A derelict dairy factory in Taranaki has been thoroughly restored into owner Alison and Peter’s family home. For World Interiors Day, Alison shares her eclectic approach to the interiors within this industrial building.

Peter had a vision to transform a rural dairy factory into our home in Taranaki. This was a derelict building that involved immense planning and skilled work, with no corners being cut. He carried out a comprehensive restoration and restructure inside and out, largely by his own hands and the help of a small team. Three years of labour later and Peter was feeling accomplished (and exhausted!) - we were ready to move in. However, my work on the interiors had only just begun.

With such large rooms, high ceilings, and hard floors, the challenge lay in softening these spaces to make them cosy and inviting. Using a mixture of rugs, lighting, textiles and furniture, an eclectic interior began to take shape. I learnt a lot about my style throughout this process; discovering a blend of vintage, modern and industrial. It spurred me to ask the question repeatedly - what makes ‘home’ feel like home for our family?

I love colour – and life’s too short to play it safe! Surrounding myself with colour uplifts, brings joy, and creates a visually rich environment. Wherever possible, I collect handcrafted pieces in a variety of fabrics, raw materials and textures. Styled altogether, their juxtaposition endows each room with a distinct personality.

Often, we feel we need to have our interiors all figured out when we first move into a new place. Truthfully, it took years to curate the inside of our dairy factory – and it’s still a work-in-progress! 

Home is a direct reflection of our life journey and our evolving preferences. Whenever we travel, we often bring back thoughtful pieces that resonate with us and add to the layers.

The end result is a layered, industrial interior where concrete, volume and history are balanced by warmth, texture and collected design. It’s this creativity and expression that draws me towards experimentation in interiors. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kizuna’s signature print, Tsuru is the fruit of a long-lasting collaboration with Australian artist Emma Jennings.

Our bond with Emma began twelve years ago, when she visited our stand at the Melbourne trade fair and showed Alison her portfolio. Her unique style shone forth with intricate, nature-inspired artworks painted on handmade Japanese paper. Hints of Oriental design in Emma’s portfolio made an immediate impression on Alison, realising they both shared an affinity for the very same inspiration source. 

The very first design that Emma helped bring to life was our Plumiere print in two best-selling colourways of green and aqua; a hand-painted scene bursting with life as birds and butterflies dance around delicate cherry blossoms and magnificent magnolias. 

Our Hanami, Cigna and Chouchin prints followed, each design brought into their final form through Emma’s artistic finesse and careful attention to detail. 

Twelve years later, the design process has well and truly fallen into a natural flow with our new collaboration on Tsuru. 

Our team provides Emma with a colour palette and design brief to fit the collection theme. She then works her magic, with initial pencil drawings coming first. Since each print is made into many different products, the scale and repeat of the design is critical. A back-and-forth exchange of creative tweaks ensue, culminating in a final, hand-painted version – and many gasps of admiration across the office!

Shop the Print: Tsuru Natural | Tsuru Spruce

Emma is an incredibly hard-working artist, with her own gallery and studio in Olinda Village, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Open to the public, Emma Jennings Gallery & Studio is a perfect reflection of the artist herself. Thoughtfully crafted pieces are showcased in a space where Emma herself is actually working on new art, creating an atmosphere that is soulful and heart filled.

If you are ever in Melbourne, the rolling hills and temperate rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges make a beautiful daytrip – and Emma’s gallery is a must-visit, for a glimpse into the realm of a true artist who taps into the endless wellspring of nature and her own creative spirit.

 Learn more about Emma 

Bianca Lorenne’s story is about family, from humble beginnings to the present day. Alison’s two daughters, Bianca and Lauren are the namesake of the brand. Alongside her husband Peter, the Nottinghams are a small family whose bond has been shaped at home and work through a shared purpose of building and growing the business. With Peter now retired, the trio of females are forging the path ahead together with the help of their wonderful team. Alison, Bianca and Lauren bring their own perspective, shaped by family life, personal values and their unique strengths.

From early days when the girls started in their mid-teens working their way up from the bottom to now having a pivotal role in shaping Bianca Lorenne has formed a special bond with each other – especially as the business is named after them.  Seeing them almost every day and watching their growth alongside you means we are very close as a family. Always having their loyalty and trust is wonderful support.

01 Appetto Midnight Moss Coverlet  02 Kasumi Verde Cushion 03 Bivio Moss/Clay Throw 04 Ricamo Driftwood Bedspread

You are a musician at heart. What keeps you working in the family business?

I enjoy the feeling of being around my loved ones. If that means helping them out at Bianca Lorenne however I can, I’ll be there for them, like they are for me. Since my teens, I have made swing tags, packed orders, unloaded 40-foot containers, worked in the store, marketing department, sold at trade fairs… and every time I was next to my mum and sister. In all this time together, we have accumulated loads of memories.

Our life is filled with sharing creative ideas, inspiring places, yummy food and laughs. Not gonna lie, a few catfights too - then belly laughs about them later! My sister is my best friend and an unwavering supporter. My mum is my mentor. I am so proud of what she has achieved with Bianca Lorenne - she inspires me to back myself and chase my wildest dreams. 

01 Arundel Spruce Throw  02 Tsuru Spruce Comforter 03 Noma Midnight Moss Bedspread 04 Bowling Bag - Caper Green

What makes working together as a family so special?

I love how we each bring our own creative element to the business that works harmoniously together. Mum has an amazing eye for product design and detail, Lauren works her magic through creative wording (and is always singing at our events), and my outlet is through styling. We naturally fall into roles that complement each other and inspire each other to constantly be better.

Getting to see my family most days is so special and not something a lot of family relationships could endure. On the hard days, it’s having a hug from your family and a supportive pep talk to remind you that you can do it, or a little vase of hand-picked flowers from Mum on your desk in the morning.

01 Yosumi Nutmeg Comforter 02 Floresta Merlot Tea Towel 03 Anello Cedar Cushion 04 Komichi Old Rose Throw

Kizuna are those invisible threads that tie us together.

Kizuna honours those relationships woven over time: between artisan and material, colleague and customer, mother and daughter, home and heart.

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From left to right: Jo from Allium, Alison and Bianca from Bianca Lorenne, Katrina from McKenzie & Willis

Happy International Women's Day! We spoke with three outstanding females, all of them long-term stockists of Bianca Lorenne, on entrepreneurship, selling luxury, their favourite colours and interiors trends alongside advice for women in business.

Today, we shine a light on Jo from Allium Interiors, Katrina Millar from McKenzie & Willis and Margot from Linen Boutique, sharing insights into their remarkable careers in the homewares industry.

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MOOD Magazine have kindly featured us in their latest Spring issue, to celebrate Bianca Lorenne's 20th birthday! Phew, we blinked and 20 years have passed! Scroll down to read the full scoop on what has evolved within our family business over the past two decades.

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Winter can challenge our energy, mood, and motivation. But it also offers a unique opportunity: to turn inward, slow down, and build rituals that nourish both the mind and the imagination. Below are six practices—some reflective, some playful—that support mental wellness, curiosity, and creativity through the colder months.

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With our Collection Unfold being so abundant in linen chambray, we thought it was about time to delve into this cornerstone of our ranges both past and present, and its importance in our interiors.

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By taking the time to relax and focus on yourself over the holidays, you’ll not only feel more fulfilled and energetic, but you’ll also benefit from improved overall mindset, health, and wellbeing.

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As the chilly weather closes in, we are reminded of the importance of looking after our wellbeing and enjoying the simple things in life. In the middle of winter, it’s important to make it as enjoyable as we can.

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