Capra Designs

Balnarring Beach couple Bianca Lambert and Thomas Wilson share a passion for plants and a love of good design.

Before starting Capra Designs, Bianca worked in arts marketing, with a knack for crafting and a collection of indoor plants that could rival most enthusiasts. Thomas is a carpenter by trade and was working in high-end construction at the time. Both are innately creative and inspired by the natural world around them, finding ways to weave nature into their work and home via thoughtful art and design.

Rewind to 2014, when Pinterest boards were awash with minimalist interiors and the pared-back sensibilities of Scandi styling. Bianca was looking to add some colour to their rental, and soon realised there was a gap in the market for beautiful, functional vessels to house her indoor plants. She began experimenting with resin and pigment, turning a backyard granny flat into a makeshift studio to create her own pots and planters.

After a year of experimenting with different forms and honing her designs, Bianca enlisted Thomas to create the first plant stand prototype. He was equally inspired by the process, and together they launched Capra Designs in 2015 following the birth of their son.  

What began with hand-poured resin pots has now expanded to include a skilfully crafted range of homewares and keepsake boxes. From earthy hues – agave, salt and terracotta – to bold colours and speckled terrazzo, each piece is thoughtfully designed to add interest and intrigue to a space.

Whilst the forms themselves are beautiful and playful, they’re also practical. Each style features a built-in tray that allows you to pot directly into the planter and ensures proper drainage. This system also protects the surfaces that the vessels are placed upon, keeping furniture free from damage caused by dreaded watermarks.

For Bianca, responsible design means working with recycled materials where possible, and maintaining a core colour palette that allows new pieces to sit harmoniously alongside the legacy range.

With their products now being sold across the USA, Europe and New Zealand, Capra Designs remains a family-run business based on the Mornington Peninsula. Bianca is director and head designer and Thomas is in charge of technical drawings, while his sister, Eve Wilson, is their primary photographer. They even warehouse their stock at Thomas’ father's factory in Rosebud, where he has operated Balin surfboards for over 40 years.

For those looking to add some life and colour to their home, you can shop Capra Designs' pots and planters online and in-store at The Somers General Store, Verdent Dwellings in Dromana, Page 8 in Mornington, The Colour English in Mount Eliza, and Coastal Living in Rosebud and Sorrento.