Our Story

Ochre and Silk

Formerly Imprint House

We are Zena and Alanjohn, the husband-and-wife team behind Ochre & Silk. With backgrounds spanning art, design, and architecture, we bring a discerning eye and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship to every piece we curate.

Our journey to Ochre & Silk was born from a shared passion for skilfully made, meaningful objects—pieces that transcend trends, tell stories and become lasting elements of a home. We believe that a well-curated space is more than an aesthetic pursuit; it is the foundation for a considered, inspired way of living.

Our paths have always been rooted in creativity. I (Zena) began as an artist and photographer before establishing an interior design business on the Gold Coast in my early twenties, later managing a rug emporium. A master’s in economics led me into business banking and then the non-profit sector, yet my affinity for design never waned. When our daughter was born, I felt a profound urgency to return to my creative roots, to build something that aligned with our values and live congruent lives. That search led us to Imprint House, the foundation upon which we are shaping Ochre & Silk.

Alanjohn’s journey is equally multifaceted. He began as a draftsperson, hand-sketching plans before earning his degree in architecture. A passion for craftsmanship led him into production design and sculpting, before he returned to complete a master’s in landscape architecture. Today, he balances his work as a landscape architect with a lifelong instinct for making—whether in the design of spaces or his own range of artisanal preserves. His understanding of form, materiality, and the way we inhabit space informs every decision we make at Ochre & Silk.

As we evolve, our commitment remains steadfast: to curate and create objects of enduring quality, crafted by skilled artisans. Mass production has no place here—only pieces with integrity, provenance, and a story to tell.

Our vision is to establish Ochre & Silk as the definitive destination for timeless, globally inspired design. We are not just offering decorative pieces; we are shaping homes that embody depth, warmth, and individuality.

When you welcome an Ochre & Silk piece into your home, we want you to feel something beyond admiration. We want you to feel proud—proud of the spaces you create, the choices you make, and the alignment between your values and the objects that surround you.

This is just the beginning, and we look forward to the journey ahead.