While I love Queer Eye, I usually find myself fast forwarding to the interior makeover segment of the Netflix show. Do you relate? The personal style overhauls are always interesting, but there’s something about the way the show’s resident interior designer Bobby Berk creates magic out of mayhem, that really draws me in.
So if, like me, you’re a fan of the show, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Bobby has just launched a furniture collection with Australian retailer Max Sparrow. Promising to bring his signature brand of hip, minimal urban luxury to Aussie shores, the range features a gorgeous array of pieces including a statement bar cabinet, and a lovely olive-green upholstered bed and sofa.
Some pieces from the Bobby Berk Max Sparrow range
“I am so excited to see my designs available to Australian customers, I have long admired all the inspirational spaces and designs coming from there, and I believe my design aesthetic will resonate with Australian living,” says Bobby. And while the designer now resides in LA, he spent 20 years working in New York where he refined his aesthetic which, in our view, owes a lot to the city.
The mid-century inspired Jonsi mirror, $795, features inset brass detailing
Standout pieces include the Moller armchair, which reminds us of Thonet’s classic Bentwood chair, save for the welcome addition of tan leather and rattan detailing.
Moller armchair, $795
The Larsen sectional sofa is brilliant for its versatility – the chaise can be positioned on either side. Its textured woven fabric, together with two cylindrical bolster pillows, add an extra layer of cool.
Bobby Berk kicks back with his designs including the Larsen sectional sofa ($3995), Arne cocktail table ($1295) and Arne end table ($1095).
For the bedroom, the Kirkeby upholstered bed caught our eye, as did the matching Gehl dresser and nightstands.
Kirkeby queen bed in moss, from $2295 and Gehl night stand $1195
The Anja vanity desk is a brilliant multifunctional piece that features four drawers, and a centre desktop surface, that flips up to reveal a circular vanity mirror and interior storage area. It would be perfect for a multi-use space.
Anja vanity desk, $1695
The Bauer bar cabinet combines a graphite stain with rattan door fronts. It’s got one large lower drawer, plus two interior drawers and two adjustable interior shelves.
While not everyone can afford to employ an interior designer or stylist, if you can, it pays to think about how to make the most out of the relationship. Working closely with anyone can be fraught, but it’s especially the case when the project is as personal as your own home. And while in many cases the process is a smooth one, what happens when your expectations don’t meet the brief?
We caught up with interior designer Jane Thomson to learn just how to manage your relationship with your interior designer, or stylist, the right way.
Jane Thomson
Agree at the beginning Be sure that everything you want for your house is documented on the contract plan and everything is in writing. It’s crucially important to make your expectations clear to your designer. This can be down to the finer details and can be as specific as where you would like certain furniture or styling items placed.
One of Jane’s projects
Be clear about your needs and what you want to achieve
You must be clear about your requirements from the outset; tell your designer everything from your living space must-haves to design style preferences. A designer wants to hear everything! The more you can convey the better. As a designer the most important time spent with my clients is the initial discovery meeting. This allows us to gather as much info as possible to allow our journey to be a pleasant and inspiring one.
For example, what do you want to achieve? What is your main objective? Is it to create more space for your growing family or is it simply to create a new fresh look for your home? Perhaps you’d like to replace your old outdated kitchen with a brand spanking new, technically advanced smart one? Don’t be shy; it’s so important to divulge this at the start. No matter the reasoning, we’re not here to judge. Hell, maybe you might just want to show up your next door neighbour with a superior renovation!
All of this information arms us with the relevant info to stay on track, and to distribute funds accordingly. Clients often forget about their initial goals, so it’s up to the designer to be your advocate.
One of Jane’s projects
Be honest about your budget Not being honest with your designer is a recipe for disaster and especially when it comes to money. Often clients will hold back on the real figure with fears that the designer may actually spend it! But what ends up happening is the designer is forced to go down a road that doesn’t meet the client’s expectations.
Do your research on colour selection Get to know what you think you want. You need to be clear open and honest with yourself about what colours excite you, and which colours repel. Choosing the cosmetics of your home can be a huge decision. Make sure you have a vision of what you want before your colour consultation to reduce the back and forth communication. Chatting to your designer in the initial consultation allows you to showcase what your heart desires, and what it doesn’t. It also allows your designer to get a handle on you as a person. There’s a lot of psychology here folks!
One of Jane’s projects
An interior designer is highly trained in colour coordination and it’s important to trust and let your designer take the lead at some point if you are unclear of what you want; we may push or challenge you in regards to your tightly held beliefs regarding colour and that’s not a bad thing! Remember, this is what we do best.
Communication is the key There is nothing more encouraging then good feedback, and better yet, when work is appreciated. Likewise, if there’s anything you’re unhappy with, make sure you communicate this to your designer and have it rectified before any further tasks are taken on. Interior design works with everything flowing and working in a room; if you don’t understand a concept, talk to your designer. While you may not have an understanding or vision right now, your designer will – just let them show you.
Home to Pinterest partner manager Kim Hollis, is it any wonder that this luxe Sydney bathroom renovation has serious design cred? But creating a moodboard was just the beginning of the road for Kim, who engaged interior designer Agnes Sweijer to bring her Pinterest board to life. “I hired a designer as I felt very daunted about what could be done in such a small space. I’m so glad I did as it was money well worth spending!”
BeforeAfter
While Kim had some non-negotiables for inclusion in the new space (a laundry, bath, sliding door and better lighting), she enjoyed handing over the reins to a professional. “Agnes somehow worked out my style and did a great job of working through the details for functionality as well as design. She also saved me so much money and time! She had the experience to estimate that things would be expensive and knew where I could save,” says Kim of the renovation that cost $50,000 in total; around $20,000 in design fees and materials and $30,000 for builders and trades.
BeforeAfter
The bathroom’s timeless palette of white, grey and black is complemented by the stunning mirror and feature light combo that hang above the vanity. “I hadn’t expected how useful they would both be and how much they would add to the space in terms of design,” says Kim of the items that serve to open up the internal room that has no natural light.
The feature light, from Montauk Lighting Co., and mirror are a highlight of the bathroom
A bath was another one of Kim’s must-haves which wasn’t the easiest thing to achieve in such a compact space. “Initially Agnes warned me that the cost and ease of build would be better with a shower, but I still really wanted a bath. It was tricky to get a smaller size for my apartment but it’s a key feature for me and it’s luxurious to use,” says Kim.
Taking place over five weeks, and carried out by Ironbark Carpentry and Construction, the renovation was not without its challenges. The location, in inner-city Potts Point, meant limited parking for builders and the transformation was subject to myriad strata rules including restricted times of work, restricted use of the lift for deliveries and reliance on approvals by the building’s manager.
“Every apartment building has its struggles with height restrictions, delivery times, approvals and working in and around neighbours. But this one’s city location also didn’t help given suppliers were not around the corner,” says Lachlan Illingworth, director of Ironbark.
For any apartment dwellers looking to renovate, timing, planning and a hefty dose of patience are absolutely crucial. “There is timing and then there is timing in apartments. It’s essential that all fixtures and fittings are on site or in stock so there are no additional holdups on site. There are often delays with trades, deliveries and suppliers so being able to adjust and take it all in your stride is essential,” says Lachlan, who explains that a bathroom generally takes four-to-six weeks to complete.
He is also careful to warn clients that what may look best on paper may not always be the most practical and achievable solution on site; having plans is a great starting point and communication is essential. “Sometimes you need to work on the fly to ensure what is able to be achieved still works with the initial concept and overall theme of the space.”
Designed by Dominique, this kitchen features a laundry in an adjacent area
Known as a ‘European laundry,’ tucking away a washing machine inside a kitchen cupboard isn’t exactly a new idea but it’s a trend with legs in Australia. With the quarter acre block a thing of the past in most capital cities, homeowners are always looking for ways to maximise space within an increasingly smaller footprint. To this end, we caught up with Dominique McAdam, founder of Provincial Kitchens Home, who talked us through the best ways to hide a laundry within the kitchen.
“A combined laundry and kitchen is a great option if you’re in a small terrace where the laundry might have been in an outhouse. It’s also a great option for apartments where there wasn’t a laundry originally,” says Dominique, who specialises in designing functional, multi-purpose spaces with unique storage solutions.
Conceal, conceal, conceal! Dominique calls on an array of design techniques when designing a laundry to sit within a kitchen. “Firstly, you want to conceal the laundry so it’s not obvious. This can be done under the bench within a kitchen island, behind bifold doors, or at the end of a kitchen run with stacked washer and dryer behind bifold or sliding doors,” says Dominique.
Think laterally When combining the two ‘rooms,’ Dominique says that you should consider adjacent spaces too. “If the room permits, we have located the washer and dryer under a separate bar area adjoining the kitchen,” says Dominique.
Designed by Dominique, this kitchen features an adjacent laundry concealed by bifold doors
Practical considerations From dirty laundry to ironing and hanging your clothes, locating a laundry in the kitchen brings with it a range of unique practical considerations. “I like to create somewhere for dirty laundry to go such as a twin pull-out laundry basket located within the cupboard,” says Dominique. Placing a pull-out ironing board inside a kitchen drawer is another one of the designer’s favourite techniques. “Where possible I put a hanging rod above a butlers’ sink and make it part of the design of the kitchen too.”
A pull-out ironing board is a great, practical, space-saving technique
In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series, with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in with a lounge room conundrum.
Our expert, stylist Alex Carter
Reader question: I have this unusually shaped, smallish living room and have for years configured the contents a variety of ways, but it still doesn’t sit comfortably. I want to replace the sofa soon and I’m at a loss as to what type to buy so that it fits in the room – I was thinking modular. What do you think? I have also considered v-groove panelling or wallpaper but what other items do I need to get the space to work?
The reader’s room in question
Answer: My advice would be to play with the pieces in the space and to add some more dimension to the room, emphasising the amazing aspects, such as the large window.
Alex’s concept for the space
Denise mentioned that she was wanting to replace her sofa but wasn’t sure what style to go with and was thinking modular. Because of the shape of this room I would recommend sticking with the standard 2.5 – 3 seater sofa like this beautiful neutral grey sofa from Lounge Lovers. The legs of this sofa help to give it height, and mean it won’t be too visually bulky at the end of the room.
Rather than having a chaise, replacing the armchair with a day bed style chair like the below, and put it further back into the bay window. This will create a larger seating option, open out the space and provide a beautiful little reading nook.
Adding a colourful patterned rug is also a great way to add more interest to the room, and create another dimension to the room which will also help to accentuate the home’s beautiful jarrah floorboards. Positioning this horizontally will also emphasise the width of the room, rather than the length. The selected coffee table has a timeless white marble top and dark wooden legs to tie in the console on the left hand side of the room.
In terms of the VJ panelling, this would be a fantastic addition along the entire wall that has the bay window. It will also draw the eye to this portion of the room and out the window, making it feel even bigger!
Last, but certainly not least, is the artwork. Placing a statement piece of art above the sofa will create another focal point and a sense of personality. I have selected the ‘Plant Room’ print by Bibi Ana + Co but it could be any painting, print or even a sentimental photograph. Something that shows a little bit about the people who live in the home and tells a story!
I hope this helps and I’d love to see how it goes, if anyone else has a tricky space or furniture selection please send it through and I would love to help where I can!
There aren’t many modern designers more revered than Britain’s Tom Dixon. The British designer, perhaps best known for his iconic round copper pendant lights and table lamps, has a distinct aesthetic that’s certainly resonated with people across the globe. And while he is involved in many architectural projects globally, never before has he created something in the Australian residential space. That is, until now.
Melbourne’s Tom Dixon designed luxury apartment complex, Rondure House
Based in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, Rondure House is a high-end residential apartment development that will sit in the Studley Park precinct of Melbourne’s Kew. The project will come to life through a partnership with Dixon, as well as the acclaimed Australian firms Cera Stribley and Eckersley Gardens. Melbourne based property developer Above Zero is driving the project.
“With our shared appreciation of brutalist architecture, high quality materials and rough textures, we are delighted to partner on this unusually high quality and well thought out project and believe we can add a series of innovative interventions in luminosity, texture and comfort to a world class project,” says Tom of the project that will house 14 apartments including a whole-floor penthouse.
Interior
Brutalist design aspects feature on the building’s exterior where off-form concrete hyperbolic concrete columns serve as both decorative and structural functions – the effect being almost organic. And there’s hand-made bricks recall the 1960’s where materials were minimal and long-lasting.
“To celebrate this milestone, we will be delivering bespoke features across the residences, communal spaces and lobby including yet to be released furniture items. Our intention is to deliver an exceptional experience for future residents. From the building entrance to the proposed customisable furniture in each apartment – each detail is considered,” says Tom.
Balcony: Large open and expansive gardens can be seen from each apartment
Often forgotten spaces (from a design sense), the lobby and communal spaces have been particularly well thought out. Residents will be greeted with a grand lobby and art gallery on the ground level as well as the Tom Dixon designed and furnished Opal Bar & Lounge where residents can enjoy a morning coffee or evening drink with guests and neighbours.
The Opal Bar & Lounge
Another unique aspect of the project is the creation of ‘vaults’ for each residence – these are privately titled multi-purpose rooms that are separate from each apartment and can be customised to suit individual preference. Each vault will be approximately 10 square metres in size and will act as an extension of each resident’s home – a place to escape or entertain. The design team imagines they will take the form of a private office, cigar room, wine or whiskey cellar, art or collector’s studio, private theatre or meditation room.
Rondure House will launch to market in early 2020 with private VIP display suite appointments for pre-registered buyers starting prior to Christmas this year.
“No way was I going to install a white kitchen, I do that all too often for my clients! I knew, for my own home, that I wanted a colour, and l love blue,” says interior designer Anoushka Allum of Smartspace Interiors, when faced with her own home renovation in Sydney’s Wahroonga.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
The kitchen, complete with v-groove panelling in Dulux ‘Buoyant’ and timber handles, is a standout space – the soft mid tone is a fabulous alternative to classic navy. “In terms of trends this colour is neither on, nor off trend. I just love it so for me it will always be on trend! If you want to do something different you need to commit wholeheartedly. And you need to LOVE it,” says Anoushka.
AFTER dining
The space is complemented by nearby custom blue-toned banquette seating which makes a lovely eating nook for Anoushka and her husband. Original artworks by Queensland artist Hayley Wills complete the space.
AFTER entry. “I love this statement sideboard from Globe West,” says Anoushka. The artwork is from Urban Road.
Built in 1975, the original brick and weatherboard home had a distinct 1970’s vibe (which appealed to Anoushka), who then went about updating it for modern living. Aesthetic changes aside, the update also included increasing the size of the two bathrooms and the guest bedroom. “We sacrificed one of the original five bedrooms, but it has created much more usable spaces,” says Anoushka.
BEFORE loungeAFTER loungeAFTER lounge
The tranquil feel is a constant throughout the home, most notably in the master bedroom where the lovely pale green Dulux ‘Pattypan’ takes centre stage. “I get a lot of comments on that paint colour as well as the kitchen cabinet colour,” says Anoushka. The main bathroom wall tiles are also a treat – the pearl grey Gesso penny rounds impart subtle texture.
BEFORE master bedroomAFTER master bedroomAFTER master bedroom. The wall lights are from Lighting Collective.
“I’m proud of the peaceful flow throughout the home. Moving from one room to the next the textures, materials and colours all hang together well to create calm, balanced rooms. The kitchen is by far my favourite room. It’s a real feature in terms of design and it’s the heart of the home, as every kitchen should be.”
BEFORE main bathroomAFTER main bathroomAFTER main bathroom
Throughout her work as a Sydney-based interior designer, property stylist and media presenter, Jane Thomson is exposed to more trends than most. And after 30 years in the business, she has an intimate perspective on the Aussie interior design scene.
“Australians are far more selective than we give ourselves credit for. We don’t just slavishly follow the latest overseas design trends and I don’t see this as a bad thing at all. Ultimately, Australians love a style that will stand the test of time,” says Jane who shares her top five interior design trends to watch out for in 2020.
Jane Thomson
1. Personal expression: Repurposing and sustainability This 2020 prediction is a favourite of mine and it’s driven by our universal need for sustainability. How many times have we seen furniture sitting forlornly on the roadside edge waiting for the council clean up?
The question is; ‘Could it be repurposed?’ Possibly. Buying an item brand new is cheaper and easier (and keeps the Harvey Norman or Freedom furniture cash registers ticking over) but think of those weekends, and time wasted trudging through retail establishments to find a piece that resonates.
A repurposed hutch from an old 1970’s brown behemoth Jane designed for her on-screen client on Channel 10’s Changing Rooms Australia
Repurposing in my book is pretty simple. Repurposing an old piece of furniture is not only sustainable, but allows us as individuals to make a statement about ourselves. It saves money and resources but it does take time, and requires some imagination. At home you may have a piece that can be refurbed and you can really personalise the piece. Gumtree is a goldmine for old pieces just screaming to be repurposed.
To ‘zhoosh’ a discarded piece of furniture is an opportunity for you to say something about how you feel. Take an old battered timber buffet for example – a lick of paint, sand, apply some milk paint/lime wash, some new sexy handles and hey presto! Here’s your new bespoke designer item! Curate your new piece with your favourite piece of artwork and you will have a personalised and sustainable space that screams ‘you’!
2. Eclecticism Incorporating a mish mash of different design styles isn’t new, but sadly it has gone to the Gods over the last few years. For 2020, I do hope this design style takes off. Eclectic interiors are far more interesting, and just like the previous trend, allow you to speak about yourself through your living space.
Eclecticism explored through a mood board by Jane
3. Wall paneling This fabulous trend is something of a time-honoured tradition (Interiors Addict has been espousing its virtues for some time!), after all it has been around a while. I am hoping this is a trend that people will really run with in 2020. Paneling is a relatively inexpensive way of imparting architectural detail and depth to a space. There are a plethora of materials and styles out there. Whether it’s 1920’s style battening (love!) to a coastal feel using V joint paneling (available inexpensively through well-known hardware suppliers), it delivers a million dollar feel.
In addition to this, with so many new apartment builds, and many people having to turn to apartment living, developers don’t have the budgets to create inspiring interiors. Paneling over white uninspiring plaster board brings greater architectural merit to the space for little outlay.
If you feel like a more elegant vibe take a look at bolection moulding. Its origins are French (Parisian actually) and the trend has been around for a while. It takes a little more time to design, but the results will make you smile. It really is a classic look that’ll stand the test of time.
Timber slat paneling. Image: Yvette Kapadia
4. Curves For years we seem to have forgotten curves but nature doesn’t have many straight lines or angles, so it is refreshing to see the return of something that resonates with everyone.
Given that more people are living alone and at least half of these are women, a curved interior, in my opinion, resonates with the feminine psyche. Men also seem to like it. Curves deliver a calm, soothing environment which is something we all need regardless of our gender.
The curves that we find in spaces such as hallways (archways) now pay homage to curves past, but in a cleaner less obvious way. Lines can be sharp, but the design integrates rather than shouting ‘Look at me, I’m a curve!’
I love this lighting company and their designer, Australian Articolo designer Nicci Green. I want one!
5. Large scale art = YAY!! This is a 2020 design trend prediction that is close to my heart. My design idiom has always been ‘go big or go home.” Never have I been an art exponent of the small and piddling, unless of course it’s a Drysdale or Nolan! Large art ALWAYS works, no matter the size of the space. Teeny tiny rooms sing with a large-scale artwork. It acts more like a mural and can almost be a window to another imaginary world. Repeat with me: ‘Go big or go home.’
Located in Glebe, in Sydney’s Inner West, this 12-year-old three-bedroom townhouse got a makeover recently, with interior designer Ioanna Lennox at the helm. “The design brief was for a warm, contemporary home with touches of colour and restrained vibrancy,” says Ioanna. The owners, a professional couple, also wanted to maximise the space and make everyday living more functional and enjoyable.
BEFORE living roomAFTER living room
A focal point of the home, the living room was one of the first things to be overhauled; its large stepped hearth fireplace jutted out unnecessarily into the living space. “The hearth obstructed the placement of furniture and the flow around it had to be improved,” says Ioanna who removed the hearth and refurbished the fireplace, rendering it in a dark textured paint; Haymes Paint Artisan Collection in ‘brushed’ finish, ‘Sedimentary’ colour.
AFTER living room
“We chose a dark charcoal colour in a matt chalky finish to disguise the TV above the fireplace and draw the eye upwards. Once the fireplace wall was painted, the room instantly felt more balanced and symmetrical,” says Ioanna of the paint that has a soft, brushed-on, industrial effect.
Ioanna also helped the home’s art-loving owners select an original artwork by Sokquon Tran; it now hangs in the lounge room. “A glorious cloudscape greets you as you walk into the space,” says Ioanna.
The couple chose a new artwork by Sokquon Tran
The original blackbutt timber floors were sanded and repolished and the neutral paint was freshened up throughout the entire home too.
AFTER dining
In the living area, and throughout the rest of the home, soft furnishings and stylish lighting play a key role in creating a homely yet modern feel. “In terms of the furnishings, the owners didn’t want anything too loud, fussy or polarising. They like minimal clean lines, no pattern and they also have a penchant for designer lighting,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE bedroomAFTER bedroom
The couple’s home office was freshened up too – the addition of a stylish but functional bookcase makes the perfect spot to style a personalised shelfie. “I get to know my clients and their lifestyles so we can tell their individual stories,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE studyAFTER study
As for the another standout space, the compact master bedroom was completely overhauled too; a serene Monet-esque mural now hangs on the back wall. “It’s probably my favourite room in the house. The Feathr custom printed Monet Tree wall mural is a show-stopper and once we sourced it, the rest of the palette took its cues from that,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE master bedroomAFTER master bedroom. What a gorgeous mural! New sheer silk curtains add opulence to the space
The mural is paired with dark furniture and the owner’s Asian heirloom chest which doubles as a bench and storage at the end of the bed. The bedroom also has double French doors that open out onto the street. “On sunny mornings you can peel the doors back and let the silk sheers softly sway in the sun.”
“French Art Deco is definitely more aligned with modernism. It’s cleaner than the American version which is heavier and a lot more decorative,” says Greg Natale of the inspiration behind his latest Designer Rugs collection, ‘Geo Deco.’ With its bold, streamlined shapes, varied pile heights, hand carving and alternating use of loop and cut pile, the range has a beautiful, almost sculptural feel.
Greg Natale with the ‘Goulden’ rug, $5940
“There is something so arresting about French Deco, it’s always appealed to me more than its American counterpart. There’s something less fussy about French Deco and I wanted to capture that simplicity of shape and colour in this range, albeit in a very bold and arrhythmic fashion,” says Greg of the rugs, each of which are named after pioneers of the Art Deco style.
The ‘Delaunay’ rug, $4050. Swoon!
As for the colour palette, Greg explains that there’s something for everyone with pink, blue, green and more in the mix. “My favourite is the round one. I love all the different shapes, the pink, and the references to French Deco,” says Greg who has dabbled in red this time (it’s been a while!), having fallen in love with deep burgundy and maroon shades again.
The ‘René’ rug, $5940
And while Greg is known for his use of repeat pattern, there isn’t any to be found in this collection. “I’ve never done it before but this time I’ve blown up the pattern. In the French Deco movement, rugs were considered more of a big art piece,” says Greg.
The ‘Després’ rug, $5940The ‘Dunand’ rug, $5940
The collection is comprised of seven rectangular designs, measuring 240cm x 300cm each as well as one round design which measures 250cm in diameter. Each rug is made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool and can be customised, recoloured and reshaped upon request.
The ‘Erté’ rug, $5940
“Playing with cut and loop pile, using only very fine hairline carving as well as varying the pile heights across each of the rugs, has allowed us to create something quite evocative and unexpected.”
Unless you’ve undertaken a kitchen renovation, it can be difficult to understand just how many steps are involved, and just how long they take. But this is where the experts come in and today, interior designer Sarah Nolen, of Birdblack Design, gives us an in-depth look at what to expect.
A recent Birdblack Design kitchen. Photography: The Palm Co
First steps The first port of call when looking to renovate, or build, is to determine your inspiration and preferred styles. Scrolling through Instagram, scouring website galleries and perusing interior designer YouTube channels can assist in discovery. Some basic questions may be: What colours do you like? Are you after a sleek, contemporary kitchen, or a traditional ornate Hampton’s inspired kitchen? Or, do you prefer a fusion of styles?
It is important to highlight likes and dislikes as this will come in handy later on when you think about functionality and practicality. Another trick of the trade is to consider storage requirements – structure and organisation can make your dream home a reality!
A Birdblack Design kitchen renovation
Sourcing an interior designer Like any other profession, interior designers are required to study in order to gain qualifications. Their profound knowledge and industry experience are not to be equated with reading kitchen renovation articles every weekend.
As qualified professionals, interior designers are going to be able to advise you in many ways. They will provide answers for questions you haven’t even thought of before; they will have a wealth of experience under their belt in terms of spatial planning, entrances, wasted spaces, dead corners and creating functionality. Their creativity and knowledge will be well utilised in ticking off wish-list items, sourcing quality materials, and creating cohesion across your space in terms of textures, pattern and colour. By engaging a professional designer, you are guaranteed minimal surprises and a final result that you adore.
The relationship between a client and interior designer can be quite intimate – after all, you are inviting them into your home and into your mind, so that the result will be a true reflection of you and your personality. After all, you will be the one living there, after the job is done! Find a designer you click with – you will be spending a decent amount of time in communication and on-site together. Trust is imperative between designer and client.
Be sure to check their portfolio and social media to ensure they produce the standard and style you are after.
Helpful hint: Meet with your interior designer prior to signing up, simply to familiarise yourself with the design process.
This Birdblack Design kitchen renovation included window seating to take in the coastal view. Photography: The Evoke Company
Client briefing/site measure Every interior design firm will have different processes. There should always be a client briefing. It’s in this first briefing that the overall style will be identified. Your designer should ask a list of detailed questions, ensuring all the client’s needs are met and every detail is considered at this very first brief.
A site measure should be undertaken for renovation projects. Your designer should take note of surrounding rooms. More often than not, a simple wall change could result in more functional space without compromising the overall home layout.
Spatial planning/elevation detailing Interior designers are experts at spatial planning. Oftentimes, new and fresh layouts are presented to clients, broadening their horizons for what can actually happen within their home. Once clients have settled on a particular layout, elevation detailing takes place, including custom joinery design.
Finishes, fixtures & fittings selection Shopping! Woo-hoo! The next step is taking excursions to showrooms and suppliers in order to select your tiles, tapware, handles and joinery finishes. This process can often be overwhelming when there is no guidance, though the process can be exhilarating with a professional by your side, guiding the shopping expedition for overall cohesion and continuity.
Final detailing of drawing and selections schedule After shopping decisions are complete, all the selections are scheduled in and final drawings are confirmed. This is essential as it will be these final drawings that the builder and all the tradespeople will work from. Accuracy and precision are paramount.
Select a builder/project manager & lock them in Now that all your documentation is ready for quoting, make contact with builders and project managers. Together, consider the works you are requiring to be undertaken.
As interior designers, we completely take care of this stage for you. Working with tradespeople daily allows your designer to select the best fit in terms of builder and tradies for your individual project. As they say, sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. In our case, though, it’s both!
Demolition
First on your builder’s agenda is to inspect the existing space and determine what materials it was built from. During demolition, the installation of structural beams to support wall changes or new windows will also take place. Of course, the timing of this will vary, depending on the scope of the work involved.
The demolition process can be rather anxiety-provoking!
Plumbers & electricians ‘rough in’
Once the bare structure is established by the builder, your plumbers and electricians can get involved. They will begin their ‘rough in’ of the plumbing points in the walls and floor, and the wiring for the electrical work.
Sheeting
The walls and ceiling are ready for sheeting and this process commences.
Flooring
What did you decide regarding flooring? Are you going ahead with new flooring or is your existing flooring experiencing a new start in life?
Joinery measure
Once all your walls are sheeted, your joiner will be ready for the on-site measure. This step is crucial in the joinery process. During construction, dimensions slightly change in comparison to drafted drawings. Keep in mind the difference between a drawing and real life. Every millimetre counts!
Joinery installation
After a few weeks of manufacturing in the workshop, your brand-new kitchen is ready for installation. This may take multiple days, depending on the size of your kitchen and the availability of your joinery company. Your kitchen will now look like a kitchen!
Joinery installation
Benchtop measure
Once your joinery has been installed, now is the time for a benchtop measure. Likewise with the joinery measure, every millimetre is crucial. Whether you have opted for stone, concrete, or terrazzo, all surfaces require measuring. The final locations of stone joins require confirmation. The last thing you want in your brand new kitchen is a stone join which unpleasantly draws the eye!
Benchtop installation
Hurrah! The installation of benchtops is a nail-biting process to watch! The details and precision are impeccable.
Splashback tiling (if required)
When tiling splashbacks, be certain your grout colour suits your tile selection. The wrong grout colour has the ability to change the overall look of the tile.
Electrical & plumbing ‘fit off’
It is all starting to come together! With the connection of GPO’s, appliances and lights come to life. Additionally, you now have running water and gas!
Painting
The final layer: the colours you chose! This will include all your walls, ceilings, doors and trims.
With all this in place, is time to invite your family and friends over and time to get cooking. Enjoy!
After 15 years working in the tile industry, the Mornington Peninsula’s Kate Walker launched her own design company KWD in 2013, initially specialising in hard finishes. “The reason why I’m so passionate about hard finishes is that they form the foundation of the design aesthetic for any project,” says Kate of her passion for tiles, timber flooring, natural stone, carpet and stone masonry.
But now, six years on, the KWD business has grown into a full-service design studio where Kate employs a team of design professionals who help bring her visions to life. “As KWD has grown and matured, we have been able to offer a higher-level design service and we are now an end-to-end interior design business,” says Kate.
Kate Walker
Reluctant to label her personal design aesthetic, I think it’s safe to say that there’s more than a touch of Hamptons in the mix but it’s not as simple as that. “Travel really influences my style – in particular North America. I get a lot of inspiration from contemporary and more traditional American design, and one of my newest sources of inspiration is New Zealand architecture – I love the materiality,” says Kate who regularly looks to mother nature for inspiration too; texture is another design hallmark.
A recent KWD projectA KWD recent project
Longtime readers may remember that we have profiled Kate’s own home before – its traditional American meets Chinoiserie style made it one of our most clicked-on posts of 2017. While popular with readers, it also remains one of Kate’s most beloved projects. “I’d have to say my own home renovation, Beechwood, was one of my favourite projects. To become a KWD client gave me such an insight into how the KWD team functions, and what we are capable of.”
Kate at home at ‘Beechwood’
Kate’s work on Beechwood also earnt her a coveted finalist place in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. “I have been fortunate enough to win a number of awards, but that one was the most significant this year. I love working with colour so to be acknowledged in this way encouraged me to continue incorporating beautiful colours into our designs, in interesting and innovative ways,” says Kate.
It’s not hard to see why Kate’s glorious home ‘Beechwood’ was a finalist in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards
And as for recent business developments, Kate has just launched a sister brand to KWD, called KWD & Co, which is designed to make interior design more accessible.
“Whilst I absolutely adore the custom projects that we work on, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a beautifully designed home they can be proud of,” says Kate. The new business arm provides clients with a carefully curated collection of hard finishes, grouped into popular design styles, with discounts should they purchase the materials.
“The next step up is KWD Access where clients can book a one-hour, one-on-one consultation with the KWD design team at a fraction of the cost of our full design service.”
If you’re looking to become an interior designer, there’s no denying that the International School of Colour and Design (iscd) is one of Australia’s pre-eminent places to study. From colour theory to technical skills (including AutoCAD and Sketch Up), and exposure to industry professionals, its Diploma in Interior Design (MSF50218), offers everything you need to launch your career.
But rather than get into the nitty gritty of course specifics, we thought it would be much more interesting to catch up with some successful iscd alumni to see how the experience prepared them for their careers in design.
From working for one of Australia’s most celebrated interior designers to running one of Instagram’s favourite (and always booked out) holiday houses, to changing careers from the Air Force to design, these alumni prove there are many ways an iscd qualification can help you create your dream job.
Caine Hodder With a background in finance and logistics for the Royal Australian Defence Force, Caine Hodder is an unlikely interior designer. “I had always had an interest in design and followed design pages and magazines,” says Caine who has completed three courses with iscd including the Certificate IV in Design (CUV40311), Industry Diploma of Interior Styling and Industry Diploma of Colour Design.
Caine Hodder
“My experience at iscd left me feeling confident and well equipped to move into the industry,” says Caine who believes the qualifications were pivotal in securing initial employment. “Having trained through iscd was definitely an advantage in applying for jobs. It’s highly regarded in the design industry.”
Since graduating, Caine has assisted Crystal Bailey & Co on activewear queen Lorna Jane Clarkson’s Byron Bay beach house, and recently started his own company, Caine Anthony Design. He offers design and colour solutions, for clients wanting to update their homes, as well as property styling for sale and Airbnb renovations. “One career highlight was when my Bondi bachelor pad project was featured on Interiors Addict earlier this year,” says Caine.
Caine’s Bondi bachelor pad project
Lisa Dingelmaier Long-time readers may remember the talented Lisa Dingelmaier. She was the recipient of an Interiors Addict/iscd scholarship some years ago – a win that gave her invaluable exposure to the industry and ultimately a job with Greg Natale, one of the judges.
Kicking off with a styling course at iscd, Lisa then completed interior design studies (via a partial scholarship) while working for Greg on a part-time basis. She now works full-time for the high end Sydney designer. “My time at iscd definitely prepared me for the industry. We worked on real-life briefs, from start to finish, and the experience was very practical,” says Lisa who has enjoyed an exciting career since graduating.
“As for career highlights, we brought out a book last year and I worked on that for a few years which was really exciting. We’re also opening a store in Potts Point which I’ve been a big part of. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet loads of well-known designers and obviously the projects I get to work on are amazing!”
You can get a video glimpse into a day in the life of Lisa here.
Simone Mathews Simone Mathews’ design career evolved in reverse – she worked in real estate and the building industry before undertaking design studies at iscd to consolidate her skill set. “You could say I started the opposite way around. I learnt on the job and then studied to further develop my skills and knowledge,” says Simone who found being taught by industry professionals was an invaluable experience.
Simone Mathews
“What I love about my iscd qualifications is that I was not just textbook ready, I was industry ready. I left with my business systems set up, procedures in place, and a database of suppliers and materials. Without iscd I wouldn’t have had the confidence to launch straight into my career as a designer,” says Simone who completed a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40113) before moving onto the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50213), juggling her studies around work and family life.
Her studies ultimately culminated in the establishment of her boutique accommodation business, SOUL of Gerringong. The property has been the subject of much design buzz and has featured in QANTAS magazine and on the cover of Country Style.
SOUL of Gerringong
“My goal with SOUL was to create a place that I could share with everyone. So, each and every time guests tell me that they love being in the space, that is success to me. And of course, seeing SOUL on the front cover of Country Style magazine and featured by QANTAS was a huge moment for me personally,” says Simone.
“The homeowner has a great love of travelling, Morocco being a highlight. They wanted to make their own little Moroccan haven within their home,” says interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design, of this recent kitchen renovation. From the teal blue v-groove joinery to the patterned encaustic tile, this kitchen is certainly no wallflower.
Kitchen
Part of a 1960’s brick home located in Wollongong, aside from aesthetic changes, Sarah was employed to create an open-plan living space of the home’s former rabbit warren of rooms. “The existing home lacked a functional layout. It had separate living, kitchen and dining areas typical of the era,” says Sarah who let more light into the home too, courtesy of three new skylights.
The centrepiece of the space, the kitchen joinery combines solid blackbutt timber with v-groove teal polyurethane cabinetry for texture as well as a statement encaustic tile on the splash back and bench top. “Encaustic tiles are popular in Morocco but when selecting the tile, we wanted to reflect the location of the home and introduce some coastal elements,” says Sarah of the the blue and white tiles.
The new kitchen also houses a white ceramic butler’s sink, a custom blackbutt timber pendant light above the kitchen island, a gunmetal sink mixer as well as white Corian benchtops. “We also included open shelving to display our client’s travel treasures,” says Sarah.
With the home’s main laundry on the ground floor, and the kitchen on the second floor, Sarah also designed a little laundry in the kitchen to improve the functionality of the home. “It was ideal to have a secondary laundry area. We achieved this through installing a washing machine under the kitchen bench, along with incorporating a cleaning cupboard within the joinery,” says Sarah.
Adjacent to the kitchen, there’s a lounge and dining area – both of which feature the same teal shade. “They act as art within the space, picking up on the colours featured throughout,” says Sarah of the hand-blown Mark Douglass glass pendant lights that hang in a cluster about the timber dining table.
Dining
The custom teal joinery continues in the TV area where a teal velvet upholstered sofa sits covered in neutral cushions. Alongside, a monochrome Moroccan inspired rug helps to break up all the blue.
Lounge
A matching upholstered bench seat sits nearby; it’s position ideal for taking in the view. “It’s the perfect location to enjoy a morning coffee and breakfast overlooking the escarpment,” says Sarah.
Photography: The Evoke Company | Styling: Jessi Eve
Nestled in the Sydney coastal suburb of North Curl Curl, this 20-year-old bathroom got a stylish upgrade recently by interior designer Deanne Crowther, of Bathrooms by Oldham. And while there was nothing ‘wrong’ with the former space, the new bathroom is not only more functional but it’s much more beautiful too.
“Our client wanted to update their ensuite while retaining its layout. They wanted a concrete inspired bathroom whilst keeping it soft and warm,” says Deanne. A modern, timeless look ensued courtesy of a trio of gorgeous finishes; concrete, brass and American oak.
BEFOREAFTER
One of the major contributors to the transformation is the tile selection – smaller white tiles were replaced with concrete-look 600mm x 600mm porcelain ones. “Choosing a large tile throughout the bathroom gives the illusion of a bigger space,” says Deanne.
The tired white cabinetry was usurped by a custom American oak vanity and new mirrored shaving cabinet. “Underneath, we designed a custom concrete bench top with brass plug and waste,” says Deanne.
The new vanity features a custom concrete top and aged brass tap wareInternal power points feature inside the new mirrored shaving cabinets
The metallic finish is repeated throughout the space via Wood Melbourne aged brass tapware as well as a nearby in-wall toilet cistern that features a brass flush plate. “The aged brass will change over time giving the bathroom an ever changing look,” says Deanne.
The vanity unit also houses concealed strip lighting on a sensor – a luxe ‘extra’ that is useful for late night bathroom trips. “It adds an element of luxury and highlights the design features in the space. It also runs under the wall hung vanity which makes the room feel larger,” says Deanne.
Storage niches were installed on both sides of the shower providing a place to store things within the shower, and a space to add decorative pieces on the other side. And aside from a new niche, the shower area now features a luxe brass rain shower head.
BEFORE
“Ultimately I love that we created the ensuite our client desired. The coolness of concrete combined with antique brass accessories and American oak joinery achieved the warmth and softness she was after.”
The talented team from The Designory are back and this time they’ve created the ultimate holiday home; in Byron Bay no less! Inspired by the raw Aussie coastline, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home features a soothing green colour palette that is a departure from your typical coastal-themed interiors.
Kitchen and diningBedroom
“There’s always the temptation when working with a coastal palette to work with shades of blue, and whilst we absolutely love that idea, we wanted to extend the coastal reference to the elements we find uniquely Australian – the darker eucalyptus greens, the rich sea grass greens found on walks through the dunes, and the minty sea foam tones found at the ocean’s edge,” says director Melissa Bonney.
Bathroom
From the tinted green concrete bench tops in the kitchen and laundry to the green Moroccan-inspired tiles in the bathrooms and green soft furnishings throughout, the home certainly makes a case for drawing on the greener aspects of our coast.
Lounge room
The home’s coastal vibe is further cemented by its strong connection between the indoors and outdoors. “This was a key element to the success of the home, and we utilised a number of strong glazing elements to achieve this,” says Melissa. To this end, a five-metre stacked sliding door opens from the main living area to the alfresco and pool area.
OutdoorsStacked doors allow guests to move seamlessly between the open-plan spaces
A standout space, the home’s bunk room is a beautifully designed and styled space that can sleep up to six kids. “The brief included a little bit of whimsy, a sense of fun and a whole lot of functionality,” says Melissa of the room that features suspended bunks, that appear to float, with a netted area between them. There’s also two beds underneath, in addition to two pull-out trundle beds.
The gorgeous bunk room
This room features spotted wallpaper layered with textured grey and mustard soft furnishings, leather beanbags and jute baskets. “The final elements adorning the wall are a gorgeous piece of art, a whimsical lion, and a selection of timber hooks randomly scattered,” says Melissa.
Colours and open-plan spaces aside, the interiors are a masterclass in the luxe Aussie coastal vibe The Designory is renowned for. “Delivering a ‘luxe’ vibe is really all about layering and texture and repeated materials,” says Melissa. The home does this expertly with its clever mix of textured rugs, tactile fabrics, textured paints and wallpapers.
Another lounge area
And for anyone looking to recreate this look at home, Melissa has great advice. “Pick a theme or colour scheme and ensure that runs seamlessly through the home by repeating elements or materials,” says Melissa. For example, you might choose an oak front door, and then use oak furniture or custom vanities as well as oak pots or other styling items.
When interior designer Lori Murray, of March Twice Interiors, was approached by the owners of this home to assist with a couple of selections (tiles and carpet), little did she know the job would end up expanding in scope. “As we spent more time together, we developed a great working relationship, and the brief came to include more areas of the home,” says Lori who ultimately finished up working on paint colours, furnishings, artwork, custom upholstery, lighting and window treatments too.
Linen curtains work to soften the vast amount of glazing (and light) in the living room
When Lori’s skills were engaged, the home’s owners had just moved back to Australia, from Hong Kong, and were excited about setting up a permanent base in Sydney’s leafy Mosman. Many aspects of the home couldn’t be changed (stone flooring, aluminium windows and lots of glass), but the designer introduced texture to soften the vast glass spaces. “Notably, we introduced soft linen curtains to frame the vast windows in the main living space,” says Lori.
A LightCo pendant light hangs above the dining table
“The window coverings throughout the home really make an impression and work beautifully with the custom upholstery pieces we designed and made for the client, such as the bedheads in the master bedroom and daughter’s bedroom,” says Lori.
The master bedroom features a custom bedheadThe master bedroom features an open-plan ensuite
As for the daughter’s bedroom, it’s a standout space in the home due its stunning wallpaper – Chiswick Grove by UK company Sanderson. “We were after a wallpaper that would fulfil the brief of this room, that being pretty and feminine, but also be sophisticated enough to grow with our teenage client over the years,” says Lori of the gorgeous green floral feature that really takes the room to the next level.
Daughter’s bedroomA close-up of that stunning Sanderson wallpaper
Another area in which Lori added much-needed warmth and texture is the master bathroom, which features handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles on the wall of the shower recess. “They transformed the room from just another bathroom, to a real feature in the master suite,” says Lori.
Master bathroom shower recess
Lighting also provided the home with extra warmth and Lori selected a variety of floor standing and pendant lamps to this end. “The floor standing Moda Piera lamp, in the corner of the living room, looks like it was made for that space, while the LightCo pendant over the dining table provides the warmth of natural brass,” says Lori. The daughter’s bedroom features another lovely LightCo pendant that floats above the room’s desk.
A LightCo pendant floats above the desk
“Overall, we feel proud that the scope of the project expanded the more we worked with the client. The whole family loves the home, and the client and I have become great friends, which is a huge compliment.”
A LightCo floor lamp makes a statement in the living area
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s very much the case with this Brisbane design by Judy Parkin of Interior Blank. Recently named a finalist in the prestigious KBDI (Kitchen and Bathroom Design Institute) Awards in the ‘Kitchens Plus’ category (for kitchens that flow into another living area), this statement space sits seamlessly between the home’s dining and lounge areas and unites all three.
“The client wanted a unique look that stood out. They wanted a kitchen with wow-factor and one that was designed for home entertainment and also to be the focal point of the entire home. We also needed to create a flow between the living areas and the kitchen,” says Judy. Key to integrating the kitchen with the ‘rooms’ around it is the way in which it complements the nearby fireplace – matching natural marble marries the spaces.
The nearby fireplace and lounge room
“It wasn’t to be a feminine looking kitchen and neutral colours were preferred, but not white,” says Judy of the finishes that include fingerprint-proof matte black and polished timber veneer cabinetry as well as natural marble and Neolith stone bench tops. I think this kitchen proves that white isn’t the only ‘safe’ neutral choice.
Judy designed discrete zones for cooking, food preparation, food storage and coffee making with easy access to the kitchen’s integrated fridge. The complementary butler’s pantry sits behind the main space and it houses an extra sink plus coffee machine and storage.
The butler’s pantry sits behind the kitchen
“In an open plan space, I think traffic flow is one of the most important points to consider. Not only in the kitchen itself, but in the other surrounding rooms. You want to make sure that you have planned enough space and considered the positioning of the appliances. Also, you must ensure there is enough space to walk past if someone is at the fridge and when the oven and dishwasher doors are open too,” says Judy.
The concealed fridge sits to the left of the Gaggenau appliances
The kitchen is also home to an enviable line-up of Gaggenau appliances (conventional oven, combination steam oven and warming drawer) plus Judy selected Pitt gas burners for the benchtop – a unique range that can be used with granite, composite stone, concrete, stainless steel and more. “I selected the Pitt cooking gas burners as I loved that they were directly integrated into the worktop for a seamless look,” says Judy.
The spacing of the Pitt gas burners means four large pots can be used at once which is ideal for entertaining
Possibly not something you’d immediately consider but ventilation is also very important when designing an open-plan kitchen as cooking smells can easily move between the spaces. “Select your ventilation option so that it is adequate for the room’s size and the type of cooking you do,” says Judy. In this kitchen, Judy designed the large extraction system (to accommodate the large widely spaced gas burners) before the home was built and it pulls air into the ceiling cavity and out of the adjacent external wall.
