Simon James Concept Store

Living in Auckland certainly has its perks, one of which is that it is home to the beautiful Simon James Concept Store. Located in the inner city suburb of Herne Bay, the boutique features an exquisite collection of homeware, fashion, design objects and the iconic Aesop Beauty range. For those who live outside of Auckland I highly recommend paying them a visit if you're ever in town. You will be taken back by the clean simple deign and beautifully edited display of products on offer.

Fortunately there is also an Online Store, allowing easy shopping for those living a little further away. The Simon James Journal provides additional insight and reading into the wonderful products and designers that the store represents. These include a mix of both local and international brands such as Areaware, Minimalux, Gidon Bing Ceramics, Eclectic by Tom Dixon, Benah Accessories, Simon James Design and Resident. For those planning a wedding or corporate event, there is also the handy Gift Registry service.

I recently visited the store in person, to check out the latest arrivals. The new and highly covetable range from the Scandinavian design company Menu exceeded all of my expectations. Two of my top picks are the Stone Storage Jars which come in lovely muted shades of sand and earth, and the Glass Teapot which is inspired by both Chinese Zen philosophy and modern Scandinavian design. Even though my husband and I are coffee drinkers, I would happily make the odd cup of tea just to experience the sensory delights created by the unique transparent design. 

The Stackable Glassware by Norm Architects for Menu, is beautiful to look at and hold and clever in style, making it is the perfect glass for any occasion. Each mouth-blown piece is unique in its own way with varying shapes depending on the size.  

Also designed by Norm Architects, the Menu Ladder is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used for storing towels and accessories in the bathroom, clothes in the bedroom, books and magazines in the living room and scarves and coats in the hall way. Available in two colours, black with dark oak rungs and white with light oak rungs, I absolutely love the understated elegance of this design piece.  

Here are a few more of my current picks from Simon James. 

01. Spar Floor Light for Resident by Jamie McLellan
02. Beach Towel by Maslin & Co
03. Multi-Basket by Menu
04. Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm by Aesop
05. Geranium Leaf Body Balm by Aesop
06. Geranium Leaf Duet
07. Triple Cube Planter by Boskke
08. Design Letters Bowl by Arne Jacobsen
09. Alessi Cups by David Chipperfield
10. Thermo Jug by Menu

Take a look at the entire online range here. For store updates follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.