Q Jane, tell us a bit about yourself …..
A My name’s Jane Brereton and I’m the owner of Plain Jane Furniture.
Q What’s Plain Jane Furniture all about?
A I up-cycle selected furniture using the finest chalk paints to create unique custom pieces for my clients. I also share my passion for chalk painting and furniture transformation through a range of workshops from beginners to advanced.
Q Why did you start your Adelaide business?
A To express my creativity and connect with like-minded people. I wanted to do this for years before I finally plucked up the courage. I am so pleased I did now!
Q How would you describe what’s special about your Adelaide business?
A I work hard to create unique furniture designs which reflect the individual style of my customers. All my pieces are recycled items as I believe it’s important to reduce our consumption of raw materials and do our bit for the environment. I hunt out unique pieces of furniture that show real character and that I think can be made fabulous again, and give them a contemporary makeover that still celebrates the original design.
Q What do you enjoy most about living in Adelaide?
A Adelaide has everything you could want from a city – just on a smaller scale – so the lifestyle here is super easy and relaxed. I love the cleanliness, open space and fresh air. My favourite time of year is March when the city comes alive with all the festivals.
Q What are your favourite Adelaide places to eat?
A With three young boys in tow I’m always looking for places with space for them to run around. The Adelaide Hills wineries are great and very child friendly. We particularly enjoy a long Sunday lunch at Barristers Block! Also can’t beat the food court at the central markets on a Friday night for its great bustling atmosphere and fabulous selection of foods.
Q What are your favourite Adelaide places to drink and what is your favourite South Australian made drink?
A Favourite SA drink has to be the fabulous wine of course! Particularly partial to the Gruner Veltliner from Pike & Joyce or during the winter love a glass of Adelaide Hills Pinot curled up by the fire. Favourite place to drink would have to be our local, The Scenic Hotel in Norton Summit.
Q What are your favourite Adelaide shops for furniture and homewares?
A I love the smaller independent vintage stores such as Tinker on Duthy Street in Malvern and The Fabulous Scavenger on Glynburn Road Firle.
Q Who is your favourite Adelaide tradesperson?
A Ausma Balodis from AZU Bespoke Finishes. Ausma has done some beautiful paint work for me. She specialises in contemporary handcrafted finishes and won a 2019 Master Painters Award for excellence. Her work is exceptionally high quality and she can create some beautiful painted finishes.
Q What books are you currently reading?
A Lincoln on the Bardo by George Saunders.
Q Which travel destination would you recommend?
A South of France – beautiful scenery, beaches, weather, food and wine. An all round winner!
Q What are your favourite things to do in Adelaide and South Australia?
A Going crabbing with the kids off the jetty at Port Vincent, visiting wineries in the Adelaide Hills and watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly on the beach.
Jane Brereton from Plain Jane Furniture is one of the fabulous people we meet on some of our OLIO Tours.