Three Style
Around the world, and table, with Trilogy
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Trilogy Furniture • PHOTOGRAPHY Stefan Gosatti • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
STYLISTS Dorien Copejans & Megan McCaw, Trilogy Furniture
Whether you're an interior professional or a design devotee, finding your perfect furniture or decor is the secret to creating a beautiful space.
Trilogy, one of Perth's oldest family-run and most iconic luxury goods retailers, is a commentary on how the design-conscious WA family is today.
"Luxury is about creating comfortable, functional spaces filled with pieces that mean something to you," says managing director Tyler Formica. "Our clients know what they like and are thoughtful about how spaces and furnishings are used in their homes."
Sourcing the unique, cheeky and classical for over 30 years, Tyler and his family comb Europe and Asia for the best furnishings and homewares. “We tell the stories of our travels in our Claremont showroom, which makes it a very special and unique experience for our clients,” says Tyler.
From traditional European styling and nautical nods to tropical prints, contemporary design and bold colours, Trilogy brings the best design on the planet right to your doorstep.
“Position vases, fruit bowls, decorative decor and floral arrangements of different sizes together for a spontaneous and cohesive look,” says Trilogy general manager Megan McCaw.
ABOVE: Le Forge Refectory dining table base, from $3,196, GRC table top, from $2,387; Le Forge Marseille Carver chairs, $659 each; custom cushion covers, POA. On the table: Bordallo Pinheiro Pequena Tureen, $134; Placa de Carregador charger plate, $124; Prato de Jantar dinner plate, $62; Pássaros Vermelho double leaf dish, $183; Pato pitcher, $498.
Italy
"We were introduced to our range of Positano ceramics by an Italian friend during the pandemic," says Tyler. "Each piece is handpainted by artisans and inspired by the Amalfi Coast, which feels just right for our coastal lifestyle."
All of them bright, vibrant and characterful, choose from beautiful table linens, vases, plateware and decorative pieces that can be used daily (fully dishwasher-proof) or for special occasions and entertaining. "They can be styled with simple ceramics, but I prefer the impact of layering them together," Tyler says. "They are real conversation-starters."
“Eye-catching ceramics and table linen made in Positano make a colourful impression and are perfect for special occasion dining or everyday use,” says Trilogy interior designer and stylist Dorien Copejans.
ABOVE: Le Forge Napoli console table base, $2,839; Carrara marble table top, from $1,716; Positano tablecloth, from $192; Le Forge Napoli side chair, $596; Positano ceramic urns, $4,420 each; Positano Ceramic medium pitcher, $144; Positano Ceramic limoncello cup, $18; Oliera Sfilata olive oil bottle, $255; Positano Brilliance Stella bowl, $1,079; Positano Ceramic Insalatiera large bowl, $390; Positano Ceramic medium ceramic bowl, $36; Bottiglia Grande ceramic bottle, $323; Stella Donatello Figural Lady, $945; Avita Donatello Figural Lady, $945.
Portugal
Surprisingly, the most famous international purveyor of cabbage is Bordallo Pinheiro, the eponymous brand of the 1800s Portuguese political cartoonist. Inspired by nature, animals and produce, like tomatoes, eggplants and cabbages, the brand’s whimsical tableware ranges from centrepieces and vases to plates, pitchers and platters.
"Each piece adds incredible colour, vibrance, and a sense of humour to the table," says Tyler. “It’s hard to stop at just one!”
ABOVE: Bordallo Pinheiro Pequena Tureen, $134; Placa de Carregador charger plate, $124; Prato de Jantar dinner plate, $62.
France
Why is everything French, decoratively speaking, so spot-on? From the robust styles of Louis XIV to the architectural style of Le Corbusier, the French have left an indelible mark on the design world for centuries.
For Tyler, a highlight of his recent European buying trip was a visit to Anduze in the south of France which is famous for its Vase d'Anduze. Large, glazed and patinaed, it is a style handcrafted by highly skilled artisans since the 16th century. Inspired by the marble bell shape of Italian Medici-style vases, the ancestral Anduze Vase is large and lavishly decorated with garlands of fruit and flowers and the coat of arms of its maker. Handcrafted using generational techniques, each takes up to three months to create. "France is very proud of these beautiful pots, and Trilogy is honoured to bring them to Western Australia," says Tyler. "Like champagne, true Anduze pots are only ‘Anduze’ if made in the town and branded with authenticity. They are a beautiful classical addition to any al fresco area."
They also make the perfect partner for Le Forge French-inspired galvanised outdoor furniture, stocked exclusively by Trilogy. The range is French-founded and family-owned, and each unique piece is classically European in style and hand-forged.
"It's a brand that has successfully translated the same excellence and design used in indoor solutions to external ones," Tyler says of the range that includes anchor pieces such as coffee and dining tables, chairs and sun lounges.
Le Forge’s traditional European styling and exquisite detailing add elegance and character through accent tables, chairs and accessories.
ABOVE: Le Forge Paris coffee table and Carrara marble top, $4,346; Le Forge Resort Chantilly 2-seater bench, $1,878; Chantilly Resort occasional chair, $1,159; Le Forge Resort Chantilly Lamp table and Carrara marble top, $2,146; custom scatter and insert cushions, POA; French Anduze Pot in Green, from $149, all from Trilogy Claremont.
Bold striped upholstery imbues a contemporary feel.
ABOVE: Le Forge St Tropez sun lounger, $1,762; custom cushions, POA; European Ceramics Castello pine cones, from $448; French Anduze Pot in Antique Patine, from $181.
Le Forge’s galvanised iron finish provides unyielding strength, making it ideal for outdoor weather and the harsh Australian climate. "We have clients who have been collecting Le Forge pieces for 30 years from Trilogy,” says Tyler. “They love [the brand] for its classical styling and incredible resilience.”
Each base and top can be customised, allowing you to choose a concrete, marble or glass top for tables as well as its size, design and colour. “You don't need to live in a heritage home to collect Le Forge furnishings,” says Tyler. “If you live in a modern home and prefer more contemporary lines, we can customise Le Forge pieces with sharper lines or add more modern upholstery to the classical styles.”
Tyler recommends cushion covers upholstered in Warwick Fabrics’ bold stripes or nautical and coastal motifs by 3Beaches Textiles and Zepel. Or for more decorative prints, designs by Mokum and Designers Guild.
"Le Forge is a style that suits a classic fabric or can be made to look more contemporary with a print or pattern,” says Tyler. “Scatter cushions are a fantastic way to refresh and bring personality to an outdoor space. Combine patterns and finishes, like florals and strong geometrics or linen and velvet, and elevate any space.”
ABOVE: Bronze and cast iron bronze dog sculptures, $5,522 each; Le Forge French console base, $2,352, Carrara marble table top, from $1,716; Le Forge Patisserie stand, $1,137; Fontana Due Piatti water sculpture, $11,084.
Outdoor upholstery has come a long way, and layering classical pieces with contemporary textiles is an exciting way to embrace European tradition.
“Our fabrics are embedded with UV protection and available in prints, patterns and vibrant colours,” says Tyler. “Outdoor fabrics don’t have that acrylic feel anymore. They are luxe to touch and comfortable thanks to cushioning foam inserts. You can even remove the covers and pop them in the washing machine. They’re practical and have longevity.”
ABOVE: Trilogy synthetic loom Mosman 3-seater Sofa in silver, $4797; Mosman armchair, $2790, Barca coffee table, $1,278; custom cushions, POA; French Anduze Pot in Flamme, from $149; Bordallo Pinheiro Beringela box, $269; Bordallo Pinheiro Amazonia Passaro pitcher, $539.
Visit the Trilogy showroom
250 Stirling Hwy, Claremont
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