Vast Interior

Excess Luggage

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:25:23

Mission Complete!

The final day of the trip, see me trying to fit everything (samples and all) into my already full bags, flicking through the memory card of my camera and realising how positive and needed this trip really was. I am so inspired, enthused and generally excited to show all of the Vast Interior Franchisee's the new product, that I feel I am almost wishing my flight to come quicker, as to get home and tell & show them - I realise where I am put my newly purchased leather sandals on and head up the street for one last little look - I saw this handbag in here, or was it there…no no…upthere! That's right :) keep and eye out for our new Indonesia ranges heading to stores soon - I hope you enjoy!

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development x

Retail Therapy

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:25:14

Off work shopping today, up to Ubud, then to Sanur and the list goes on and on. The Balinese have some great artisan that can create, amazing designs using the most simply of material. We squeeze in lunch at a restaurant overlooking the rice paddies, and make our way back to Seminyak for more shopping but this time in the air-conditioned highly merchandised retail outlets.

Halena x

Life's a Beach

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:25:05

Weekend of rest here we come! Off to Bali for a chill out & shopping (both work and personal) before coming home to start all the real work :). We arrive at the private villa in Seminyak, and are ready for a nice dinner and catch-up with our travel mates Kerrie and Phil, who were already there. We head off to down the road to the beach, stoping in at any shop that takes our fancy, before making it to our final destination sunset over Seminyak beach - beautiful.

Halena x

Mount Merapi

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:24:50

I wouldn't say it was a day of rest, but a more relaxed day of travels, we head to up to the factory another way, only to see the indescribable sight of devastation as a direct effect of Mount Merapi. Where there should be houses and fields there is a grey black river of rock hard lava, and just to give you and idea how close we are to the Mount Merapi - were we stood, and saw this devastation is in fact at least 15km from the top. It was devastating..

Halena x

Fruitful finds

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:24:13

I'd say by this stage of the trip we have completed maybe 90% of the business, so the mood is definitely more relaxed, as we have found some great product on this trip, and its only when we start showing the Vast Interior Perth Franchise Patrick, that we realise that. Patrick is not only a franchisee but also a supplier to Vast Interior Stores, he has great product -using Mango wood to create it, we spend the full day at his factory, working on stains and finishes not just for this year but next also. Now that we have finished making those decisions we head to dinner at one of Patrick's favourite places, and I can honestly say up to then it was the most tastiest food I had all trip!

Halena x

Long time no see

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:23:20

Another day visiting old friends and seeing what direction they have taken or moved into, over the past few years. Plus visiting newly sourced suppliers and having coffee with people you normally only have contact with via email - is sometimes surreal, and its moments like these that we are all so glad we do what we do, and the amazing opportunities that we have.

The revival of rattan and natural fibres is evident everywhere we go. Reinventing the old style and re-fashioning for the new age. Coloured rattan, vintage cane and endless forms of natural weaves to reinspire our natural roots born in Indonesia, years ago.

Halena x

Old friends and new designs

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:26:35

After working for Vast Interior for 9+ years, this is that first time that I am visiting one of the early vast suppliers. This supplier has know Ross for more than 20 years, and it definitely shows, he treats us like family and as do we him. We have an amazing day visiting his factory, and spending time with him and his designer, the saying "get the creative juices flowing" I think was developed in these moments in time. By the end of the day we felt like we clearly understood the direction in which we were taking.

Quality Control!

Halena x

Love thy neighbour

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:21:01

Sometimes things just work out, although you may stress about the how & why's, in some moments things just fall into place. That was the feeling that all of us Vasties had when visiting Java. The feeling was exactly like Ross had expressed "it's like coming home", for the past few years, we have been focused on what is happening in other countries, these countries were growing at such a rapid rate and we were trying to be one step ahead of the trend, and what we didn't realise is what great products our neighbours were doing, we now do!

Halena x

Room with no view

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:20:30

Destination: Java, Indonesia
Mission: Meet old friends and new suppliers, discover new finds, workshop and design summer 2011/12 range.

This is a good time to point out even the most experienced travels do make accommodation mistakes - my boss and I combined have travelled a lot of countries, and we take much pride in always finding good accommodation, close to attractions and transport, unfortunately our compass on our arrival to Java was a little out! Now before I hear you say "travel snobs" I should point out that I have happily stayed in backpackers in Greece, on roof tops in Morocco and in hostels in China, but there are, when travelling for work, certain standards that we stick to - I won't go into that story about the Philippines saying the "red light district" just didn't do that hotels location justice!! So after a quick chat we decided to meet up with the other Vasties at a hotel, I bit further away - but with a comfy clean bed, and really let's face it when travelling that's all you want, after a long day is to rest.

Halena x

Let the buying begin!

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:20:19

After another day of visiting newly made friends stands, and revisiting stands that other Vasties (Elaine from Virginia & Redcliffe Stores, Chris from the Port Macquarie Store, Phil & Kerrie from Mackay & Townsville) had found interesting things at or placed orders with. It now time to grab our bags head off the airport for the next port of call - Java, and let's just say I am super excited about heading there : )

Halena x

Fair Calling

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:20:04

After catching up last night with the franchisee's of Townsville & Mackay; Phil and Kerrie over a couple of Mojito's at a Havana inspired restaurant, we are all off to the Fair. There's a certain excitement in the air as we (Ross the big Boss and I) sit down for a quick coffee prior to hitting the first stands. I am looking for, something different, something comfortable, practical with soul and beauty - look out summer 2011 I think we may have just found it!

Halena x

Hello Singapore!

Vast Interior — 2013-04-12T11:27:12

Destination: Singapore
Mission: Discover new trends with fellow Vasties

I arrived in Singapore to a beautiful balmy afternoon, made my way to the Hotel -and let's just say what a amazing hotel, the Marina Mandarin in Singapore. After a quick freshen up, I was on way to meet some of the other Vast Interior crew, at Clarke's Key for Dinner. For anyone who hasn't been to Singapore Clarke's Quay is like a 4 block square of some of the nicest specialised restaurants, the atmosphere and buzz is not to be missed!

Halena x

end of the road

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:40:39

After spending 6 long days.. (ha ha only joking) with Paul franchisee of Warners Bay & Rutherford and My Boss Ross franchisor, I would like to say thanks to them for all the laughs, arguments, new found suppliers and stories exchanges along the way…good fun!

Halena Sharpe, Vast Product Development

what you know and who you know....

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:38:22

Sometime you meet people, and think wow this person knows exactly what I will say next and vice versa, it a strange feeling but this happened on the last day of my travel, after promising to spend only a couple of hours at a showroom, that has both a homewares and furniture aspect to it - we ended up having to get our new friends to take us to the train station to get to the airport- after 6hours!! This supplier / friend is going to make a huge impact on Vast Interior in 2011...watch this space!

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development

The city that never sleeps...and the buyers that never sleep!

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:36:56

With a city that has over 20 million people, imagine what that means in terms of eateries - where do you start, when you have 8 hungry people that want good food, great views and have no reservation at 8.00pm? You get your boss to find the nicest hotel & discuss this with the waitress, who introduces you to the concierge who gets things done!! Let just say we ended up with good food, great views and had a wonderful time!

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development

Suppliers, suppliers and more suppliers

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:35:26

Suppliers, suppliers and more suppliers - although its great looking for new ones, it's also nice to catch-up with suppliers that have been with Vast for years & years! It almost resembles a family members connection, and to be honest for me a relatively new member there is a lot of catching up to do! But that part is nice and I appreciate all the caring and consideration that our suppliers give us, especially all the lollies, and endless coffee and soft drinks… so thanks! It definitely help reduce the effects of the long days.

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development

Vast focus group....

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:42:25

Spending time with Vast Franchisee is great fun, although we might not always agree on product that is (where would the fun be in that!), we definitely can make the most of travelling together, where that be relaxing after walking all day with a cold Tsingtao, or product stories over coffee at breakfast, it's a fabulous group to be apart of.

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development

furniture for days

Vast Interior — 2010-09-20T15:33:21

Today is day one and the start of all the fun, and endless halls of exciting NEW product. it seems the first supplier always makes the biggest impact ~ little did we realise that this supplier would endeavour to evoke that same excitement 1 week later…bring on Vast product range for 2011!!

Halena Sharp, Vast Product Development

China Bound

Vast Interior — 2010-05-18T16:24:43

So this year I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Vast buying team on their annual trip to China seeking out the next range of 'wow' pieces to enter our stores.

Being immersed in all things beautiful is what I experienced each day of my trip, From the beautiful blown glass vases to the edgy metal wall art and the Chinese culture in general. 'A feast for the senses' is how I would best describe my China experience.

Furniture with soul

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:59:25

Furniture with a soul of its own...that's what I want! And luckily I know just where to get this...not one piece is alike or one colour the same, and that's what makes them so desirable....

Happy Diwali

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:58:53

Hospitality & kindness is one aspect of the Indian culture is not conveyed enough to those that visit, it is more important to have a mutual respect and honesty than start business without this, this is true business ethics.

A world of hidden treasures

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:58:09

Spending today visiting & selecting homewares - imagine a whole cave of hidden treasures & best yet if u like something in a different finish or colour no problem while the Chai tea cools and then bottom of the cup is empty it will be awaiting your approval...

Blue city bound

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:57:42

Heading to the blue city today looking forward to see our old friends and new suppliers..but wow air india was india-resting???

The brass city of India

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:02:08

The brass city of India. Discard the 3 hour drive to get there (even though it is less than 200km) this is where homewares dreams are made! As supplier with more passion for his product than any other I have meet before, and that's want makes it all worthwhile.

A cushy life

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:02:48

Wow cushion, cushion and more beautiful cushions - textures, patterns, embellishment, etched lanterns & hand-blown glass the imagination is endless...Cotton bright's for table runners, chair pads, ottomans, scarfs....

Look out India here we come!

Vast Interior — 2009-11-06T16:02:20

The product journey begins - off to see a master cushion supplier to view his innovative creations, then a handicraft supplier - look out India here we come!

Searching Jogja, Central Java

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:49:43

Following a lead in Jogja, Central Java, we headed off in search of some funky new homewares suppliers. The level of detail we had about this place was not a lot, and the address consisted of the company name, village name, suburb and town (which, funnily enough, is a relatively common level of address detail here!).

Chinese Treasure Box

Vast Interior — 2009-09-29T11:11:42

We spent 2 hours in this box shop going through over 700 hundred styles to come up with 3 designs... ( in the blue is our Chinese agent for homewares Shirley)

Room with a View

Vast Interior — 2009-09-29T10:49:01

One of the ways Vasties save on their travel expenses is to share rooms.. its a bit of an initiation thing ...but it can get very humbling,...I mean who thought it would be a good idea to have this view of the shower in a twin room.

Going into bat for the kids

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:53:27

Heres a pic of our visit in 2008, where Gunne and Moore in OZ donated around $1000 of premium cricket gear to a small rural Indian boys school ( which is next to the girls school that we sponsor)... they were SOOO excited, none of these guys had ever held a "real bat" or put on "real keepers gloves " before

Biking in Beijing

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:52:03

Biking around Bejing . If you ever get to this very cool city ( one of my top 3 most favourite cities) make sure you grab a bike and explore by treddly. Reasons for this mode include totally flat, has massive bikelanes , good to test your reflexes.

Scrap Wood Recycling

Vast Interior — 2009-09-29T12:51:14

Wow! I was so impressed with how little waste this manufacturer in Indonesia has. Almost every scrap of wood gets used for something: only tiny slithers of wood are left over. The owner actively seeks ways to use the offcuts from other products. Good for him, good for us, and good for the environment.

Sundown in India

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:39:32

Sundown in India, at a small villa in Rajasthan...much better than the big hotels, but not always easy to find. This style of accom is usually an old private residence or fort/ palace that has been converted over to a guesthouse. This one has a communal fridge full of cold Kishfishers, and a kitchen that can dish up anything at a minutes notice.

Quality Control Check

Vast Interior — 2009-09-29T12:41:16

It gets tiring on the road.... quality control check at our dining chair factory.

On the Road Again...

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:38:07

Seven Vastie's packing for India to explore the backstreets for original found items and unearth fabulous fabrics for our 2010 collection.

Road works in India

Vast Interior — 2009-10-14T13:51:35

...one of my favourite work travel pics, this is what its all about...