Melbourne-based homewares brand, Behr & Co, will be making its first trade fair appearance at Life Instyle Sydney this month, after launching in 2015.
Like many women, Breanne Raffoul’s business grew out of a hobby after her son Roman was born, making things for the baby and around her home. Although she had a background in office management, Raffoul says she has always been creative and so decided to put her skills as a seamstress to use.
“Soon friends and strangers wanted them too and here we are today,” she says. “The brand has evolved from ‘something for baby, mama and the home’ to a boutique homewares line.”
Today, Behr & Co—which Raffoul describes as “timeless and contemporary”—sells Italian marble pieces including decorative letters, cheeseboards, trays and vessels; brass coasters, bookends and desk accessories; and organic cotton canvas pouches that can be used for anything from holding pot plants to toys or makeup essentials.
Raffoul designs the products in her Melbourne studio, and although her brand is only young, she has lots of good advice for would-be homewares makers.
“Know the look you’re going for,” she says. “It’s a saturated market so your brand has to be strong.
“To maintain a brand is really hard work and you have to remain professional across all fronts, which should be a given, but is so hard when you’re designing products that people will have an opinion on—good or bad.”
Along with making her first appearance at a trade fair this February, Raffoul is also planning to launch a collection of bedding, throws and cushions this year.
By Ruth Cooper
