1. APRIL 9, 2016 creative
energy
The Barwon Heads
designer making stylish
products to treasure
A brave couple
finds happiness
after heartache
Fresh take on old
Queenscliff gem
HOPE AND
HEALING
NEW
TASTE
PLUS: GT HOME • INTERIOR STYLE • DESIGN • DISPLAY HOMES
Warm up with a
hearty chicken and
chorizo recipe
AUTUMN
FLAVOUR

2. 06 GT LIFESTYLE GTOE01Z01MA - V1
FEATURE
Concrete Blonde
Emily Larkin’s stylish plant bags gained popularity on The Block and encouraged
the Barwon Heads creative to extend her range of designer products
When and how did Concrete Blonde come
about?
It all started when I had my first child, Benji.
It was more of a hobby than anything else, I was
making plant bags for my mother-in-law’s
succulents – she’s obsessed.
My husband was a builder for Max and Karstan
on The Block Glasshouse and Max asked for a
couple to be sent up for their study area.
So from there, the plant bags sold in The Block
Shop, and a few other retail stores. I also opened
an online store myself. From there, I developed
a few more products online to sell including
concrete pots, cushions, prints, banners and
coinbanks.
How did it feel to have your products featured
on The Block?
I felt very privileged to be asked to have a
terrarium and plant bag featured in Max and
Karstans study, it all came together great. It was
great exposure and nice to be along side some
amazing brands.
Is there a story behind the name?
Not really, my husband came up with it.
What makes your products different from
others on the market?
They’re all designed and made by myself.
What is your work background?
Before kids I worked in admin. I studied graphic
design at CATC in Melbourne at nights. When I
completed my diploma I started doing a little bit
of advertising with a company as well as a few
things from home on the side like logo and
invitation designs.
How and where are your products created?
Everything is designed and made by myself at
our home in Barwon Heads. I design the prints
from my paintings and drawings in Adobe
Illustrator. I sew the bags, cushions and banners
on my sewing machine. The coinbanks are
made in our old back shed, or in my husband’s
work shed. He taught me how to use all the
tools to make them up.
Tell us a bit about your range?
There’s a bit of a mix – plant bags, cushions,
prints, banners, coinbanks. I like to use bright
colours and pastels as well as metallics.
What have been your most popular items?
The coinbanks – most of the time they sell out
before I get to restock the online shop. I think
it’s because they’re a unique type of money box,
they make it fun for kids to learn about saving
or can be a great helper in a rewards system. But
they also look stylish in a kids room as well.
How much of your time is put into the project?
Every spare chance I get. There always seems to
be something to do. I’m a one-girl show so
things can get hectic at times. But that’s how I
like it.
What do you love most about your job?
That I can do most of it from the comfort of my
own home. I love the products I create and work
hours that suit the kids and myself. I’m very
lucky, living by the coast we get to have lots of
beach days, and I’ll work once the kids are in
bed or having a nap during the day.
Do you have any future plans for the project?
Yes, so many plans – my mind is always
thinking of what’s next. I’m hoping to create
new designs in the coinbank range some time
this year. Also to extend the range of products
on the website.
What do you like to get up to outside of
Concrete Blonde?
Through the week, the kids and I (Benji, 3 and
Coco, 2) like to get out and about. We go for
rides to get chinos or to the beach or park. On
my own I love going for long runs and on the
weekends it’s all about family time – catching up
with friends, and of course the footy. We’re also
just about to start renovating our home so I’m
sure that will take up a lot of our spare time.
Who inspires you?
All the working mothers out there. Finding the
balance of work-life and being a parent can be
tough sometimes, but very rewarding as well.
What do you enjoy most about the Geelong
and Bellarine Peninsula region?
Barwon Heads. It’s such a beautiful place full of
fantastic people, great shops, great food and
great coffees. Being right on the beach and river
is perfect for our family – river for the kids and
waves for the husband. We love it.
Where can your products be purchased?
Online at concreteblondeinteriors.com.
Stockists include The Block Shop, Hello Willow,
Finlee & Me, Wiggles Piggles and Aero Plus.
Follow Emily on Instagram @concreteblonde85
Emily Larkin and her creations.
Photography: Mike Dugdale and
supplied.