Homeware is where the heart is. At least according to home store coastie queen Jane Fonti, who has aced the art of home décor at her waterfront abode in Woy Woy.
The English-born creative owns and operates Ruby’s Home Store, selling hand-picked and often handmade homewares online.
Many of her niche pieces honour traditional British design, such as classic striped ceramic Cornishware, or wear Union Jack colours, including bold reds and dark blue hues.
Others play a contemporary twist on previous vintage displays to revive nostalgic sentiments from a distant childhood memory – you really can’t move past the gorgeous tinware.
If that all sounds like your cup of tea – as the British might say – you can now treat yourself to a yearly subscription of high-quality homewares personally picked by Fonti herself.
Yes, let us introduce you to the The Hometastic Box – the Central Coast’s first homewares subscription box, with goodies arriving at your door every three months. Sign us up!
And there’s no need to fret about styles becoming outdated.
A subscription with Ruby’s Home Store guarantees a new box of timeless pieces to reflect seasonal changes and the latest trends.
“It’s a box of things to style your home for the season that go together and will go in any home. They’re neutral, but with a bit of colour, so it won’t clash with other colours,” Jane tells Coasties.
“My first one sold out to 16 email subscribers in less than 24 hours, and I’ve had so many people asking me about them.
“I make it sort of a surprise. I have to watch out what my suppliers have on offer.”
Signing up with a subscription will land customers a new box of goodies every three months for $139.95 paid per quarter – not to mention you receive 20% off the first box.
Those simply wanting to browse or find a beautiful statement piece for their home can do so by visiting Ruby’s Home Store website.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Fonti has carefully assembled a dynamic collection of classic and chic homewares suited for all rooms in the house and even outside.
Although having no official qualifications in home styling or design, she has made up for it with sheer passion and a gift for adorning well-loved spaces to turn a house into a home.
It was a fantasy fulfilled after working as a nurse for 30 years and wheeling along with the cogs of corporate life for some time.
“I’ve just always wanted to have a homewares store. I love them. I’m passionate about homey things,” Jane says.
“I like to move things about and buy new bits and pieces and play around with them. It’s exciting.”
Troubled by the fact that she couldn’t find anything that was different or had an authentic feel of her homeland, Fonti was inspired to start her own home store gig in Australia.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Of course, in true Aussie spirit, she sought to support homegrown artists.
“Having come from England, the quality of things there is generally a lot better. You can have good stuff here, but it’s expensive,” she explains.
“When I started looking for homewares for my home, I couldn’t find anything that was different. So, three-and-half-years ago, I bought an existing business in Willoughby. I gradually learned and did lots of different courses, and it’s just gradually built up.
“I started with things that were different, good quality and that would last. I try and get things made in England or made in Australia.”
Many of her customers enjoy stumbling upon items that is reminiscent of “their grandmother’s kitchen”, such as the popular Cornishware.
Fonti tapped into the booming homeware market at the right time during Covid when more people began shopping from home.
Her warm, gentle approach reassures you that you’re in the best hands when it comes to recreating and redecorating your own space.
It’s also a spot of comfort for those indulging in a little retail therapy, and others looking to introduce a little bit of cosiness – with style – into their homes.
For more information or to sign up for a subscription box before they sell out, visit the Ruby’s Home Store website.
Congratulation!