Final fit offs, at a current project, before furnishing installations in November... just in time for Christmas!
With spectacular architecture by Christopher Doyle, it has been a pleasure specifying every interior detail on this project.
Out bespoke furnishings will soon arrive. The reveal will be very very exciting!
Art of Dining 2019, held this week at the National Gallery of Victoria, was an event filled with creativity, beauty, elegance and intrigue.
Forty four designers, artists, stylists and retailers came together in support of the NGV, each presenting their ultimate dinner table, in their own individual style.
Almost 4000 design aficionados came through the doors to view this remarkable and truly inspirational event, held over two nights and two days at the NGV.
I was honoured to be asked to take part as a designer. From the outset, I knew I wanted to produce a table befitting my timeless design style; based on my love of classic design.
My artist statement...
“The architectural model seen at the heart of my Art of Dining table is a reference to my passion for neoclassical design and my early design days working as a decorative model maker. The model, styled in my signature colours of black and antique gold, features neoclassical motifs, it is the hero of my table scheme and one could say, of my design aesthetic.
The period of Neoclassicism began in the mid-18th century. In its purest form, it is a style principally derived from the architecture of classical antiquity, the Vitruvian principles, and the work of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, one of my design hero’s.
Today, In my interior design work, the timeless elegance of neoclassicism is paramount and remains one of my greatest influences.”
Thrilled with the outcome, this was a truly amazing event!
Art of Dining 2019 - Best of the Best
National Gallery of Victoria
May 1st-3rd 2019
The concept I am developing for my Art of Dining table is a reference to my love of neoclassical design and an homage to my early design days working as an architectural model maker. My table, styled in my signature colours of black and antique gold, will feature neoclassical motifs.
The period of Neoclassicism began in the mid-18th century. In its purest form, it is a style principally derived from the architecture of classical antiquity, the Vitruvian principles, and the work of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, one of my design hero’s.
The timeless elegance of neoclassical style is paramount in my work and remains one of my greatest influences.
I’m excited to be bringing my table concept to life in May! Tables will be on view in the NGV Great Hall – Thu 2 May and Fri 3 May, 10am-5pm & Thu 2 May 6-9pm Tickets on sale now!
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/support-us/ngv-womens-association/events/art-of-dining-best-of-the-best/
“Art of Dining: Best of the Best 2019 brings together 44 spectacular tables designed by Australia’s leading artists, interior designers, couturiers, florists, stylists and retailers.
Visitors will view tables from the whimsical to the avant-garde celebrating creativity and innovation in dining design. A stellar line up of Creatives are generously donating their rare and wonderful talent.”
I have been invited to take part as a designer in this prestigious event, and I am truly honoured. Planning and executing this will be an exciting, creative challenge and an absolute highlight in my year!
It will be a must see for all design aficionados,
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/support-us/ngv-womens-association/events/art-of-dining-best-of-the-best/
Tables will be on view in the NGV Great Hall – Thu 2 May and Fri 3 May, 10am-5pm & Thu 2 May 6-9pm
Tickets on sale early March 2019.
I often speak of Monticello. From the moment I saw it, in an interiors magazine years ago, I was drawn to its grand Paladian presence. Its style, its symmetry and its classic sophistication have been a consent source of inspiration for me, throughout my carreer.
Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Jefferson began his work on Monticello when he was twenty-six years old, drawing from knowledge gleaned from various books as there were no schools of architecture in colonial Virginia. Originally styled as a plantation, the first Monticello was slightly more modest — built in 1768, it was two stories high with a total of eight rooms. As the years went by, and especially after his tenure in Europe, he continued to add rooms, and make inspired changes. By the end of its construction Monticello was a grand villa, comprising 11,000 square feet.
Influenced by Andrea Palladio, the Renaissance architect, Jefferson put his own spin on neoclassical architecture, incorporating octagonal forms in his designs which were often constructed in red brick. He created a style of architecture befitting a new nation – original, but drawing elements from European Classical tradition. Monticello contains a few ingenious innovations by Jefferson including a “turning machine” for holding clothing, a spherical sundial, and a revolving bookstand for his ever-expanding collection.
It’s probably one of the most fascinating homes in the United States, if not the world. Not for it’s lavish decorations or its grandiosity, but more so for its perfectly symmetrical design and the intricate details that can be found in every room inside the house.
Just like George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello sits on a hill with amazing views of the surrounding farmland, valley, and mountainous region. On a clear day, you can see for miles and gaze at the hilltops of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
There are only a handful of locations in the United States that are selected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and Monticello is one of them. It’s the only presidential home with such designation, and it certainly deserves it.
Walking down a quiet back lane, off one of Bali's busiest streets, at the invitation of Australian design icon, Stuart Membery, I had a sense that I was walking into something special.
A discrete louvred doorway, in a high ivy covered wall, opened into a magical oasis, and I instantly felt at home. Two colonial dwellings, sitting amongst manicured gardens, are the heroes of the estate, and a showcase to Mr. Memberys classic design style.
I have long admired Stuart Membery, his career and his work; undeniably classed amongst other great Australian style icons including the sophisticated Trent Nathan and the timelessly elegant Maggie Tabberer.
The man himself, tall, distinguished, and instantly likeable, strolled out from his office to greet me. Geographically miles apart, we had exchanged pleasantries via email but today I had come to meet him in person, to talk about life, style and to see his stunning furniture range first hand.
Sitting with him in his beautiful surroundings, everything perfectly styled, it was impossible not to feel inspired. We discussed design; local and international. Mr Memberys mind, as sharp as a tack, referencing classic design icons as he spoke. From Dorothy Draper to Ralph Lauren, and the styles of chinoiserie, art deco and mid century modern.
We admired his current projects, including his international resort designs and perused his elegant furniture and home collections, which are distinctive in their style yet utterly timeless and sophisticated. A beautiful blend of east meets west, both traditional and contemporary. I certainly had my favourites and I can see many pieces falling seamlessly into my own work.
He graciously allowed me free reign of his home to snap away. Below are some of the results.
While I am known for my penchant for 'white' interiors, I have recently been gravitating toward a darker colour palette in my work.
There is something decadently luxurious about a dark interior scheme; deep natural tones in charcoal, black, chocolate, and tobacco, teamed with deep oak joinery and other timber interior details.
It's a slightly more masculine look, that suggests the feeling of an old school gentlemans office or library. There are leather bound books, cut glass whiskey decanters and a collection of timber walking sticks.
As the following images suggest, using darker elements in a traditional scheme will not look dated or overly fussy; what we see, in fact, is a slightky contemporary edge.
By using a clever mix of beautiful fabrics, natural timbers, sophisticated colour schemes, and perfect accessories the look can be stunning, elegant, and utterly timeless.
As promised, in a blog a few months ago, I have completed the first design in a new series of architectural miniatures. The French Chateau. Many years ago, as some of you will remember, I produced a range of handcrafted Architectural Miniatures, decorative Dolls Houses and collectable objet d'art. I am excited to announce, I have decided to recreate a selection of the original range. Hand crafted and hand painted, in the style of the original designs, these one off pieces will be available online… See our online store for more details.
The Wolseley has been on my list of London 'most do's' for years! So it was an absolute treat to walk through its doors on my recent visit to the U.K. Even at a glance, it's impressive exterior, with its arched windows and brilliantly decorative iron work, drew me in.
The Wolseley is a café-restaurant in the grand European tradition on London's famous Piccadilly. With a spectacular Listed interior, the restaurant buzzes from early till late, seven days a week.
The great Brasseries of France are the most obvious inspiration for this hugely popular restaurant, but there are few places in Paris that can match The Wolseley for sheer plushness. Originally a 1920s car showroom, it was built on such an extravagant scale that it bankrupted Wolseley Motors. Swift black-clad waiters glide across the patterned marble floor, carrying groaning platters of fruits de mer, steak frites and lobster bisque between the pillars and archways of this Italian-influenced dining room.
It is a celebrity hide out also with London 'A listers' Kate Moss and Jason Statham frequenting often. Madonna, when in London, is often spotted there.
As well as eclectic lunch and dinner menus encompassing European classics, the restaurant serves breakfast, morning coffee, afternoon tea and an all-day menu.
Once upon a time, pleasure piers were the jewel in the crown of Victorian seaside resorts. In the days before flight travel and package holidays, these elegant structures reaching out into the ocean were the forefront of entertainment, with their funfairs, ballrooms and cafes hosting hundreds if not thousands of tourists, each day. Sadly, many have long since been demolished while others cling to life dejected and abandoned.
The Brighton Marine Palace and Pier is one of the last remaining pleasure piers in England. As famous as the town in which it stands, it has intrigued me for years and I have often noticed it used as a location in film, television and various magazine editorials.
On my recent travels to England's south east country I decided to make a pilgrimage to see the historic structure first hand. I was also keen to see the town in which it stands, it's famous foreshore of historic hotels, it's hidden lanes of antique stores and cafes and its pebbled beaches.
The pier is truly magnificent, sitting proudly of the south coast, withstanding the winds and rough seas of the English Chanel, I felt humbled in its presence. Walking out over its historic wooden beams I was transported to another era. It may be said that England's 'Pleasure Piers' are a thing of the past, thankfully however, the few remaining are being preserved.
