new notification. Not good enough Pottery Barn!

  5. AvatarNicole says

    May 2, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Hi Jen – thanks for the great pics in your post – I will point my readers to your post. I too noticed today that the West Elm shipping to Australia was disabled and hence we would miss out on some fabulous prices and sales. My readers know what a huge huge fan I am of West Elm and Pottery barn Kids having traveled to the US very regularly every year for over 15 to visit relatives and thus filled my bags with awesome loot, well mostly bedding from West Elm & PBK, – I wanted to add this to the comments above – the good news is it looks like the prices some of the sale items for PBK may be the same in AU is US as it is for one boys quilt right now. I am hoping that the AU market strategy will follow the US with regular great sales for each of these brands – if not in store then at least online AU. Of course in a launch phase this would not happen but over time, I am sure for those who are used to a paying a certain price for these brands we will be able to get amazing products at great prices when on sale – if you can wait ๐Ÿ™‚ and when not on sale – well, as Jen said we have that joy of getting to these stores easily, for gifts or other stuff that we just couldn’t wait for an OS delivery ( or trip in my case )

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 2, 2013 at 9:22 pm

      Thanks for your comment Nicole! I hope you’re right about sales too ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. AvatarParisgirl says

    May 4, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Like Yiran and Nicole I too have found the PBS and West Elm shipping to Aus disabled. I had linen in my PB cart and left it thinking I would look at more linen for another room that evening. When I went to buy the next day I was unable to. I wrote to PB and they confirmed they no longer deliver to Aus. I am so annoyed as the bed linen I wanted is not available here. My only option is to use a shipping service. I have given up and will start again. Furniture is definitely more expensive than the USbut then again there is a variety of goods which have not been seen here before. There was an article in the daily paper last week following a financial segment on TV which asked the question as to why we pay more for everything in Aus. The answer ….because we can. Seriously that was the answer by the economists.

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