Black Mango’s Kylie Porter-Wright spills some juicy design talk
Another amazing Blog written by The Block Shop originally posted here.
The Adelaide-Melbourne based online retailer, who along with husband Daniel Wright runs Black Mango, offers her input on homeware trends, internet shopping and the best of The Block.
Kylie Porter-Wright, Owner Black Mango
What should people know when buying from Black Mango?
I like people to feel like they can reach out. Definitely call us, definitely email us. We are always available. Ask for fabric swatches, ask as many questions as you like. We have customers sending through photos of their lounge room to ask, ‘What can I put in here?’ We are all about that personal connection with our customers. Even though we are online, there is a person behind it and we want our customers to be happy from beginning to end.
Do you see any big trends happening in homewares?
We try not to follow the trends too strictly, although we will grab certain pieces that work within our range. For instance, rattan and wicker are just everywhere at the moment and I love it, so we introduced the Hampton Club Chair, we think it is just gorgeous and know that it will stand the test of time even if the wicker trend starts to fade.
In our range we try to keep clean lines that can be versatile to all styles. For example, if we go French style, we don’t go intricate, so you can then lean into Hamptons, or you can lean into contemporary. This way people can mix and match our items with their own unique style, classic to modern.
The Black Mango 'Hampton Club Chair' has a beautiful design executed in rattan and hardwood with cushioned seat and removable back cushion. "It will stand the test of time even if wicker starts to fade out of fashion." Kylie tells Insider Style.
The gorgeous blue and white 'Tessa Table Lamp' is another versatile Black Mango piece.
What are you most excited about in your range at the moment?
Our Isla Rocking Chairs. They are simple, elegant, comfy and everyone that receives one loves it! We are excited to have more of these arriving in a few weeks with matching ottomans after introducing them a few months ago and selling out super fast. We love the idea that we are providing a lovely seat for cuddles in nurseries around Australia!
The stunning 'Isla Wingback Rocking Chair' pictured with the 'Emma Storage Ottoman' from @babybombardier, is perfect for a modern nursery or a more traditional haven for your little bubba.
Is the Black Mango crew fans of The Block? Who is your favourite couple?
Absolutely! Daniel and I love watching it, every season is inspiring and we love that they are in St Kilda this year. We enjoy the styling and love the top level of design. Favourite Block couple, that is a hard one, every year there are such wonderful and eclectic groups that bring so much to the show. We might have to go with Brad and Lara, they were gorgeous. Meeting Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft at last seasons launch was exactly what you think it would be like; Feeling star struck and feeling like friends all at the same time, they are both so lovely.
It is a real buzz for us to have our pieces online with The Block Shop and in the pop up shop this year, we love working with the team, they are all wonderful.
Kylie on meeting Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft in 2017 "Feeling star struck and feeling like friends all at the same time, they are both so lovely."
Read more about the talented husband and wife duo behind Black Mango HERE.