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Christina Armstrong

Owner of Gold Coast homewares brand Moss Living.

Christina Armstrong is one stylish Gold Coaster, not to mention the owner of stunning local homewares and clothing brand Moss Living.

We sat down for a chat with Christina about her high-end linen bedding, sustainable sourcing practices and the new Moss Living wearables about to hit the market. 

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve grown up a city girl mostly. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil and travelled the world with my parents. I then spent my teenage years in Brisbane, came here for a weekend away in 2002 and never left. I worked at Swinging Safari, then moved to the southern Gold Coast to manage Elephant Rock Cafe and after meeting my fiancé in 2005, I started to call the Gold Coast my home.

What do you love most about living here?
I’m a nature lover. I love the birds, the wildlife, the fresh air and sea breezes. Our home backs onto the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary so I’m lucky to be surrounded by the most stunning flora and fauna. It’s my own little piece of paradise. My home is my haven. The beaches here are just so beautiful and clean and I love the proximity to all the best swimming spots. The community is just like a small country town, so many creative people and incredible local support.

How did your business Moss Living come about?
I’ve always been encouraged to make a house a home. From very early in life my parents gave me freedom to arrange and design my own space. I was encouraged to decorate, repaint and style my room as a kid. My mother always had the most exquisite furniture and homewares she had collected from around the world and I always appreciated the quality and uniqueness of her pieces and the way she styled our homes was just divine. The ‘good room’ was always pristine, it was her pride and joy with stunning Brazilian timber furniture, hand carved, exotic fish sculptures and fresh roses she grew herself. I’ve always remembered the fine detail and the feeling of warmth and comfort. I carried this feeling throughout adulthood. She taught me to be stylish and proud of my home. I’ll always be grateful for that. With Moss Living I’ve found something I love and I’m just so happy to be able to work with such a beautifully raw, sustainable material.

You sell beautiful, high-end linen, towels and clothing, from where do you source your fabrics?
All of our linen is ethically grown in and sourced from France. It’s the highest quality linen available on the market. Linen is a part of a movement back to the belief that simplicity and quality are paramount. We have a close relationship with our supplier and we’re always interacting with each other over new developments and concepts. Our supplier is one of the leading providers of fine linen in the world. They deal directly with France to source the best raw flax linen and in the dying process, our supplier uses AZO-free dye which is very friendly to human skin as well as the environment.

Can you talk to us about any upcoming colour trends you’re noticing for the new season?
I’ve never been a real trend follower. If you’re running a business and marketing high end products I think it’s important to understand trends however I don’t want to be someone who follows the market. I love to be innovative and aim to come up with a unique palette. In saying that, I’m influenced by my surroundings, Australia has the most beautiful landscapes and I’m always looking at colours that represent a personal experience and the love I have for nature.

Any advice for someone looking to start their own business?
Be yourself. Follow your heart. Don’t compromise quality. Surround yourself with positive, happy, supportive people. Do your research and understand it takes time. Business is a balance.

What’s the plan for the rest of 2019 for you?
We have some amazing new Moss Wearables in the making and I’m working on new colours for bedding. I’m always working on new shoots with my photographer Jenna Agius to keep it fresh and relatable.

Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Cafe for breakfast: I’m lucky enough to be able to walk down to Cornerstone at Currumbin, amazing healthy food especially breakfast
Coffee spot: Saltmill at Currumbin and Dust Temple in the industrial area
Restaurant for dinner: The Fish House at Burleigh and Hellenika at Nobbys Beach
How does your weekend usually look: Coffee first then morning chats with our fur babies. We get produce from our local farmers market at Palm Beach every Saturday morning and I usually have a glass of bubbles or two with my fiancé. I’m often in my ceramics studio creating.

Stock up on stunning, locally-made homewares

There comes a time in life when the things that matter most are beautiful homewares, good wine and a comfortable bed in a room filled with said homewares to ensure we get (the very necessary these days) eight hours of sleep every night.

For us, that time is now Gold Coasters and we suspect you might feel the same which is why it gives us great pleasure to bring you news of a new homewares and lifestyle store that is probably (definitely) our new favourite place to be.

The newbie is the work of the one and only Jasmine Potter along with design extraordinaire Charlotte Barnes and it’s the third ball in a trio of lifestyle arms (tiles, lighting, lifestyle) that make up Jas’ boutique interior design company, Three Balls Red.

Now, perhaps you’re thinking that all homewares slash lifestyle stores are created equal. Stop that. It couldn’t be further from the truth.

The magic of this particular space, and the reason for this tale, is that the majority of pieces on offer are by Gold Coast makers and the rest, from other incredible Aussie folks.

Which is amazing for many reasons, the first of which is that we now have another way to support local talent, the second of which is that we can get to know some mind-blowing local artists and the third of which (bear with us), is that we can put these goodies in our very own homes.

The goodies we speak of are many and varied and all, of course, absolutely stunning.

There’s luxe linen bedding from Moss Living, beautiful beach umbrellas from Salty Shadows, bespoke furniture by Lobo (an incredible business down Tumbulgum way), the most beautiful stoneware from Jas and Charlotte’s wholesale brand Ukuba, one off art pieces by Wabi Projects (LOVE) plus of course, tiles, bathrooms fittings, lighting, rugs, anything you could possibly want for your home, the girls have you covered. And then some.

Every single piece is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else and we’re in love with all of it. If you’re thinking about what to buy us for Christmas, look no further.

One of the most exciting pieces within the store is a chair (that deserves a far more impressive name than that) by local artist CJ Anderson, called Soigné, that was selected to be exhibited by the Milan Design Fair and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s a work of architectural genius, made with heavy-duty leather and brass detailing and it’s the new love of our lives. Look up CJ’s work and prepare to give away all your dollars (for good reason).

As mentioned, Christmas is about 14 seconds away and we’re all about treating oneself (not just at Christmas) and this stunning little spot is just the place to do it.

Good luck choosing what to buy.

Sleep well in your newly fabulous home friends, we know we will.

LOCATION: 2/85 Bundall Rd, Ashmore
HOURS: 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 1pm Saturday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

10 Pinterest-worthy Gold Coast homewares stores

St Barts
St Barts

Homewares are equally the love of our lives and an unhealthy obsession we should probably nip in the bud. Won’t though, because pretty cushions are life and we’re home ALOT these days.

Not to mention the fact that the Gold Coast is home to an unfair amount of homewares stores filled with absolutely beautiful things we definitely need and will make us happy. You too? Thought so.

Here’s a list of ten local homewares stores to get in your life, next time a shopping spree is in order.

St Barts
From Mongolia to Morocco, Denmark to India and Asia to Africa, St Barts have travelled across the world collecting beautiful pieces designed to invoke a sense of wanderlust and adventure within the home. St Barts opened their Ferry Rd Markets store in May 2010 and expanded their empire to Burleigh in September 2019 (with the neat addition of Next Door Espresso attached) and since then, have delighted the good folks of the Gold Coast with their inspiring and perfectly on trend range. It’s a store you could spend the rest of your days gushing over (and spending up a storm in).
Where: The Brickworks, 107 Ferry Road, Southport and 24 Junction Road, West Burleigh

The Beach Furniture
Unique, handmade pieces in raw, natural colours, perfect for anyone who’s keen on the beautiful, laidback things in life is how we feel about The Beach Furniture’s collection of goodies. Unpolished wooden tables, whitewashed cabinets and consoles and an array of homewares in the prettiest of pastel shades are the perfect match for any home, particularly on the Gold Coast (lucky). No matter what you may need for your abode, you’ll find it at The Beach Furniture and it will be oh so beautiful.
Where: 48 Bundall Road, Bundall and 74 Kortum Drive, Burleigh 

Village Stores
One of the original and the best, Village Stores have been around for quite some time and it’s not hard to see why. Their collection of perfectly Pinterest-worthy pieces will make your space absolutely pop (and be the envy of all your friends). From furniture to photographs and everything in between, Village Stores offer an eclectic range of homewares including tribal-inspired pieces and stunning rattan pendant lights. Oh, and their rugs are some of the most beautiful around too.
Where: Shop 1/54 Bundall Road, Bundall

Three Balls Red
The ladies at Three Balls Red know what’s up when it comes to absolutely stunning homewares, you won’t find anywhere else. What began as a beautiful lighting and tile store in Bundall, not long ago became a homewares store stocking primarily local brands and we are absolutely obsessed. From linen bedding to award-winning leather chairs, art, rugs, cushion, everything, you will no doubt find at least 35 things you want for your home. If you’re not sure what you need, the gals are very knowledgeable so they can point you in the right direction. Don’t miss grabbing a coffee from next door coffee shop Roller Door Espresso!
Where: 2/85 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

Kira & Kira
A game changer to the Gold Coast homewares store game is Kira & Kira (so nice they named it twice) in Miami. The absolutely stunning store is a workshop and retail space dedicated to the design and development of furniture and interior pieces. Each piece is made with the highest quality materials and inspired by a mid-century modern aesthetic, celebrating functionality, clean lines and beautiful finishes. We absolutely love every single thing in there and would very much appreciate being stylish enough to include them all in our home. Please.
Where: Cnr Gold Coast Highway and Kratzman Avenue, Miami 

Trader Trove

Trader Trove
Oh Moroccan-inspired homewares, how you have our hearts (and a lot of our money) with thanks, in no small part, to the impeccably styled space that is Trader Trove. With new and vintage wares, sourced both locally and from around the globe, it is the homewares store of our dreams and there is not a thing in there we would not love to own. Brightly coloured Turkish cushions are artfully placed next to Moroccan grass baskets and beside intricately woven rugs and it’s all absolute perfection.
Where: 22 Christine Avenue, Miami

Maison & Maison
A bohemian-inspired beauty you’ve no doubt wandered past in your travels around Burleigh, Maison & Maison is filled with an eclectic range of tapestry cushions, leather pouffes, carved buffalo skulls and throw rugs. The pieces here are also inspired by the beauty of the world and sure to ignite some wanderlust within your holiday-hungry soul. They want you to imagine meandering through the streets of Istanbul, with a cocktail in hand and tropical living on your mind. But in Burleigh. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 53 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Emporium on James
Expect to find all the delightful things at Emporium on James. There’s beautiful wicker furniture, Mongolian sheepskin throws, hanging chairs, Maison Blanche candles and the loveliest gifts. All of which will definitely tickle your fancy. There’s also a pretzel shaped bottle opener that we simply must have. If quirky, unique pieces in natural colours and textures are your thing, Emporium on James is the one for you.
Where: 1/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads 

Gather Store
Gather is a beautiful little home goods and gallery store filled with thoughtfully curated goodies with a strong emphasis on raw, crafted and botanical. The gals are passionate about supporting local artisans and brands AND they even have a micro nursery with a hand-picked selection of indoor and patio plants. We absolutely LOVE the range of handmade ceramics on offer and may have quite the collection in our house already. It’s the perfect place to find an incredible gift for a loved one or, of course, to treat yo’self. Located next to Dust Temple, pop in for your art gallery fix too!
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Salt Living
Perfectly representative of the coastal life we know and love, Salt Living has been filling the homes of Gold Coasters since 2014. With a love of relaxed, beachside vibes and high quality, handmade and ethically produced pieces from around the world, the space itself is all white, shades of blue and golden accents and it’s as pretty as you could ever hope your house to be. The store also stocks some incredible artworks, slides from everyone’s (our) fave brand St. Agni and swimwear by local brand peony. So all the best things. Love this place.
Where: The Strand, 72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kirra Smith

Three Balls Red

18 reasons locals love Currumbin

The Bread Social, Currumbin Waters (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Bread Social, Currumbin Waters (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Currumbin is the gift that keeps on giving, and locals just can’t get enough! From lush wildlife sanctuaries and delectable dining spots to vibrant cultural hubs and scenic coastal views, this coastal gem truly has it all.

Whether you’re an avid foodie, nature enthusiast, or culture vulture, there’s something here to tickle your fancy and keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into 18 of the endless reasons why Currumbin is the place to be.

The Homestead, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin (image supplied)
The Homestead, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin (image supplied)

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If there’s one place that’s been synonymous with Currumbin for as long as we can remember, it’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Nestled within a lush 27-hectare outdoor sanctuary, people of all ages can enjoy a variety of fun and educational shows, feed the lorikeets, cuddle a koala, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, and enjoy a bite to eat at The Homestead. Enjoy 10% off adult/family general admission on us here.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Tommy's Italian, exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Tommy's Italian, exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Tommy’s Italian
From day dot, Tommy’s stole a pizza our hearts with its incredible Italian nosh partnered with the breathtaking backdrop that is Currumbin Beach. Expect familiar favourites but served Tommy’s style (fresh, authentic, and using the finest local produce) prepared with passion. Do yourself a favour and book on the upstairs balcony – it’s the spritz to your Aperol.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Chicos Taqueria, Currumbin (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Chicos Taqueria, Currumbin (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Chicos Taqueria
This is the fast and fresh Mexican we’ve all bean waiting for, served from a vibrant nook that radiates geniality.  Serving a loud and proud curation of Mexican-Aussie faves, Chicos leans in to super fresh ingredients (delivered daily) and bold flavours. The no-risk, all-reward menu offers all the classics, namely tacos, enchiladas, burros, burritos, and nachos. It’s quac-en good.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

The Bread Social, Currumbin Waters (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
The Bread Social, Currumbin Waters (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

The Bread Social
Get b-ready! After baking out of The Farm in Byron for eight years, mates Sam Saulwick, Tom Scott and Paul Giddings moved the entire operation to a huge new space on Queensbury Ave. The café design invites patrons to peep on the bakers, involving us in all aspects of sourdough bread and pastry production. Think scrolls, croissants, tarts, baked cheesecake, cookies, sandwiches and more.
Where: 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters

Tarte Beach House, Currumbin (image supplied)
Tarte Beach House, Currumbin (image supplied)

Tarte Beach House
Cult flavourite alert! We were shook when our Burleigh-based numero uno Tarte Bakery launched a bigger and slightly more refined big sis lunch venue. Tarte Beach House is an elegant combo of Paris meets The Hamptons, while looking out over the crystal-clear waters of Currumbin. All items are made completely in house using the freshest ingredients possible, and the mouthwatering menu changes seasonally.
Where: 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Kinship Cafe, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Kinship Cafe, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Kinship
Nestled underneath the Currumbin SLSC’s new Junior Activity & Community Centre is the kool-as Kinship. Rivalling all the edgy hipster haunts, its menu combines fresh and trendy takes – such as brekkie tacos and biscoff crumpets – along with your classic cafe faves. The breezy beachside spot offers sit-down service, along with plenty of equally delicious portable options for peckish passersby.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Foccacia Pugliese & Coffee, Aperitivo Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Foccacia Pugliese & Coffee, Aperitivo Cafe (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Aperitivo
If a charming Italiano café full of character is your vibe, you’ll fall head over heels for Aperitivo. Tucked away in Thrower Drive, nom your way through tasty focaccias, paninis, arancini, sfogliatelle, Roman style pizza, lasagne, cannoli, tiramisù, and grazing boxes to order. Go on a weekend and you and your pooch can pull up a pew in neighbour Currumbin Dental Care’s quaint garden space next door.
Where: 8a Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Little Vine Room exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Little Vine Room exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Little Vine Room
We are so grapeful for this piece of paradise. Decked out in delicious deep green and apricot hues, Little Vine Room is as pleasing to the eyes as its food and sips are to the palette. Think cheese and charcuterie plates, gourmet toasties and jaffles, and a spread of sensational bites, paired perfectly with wines for days and top tier cocktails.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

The Bathhouse at Ground (image supplied)
The Bathhouse at Ground (image supplied)

The Bathhouse at Ground
The Bathhouse offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation in the stunning Currumbin Valley, forming part of the Ground community hub. Think mineral enriched hydrotherapy spas, a plunge pool, traditional cedar hot tub, therapeutic cold bath, large wood fired hot stone sauna, an outdoor infrared sauna, massage, and bespoke facials. Tranquilly personified.
Where: 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Soundlounge, Currumbin (image supplied)
Soundlounge, Currumbin (image supplied)

Currumbin RSL
I mean, who doesn’t love an RSL and this one is the MVP. Set on the banks of picturesque Currumbin Creek, Currumbin RSL also known as ‘The Best Little Club in The World’, is a multi-award-winning boutique style show-stopper. With delish global grub, a pizzeria, hand-crafted drinks, and Soundlounge, a live music lounge with some of the best acoustic artists, everything this place touches turns to solid gold.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Pasture & Co, Currumbin Valley (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Pasture & Co, Currumbin Valley (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Pasture & Co
Embracing the eco-friendly philosophy with gusto, Pasture & Co is a must-visit family-friendly café with d-lish healthy eats, a prime location, friendly service, and an environmental conscience. Committed to nurturing both people and the planet, self-sustainability, and supporting small local businesses, don’t skip this one!
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Fuel Bakehouse, Currumbin (image supplied)
Fuel Bakehouse, Currumbin (image supplied)

Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever eat is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, custard and salted caramel to name a few, calories don’t count here so buy at least four of each. It’s not just doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants; all of the baked goodies – and cracking good coffee. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters

The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is one of the Coat’s most beloved cafes for a reason. Several in fact. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats – everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Consciously Clean (image supplied)
Consciously Clean (image supplied)

Consciously Clean
Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill it with the product of your choice (or purchase one there) – and it’s all very affordable. Not only that, but you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things, and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a tree-change, make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend rotation. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s, became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can purchase (grocery shop – tick), plus grab a bite and an organic 3 Elements coffee at The Farm Café. Enjoy your treats and take in the sensational hinterland views.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Currumbin Valley Brewing, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Currumbin Valley Brewing, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Currumbin Valley Brewing
Currumbin Valley Brewing, crafted by local brewers Pete “Smokey” Wheldon and Luke Ronalds, is the newest gem in the creekside area’s growing list of watering holes. Featuring a 10hL Rolec copper-clad brew house, this taproom and brewery took several years and community support to bring to life.
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop, and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets, an in-house ceramicist, a leatherworker, and a silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall, and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Words by Bianca Trathen

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