At Few & Far, our mission is to enrich that story by bringing the world home – not just through beautiful furniture and decor, but through pieces infused with history, culture, and the soul of distant lands. Our journey to discover these extraordinary items is a story in itself, a tale of passion, perseverance, and profound connection to global craftsmanship. As we prepare to unveil our latest collection of Collected. Curated. Crafted. One-of-a-kind pieces – items that carry the essence of an ancient, vibrant land – we invite you to explore the very beginning of our sourcing stories.
This narrative begins not in bustling bazaars or ancient workshops, but in the early 2000s, within the world of surf brand design, where our co-founder Danny Solberg followed his creative path.
Danny, a surf brand designer, introduced the innovative concept of "buying trips" – journeys undertaken not merely for procurement, but for deep inspiration. These adventures led him to key cultural hubs like Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, places teeming with fresh ideas and diverse aesthetics that subtly informed their design work. It was an exciting time of immersing in global trends and absorbing new visual languages.
On one particular trip to Los Angeles, amidst the sun-drenched sprawl of California, Danny's path, guided by Tara's keen eye for unexpected beauty, led him to a transformative encounter. They wandered into a colossal warehouse-showroom in Melrose – a warehouse space filled to the brim with an incredible array of vintage and antique pieces. These were not just items; they were relics from Northern China, the intricate artistry of India, and the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. The sheer scale and raw beauty of the collection, each piece whispering tales of its past, was utterly captivating.
Amidst this awe-inspiring collection, Danny spotted a man, quietly presiding over the vast space from a large, old desk. It was a moment of pure epiphany. Danny stood there, utterly mesmerised, thinking, "I want to be him." This was the true spark: the vision of travelling the world, meticulously collecting beautiful, storied pieces – objects that carried histories and embodied the essence of their origins – and then creating a dedicated space where people could come and truly experience them. It was a powerful act of visualisation, a seed planted in the imagination that would one day grow into Few & Far, with a core mission of bringing these global finds home. This belief in manifesting the dream of global travel and sourcing authentic pieces has been a driving force.
Years later, his journey took him directly to India, immersed in the very pursuit of sourcing for Few & Far. It was there, amidst the vibrant energy of one of our supplier’s workshops, that he spotted a simple sign, what was supposed to read ‘Good Carriers’ clearly spelt ‘Good Career’.. It resonated so profoundly with his initial dream that he knew he had to acquire it. That sign now holds a place of honour in our warehouse – a powerful, daily reminder of where the dream began, a tangible symbol of how far we’ve come, and the unwavering belief in authentic, global curation that guides every decision we make.
At Few & Far, sourcing is far more than a logistical exercise; it is a passion-driven adventure, an enduring quest to discover and bring home pieces that resonate with authenticity and soul. Our ethos is deeply rooted in cherishing the journey as much as the destination, understanding that the narrative behind each object injects it with unparalleled value.
Beyond the Transaction: A Passionate Pursuit: We don’t merely purchase; we discover. Each sourcing trip is an immersion, a sensory exploration of local markets, artisan workshops, and hidden corners where true craftsmanship thrives. It's about feeling the texture of ancient wood, admiring intricate carvings, and understanding the cultural context that gives each piece its spirit. This dedication ensures that our collection is not just diverse, but genuinely one-of-a-kind, brimming with items chosen for their inherent beauty and the stories they hold. The process is a continuous education, refining our eye and deepening our appreciation for global artistry.
Building Relationships & Authenticity: The Human Connection: Our sourcing journey is fundamentally about human connection. We invest time in establishing genuine relationships with our suppliers and the artisans themselves, understanding their families, their traditions, and their unwavering commitment to their craft. We believe in ethical practices and fair partnerships, ensuring that the hands that create these beautiful objects are respected and valued. We once had an experience with a bone inlay supplier in India; despite the promising products, the sight of unprotected child workers and the owner's disrespectful treatment of staff led us to immediately decline the partnership. This experience profoundly reinforced our core value of integrity, ensuring we only collaborate with those who share our commitment to ethical production, valuing the well-being of the creators as much as the beauty of the creation. This dedication to ethical sourcing ensures the authenticity of every piece.
Seeking Authenticity: Patina and Imperfection as Beauty: Our pursuit of pieces with genuine history is unwavering. We look for items with a soul – the rich patina acquired over decades, the subtle imperfections that speak of a handcrafted origin, the distinctive character that only time can bestow. These aren't flaws; they are hallmarks of authenticity, testament to a life lived, and crucial elements that add profound depth to any contemporary home. Each faded mark, each subtle scratch, tells a part of the object's previous life, inviting curiosity and contemplation.
Cultural Immersion: Understanding the Spirit of Place: To truly appreciate a global find is to understand its origins. Our sourcing trips are deeply immersive experiences, allowing us to absorb the colours, sounds, and rhythms of the local culture. For instance, our journeys through Vietnam, as we’ve shared in previous stories, revealed the elegant blend of French colonial architecture with vibrant local energy, profoundly influencing how we view form and fluidity in design. This deep understanding of cultural influences allows us to select pieces that genuinely embody the spirit of their origin, ensuring they bring a truly authentic slice of the world into your home, rather than just a generic item.
The "Collected. Curated. Crafted." Promise: This tagline is the very essence of our sourcing philosophy, a promise delivered with every arrival:
Collected: Every piece is personally discovered and chosen by us, often in unexpected places, not mass-produced. It signifies a diligent search for items that resonate with beauty, history, and a particular spirit.
Curated: Our selection process is meticulous and thoughtful. We don't just buy; we hand-pick items that complement our aesthetic, blend old with new, and contribute to a cohesive, aspirational collection.
Crafted: This speaks to the artistry and skill behind each item. Whether it's an antique with a long history of traditional craftsmanship or a newly made piece by a contemporary artisan using age-old techniques, we celebrate the hands and heritage that bring these objects to life.
India holds a particularly special and cherished place in our sourcing narrative. It is a land of unparalleled artisanal wealth, a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of enduring craftsmanship, profound cultural expression, and an inexhaustible wellspring of creative inspiration. Our very first international sourcing trip included India, an experience that, though challenging, opened our eyes to an extraordinary universe of beauty and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Why India? India is not just a country; it's a living museum of artistry and tradition. Its rich heritage of traditional techniques – passed down through generations of families and guilds – is evident in every carved detail, every woven pattern, and every hammered metal surface. For Few & Far, India represents a profound connection to authenticity, to hand-made beauty, and to items that embody a deep spiritual and historical significance. The sheer volume and diversity of its crafts, from intricate woodworking to vibrant textile arts, make it a constant source of wonder.
The Sourcing Experience in India: Tales from the Road
Our journeys through India are sensory overloads in the most magnificent way. However, early sourcing trips were also true tests of perseverance. Think back 15 years (or slightly less), when the internet wasn’t what it is today, and communication was patchy at best. We still remember navigating with the old Gregory’s street directory, a world away from today's GPS-guided ease.
We'd land in Rajasthan armed with names and addresses we thought would be sufficient. We were so wrong. There were often no street signs – and in some areas, no actual streets you could easily find on a map. Places were listed vaguely as "1st, 2nd, 3rd Street," and we’d be searching for "13th," only to discover it didn’t quite exist as expected, or was somehow inexplicably located next to "18th," four streets over from where it should logically be. It was chaotic – which, as someone once explained to us, is "very India, it just works." We even have official addresses that simply state "near water tank," which somehow, amazingly, does work!
I (Tara) always travelled with my SLR camera in those early days, capturing countless moments, for there is truly so much to see, to learn, and to absorb in India. The image of the city of Jaipur, taken from Nahargarh Fort, with its population of over 4 million people in such a concentrated area, vividly illustrates the vibrant density of it all.
Our days often involved moments like the one captured in the image of us completely lost, repeatedly asking our driver to stop for directions. Ten minutes later, we’d be asking someone else. Thankfully, India has no shortage of friendly people willing to point you in a direction, even if it wasn't always the right one! These days, our sourcing trips are a very different story. We have meticulously built amazing relationships with our suppliers and their artisans, meaning no more driving for hours through the gloriously chaotic cities and towns of Rajasthan utterly lost. This hard-earned trust and connection allow us to focus on the curation, ensuring we bring you the very best of India’s soul.
Types of Pieces Sourced from India: Our collection from India is incredibly diverse, each item telling a distinctive story of its origin and the hands that crafted it:
Vintage Furniture: We find majestic, intricately carved sideboards and cabinets, as well as charming, smaller consoles and occasional tables. These pieces often feature traditional designs with distinctive regional characteristics, their aged timbers and original hardware adding instant character and gravitas to any room.
Carved Wooden Objects: Beyond large furniture, India is a constant source of smaller, beautifully carved items – individual panels that can be repurposed as wall art, decorative boxes with hidden compartments, and small sculptural figures that add intricate detail and warmth to a carefully styled vignette.
Exquisite Metalwork: The skilled artisans of India produce breathtaking metal pieces, from hand-beaten brass vessels and ornate bronze statues to elaborate iron detailing on furniture. These items bring a subtle gleam, a tactile richness, and a timeless elegance.
Vibrant Textiles: India's textile heritage is legendary. We source individual fabrics, cushions, and soft furnishings that bring a burst of colour, intricate pattern, and a sense of layered history to interiors, perfect for adding warmth and personality.
Architectural Elements: Sometimes, we're fortunate enough to discover salvaged architectural pieces – old doors, weathered window frames, or carved panels – that can be repurposed to add dramatic character to a contemporary space, creating a fascinating dialogue between the past and the present.
The Beauty of Imperfection and Patina: Our focus on India is deeply connected to our love for authenticity and the profound beauty found in imperfection. The Almirahs and other pieces we source from this incredible land often come with a beautiful patina that speaks of decades, sometimes centuries, of use. These are not flaws but indelible marks of time, adding layers of history and character that simply cannot be replicated by new items. The faded paint, the worn edges, the subtle variations in wood tone – these imperfections are what make each piece a true original, a testament to enduring design and lived history, embodying the very soul of India.
The journey of a Few & Far piece doesn't end with its discovery and arrival in Australia; it’s merely entering its next chapter as it transitions from our warehouse to its new home – your living space.
The Selection Process (Post-Sourcing): Once these carefully selected items arrive Down Under, they undergo another meticulous inspection. Each piece, having undergone rigorous choosing in its country of origin, is again thoroughly reviewed to ensure it meets our exacting standards of quality, authenticity, and enduring appeal.
Integration into Few & Far's Aesthetic: We then thoughtfully integrate these global finds into our curated collections. Whether it's a grand Indian Almirah or a delicately carved wooden bowl, we consider how each piece blends with our contemporary furniture and decor, enhancing "The Art of the Mix" and creating a cohesive, soulful aesthetic that feels both worldly and perfectly at home.
Creating a Sensory Experience (In-store): Our commitment to "sensory branding" extends from the moment a piece is sourced to how it’s presented in our stores. We design our retail spaces to evoke the feeling of these faraway places, allowing you to immerse yourself in the textures, scents, and stories of global design. The atmosphere in our showrooms allows you to connect with the passion that fuels our sourcing, drawing you into the narrative of each item.
The Role of Our Team: Our team members are passionate about these pieces and their inherent stories. They are eager to share the narrative behind each item, guiding you to find the perfect addition that resonates with your personal taste and transforms your space into a reflection of your own journey.
A Few & Far piece is never just furniture or decor; it's an investment in your home's enduring narrative. When you choose an item from our collection, you're acquiring:
A Piece of History: Especially with our antique finds, you're bringing a tangible connection to the past into your present.
A Conversation Starter: Its particular origins, craftsmanship, or character sparks curiosity and invites engagement from guests.
An Expression of Self: It reflects your discerning taste, your appreciation for global beauty, and your desire for a home that feels truly authentic to you.
An Heirloom in the Making: Crafted for longevity, many of our pieces are destined to be cherished for generations, becoming part of your family's evolving story.
The journey of Few & Far, from a simple dream to a globally recognised brand, is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. At its heart lies a deep commitment to sourcing extraordinary pieces from around the world, particularly from lands rich in artisanal heritage like India. We believe that every item has a story to tell, and that story finds its next chapter within the walls of your home.
We invite you to experience the magic of Collected. Curated. Crafted. Our new collection of one-of-a-kind items that carry the soul of distant lands, launching, 08.07.2025.
Discover the perfect piece to bring your home's narrative to life and embark on your own distinct design journey.
Let us help you bring the world home, one beautiful story at a time.
