The Silver LiningLittle Leaf Co
Of late, I’ve noticed myself walking into department stores or big chain stores and leaving empty handed. No matter how much I like the look of something, the feel of a garment, the colour of an item, there’s something missing. And the more I analyse it, the more I come to understand that what’s missing is a deeper connection to a place, the story behind the products – the feeling that what you’re buying meant something to its maker or curator and that they actually loved making it or selecting it before presenting it to you to take into your own life. Rows and rows of uniformly made objects blur into anonymity as we search for something more “special” that strikes a chord within us.
On entering Little Leaf Co, you are immediately welcomed into Tonia’s not-so-secret secret garden. She loves and adores the space and the plants and pots that inhabit it, you feel her pride, passion and perfectionism as soon as the place envelopes you.
Little Leaf Co sprang into life last December and very quickly caught our eye, drawing us like magpies to shiny whatnots. Having always been a gifted gardener, Tonia decided after working for 18 years with her husband in their still operating construction company to follow her heart and, of course, her green thumbs.
The space is just a dream. A high lofty ceiling with oodles of sunshine houses perfectly imperfect fiddle leaf figs, gnarly monsteras, and highly sought after zebra plants and succulents. It has already in its short life played host to the Perth Creatives’ Summer Table as well as a number of workshops, including handlettering with The Articulate and the art of shibori with Old Grey House.
You’ll find wonderful Angus & Celeste pots and planters to grace your newly purchased greenery (for you will leave with a new pet plant in tow, I guarantee it), and if you’re feeling extra fancy Tonia also has a range of beautiful wire plant stands from Ivy Muse and macrame plant hangers by Mac and More. Little Leaf Co is also one of the few exclusive stockists of Annie Sloan chalk paint should you be in the mood for giving a piece of furniture (or almost anything!) a new lease of life with a lick of this incredible matte paint.
For a new house plant that comes with personalised specialist advice and an extra serving of heart, come to Little Leaf Co! We absolutely adored chatting to Tonia, and our home and lives have been enriched by our meeting.
Little Leaf Co / Shop 4, 496 Marmion St Melville / Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm / IG @littleleafco / tonia@littleleafco.com.au
The Silver Lining 
These are such subtle, beautiful and earthy photographs. Your writing is just as poetic as the pictures. 🙂
Thank you so MUCH Suanlee xx
Jinn & Sa