Friday Five with Shelley Simpson

Photo by Nikki To

Shelley Simpson, founder of Mud Australia, taught herself to throw pots on a kick wheel back in the 1990s. After graduation, she worked in a variety of creative jobs before discovering her passion for pottery. With no formal ceramic training and what can only be called an instinctive feel for the craft, she became hooked. Over two decades later, Shelley has built a flourishing business designing and manufacturing porcelain tableware and lighting with an international cult following that has grown into an iconic Australian brand. Her studio in Marrickville, located right outside of Sydney, employs a team of 30, including 20 ceramists dedicated to the art of Australian hand-making. In addition, Shelley’s lighting designs are specified for domestic and commercial spaces and her tableware range has been selected by notable cafes, hotels and restaurants across the globe. This week she shares a few of her favorites with us in Friday Five.

Photo by Kosifler Oto

1. Mini Clubman Car
While this car appears small, it’s able to hold a lot. My favorite feature is the button that opens the back doors – essential for when my arms are filled carrying pots!

Photo courtesy of One Fine Stay

2. One Fine Stay
Opening a new store requires spending extended  time in new cities. Although staying in a hotel is fun for a couple of nights, on lengthier trips I enjoy feeling like I have my own space where I can truly make myself at home. This is from our most recent stay in Prospect Park, Brooklyn – just a stone’s throw away from our Boerum Hill store, which opened just last year.

Photo courtesy of Grand Designs

3. Grand Designs (Television Show)
I’m always dreaming of my next project, so I love architecture and renovation shows! The “Grand Designs” television series provides my brain with a way to relax at the end of the day (and don’t we all love Kevin McCloud?)

Photo from Serge Mouille

4. Serge Mouille Lamp
This classic and iconic lighting piece was the finishing touch to my recent home renovation and is a very coveted item of mine. My living room doesn’t have overhead lights, so I needed a piece  that would illuminate the space properly. The clever design allows the piece to feel timeless, yet contemporary.

Photo by Alex Lau, styled by Judy Mancini for Bon Appetit

5. A good margarita
I can never say no to a good Margarita! I recently purchased single-origin mescal while staying in Brooklyn, which has taken my margaritas to a whole new level.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/friday-five-with-shelley-simpson/