This week we chat to wonderful Miranda Osborne (the founder of Ico Traders) about design inspiration, her Spring launch and what customers love about her personal showroom experience! Cooper Interiors loves the timelessness in all of Miranda's designs. Her creations are so easy to style and incredibly functional, perfect for any home!
What inspired you to start Ico Traders?
I've always had an affiliation with design, firstly with a career designing and buying soft furnishing fabrics, then clothing. When the Christchurch earthquakes turned our lives upside down, it forced me to have a major life rethink. I decided to leave my job which required frequent overseas trips and look for something that would allow me to stay close to my husband and 2 young daughters.
So, in 2012 I founded Ico Traders, sourcing and curating a range of enamel light shades and vintage industrial lighting.
Home was where I was working from & so it was a natural progression for me to start designing things, for in and around my environment – Wire furniture became my obsession and continues to this day, its an ever changing process and bringing the solid Oak and wool cushions styles into our range means that we are making more and more of our products back here in New Zealand.
If you had to describe your brand in three words what would they be?
Simplicity, comfort and functionality.
What inspires you?
Definitely the Kiwi landscape! I have a love for many countries, however it has been coming home to live in the South Island that has made the biggest impact on my design. I never get sick of the beauty of places such as Akaora, Mt Cook & Moeraki - they constantly inspire me in the shapes and colours I use. Our daily very normal lives, the way we live, the gathering of friends and family, how and in what spaces we hang out in, motivate me to design things that are simple & useful.
What do customers love most about visiting Ico Traders?
Its a casual small company, my family coexists with the business, when customers visit - there is a welcoming committee, Huxley the dog and Dougal the cat never leave my side, sometimes my girls home from school. There is always a coffee on offer and clients are made to feel at home.
You mentioned you are planning your Spring launch, do you have any hints to share with us on what's coming? Oooh theres heaps - we have new colours ‘Tobacco’ and ‘Dark Moss Green’, Chair pads for the Devonport, Portobello and Coromandel chairs and a new style stool/side table...
What does your studio or work place look like?
I'm a homebody & my desk sits beside our fireplace in Winter, however I'm often mobile throughout the house, and we have products all over the place, both inside and out. We are not a showroom, more a family home, where people can visit, relax & get a feel for how Ico Traders would fit into their homes & lifestyle.
How would you describe New Zealand's art and design culture?
Even with strong social media and internet communities, NZ is still a little removed from the world. I think it allows us to give things a go without overthinking or comparing too much & it shows in the casual individuality of NZ designers. There is an awesome small business community here who are happy to share thoughts and support and I love being a part of that!
Who is your favourite New Zealand designer and why?
There's lots and lots, but I do admire Karen Walker for her clean style & strong branding, her ability to design across the mediums and build a strong, well recognised business.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, back yourself, market yourself & your brand (Something I am still working on, being much more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of them).
Do you have any advice for aspiring New Zealand creatives?
Listen and learn, but go with your gut - the times I've been influenced or decided to go against my gut instinct, its usually been the wrong decision - however you learn by mistakes too, so its not always bad to make one.
All imagery is credited to Miranda Osborne. Shop: Ico Traders. You can also follow them on Instagram here.
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