MUSE - Tara May Bennett

Photography by Matthew Scott

How would you describe your aesthetic and your home?

Our house is an old terrace in Sydney’s Inner West. It’s filled with a mix and mash of mid century/antique furniture, with bits and bobs found on our travels around the world… Blended with too many lamps, design books, Japanese magazines and art and gallery posters we’ve had framed.

What are some of the treasures things you’ve acquired over time?

I have this Japanese Cabinet (I have two but one is at the store) and we call it the “Museum”… It’s filled with our favourite things like antique tiles we found in Portugal, ceramic fish from Barcelona, Matt’s many Neighbourhood incense chambers, a few collaborations from the store and some special Japanese pieces. 

What does a Sunday morning look like in your home? What are some of your weekend rituals?

Since I spend my week at the shop and I am always doing a million things a day, Sunday’s are my favourite. I usually make Matt and I a filter coffee and we lay in bed with Pocari and read. Then we go for a walk around Sydney park for fresh air. It’s the nicest way of starting a slow Sunday.

During these unsettling times we are living in what are some things you are doing that you don’t normally have the gift of time for?

Binge watching things on Netflix!! I never have time to just sit on the couch, but I am enjoying so much more than I thought I would. I am also really enjoying taking things slow and removing any unnecessary pressure off myself. During these times it’s ok to just chill… Don’t force creativity or motivation, these times are stressful enough.

What is your favourite candle scent you make to burn at home and do you have a favourite ceramic vessel?

Komorebi and Hikari. Komorebi (meaning light filtering through trees) was created to smell like a fresh Japanese pine forest with hints of incense. Hiker (meaning light) is a delicate scent of sandalwood, bergamot and fir needle. I have three favourite cups. The Isla, the Gifu and the Matsu in earth.

What will you most look forward to once we recover from this epidemic?

Going back to Japan. I am in need of a bit of inspiration… And going to Bills to eat the pancakes again.

Recipe for Bills Ricotta Hotcakes:

• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 250g ricotta
• 50g butter
• banana
• maple syrup

1. Place ricotta, milk and egg yolks in a mixing bowl and mix to combine.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.
3. Add to the ricotta mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Place egg whites in a clean dry bowl and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold egg whites through batter in two batches, with a large metal spoon.
6. Lightly grease a large non-stick frying pan with a small portion of butter and drop 2 tablespoons of batter per hotcake into the pan (don't cook more than 3 per batch).
7. Cook over a low to medium heat for 2 minutes, or until hotcakes have golden undersides. Turn hotcakes and cook on the other side until golden.
8. Transfer to a plate and quickly add butter, banana and maple syrup.