Interior decorator and author Tracy Madden shares her Brisbane home
Q: Please explain your personal style and how it influenced your home.
A: I have always been mindful to make a property work in its location, plus make it our home. In this instance it is a riverfront apartment, so although it required shiny surfaces, black lacquer and mirrored walls, it also required major comfort. My intention for the bedroom was a New York luxury hotel room.
Q: How did you pull all of the interiors together?
A: The commanding view of the Brisbane River, plus magical views of the city, can be seen from the moment you step out of the elevator. Hence it was important for the pieces of furniture in the main living area not to compete with the view, selecting quality choice pieces to complement the beautiful surroundings.
Q: What did you find the hardest to get right when decorating your home?
A: The property was about the view, so to maximise it as much as possible. I was mindful that the window coverings were as unobtrusive as possible to totally reveal the view for the better part of the day.
Q: What is your favourite piece of furniture/feature in your home and why?
A: As you walk into our bedroom I have a small black and gold console table with some treasured pieces that I have had for many years: a Florence figurine called Josephine, a wedding photo of my parents, a photo of one of my sisters and me, a small trinket in the shape of a jewelled egg given to me by my son many years ago, and a miniature jewel box from my daughter. These are the pieces that make it my home.
Tracy says a home should be filled with who we are, otherwise it may just as well be a furniture showroom. Couldn’t have put it better myself!
Her book, The Essential Ingredient—Love, is available at all good book stores.
