AURA COLLECTION Q&A WITH ABI INTERIORS CO-FOUNDER, LULI FARRELL

Now more than ever, people are gravitating towards biophilic design, which is the infusion of the natural world into the home. The Aura Collection is especially motivated by this desire and introduces an element of nature into the home by transforming a typically overlooked fixture into something quite personal.

The Aura Collection sees the Elysian Kitchen Mixer in an entirely new perspective. Like an earth-toned rainbow, it cloaks the revered tap in six new finishes: Posy, Clay, Solis, Flora, Dusk, and Almond.

Coloured tapware is scarce, especially in these grounded hues. To create a range that echoes nature’s comforts while also merging art and function; opens a world of possibility for homes and projects.

To celebrate the launch of the Aura Collection, co-founder Luli Farrell sits down to talk about the inspiration behind the design.

We first had the idea to create a navy tap, but once we began building on the concept, we wondered how other colours would look on the Elysian Kitchen Mixer. The prospect of releasing a range of coloured taps was an exciting but daunting endeavour, as it hasn’t really been done before.

But reimagining something so functional like a tap to be an avenue of self-expression and connection to nature was what helped the Aura Collection come into fruition.

After spending so much time indoors, we realised we needed to find a way to integrate the natural and built world. Biophilic design helps build a bridge between those two states, and we wanted to contribute to that connection with this range. In the Aura Collection, the combination of organic shapes and natural colours helps deliver a sense of nature into our spaces.

Not only that, but we also think a coloured tap is a bold statement in the home. Regardless of your home being new or old, the Aura Collection gives you the freedom to explore a different idea of design, where fixtures can become art too. It’s a small detail that does not require an entire overhaul of your house while still making a lasting impact.

Each finish was inspired by an element of the natural world. We wanted to create a way for people to bring a feeling of calmness and comfort into their homes, and what better way to do that than with the colours of nature.

The diverse range of finishes also broadens design possibilities, allowing people to explore their sense of style through their tapware.

Personally, I would choose Almond for my home. Neutral colours are just so timeless and elegant. This finish has such a wonderful, subtle warmth and would be the perfect piece to build around.

For styling, I would put the Almond tap on a round rendered benchtop. I would keep the decor neutral, too, with something like a curved ceramic vase. For a pop of colour, I would choose a dried floral arrangement with native Australian flowers in beautiful earthy tones.

For something like the Elysian Kitchen Mixer in Solis, I would pair it with a rich tone like terracotta or burgundy. Whether it’s tiling, exposed brick or decor, Solis would contrast beautifully with such deep colours. Also, as Solis represents the sun, I think it would also pair beautifully with sky colours like baby blue and teal.

Though, if you wanted it to stand out and be the statement piece in your space, incorporating softer, more neutral tones like white, beige, and pastels would work well.

At this stage, these colours are only available in the Elysian Kitchen Mixer for a limited time. But who knows, if people love them, we may think about including more products in the range.

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Shop the Aura Collection here.