Our story

THE STUDIO:

Shabby Shac Studio was founded in 2005, finding success in a diverse range of fields from fashion to event, interior and exhibit design. Over a decade of experience, education and knowledge has come together to create a firm foundation and intimate knowledge of all things colour, textiles, art and design. 

We are a small, artisan Studio with a passion for bespoke, sustainable, intentional design. We lean into our local community and interstate friends to bring you products that are truly exceptional and reminiscent of the Australian landscape.

Our design method is an organic one with our Principal Designer favouring pencil, ink and watercolours during the creative process.  Each design is passionately created in our Studio and carefully refined with a conscious choice to embrace the perfect imperfection of nature and everyday living.

Our products are designed, printed, manufactured and packaged in our Studios on the beautiful Gold Coast, Queensland and Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia.

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER:

Kim is an Artist, Multi-disciplinary Designer & Educator with a background in Interior Decoration and Design. Proudly an Aussie girl, she is inspired by the beauty of the Australian landscape and it's unique collection of flora and fauna.

A creative soul, even as a small child, she was drawn back to her roots prior to the birth of her daughter in 2004. Completing studies in Interior Decoration + Styling and establishing her boutique brand, Shabby Shac Studio in early 2005.

The brand first saw success in the field of vintage and Shabby Chic furniture, textiles and collectables. Kim noticed a gap in the Australian market for the popular, Shabby Chic trend that had taken the US by storm. Her hands-on style and keen eye for detail were the perfect fit for this niche decorating trend and her client list and reputation quickly grew.

Her beloved Nana was a strong influence throughout her life and she soon learned to knit, crochet and sew at her Nana's knee. The vintage Singer sewing machine now sits proudly in her Studio and is the work-horse behind her handmade linen range.

Continuing her studies in 2015, Kim completed her Diploma in Interior Design. With her new qualification, and a decade of experience in hand, she embraced the multi-faceted world of design, taking on the role of Exhibit Designer at The Sydney Royal  Show. Roles in Event Management soon followed, as she worked alongside some of the best known names in the media, fashion, food, beverage, academic + construction industries.   

In 2020, as the world slowed down due to the CoVid Pandemic, she refocused her attention on her first love - Surface Pattern Design. Having firmly fallen in
love with this  discipline back in her uni days, she knew this was where her
heart belonged. 

Kim's designs are a marriage of her organic, ink & pencil sketches + watercolour paintings. Exhibting strong floral and botanical elements and always a love of the raw beauty that surrounds her at home and in her travels.

A recent move home to the scenic Central Coast, NSW, has seen her open a 2nd Studio by the sea. It seems that a coastal life surrounded by family, friends and dogs is the perfect backdrop for her creative energy as she begins work on a 3rd textile collection and expands her retail stockists. 

When not in her Studio she can be found teaching the next generation of designers, whether that be in a college or workshop environment, or via her fledgling YouTube Channel.

SUSTAINABILITY:

Our Textiles carry the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Confidence in Textiles labels. The GRS is a voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in  a final product. The standard applies to the full supply chain - addressing traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labelling. 

Confidence in Textiles - Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. This label guarantees that our products are free from harmful substances.

Our Wallpaper is proudly PVC FREE. This standard protects the health and well-being of the manufacturer, installer, client and the environment.  

Our beautifully textured Wallpaper and Textiles are recommended for use in both Residential (renter friendly) and Commercial settings. Fire Rating Certifications are available upon request.

Our Gifting Range is proudly printed on locally produced card-stock that carries all the best certifications and labels, ensuring we tread lightly on our beautiful planet.

Our wedding weight stationery is manufactured under strict environmental management systems using wind generated electricity and is rendered carbon neutral within the production process.

Packaging is carefully considered with regards to each product, less is definitely more in our opinion. However, when a protective cover is required, we choose only locally produced, 100% recyclable sleeves that are rendered inert in nature, meaning they do not leach any toxins into the soil or water table.