Darren Palmer was one of the first people I profiled here on Interiors Addict so I have followed his career with great interest (and indeed pride as he has become a friend too). Not content with being a judge on top-rating show The Block, producing stunning interior design for his clients, being an ambassador for brands like Audi and penning two interiors books, he now has his own homewares range with top department store Myer. I was lucky enough to attend the launch last month and am now coveting almost everything for my home (for now, I have the navy linen on my bed and it feels amazing). And there’s a lot of navy here, which pleases me no end! The collection is a true reflection of the man behind it and there’s no surprise he has filled his Bondi home with his own wares (well, wouldn’t you?!).
It’s a dream come true for Darren but he still can’t quite believe it’s happened! “A range of product has been part of my plans for several years and I’ve been approached in the past from other partners but I have really sat on my hands and waited for Myer as they were the pinnacle of partnership in my mind. No one has the reach and market that Myer has. They’re a premium, yet achievable brand, and I like to think that is positioning we share,” he says. “It’s one of those pinch yourself moments. I can’t be more grateful than I am right now. It’s the culmination of years of work and development and it’s only the beginning.”
His first meeting with Myer was in fact years ago. “The timing and the proposition wasn’t quite right. I had to bide my time. So I waited and kept in contact with them, having faith that everything would line up in the right way at the right time. When I joined my management agency, Chic Management, they worked closely with a company that worked with Myer in licensing and they had had several successes with other big brands and well known personalities so I knew I was in good hands. I think we were working together for six months before the Myer relationship started to move ahead again, and when it did, it worked out well and swiftly.”
Darren worked with Myer to craft pieces and create a range that reflected both his creative and Myer’s commercial objectives. “It was a real team effort.”
The range has something for everyone with three pillars: luxe, coastal and classic. “All the pieces work well alongside each other but also as capsules within the range. Anyone can buy with certainty that what they take home will work and really add life and layers to their home.”
And his favourites? “I love the coral (it’s resin, before you ask). I love the Reed Belgian Flax Linen bedding collection, it’s heaven to sleep in. I love the beaten metal bowls but I really love every piece in the range. The sheets and bedcovers are elegant and timeless, the decorative cushions are highly detailed and embellished. I love it all. It looks fantastic in my house!”
The only challenge was editing the collection and deciding what to keep back for next season.
“The range is really reflective of my style and I have every piece in my house. My bookshelves are transformed for the better and my bed has never looked more amazing,” Darren says.
“This is the first of many seasons absolutely. I like to think this is the beginning of the next part of my career so I’ll just say watch this space.”
The Darren Palmer collection is available exclusively at Myer stores nationwide and online.
