New York Gift Show: Australian Masters - Bonnie and Neil

Sometimes while walking the aisles in the New York Gift there is a moment, when you are literally stopped in your tracks! This happened to me as I walked passed the Bonnie and Neil stand.




See what I mean? The graphic pattern on the wall, the handmade graphic images on the textiles and colors they chose made them stand out.

So I got to speak with Bonnie Ashley a little, and learned she and her partner Neil Downie are based out of Melbourne, Australia (probably my favorite of all Australian cities!) and have had much success there.



Vintage tapestry wall in the Brunswick cottage of Bonnie Ashley & Neil Downie.
Photo Armelle Habib Styling:Lucy Feagins/Bonnie Ashley via



Bonnie has a Bachelor of design in craft art from the School of Design in Christchurch, NZ with a major in textiles and sculpture while Neil studied art and design in his home country of Scotland before he emigrated to New Zealand where he took his apprenticeship in cabinetmaking.

Nearly 2 years ago now, they took the plunge and launched their own little design studio – Bonnie and Neil, with textiles for pillows & tabletop and some small accent pieces such as shadow boxes with great prints.










I was so attracted to these gorgeous watercolor like patterns!





The fine attention to detail of each pillow, with fringe trims, beautiful stitching & great feel to the soft linen.

There are Graphic & Geometric images and patterns for all design styles...

or the use of vintage photographs of birds & botanical themes, which have been manipulated in such a visual way, that every pillow or table linen becomes a work of art in their own right.

I love making a statement with my table linen, and why not make a bold statement with one of these great table pieces? Or, throw one of these runners on a console & the whole room will take on a world of it's own. I must have one!

I am dreaming of these pieces and can't wait to use them in a design.. and maybe one will make it's way to my house as well.!



*all images of products via Bonnie & Neil. New York Gift Show images taken by me.