For Anna-Maria Rice, the founder of Solace & Smoke, beautiful design begins with simple moments.
“I have always loved creating things,” she says. “I wanted to design products that made home feel a little more special. Whether it is lighting a candle at the end of the day or styling a tray on a coffee table, I love how simple pieces can completely change the feeling of a space.”
That philosophy sits at the heart of Solace & Smoke, a handmade candle and homewares brand launched in late 2025. Working from her studio in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, Anna-Maria designs and handcrafts every piece herself in small batches.
“Every product is created with a focus on quality, simplicity and timeless design,” she explains.
A CREATIVE JOURNEY BUILT THROUGH CURIOSITY
Unlike many makers, Anna-Maria did not follow a traditional path into design.
“I do not come from a traditional art or design background,” she says. “Everything I have learned has come through curiosity, experimentation and trial and error. Building this brand has been a constant learning experience, which is reflected in how each collection continues to evolve.”
What began as a creative outlet has steadily grown into a small Australian business, with Solace & Smoke now selling through local markets across Victoria as well as its online store.
DESIGNING FOR CALM, NOT TRENDS
The brand’s name reflects the atmosphere Anna-Maria hopes every piece will create.
“‘Solace’ is about comfort, calm and slowing down,” she says. “‘Smoke’ represents memory, atmosphere and the feeling that lingers long after a candle has been blown out. Together, they capture the experience I hope my products create.”
Her inspiration comes from nature, architecture and thoughtfully designed interiors.
“I am inspired by nature, architecture, earthy textures and beautifully designed spaces,” Anna-Maria explains. “I love sculptural forms, neutral colours and pieces that feel timeless rather than driven by trends.”
That approach defines the brand’s aesthetic: “I would describe Solace & Smoke as minimal, modern and earthy with a sculptural feel,” she says.
“The collection focuses on neutral colours, organic textures and timeless designs that complement a wide range of interiors.”
Rather than creating decorative objects that follow passing fashions, Anna-Maria designs pieces intended to become part of everyday life.
“The idea behind Solace & Smoke is to create beautiful, functional pieces that become part of everyday life. I want each product to bring a sense of calm while adding warmth and character to the home.”
HANDMADE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AT HEART
Every Solace & Smoke product is made by hand, an approach that naturally supports the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
“Everything is handmade in small batches to reduce waste,” Anna-Maria says. “My candles are refillable, the packaging is recyclable wherever possible, and my homewares are designed to be enjoyed for years rather than replaced.”
The emphasis is on creating fewer, better-made pieces that customers will continue to use long after purchase.
Looking ahead, Anna-Maria hopes to see Solace & Smoke stocked in carefully curated boutiques across Australia while maintaining the personal approach that inspired the business from the beginning.
“I would love to see Solace & Smoke stocked in carefully curated boutiques across Australia while continuing to connect with customers through local markets,” she says. “As the business grows, I want to stay true to what makes it special by creating thoughtfully designed, handmade pieces with genuine care.”
That connection with customers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
“Every piece is made by me from start to finish,” Anna-Maria says. “When someone chooses Solace & Smoke, they are supporting a genuine Australian small business. One of my favourite parts of what I do is meeting customers at markets, hearing how they style my pieces in their homes, and knowing they have become part of someone’s everyday rituals.”
For Anna-Maria, that is the true purpose of Solace & Smoke: creating thoughtfully designed objects that help transform ordinary moments into lasting rituals.
For more information about Solace & Smoke, go to solaceandsmoke.com and follow the brand at @solaceandsmoke