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

In case you’ve forgotten, Dad’s day is just around the corner which means he’s off the tools – or BBQ – for the day and the annual battle for favourite child is in full swing. We mean there are no favourites, that’s right… *cue villain laugh*. If you’re looking to earn some brownie points and really impress dad this Father’s Day, we’ve done the heavy lifting and rounded up the best events and experiences on the Gold Coast to make mems – no sock and jocks in sight!

The Star
We all know the way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach and The Star Gold Coast have loads options whether looking for something cool and casual or a bit fancier with options from Cucina Vivo, Nineteen at The Star or Kiyomi you can’t go wrong. Our personal pick for Father’s Day? Get down to Garden Kitchen & Bar for the relaxed vibes plus dad will get a complimentary schooner when he orders from the Australian grill experience – perfect! Read more about all their offerings here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Black Hops BBQ Brunch at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
If beers and BBQ’s are Dad’s love language then the Sofitel is here to deliver. Local legends from Black Hops have teamed up with the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach for the ultimate celebration of dad, perfectly positioned on the pool deck. Think smoked meats, live entertainment, a pop-up bar AND kids get free ice cream – the perfect way to keep the whole family full and entertained.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Boatshed Bar & Grill
Ahoy there! If Dad’s got a taste for waterfront dining then Boatshed Bar & Grill is the only place to spend your Sunday. The Brazilian style BBQ lunch or dinner is the perfect feast to spoil dad with, but not only that Boatshed is THE place to soak up the beautiful Broadwater and live tunes.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Topgolf
Let’s face it, a love of golf is almost a prerequisite of #dadlife so swing in to Topgolf with the fam for a bit of healthy (or serious) competition. No need to drive (get it) Dad mad by making him get all dressed up for a fancy lunch, get the golf attire ready and Bob’s your uncle. It’s like a hole-in-one (okay, we’ll stop) for fun for the whole fam.
Where: Cnr Roadshow Way and Entertainment Way, Oxenford

QT Gold Coast
You’ve heard of their iconic High Tea, but what about Man Tea? A tea party with a twist, QT are serving up nachos, Moroccan chicken milk buns and sashimi tacos finished with a smoking chocolate cigar AND single malt whisky semifreddo to finish. Sign. Us. Up. 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

The Langham x Balter Brewing Father’s Day Lunch
We hear your Dad’s a bit on the boujee side? Say no more. The Langham have teamed up with Balter Brewing to deliver a 3 course lunch at Akoya for the big day, where he’ll be among to first to try the brand new Mexican-inspired Balter Cereveza beer. There’ll be live music all lunch long, so you can sit back and soak up that stunnin’ Surfers beachfront. Read more about this event here.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

The Oasis
The Oasis is offering some unique ways to celebrate remarkable dads.

Say cheers to dad with complimentary beverages with meals at Madison’s Café, Grand Dynasty, Harajuku Gyoza. Dad’s tastebuds (and your wallet) will thank you and at Spice Kitchen + Bar, where Dad’s get a free meal and beverage!

Dad’s receive 1x one-hour free play at Level Up Arcade Broadbeach when a paying guest spends $20 or more at Level Up Arcade. And because all dads are big kids at heart, getting their game on will go down a treat. (Plus they like to flex their competitive side.)

For the health conscious father’s ourt there Studio Pilates is offering a complimentary Pilates class for you and your Dad. And there’s a whole host of retail offers, including Rad Dad gift packs from Oasis Barber.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Island
Couldn’t whisk Dad away to a tropical island for the day? Neither, so The Island is a pretty close second. Laid-back vibes, rooftop views and did we mention there’s a bottomless brunch? Dad will relish the chance to kick-start Father’s Day in the sun eating his favourite oozy, carb-laden goodies, like mini waffles with caramelised banana, salted caramel, mascarpone, pecan AND bacon crumb. Throw in two hours of drinks and a Valley Hops merch pack for all Dad’s and you’ve got one stellar event. Tickets are just $79 per person. If you can’t go past a cheeky roast to end the week, Goldies are back with the Sunday Roast Revival and yes, there’s a also bottomless drinks option if Dad is feeling a little (see: very) thirsty.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Citrique
We’ve saved one of the best to last, spoil Dad (and by you) with Citrique’s iconic seafood buffet. It’s the buffet you all know and love, and what better spot to stuff yourself than at the JW Marriott – it’s giving vacay vibes. With a mix of his favourite seafood spoils – including a grilled half lobster – there’s also a huge range of options for the land lovers too, think Asian and Italian classics. Adult tickets for the Father’s Day Seafood buffet at $154.35, or upgrade to the bottomless drinks package for an additional $20.
Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.