Furniture upholsterer and all round maker enthusiastic
It’s that time again where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with our favourite local business owners and creatives to find out where they go to eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take their out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.
For our 19th instalment of SPILL, we’re catching up with vintage-inspired lounge maker and furniture upholsterer, Reioni Douglas of Culture Cush and Upholstrei.
Reioni Douglas
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle recognise you from?
I’m a furniture upholsterer in my business Upholstrei, so I’ve restored and made a lot of furniture for homes and venues across Newcastle since 2019. I also have a furniture brand called Culture Cush, where I make vintage-inspired modular lounges.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Moruya on the South Coast of New South Wales.
What made you decide to make Newcastle home?
It wasn’t until my partner, Tahlia and I started dating that I spent time here and understood why a lot of the Novocastrians I had met on my travels are like homing pigeons and eventually made their way back. It’s a place that is as small or as big as you want it to be and has quintessential Australian charm with a coastal lifestyle. It was a no-brainer to be the one to move.
What’s your weekend ritual?
We have two toddlers (three including the dog) so we are up with the birds, but it means that we never miss getting in the line at Bootleg Bakery for pastries and coffee. We then head to Dixon Park to run both the kids and the dog, then either go for a stroll or hit the sand. We’ve found it’s the best way to start the weekend and do something for everyone.
Where’s your late-night hangout spot?
Is it too obvious to say our Culture Cush lounge? Hah! I’m usually there watching TV and nudging Tahlia awake so I don’t have to watch the same episode the next night.
What’s your coffee order?
Soy latte. Through the week I make my own and have machines at both home and work. My favourite beans are from local roaster Josie Coffee.
Tell me about your biggest career highlight…
My daughter recently learned that I made our lounge, and I think because it's such a large-scale object she was just so impressed. Growing up I wouldn’t have believed that a one-woman-show could do such a thing, so setting her up for the belief that anything is possible made me so proud of myself.
If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?
The Bogey Hole, Monella Gelato, and Scottie’s. In any order.
On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
Watching dogs play. I take my dog Reggie to Redhead Beach, Croudace Bay, and Dixon Park dog areas. It's impossible not to smile.
What do you NEVER leave the house without?
Reggie.
We’re all about keeping it local here at HUNTERhunter – tell me THREE of your favourite local businesses or brands that you live and breathe by and why you couldn’t live without them…
Amy Vidler. She's an incredible object designer who has become a dear friend and maker bestie. We worked on a project together and have been pals since. Our work is very different, but she is so supportive and just understands!
Alicia Doyle is another inspiring friend who makes in her brand Ramble Interiors and sends her pieces all over the world. Alicia took a huge leap from a successful career and chose a much harder but more rewarding path, and I just feel very fortunate to have her as a sounding board.
Momo Wholefood. Eating their crunchy fresh food and being in their relaxed atmosphere is very grounding when you’ve had a chaotic week. The seat cushions are also great (wink).
What are you reading / watching / listening to now?
Reading – 10 things I wish you knew about your child’s mental health by Dr Billy Garvey
Watching – Bad Sisters on Apple TV
Listening – Women designers you should know by Amber Asay
What’s your go-to music or playlist?
My Spotify wrapped told me that I’m hooked on smooth instrumental neo-psychedelic. Artists like Khruangbin, Allah-Las, and Orions Belte.
What would you like to see more of in Newcastle?
Makers!
Lucky last – who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Amy Vider or Alicia Doyle from Ramble Interiors.
