About Us

Last updated: 4 September 2025

Our story (our-story)

For over 17 years, Empress has curated pieces with a story to tell. Founded and led by Vlado Borovac, our collection celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and timeless design. We work directly with skilled artisans, master carvers, and makers who share our passion for authenticity and sustainable craft.

Vlado frequently travels to India to personally source one-of-a-kind creations—hand-carved furniture, vintage antiques, evocative mirrors and sculptures—and to collaborate on new designs that honour traditional techniques.

Over the years he has nurtured deep relationships with artisans and makers, in many of India’s culturally and artistically diverse regions , and feels uniquely blessed to often be invited to stay with them and their families on his visits.

What we make & curate (what-we-make)

We design and source pieces that bring character and longevity into the home:

  • Bone/wood inlay furniture designed by Empress and handcrafted in India.
  • Reclaimed timber pieces with rich, lived-in texture.
  • Industrial & eclectic designs that layer metal, timber and stone.
  • Bespoke rattan furniture handcrafted in Indonesia (made to order).
  • A considered selection of décor and homewares from Australian designers and trusted wholesalers—available in-store and online.

Sustainability: reclaimed & repurposed materials (sustainability)

Our approach favours materials and methods that reduce waste and keep beautiful resources in circulation.

  • Reclaimed timber: extends the life of existing wood, reduces demand for newly harvested timber, and preserves the grain and patina that only time can create.
  • Repurposed/vintage finds: rescue quality pieces from landfill and cut the embodied carbon of manufacturing new items.
  • Repairable, long-life design: solid joinery, replaceable components and timeless finishes help our furniture live well beyond trends.
  • Lower-impact finishes: we prioritise durable, maintainable finishes; where possible we specify low-VOC products.
  • Responsible sourcing: rattan is plantation-grown, and we work with workshops that favour responsibly sourced materials.
    Note: sustainability claims reflect our current sourcing practices and partners; we continually review and improve our standards.

Artisan partnerships & sourcing (artisan-partnerships)

We value transparent, long-term relationships. Our makers are specialists—bone inlay artisans, woodworkers, metalworkers and rattan weavers—whose skills support families and preserve local traditions. By collaborating directly, we can refine details, ensure fair payment, and keep craft at the centre of what we do.

Bespoke & made to order (bespoke)

Looking for something specific? Many of our designs can be tailored—size, finish or pattern—through our workshops in India and Indonesia. Bespoke rattan and custom inlay are available to order; lead times vary by piece. Talk to us about creating a one-off for your space.

Visit & shop (visit-shop)

Explore our collection in-store and online.
Visit us in Norwood, Adelaide—on beautiful Osmond Terrace. Our showroom offers personalised styling for interiors and exteriors. We believe in relaxed, stylish living with pieces that are beautiful to live with, drawing on an oriental-influenced design sensibility. We support designers from across the globe—discover occasional pieces, chairs, tables, lamps, candles, mirrors, jewellery and accessories to elevate your home.

Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Showroom
7 Osmond Terrace, Norwood SA 5067, Australia

Contact
(08) 8363 7109
orders@empresshomewares.com.au

Need help pulling a room together? We can suggest pairings and finishing touches from our décor and lighting ranges.

Our promise (our-promise)

We curate more than furniture—we bring together heritage, craft and contemporary design to create unique pieces for the modern home. Every item is chosen or crafted for enduring beauty, authenticity and a true point of difference. If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right.