Calling all potheads – Arc + Family brings a slice of tropical pastel paradise to James Street
Plant culture is having a real moment and quite frankly we are living for it. Being a green thumb used to be relegated to retirees and suburban mums, but now it’s genuinely cool to have an active interest in horticulture. We’re filling our houses with more plants than you can poke a watering can at, so it makes sense that the need for pretty pots to pop them in is real. One of Brisbane’s favourite purveyors of such goods is Arc + Family, bringing its beloved selection of handmade wares to a charming space on James Street.
Husband and wife duo Benjamin and Ashleigh Keily have brought Arc + Family’s much-loved handmade collection to some swish new digs on James Street, taking over the old general store on the corner of Harcourt Street. The outside of the building has been treated to a fresh lick of blush-pink paint and a mint-green door as an homage to Arc + Family’s former Oxford Street residence. As soon as you step inside the store, you are greeted with visions of a tropical pastel paradise. There is greenery bursting forth from the walls, shelves and ceiling as far as the eye can see, punctuated by pops of pastel and cane. Baby-pink breezeblocks frame a selection of the store’s offering and a neon light reading ‘pothead’ glows proudly on the wall. Head to The Street Photographer to take a closer look!
The Arc + Family offering is all about plants and rad things to put them in, as well as a curated selection of gifts and homewares. The brand’s signature range of hand-painted designer pots is available alongside handmade plant stands, candles, ceramics, candles, rugs, cactus-silk cushions and spicy greeting cards with messages like ‘Happy birthday you prick’ and ‘You make my cactus hard’. As for the green stuff, Arc + Family has got you covered – choose from cacti, kokedama, terrariums and a huge range of tropical indoor plant varieties. The spiky love continues with plans to turn the backyard space into a dedicated cactus garden early next year. Other additions in the works include a cafe and events space, providing an excuse to linger amongst the greenery even longer.
Adding another layer of handmade love is the addition of Gold Coast transplant Aaron Darcy’s A Boy Named Aaron to the space. The four-year strong label draws upon Aaron’s 15 years in the in the interiors game, creating wallwares, ceramics and decor that are sustainably made from natural materials. One of the standouts is the selection of ceramic painted palms – these are actually casts of Aaron’s own hands that feature striking designs that are individually hand-painted. Aaron creates all of his pieces in house at James Street – you’ll often spot him working away amongst the curios in the shop.
Arc + Family is open and ready to plant itself firmly in your heart – check out the Stumble Guide for opening hours.