They (we) say hidden gems are the best kind of gems. Because once you find them, the reward is that much sweeter and in the case of this tale, the reward is coffee, good vibes and a pretty little setup that’ll have you rethinking your entire home decorating situation.

It comes in the form of Roller Door Espresso, a new coffee spot in the heart of Bundall’s interior decorating precinct that opened in the last couple of days so you can stay caffeinated while you peruse all the delightful homewares on offer up and down Ashmore Road.

The newbie can be found on a little side alley and is the work of creative genius Jasmine Potter, director of (epic) boutique interior design company Three Balls Red, specialising in super sweet lighting and tiles. So you know Roller Door Espresso is pretty special.

Here’s the lowdown. The space is somewhat of a hole-in-the-wall area behind Three Balls Red with a black roller door marking the spot. The interior itself boasts tropical-inspired pink and green wallpaper on the back wall, glossy green tiles and repurposed cupboards and (our favourite) the prettiest of pink tiles in stunning hues splashed across the front.

Pops of pink and potted greenery complete the scene and it is one place you’re going to want to spend a bit of time staring lovingly at.

At the moment, coffee (Toby’s Estate) and cold drinks are on offer but soon enough there will also be tasty treats like banana bread (love you), toasties and the like.

Jas’s idea behind opening the space was to provide quality cuppas to the people who come in for consults slash to scope out all the interior things in the store with their girlfriends and no doubt those people appreciate that.

Now while all of that is really great news for Bundall and the Gold Coast in general, there is something more that we are SO very excited about.

In the next week or so, Jas will also be opening a homewares store right next door and it is set to be the kind of store dreams are made of.

She has sourced unique, one off pieces by makers and creatives from (mostly) across the Coast to make up a space that is going to be unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Local artists and photographers will deck the walls with their creations, there’ll be handcrafted goodies that’ll blow your mind (we saw some, AMAZING) and everything has been curated with not only the Gold Coast, but the stories behind each piece in mind.

We’ll bring you more news on this ASAP but get excited, it’s going to be so good and we’ve got dibs on most of the things.

Anyway, while you’re there shopping up a storm you can also drink excellent coffee and chat to the lovely gals whipping up brews.

It’s pretty much the perfect time.

Time to roll on into Roller Door Espresso. Bye.

LOCATION: 2/85 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
HOURS: Monday to Friday 7am until 1.30pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Homewares are equally the love of our lives and an unhealthy obsession we should probably nip in the bud. Won’t though, because pretty cushions are life and we’re home ALOT these days.

Not to mention the fact that the Gold Coast is home to an unfair amount of homewares stores filled with absolutely beautiful things we definitely need and will make us happy. You too? Thought so.

Here’s a list of ten local homewares stores to get in your life, next time a shopping spree is in order.

St Barts
From Mongolia to Morocco, Denmark to India and Asia to Africa, St Barts have travelled across the world collecting beautiful pieces designed to invoke a sense of wanderlust and adventure within the home. St Barts opened their Ferry Rd Markets store in May 2010 and expanded their empire to Burleigh in September 2019 (with the neat addition of Next Door Espresso attached) and since then, have delighted the good folks of the Gold Coast with their inspiring and perfectly on trend range. It’s a store you could spend the rest of your days gushing over (and spending up a storm in).
Where: The Brickworks, 107 Ferry Road, Southport and 24 Junction Road, West Burleigh

The Beach Furniture
Unique, handmade pieces in raw, natural colours, perfect for anyone who’s keen on the beautiful, laidback things in life is how we feel about The Beach Furniture’s collection of goodies. Unpolished wooden tables, whitewashed cabinets and consoles and an array of homewares in the prettiest of pastel shades are the perfect match for any home, particularly on the Gold Coast (lucky). No matter what you may need for your abode, you’ll find it at The Beach Furniture and it will be oh so beautiful.
Where: 48 Bundall Road, Bundall and 74 Kortum Drive, Burleigh 

Village Stores
One of the original and the best, Village Stores have been around for quite some time and it’s not hard to see why. Their collection of perfectly Pinterest-worthy pieces will make your space absolutely pop (and be the envy of all your friends). From furniture to photographs and everything in between, Village Stores offer an eclectic range of homewares including tribal-inspired pieces and stunning rattan pendant lights. Oh, and their rugs are some of the most beautiful around too.
Where: Shop 1/54 Bundall Road, Bundall

Three Balls Red
The ladies at Three Balls Red know what’s up when it comes to absolutely stunning homewares, you won’t find anywhere else. What began as a beautiful lighting and tile store in Bundall, not long ago became a homewares store stocking primarily local brands and we are absolutely obsessed. From linen bedding to award-winning leather chairs, art, rugs, cushion, everything, you will no doubt find at least 35 things you want for your home. If you’re not sure what you need, the gals are very knowledgeable so they can point you in the right direction. Don’t miss grabbing a coffee from next door coffee shop Roller Door Espresso!
Where: 2/85 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

Kira & Kira
A game changer to the Gold Coast homewares store game is Kira & Kira (so nice they named it twice) in Miami. The absolutely stunning store is a workshop and retail space dedicated to the design and development of furniture and interior pieces. Each piece is made with the highest quality materials and inspired by a mid-century modern aesthetic, celebrating functionality, clean lines and beautiful finishes. We absolutely love every single thing in there and would very much appreciate being stylish enough to include them all in our home. Please.
Where: Cnr Gold Coast Highway and Kratzman Avenue, Miami 

Trader Trove
Oh Moroccan-inspired homewares, how you have our hearts (and a lot of our money) with thanks, in no small part, to the impeccably styled space that is Trader Trove. With new and vintage wares, sourced both locally and from around the globe, it is the homewares store of our dreams and there is not a thing in there we would not love to own. Brightly coloured Turkish cushions are artfully placed next to Moroccan grass baskets and beside intricately woven rugs and it’s all absolute perfection.
Where: 22 Christine Avenue, Miami

Maison & Maison
A bohemian-inspired beauty you’ve no doubt wandered past in your travels around Burleigh, Maison & Maison is filled with an eclectic range of tapestry cushions, leather pouffes, carved buffalo skulls and throw rugs. The pieces here are also inspired by the beauty of the world and sure to ignite some wanderlust within your holiday-hungry soul. They want you to imagine meandering through the streets of Istanbul, with a cocktail in hand and tropical living on your mind. But in Burleigh. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 53 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Emporium on James
Expect to find all the delightful things at Emporium on James. There’s beautiful wicker furniture, Mongolian sheepskin throws, hanging chairs, Maison Blanche candles and the loveliest gifts. All of which will definitely tickle your fancy. There’s also a pretzel shaped bottle opener that we simply must have. If quirky, unique pieces in natural colours and textures are your thing, Emporium on James is the one for you.
Where: 1/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads 

Gather Store
Gather is a beautiful little home goods and gallery store filled with thoughtfully curated goodies with a strong emphasis on raw, crafted and botanical. The gals are passionate about supporting local artisans and brands AND they even have a micro nursery with a hand-picked selection of indoor and patio plants. We absolutely LOVE the range of handmade ceramics on offer and may have quite the collection in our house already. It’s the perfect place to find an incredible gift for a loved one or, of course, to treat yo’self. Located next to Dust Temple, pop in for your art gallery fix too!
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Salt Living
Perfectly representative of the coastal life we know and love, Salt Living has been filling the homes of Gold Coasters since 2014. With a love of relaxed, beachside vibes and high quality, handmade and ethically produced pieces from around the world, the space itself is all white, shades of blue and golden accents and it’s as pretty as you could ever hope your house to be. The store also stocks some incredible artworks, slides from everyone’s (our) fave brand St. Agni and swimwear by local brand peony. So all the best things. Love this place.
Where: The Strand, 72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kirra Smith

You’ve got to love Dads! Forever content with a bakery fresh meat pie and a crisp cold one. They remind us that it’s the little things in life that pack the biggest pleasure punch. However, even Dad occasionally enjoys a bit of fancy – though he may not admit it. So, in the spirit of dishing up some fancy this Father’s Day, we’ve rounded up some of the best experiences going down on the Gold Coast on Dad’s Day.

The Star Gold Coast
Keen to let Dad choose his own adventure this Father’s Day? You’ve come to the right place! From cool and casual to first-class and fancy, The Star has it all going on this Father’s Day weekend. 

Head to Garden Kitchen & Bar for an Australian grill experience, Cucina Vivo for the 1 KG Bistecca Florentine or Kiyomi for the 2GR full blood wagyu flank to win Dad a free beer with every purchase of these selected menu items! But wait, there’s more! Find a yum cha feast for lunch or some Cantonese, Szechuan and Beijing favourites for dinner at Uncle Su. Or let the belly-full times roll on with a Prawn & Oyster Buffet from 12-2pm or full Seafood Buffet from 5:30pm-late at the Harvest Buffet. Needless to say, whatever Dad’s heart desires will be at The Star this Father’s Day. Read more about all their offerings here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
When: Sunday, 1 September 2024

QT Gold Coast
Leave your posh and proper conduct at the door! The QT Gold Coast’s ‘Man Tea‘ invites Dads to put their pinkies down and get amongst it for a spread of tasty mouthfuls and ice-cold bevvies. 

They’ve swapped the tiny cakes and scone towers for platters of tempura bug rolls and cheeseburger dumplings. Traditional finger sandwiches are set aside for Maker’s Mark smoked pork shoulder, complete with truffle and parmesan fries. And for a finish that says ‘world’s greatest dad’, The Cigar- a couverture chocolate cigar filled with Glenmorangie 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky semifreddo, candied bacon and lemon ash. Petition to make the ‘Man Tea’ mainstream? 

If he’s more of a buffet guy (aren’t we all tbh) then Father’s Day lunch at Bazaar won’t disappoint – neither will the complimentary beer for Dad.
Where: Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: available Father’s Day weekend

Citrique
If you’re looking to win a Michelin star with Dad this year, the Citrique Long Lunch is your way to do it. Spoil him with a seafood experience like no other and a buffet so impressive he will be dreaming about it til year’s end.

The ultimate Father’s Day feast begins (but certainly doesn’t end) with a grilled half lobster, pork and jalapeño coil sausage and BBQ lamb rump with whisky sauce. Or perhaps the prime rib roast and wood-fired pizza? Don’t stop there! Indulge Dad with locally harvested seafood, including Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Balmain bugs, spanner crab, green lip musselsandTasmanian scallops. To end in true dad-style scrumptious desserts delicately crafted by the in-house pastry team- because no one’s sweet tooth is as legendary as Dad’s!
Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Sunday 1 September 2024, from 12pm

Sheraton Grand Mirage
Your Dad’s dream feast awaits! We’re pretty certain it’s buffets, beer and whiskey that fill his sleep scenes anyway.

First, you want to take him to the Terraces Restaurant for the Father’s Day Buffet and Brews. Here, he can savour every bite of their succulent pig spit roast or dive into an epic slider station and elevated seafood buffet. For every item on the menu, you can find its perfect pairing from the Terrace’s curated selection of craft beer and wine.

Or head over to Pearls Bar (only a few steps away) for Sheraton’s exclusive Father’s Day Whiskey Tasting Experience. Unleash his inner whiskey connoisseur when sampling premium local Australian whiskeys, including Starward Nova Single Malt, Lark Classic Cask, and Archie Rose Single Malt. And if there is still room in Dad’s stomach (of course there is, it’s Dad we’re talking about!), there are delectable bar bites to be enjoyed, including gooey baked brie or succulent lobster rolls!

Father’s Day Buffet & Brews
Where: Terraces Restaurant, 71 Sea World Dr, Main Beach
When: Sunday 1 September 2024 from 12 – 3pm

Father’s Day Whiskey Tasting Experience
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Sea World Dr, Main Beach
When: 30 August – September 2024 from 12 – 5pm

voco
If there was ever one destination to find all of Dad’s favourite foods, it might be Clifford’s Grill and Lounge. Therefore, where better to celebrate Father’s Day than here? From mouth-watering steaks to savoury share plates, Dad can savour the delights with an a la carte menu or Signature Shared Banquet. Did someone say four-hour slow-cooked beef cheeks with a side of truffled macaroni and cheese? Or, why not gift him a feast fit for a king with a $160 Tomahawk Special- a colossal 1.2kg grain-fed Tomahawk steak, served sliced, and accompanied by his choice of three delicious sides.

And to make the celebration even more special, every Dad will be welcomed with a complimentary Boilermaker (a delightful blend of beer and whiskey) as a toast to fatherhood done right! Because let’s be honest, nothing says “I love you” to Dad like a cold one.
Where: Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, voco Gold Coast, 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Sunday, 1 September 2024

Mercure Gold Coast Resort
How about treating Dad to a staycay? Let him unwind at Mercure Gold Coast Resort, where he’ll be spoiled with complimentary car parking, the luxury of a late check-out and a delicious buffet breakfast. It’s the perfect way to show your gratitude and give Dad a break without battling the weekend traffic.
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

Words by Chelsea Ipsen