My favourite design trade fair is on again, folks. Life Instyle is back in the Aussie cultural capital of Melbourne, delivering the best of design with 350 brands showcasing their latest ranges in one place, The Royal Exhibition Building, 4-7 August (2016).

Life Instyle design trade show in action at the Royal Exhibition Building.

I was a kid in a candy shop at my first Life Instyle, which for me provides the ultimate opportunity to stay abreast of the latest in homewares, kids’ products, accessories and lifestyle product as well as the chance to meet up with suppliers that I converse with on a regular basis and to see and touch their product in person.

For retailers, interior designers, and stylists this event is a no-brainer but I also have a few home-loving, non-trade friends who get a real kick out of this fair and industry folk can bring a pal for a $40 entry fee.

First Instyle, an event within the event, provides emerging Australian designers the unique opportunity to be seen and heard whilst simultaneously offering trade customers, the always sought-after “something new,” which is both exciting and a breath of fresh air when you’re starting to feel like you need some fresh blood.

The Beach People’s ever popular roundie towels.

No doubt because I’m a mamma, I also have an affection for all things for little people and the ‘no rules apply’ approach that comes with making over a kids’ space. For this reason, the Kids Instyle section really sucks me in. There are so many frivolously fun kids’ products out there at the moment and the best of it is right is at right here at Kids Instyle, where I could easily spend whole day on its own, just quietly.

Fun and fearless Goosebumps Bedding.

Also back at the show is the successful, Conversation Series, a Q&A style series of workshops and panels led by revered industry experts. This sort of insider info gives me a kick-in-the pants to get motivated and try new things and there is a whole bunch of creative intelligence in this year’s line up, including Kate Lewis from Of Kin discussing the Art and Science of Instagram. I’m sort of hoping she provides a 12 step program to cure my addiction to it. ISCD (International School of Colour and Design) will also be in action delivering Styling 101, which, is as is suggests, offers the very basics in styling and is oh so worth sitting in on. Once you know the fundamentals of styling, you have your base to platform from and go crazy.

For more information on the brands showcasing, opening hours, and to purchase tickets, visit www.lifeinstyle.com.au and go get stylin!

Kara and I with Steve and Deb from Sheets on the Line at Life Instyle 2015.

This post was brought to you buy Life Instyle. All words and thoughts are my own.

Carlene xx