Favourite things: Kelly Wilson

Kelly Wilson from Corso de Fiori photographed in her home. Photo / Babiche Martens

Kelly Wilson has long had a love affair with interiors. "The signs were there from an early age," she explains. Wilson is the buyer for design store Corso de Fiori, a job that involves travelling to Paris and London twice a year for inspiration. Ideas for what to stock in the chic Parnell store also come from magazines, travel, design collaborations and more. She tells us what else is inspiring her right now.

FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Markets
A regular weekend pastime that began while living in London, where many a happy hour was spent trawling around markets buying old kitchen collectables. These enamelware jugs and storage containers are still put to good use in our kitchen every day - each piece has a story to tell and a character of its own.

2. Magazines
Time out is being perched up on the sofa with a stack of magazines and a pad of post-it notes. Favourites are Elle Decor UK, Vogue Living Australia, Vanity Fair and Conde Nast Traveller. They're always relevant, habitually inspiring and never fail to identify forward trends, interesting new products and great places to stay and eat.

3. Goti jewellery
We've sold Goti jewellery at Corso for about 10 years now and it's something I wear every day. The range has evolved over time but the design philosophy is always the same - handcrafted in a mix of leather, silver and brass, it's an intentionally dishevelled look that keeps it relaxed and wearable.

4. Shopping for homewares and furniture
I think it came as no surprise to friends and family that I ended up shopping for homewares and furniture professionally; it is something I've always loved. I remember going on my first overseas trip to Sydney, when I was 14, and coming home with two lamps, four folding chairs and some photo frames.

5. History, old buildings, modern architecture and interiors
I'm lucky that my job takes me to Paris and London twice a year. No matter what the season, nothing can dim the magic of simply being in Europe. Paris, in particular, offers the most amazing interiors. Many of the hotels, restaurants and stores are created by famous architects or designers so I have an ongoing list of places to see each time we visit.

6. Design collaborations
Architects or designers collaborating with established, traditional European manufacturers are creating some amazing new product ranges. For the past couple of years we've been importing the most beautiful glassware at Corso, designed by Italian architect Paola Navone. Later in the year, we'll be introducing her new ceramic collection, designed for the second-oldest ceramic making company in Italy. It was recently launched as a huge installation at a fabulous new shop in Paris called Merci.

Another new product range I'm really excited about getting is our first collection of glassware designed by Spanish genius Jaime Hayon. On a larger scale, our new range of sofas by Citta Design are also the result of a successful collaboration - a team of English and European designers living and manufacturing in China.

7. Mum's jewellery
Three daughters, too few items and only one of each piece - tricky! Hence our decision to keep Mum's collection communal and we each borrow pieces when we want to wear them. Trouble is, the teenage grand-daughters are fast approaching...

8. Kawau Island
Thank goodness it's not too convenient and there are no inroads. My all-time favourite holiday destination. Nothing's changed since I was a child. You can still pick mussels off the rocks, head to any number of bays where the wind isn't blowing, and be sure to run out of water, with shampoo in your hair, while showering at the yacht club.

9. Buddha
Our Buddha hung about at work for a while but no one liked it enough to buy it. I loved it and so it became my Christmas present. Now it has pride of place in our lounge - I like to think that it does something to bring calm and order to our busy household.

10. French dining table
Knowing that families and friends have been gathering at our dining table long before it came to us is what makes it so special - we're just caretakers, carrying on a tradition.