From humble beginnings in a charming South Coast town to the bustling heart of Sydney, the journey of Few & Far has always been defined by passion, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of beautiful spaces to tell a story.
Today, we invite you to step into a significant chapter of that narrative: our Few & Far showroom in Rosebery, Sydney. This isn't just another store; it's the result of years of dreaming, meticulous planning, and countless hours poured into creating an immersive experience that brings the world home, right to your doorstep.
Stepping into our Rosebery showroom feels utterly surreal no matter how many times we have done it – a true mark of how far we've come. We often reflect on our origins, and it fills us with immense pride to share this journey with you.
The foundation of Few & Far traces back to the idyllic shores of Jervis Bay, where our founders, Tara and Danny Solberg, grew up. They formally met as Graphic Designers in the dynamic surf industry, a seemingly unlikely start for a homewares venture. But even then, the seeds of a bigger dream were being sown. Tara recalls a pivotal moment during a trend-forecasting trip to California with Danny. Amidst the jet lag and whirlwind tours, she led him into a furniture showroom in Melrose. "I'll never forget the moment," Tara recounts, "when Danny spotted the owner sitting at his desk with his laptop at the back of the store and he turned to me and said, 'I want to be him.'"
That simple statement ignited a shared ambition. Despite it being the middle of the GFC in 2009, and many voices cautioning against giving up stable jobs, Tara and Danny felt an undeniable pull towards entrepreneurship. Tara, feeling constrained by the creative limits of her "dream job" in the surf industry, knew she had more to give. She harboured a long-held passion for homewares and interiors, a calling that felt far more exciting than even redecorating a pizza shop (an idea she briefly entertained!). Following her instincts, Few & Far was born in Huskisson in September 2009.
Growth from that single store was organic yet fast. Danny soon joined Tara, and the early years were a whirlwind of hard work, learning on the fly, and embracing every challenge. Their initial business plan even detailed opening a second store within five years – which, quite unexpectedly, happened the very next year in 2010 with the launch of Indigo Love. From importing singular pieces from China and enduring challenging sourcing trips to India, the business expanded, leading to stores in Berry (2015), Bowral (2017), Leura (2017), and more recently, Thirroul (2022). Yet, throughout this journey, the aspiration of a Few & Far and Indigo Love Sydney showroom remained a deeply held, long-term goal, a significant milestone always on the horizon.
Image captured at Few & Far Berry by Abbie Melle Photographer.
Our Sydney home finds its perfect setting within the Rosebery Engine Yards, a location that beautifully reflects Few & Far's own philosophy of blending history with contemporary vision. This precinct is far more than just a commercial address; it's a living symbol of Sydney's industrial past, meticulously revitalised for a vibrant future.
The suburb of Rosebery itself is steeped in fascinating history, having been one of Sydney’s first carefully planned suburbs, designed to house essential factories that serviced the burgeoning city. The very ground our showroom stands upon once pulsed with the industrious rhythm of iconic manufacturing sites, including Buzacott & Co’s Rosebery Engine Works, the Commonwealth Weaving Mills, and the Westinghouse factory. These grand warehouse structures, with their enduring charm and inherent character, are now officially identified and listed as heritage items of local significance, their original forms preserved as a nod to a bygone era.
In 2014, Goodman, a visionary property group, acquired the site and embarked on a remarkable refurbishment project that has truly breathed new life into this former industrial heartland. Their meticulous transformation honoured the historical integrity of the buildings while infusing them with contemporary design and functionality.
The result is a dynamic and vibrant hub that has quickly become a destination for a diverse array of Australian brands and businesses.
Tara, our Creative Director and Founder, often speaks with profound emotion about the opening of the Sydney showroom in Rosebery. It represents a significant milestone and the culmination of a long-held dream:
"Standing here, in front of you all, feels completely and utterly surreal. To have our first Sydney store (our first capital city store!) has been something we’ve both dreamt of and planned for for years, and now, in this moment, I feel lost for words. Wow! What can I say?"
"We absolutely love what we do and now we’re even more excited to share this new chapter here inside the most beautiful location - The Rosebery Engine Yards. We’ve finally found the perfect home to provide not only our signature Few and Far retail experience, but also to showcase our Indigo Love collection inside a wholesale and trade showroom."
"Our purpose has always been to provide a ‘one-of-a-kind’ experience that ignites passion, aspiration and an appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful interiors. To bring the world home. And we believe our curated collection of unique pieces designed to sit alongside our more contemporary styles to seamlessly blend old with new is what makes for that memorable experience."
Images below sourced from Rosebery Engine Yards.
Today, the Rosebery Engine Yards are a thriving ecosystem where history and innovation coexist.
Visitors can explore a captivating mix of:
Design Showrooms: Beyond Few & Far and Indigo Love, the precinct is home to other leading names in furniture and homewares, making it a true destination for interior designers and homeowners seeking inspiration.
Fashion & Lifestyle Boutiques: Discover local designers and curated collections that reflect modern Australian style including Aje, Camilla, Camilla & Marc just to name a few.
Culinary Delights: The precinct boasts an impressive array of eateries, from renowned cafes serving artisanal coffee and pastries (like Lune Croissant) to distilleries (Archie Rose Distillery) and unique dining experiences. It’s a place where you can easily spend a full day, from morning brunch to evening cocktails. For a coffee fix throughout your day head to Pino Espresso Bar.
Wellness & Creative Studios: Interspersed among the retail and dining, you’ll find innovative spaces dedicated to health, fitness, and artistic pursuits, further cementing the precinct's status as a holistic lifestyle destination.
This blend of rich history and modern enterprise creates an atmosphere of discovery and authenticity, perfectly aligning with Few & Far's own curated aesthetic of blending the old with the new.
Our Rosebery showroom is not just a store; it's an integral part of this dynamic and inspiring urban landscape, inviting visitors into a world where every detail tells a story.
A truly special highlight of our Rosebery showroom's opening period was the visit from our friend, renowned designer Neale Whitaker.
Neale's Instagram reel offers a glimpse into his personal shopping day, fully immersing himself in the Rosebery Engine Yards.
The content beautifully captures Neale as he explores the showroom, touching textures, admiring lighting, and exploring furniture. As he later shared, the Rosebery showroom is "one of those amazing places where every single piece is unique, beautiful and tells a story. From vintage furniture to stunning contemporary pieces, they have it all."
His genuine enjoyment and connection with the collections were palpable, showcasing why he finds it impossible to leave empty-handed, even convincing Ian to take home a lamp (or three!).
Neale's enthusiasm perfectly encapsulates the irresistible draw of our unique, story-filled pieces, leaving him, as he put it, wanting to "be back...with a bigger truck!"
Image captured by Rachael Tagg Photographer.
The Rosebery showroom is a landmark for us, not just in its location, but in its comprehensive offering. It represents the ultimate expression of our purpose: to provide a "one-of-a-kind experience that ignites passion, aspiration, and an appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful interiors."
Our mission is, quite simply, "To bring the world home."
This expansive Sydney space serves a dual purpose, allowing us to showcase the full breadth of our collections and brand experience:
The Few & Far Retail Experience: Here, our retail customers can immerse themselves in the signature Few & Far style they've come to know and love. Wander through artfully arranged vignettes of curated homewares, explore exquisite furniture pieces, and discover unique decor sourced from all over the globe. Each item, whether an antique found treasure or a piece from our contemporary collections, is chosen for its beauty, quality, and its ability to inspire you to tell your own unique interior story. The space is designed to be a sensory journey, inviting you to touch, feel, and envision how these pieces can transform your own space.
The Indigo Love Wholesale & Trade Showroom: This dedicated area is an important extension of our offering, specifically designed for our valued interior designers, stylists, and trade partners. It’s a dedicated space to explore the full Indigo Love collection – our unique, imported furniture and decor range – allowing professionals to source pieces for their projects, collaborate with our team, and truly understand the quality and distinctive character of our wholesale offerings. This seamless integration of retail and trade under one roof provides an unparalleled experience for the design community in Sydney.
Together, these two facets create a cohesive environment that reflects our core belief: that a beautifully curated collection, blending the timeless allure of the old with the refined lines of the new, creates truly memorable experiences and inspires a deeper connection to the spaces we love.
Images captured by Rachael Tagg Photographer.
Bringing a showroom of this scale to life in a heritage-listed site was a monumental undertaking, truly demonstrating the adage that "it takes a village to raise a child." This project was a testament to collaboration, trust, and the unwavering commitment of many incredible and kind individuals.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Vince Del Vecchio from Acerra Constructions. This was our first store fit-out without Tara's Dad as our builder, and building that level of trust was a significant step. Vince's incredible patience, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail were invaluable, especially when faced with challenges like installing shelving between vintage Indian archways, delivered straight from the boat! His dedication to bringing Tara's vision to life, pouring his heart and soul into the project, means the world to us.
Our thanks also go to Dennis from Mamo Stone, whose patience and dedication to customer satisfaction were unparalleled, resulting in our stunning sintered stone Calcutta Viola counter top. We are grateful to Karyn and Helen from McRae and Lynch Design for their calm guidance through the DA submission process, and for their accommodating approach to countless floor plan changes. Jaimee from Eurowalls brought joy and enthusiasm to her work, making things easy and engaging with our marketing efforts. And to Amy and Lucinda from Sage and Seer, thank you for the beautiful curtains that soften and complete the space.
We couldn't have done it without our "local" trades and family members who travelled from the South Coast, lending their expertise and tireless efforts. From pulling staples and sweeping floors in the early days of Huskisson, to moving warehouses countless times and setting up trade fair stands, our family's hands-on involvement has been invaluable.
Our sincere appreciation goes to Darwin Brooks from Savills for introducing us to this incredible space, and to Carly Whitelaw, our lease advisor, for her expert guidance. Finally, to David Lai and David Wilson from Goodman, thank you for what has been one of the most seamless and supportive experiences we've had working with landlords. This truly collaborative spirit allowed our dream to take shape.
The journey to this Sydney showroom has been deeply personal for Tara and Danny, a path paved with immense passion and unwavering perseverance. In the early days, after opening the first Few & Far store, Danny resigned from his job just a month later to join Tara, embarking on a demanding seven-days-a-week schedule. They were, in their own words, "just graphic designers," figuring out the "whole business thing" as they went along – a process that was often costly and time-consuming. Yet, their love for what they do, and the excitement of this business journey, kept them going.
Family involvement has always been at the core of Few & Far. Tara's Mum meticulously handled all the bookkeeping, while her Dad, a retired builder, completed all the store fit-outs and carpentry, also assisting in the warehouse. Their collective willingness to "get their hands dirty" – from packing orders and renovating stores to delivering furniture and unpacking containers – speaks volumes about their dedication. Juggling a growing business with a young family brings its own unique challenges but it's the 'norm' now for us and we wouldn't have it any other way.
They've faced formidable external challenges too, from the devastating bushfires of 2020 that silenced trade during their busiest period, to the global impact of COVID-19. These trials, though incredibly difficult, also served as a catalyst, pushing them to supercharge their online store and implement robust procedures for longevity. Even difficult decisions, like closing their popular but unviable Leura store after three years, became part of the learning curve – understanding when to "call it quits" to move forward strategically.
Yet, through every high and low, their commitment to innovation and customer experience never wavered. This dedication was powerfully affirmed when Few & Far was awarded the prestigious title of Global Honouree out of 32 countries at the Global Innovator Awards in Chicago. This global recognition highlighted their strong brand, clear vision, innovative approach to store design, visual merchandising, and unparalleled customer service – a mind-blowing achievement for what began as a "little store in Huskisson."
The opening of our Sydney showroom is a moment of profound gratitude. We extend our sincerest thanks to all our wonderful customers – retail, wholesale, and trade – whose unwavering support over the past 15 years has made this dream possible.
To our loyal suppliers, who share our commitment to quality and unique design, we are deeply appreciative. And to the business coaches and mentors, like Tina Tower, who provided invaluable guidance and unwavering encouragement, thank you for giving us the confidence to make big decisions and realise our capabilities.
To our entire Few & Far team, your hard work, dedication, and genuine love for our business are truly honourable. You take on every challenge with enthusiasm, allowing us to keep the creative ideas flowing while you tirelessly build the essential foundations. Your support has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
And finally, to our families, for their never-ending support and unwavering belief – even when our unconventional path might not have been "what they would do." Juggling a young family and a growing business requires immense logistical support, and we couldn't have done it without them.
From a "little store in Huskisson" to a globally recognized brand and now, a stunning showroom in Sydney – our journey has been extraordinary. But we don't sit still. With the support of an amazing team, and Danny and Tara now able to schedule work around family time, we continue to plan and dream "behind the scenes" on what will come next. The best is yet to come, and we're excited to continue writing our story, chapter by brilliant chapter.
The opening of our Few & Far and Indigo Love Rosebery showroom is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where design transcends trends, where every object has a story, and where true passion transforms spaces. Whether you're a homeowner seeking unique pieces, or a design professional looking for curated wholesale and trade solutions, our Sydney showroom provides an unparalleled experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Few & Far Sydney Showroom at the Rosebery Engine Yards, Unit 17/115-151 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018.
We are open Monday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm.
Come and experience the beautiful culmination of our journey. Let the vibrant energy and timeless elegance of our Rosebery showroom inspire your own home, your own story, and your own pursuit of beauty.
We can’t wait to continue to share this chapter with you.
Image captured by Rachael Tagg Photographer.
