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Shopping Guide: The Poetry of Living is an Ode to the Beauty of Life

We’re loving this new contemporary feminine furnishings, and Mediterranean style homeware that is perfect for the summer

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By Kimberley Schoeman  | October 31, 2023 | Shopping

Summer is in the air and there has never been a better time to embark on a journey of style and self-expression, one that brings you closer to the poetry of living. Like fashion, our homes are an extension of our inner worlds, individuality, and aesthetic tastes, plus the context in which they exist. As an expert shopper I tend to jump at the opportunity to pick up beautiful pieces that introduce fresh ideas into my home, while meshing well with the objects and furniture we already love.

This summer, I have my eye on Poetry and what they are introducing in their Poetry of Living collection, which includes furniture, decor, and textiles. Said to be an ode to the art of living, every piece has been crafted to create a symphony of comfort, aesthetics, and individuality. I’ve been known to turn to Poetry for smaller decor and gifting items like tableware, glassware, and feminine textiles. But since launching this new collection, our heads are turned towards their new hard furnishings like tables, beds and cabinets as well as other large format soft upholstered furniture like sofas, armchairs and beds. But, their textiles have been expanded throughout the home with bedding, towels and scatters, as well as in the kitchen with a wider crockery, bakeware and cutlery offering.

Here is our guide to choosing the most beautiful pieces from the collection.

Wonderful Woodwork and Feminine Furniture

The furniture pieces are exquisite with different style personae. You can effortlessly embrace three design aesthetics including the Modern Classic, which seamlessly blends contemporary elements, bringing a touch of elegance to your space. The Romantic marries tradition with modernity evoking the grace of the past in a current light. The Gypsy takes you on a global adventure, embracing artisanal craftsmanship and natural materials for a grounded, earthy setting.

The Uma Coffee Table by Poetry is both a functional table, but adds an audacious and organic touch to any sitting space. Image: supplied

Also, In a world filled with mass-produced items, we believe in the importance of craftsmanship, the beauty of high-quality natural materials, the passing on of heritage and generational wisdom, and in celebrating the makers and artisans who bring these visions to life. Personally, we are really impressed with the Uma collection of wooden furniture like tables and a bed frame that showcases a unique base of large and in charge legs. These natural raw materials are grown and nurtured, carved and shaped by hand.

Poetry’s commitment to individuality extends to supporting craftsmanship communities both locally and abroad. With artisans, there is an energetic value in their creativity. Hands carving and then pressing block prints, working lathes to carve large shapes, and moulding clay.

Kitchen and Dining ware

What is clear throughout the kitchen goods and dining ware is this collection is deeply inspired by distant voyages and global traditions, yet it is designed for modern living. Elements of Mediterranean cuisine (from both Europe and North Africa), and what I can only describe as playful “crustacean core” are seen throughout table clothes, coasters, and ceramics with fish, lobsters, and seashell motifs.

The marine and flora-inspired kitchenware from Poetry will refresh any meal. Image: supplied.

Like the furniture, kitchenware such as tablecloths include tapestries woven from premium fabrics, and other pieces are made from solid woods, marble, and brass accents. This summer, if you are seeking culinary journey along the ocean, then these pieces will take you around the world, especially if you have a taste for seeking out artisans who share a taste for quality and craftsmanship. For example, the Poetry team’s pursuit for natural skill-sets took them to Portugal, India, Cape Town or beyond, and you can see this throughout the bowls, plates, jugs, and fun cotton napkins. As a fan of all things ‘la dolce vita’ in the summer and being a maximalist hostess, I love the collection’s water jugs, prawn coasters, and glass foodie drink stirrers that inject an element of fun to summer cocktails and family lunch spreads.

The Matilde Pitcher sits comfortably on the Dalia Plate by Poetry. This is a great gift for a Christmas host. Image: supplied.

Textiles and Accessories

Not only is having items that look beautiful and authentic important, but the pieces have to feel just right. Personally, I find any kind of textile make great gifts because they will remind the person of you whenever they pick it up. A cosy blanket or throw, picnic blanket, or cotton napkins are great options for Christmas presents this year. I have my eye on one of Poetry’s spectacular cobalt blue throws for my partner (who I live with, so it is technically for myself by proxy of my partner), as well as cosy bedding that will be a treat to fall asleep and wake up to. From cotton jacquard bedding that envelops you in warmth, to hand-quilted throws that cradle you in comfort, I think these pieces are definitely worth the spend for their inherent unique value. Another textile that I may have already put into my cart is their ‘Luxury Kilim picnic Blanket’ that looks like you’ve swathed the ground with a Persian rug, but it is light and compact as any other picnic blanket.

I’m keeping my eye out for more of Poetry’s bedding and textiles, that make perfect gifts. Image: supplied.

Design is not just about decorating your home; it is about crafting your life. Curating pieces that support you in your journey to a life well lived. We believe that your living spaces should be more than just functional; they are an expression of your unique story, a canvas where your narrative unfolds. Colour, curves, juxtaposition, contrasting combinations and scale are all elements that can surprise and delight, soothe, amuse and facilitate expression.

The Mahi Display Cabinet from Poetry comes with fluted glass, and is a contemporary take on a cabinet of curiosities. Image: Supplied.