DESIGN ADVICE 05

Finding inspiration

When it comes to interior ‘inspiration’, you should give yourself permission to think outside the box. There are so many wonderful ways to define who you are when creating a magnificent living space. Inspiration can be found all around you!

I find that most people tend to play it safe and think that good design is about following fashions and trends. This can be a good starting point but it can also be restrictive. 

You could be inspired by your life experiences; Think about places that you've been, things that you've seen, think about the things that you have found visually appealing. Think about the visual elements of these things, the colours, the textures and the shades of light and dark. You can then apply these elements as inspiration to develop your own individual style.

WHERE DO WE FIND INSPIRATION?

Architecture; historic and contemporary

Fashion design; textiles and tailoring
Retail design; window design and in-store visual display
Film and television; set, costume and production design
Fine art and artists, both contemporary and historic
Nature and the elements

One of my favourite sources of inspiration is travel. Something we have been sadly missing lately. For example, the rustic textures and styles of buildings in a foreign city or the shades of colour in the landscape of a historic garden can be so inspiring. I always take something away with me, in my memory, that I might use as inspiration in a future project. 

When designing for yourself, finding your own inspiration is the best way to make your very own, absolutely personal, unique personality stamp. Be brave and trust your instincts, you might surprise yourself.

The inspiring storefront of R. H. Macey, W36 Street, New York

FROM MY DESK 05

Staying positive

Working from home throughout the majority of May, has had its distractions! I've spent time working on my property, updating some of the interiors as well as enjoying the outdoors, maintaining the house exterior and garden.

Undeniably, May has been tough for so many, and isolation can be very debilitating. Staying positive can be so challenging during these times;  It's not always easy to stay productive and focus on the 'good things' when so much is changing all around us.

I've found pleasure, putting design ideas that I've found inspiring on my travels, over recent years, into place in my home environment. Details from historic hotel lobbys, and entrance foyers, architectural garden details from homes I've visited, and soft furnishing ideas from some of my favourite international retailers.

This month, while we've been spending time at home, I discuss ways of finding inspiration from your past experiences and memories. Creative inspiration can come from so many things, it's all in the eye of the beholder...

Front veranda, Sassafras May 2020

DESIGN ADVICE 04

Beginning to build

There’s a strong temptation to dive straight into home remodelling projects. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be done, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way if you haven’t done some essential planning upfront. 

Here are six crucial steps to help you plan for a successful home renovation, and the reasons they're so important for any project.

1. Choose a design professional. 
To create a plan and detailed scope of work, most homeowners hire either an architect or interior designer, and sometimes both. Architects may take on a wide range of work, or work only on floor plans and permits, and leave the details of the electrical plan, baths and kitchen to another designer. Selecting a design professional usually starts with an in-person meeting. This is your opportunity to understand the services that each firm offers and make sure they match up with what you are expecting. It’s also critical that you have a budget for your project in mind that you communicate clearly to the firm you hire, so the design can align with what you are planning to invest.

2. Create a plan. 
The plans are called working drawings; they usually involve a rough layout of the floor plan and some simple views of the exterior of the home if there is an addition. It takes time for the design professional to work these out, and then usually another week or two for the homeowners to consider them and make decisions. If the project is larger or the homeowners want additional changes made to the schematics, this initial design phase can take several months.

3. Interview contractors
Contractors are typically brought into the process once a final working drawing has been selected. Usually, there is at least a general idea of how the home will look from the outside, a dimensioned floor plan and some preliminary material selections. Contractors are usually asked to estimate from the working drawings as part of the interview process. It may take a couple of weeks to set up the interviews and generally at least two to three weeks after interviews to receive the estimates. After that, you may want to call references, visit job sites or do additional research before making a decision about the contractor you will hire.

4. Go shopping while others are engineering. 
Love to shop or hate to shop? This may determine whether you enlist a designer to help with your material selections. Even those who like to shop may be overwhelmed by all the options and want professional input. Do not underestimate the number of things that need to be selected, from doorknobs and windows to countertops and light fixtures. To really keep a handle on your project cost, it’s best to select every last thing ahead of construction. This will allow your contractor to tell you the prices for what you’d like and properly schedule material purchases based on lead times.

5. Get your permits. 
Depending on the scope of your project and where it’s located, permitting can take a day, months or even years. You should have some idea ahead of filing for permits about the length of the process, which will allow you to identify a likely start date for your project. Permit fees can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on where you live and how big your project is.

6. Ready, set ... 
With the plan submitted for permits and material selections made, your contractor will be able to finish up pricing and write up a contract for construction. If the selected materials cost more than the budget allows, there may be a round of “value engineering,” which means changing scope of work or materials to reduce cost. By the time the contract is signed, your contractor will have identified the longer-lead items (like cabinets, windows, doors, tile and sometimes plumbing or electrical fixtures) and may even have them on order ahead of the start of construction, depending on the timing of your project.

By the time all of these steps are complete, it may be four to six months or even more since you started talking with design professionals.

The planning process can be lengthy, but each step you take will put you closer to starting your project with a clear vision of what’s to come. That investment of time on the front end means your entire construction team — design professional, contractor and you — can start the project on the same page with a clearly articulated plan. That makes it much easier to say, “Go!” without any hesitation. 

For further information and advice on planning a project of your own, feel free to contact me directly.

FROM MY DESK 04

Looking forward

As we continue our quest as a nation to quell the spread of COVID 19, it's all too easy to focus on the sacrifices we are making. While some of us have experienced greater change than others, it has undoubtedly affected us all.

It's a heartbreaking sight to see so many businesses close, some permanently, and the loss  of countless jobs. Staying at home, as we are being implored to do, can be very trying. There's only so many times, we can spring clean, sort our wardrobes or, in my case, rearrange the furniture!

What we can do, however, is plan for our future, for when we reach the other side of this awful situation. We all hope life will return to some kind of normality, and when it does, we will hopefully be able to enjoy the things we are missing out on now.

While we are spending time at home - especially over the easter break - we could  be looking at future ways we could improve our living environment. Perhaps by planning small renovation, or creating an updated furnishing wish list?

Not only will this put us in good stead for a time when we can put these things into action, it will also give us something positive to focus on, now, during this unfortunate time.

This month, from my home office, I look at ways we could be planning a home improvement, renovation or new build.

Perhaps you could try this yourself, even just for fun! 

Home office, Sassafras April 2020

PRODUCT REVIEW 04

Natural Marble

An important part of preparing for a renovation or new build is to select the hard finishes that work for you! The type of stone, for flooring, benchtops and/or walls, can be a difficult choice!

I often use a selection of natural stone, in particular, marble in my projects. At first, my clients can be apprehensive, natural marble can be a fearful choice for some. I put forward the pros and cons, and together we made an informed decision.

Carrara, Calacatta, Emperador and Crema Marfil marble - to name a few - like other natural stones, are porous. The lighter varieties (in colour), can show stains and scratches. They also need regular care in order to maintain their beautiful appearance. In addition, cleaning marble and other types of stone must be done properly with a pH-balanced stone cleaner. As a lover of natural products, I believe these drawbacks should be embraced. Imperfections show that a house has been enjoyed, lived in, they tell a story.

Some love the look, but question if the maintenance is worth it. The obvious solution, in this case, is to opt for faux stone porcelain. The options here are endless, (be it from Caesarstone, Stylestone or CDK's neolith range) and the quality is superb thanks to recent advancements in technical manufacturing. Faux stone can be a better choice for some.

The majority of the real deal is quarried in the Italian province of the name of the stone, ie Carrara and Calacatta! Imported in large quantities, Carrara is not overly expensive and is available in a variety of shades, from pure white to bardiglio black. Other marbles, including Calacatta, Statuario or Thasos (from Greece) can be more expensive, especially for the more unusual varieties.

This range of shades allows me to create stunning patterned mosaics or to add bold contrasting borders in a room. The simple white and grey tones of most marbles also mean that it can be a perfect base for colour accents, in fabric, wallpaper or joinery.

For me, nothing beats the look of authentic marble but either way, the look is stunning. Marble is timeless and elegant. It transcends period style and can work effortlessly in a modern or traditional setting.

KEEPING IT SAFE

Life as we know it is rapidly changing.

Of course, we are all well aware of the devastating affects the Coronavirus is having on our lives. It's becoming more apparent every day and it is so important that we look after one another. We need to diligently follow official advice; practice good hygiene, restrict public activities and/or implement self-isolation wherever possible.

At Justin Bishop Interior Design I am continuing to work, however, in line with this advice, I will now be keeping face to face meetings to an absolute minimum. Wherever possible I will be holding meetings online and sharing our project information more and more through our 'One Hub' client portal.

I have implemented up to date screen sharing capabilities for design presentations and product reviews. This will allow us to keep in touch remotely, to continue working on current projects and to be able to check on-site activities when required. I will be doing all that is necessary to responsibly adhere to official safety advice.

For new projects enquiries, please email or call anytime. I am here to assist and can arrange an online meeting with you at your convenience.

We must do all we can to stop the spread of this global pandemic.

For now, please keep safe, and I look forward to keeping in touch, responsibly, during this difficult time.

DESIGN ADVICE 03

Accent colour

Interior design is all about balance – nothing really has a value on its own until it is thoughtfully and carefully placed with many other things. This month we see accent colours playing a key part in achieving that harmony, adding small, punchy doses of contrasting hues that can draw the eye, add visual interest and tie everything together. 

An accent colour can form part of a paint scheme; the wider fixed features, like the flooring or wall tiles; furniture; a decorative accessory. 

Colour can be a hard thing to commit to. There is always the risk of getting it wrong, and also, the fear tiring of it. So if you’re the cautious or fickle type, use accents in easily switched accessories, rather than harder to change walls and floors.

The other risk is to be too adventurous, layering too much colour, especially mixed in with patterns and prints. Colour should be used with restraint. I would suggest choosing your pallet, then editing it down to the bare essentials. Perhaps start with one colour in various strengths, then possibly add one additional complementary colour for interest. 

Any accent colour will have the effect of drawing the eye, it will usually be the first thing you look at when you enter a space. You can use this concept to help change perceptions about scale and size: placing your brightest painting at the far end of a room will make the eye look all the way through, so the room will appear as large as possible. Or just use an accent for a ‘wow’ moment: surround a colourful treasured possession with white, and no one will be able to look anywhere else.

Purple and ink blue accent colours at a recent residential installation.

PRODUCT REVIEW 03

Persian Rugs

A Persian carpet is a hand-knotted silk or silk/wool oriental rug from Iran (formerly known as Persia). They are known for intricate designs that are primarily oriental, floral style in a range of colours, sizes and quality. Persian Kerman rugs are a particular favourite of mine. I love the colour combinations of these rugs! They are often quite subtle, and 'de-saturated' which suits my restrained colour pallet perfectly. Today they are often woven to look antique!

Carpet weaving is an essential part of Persian culture and Iranian art. Within the group of Oriental rugs produced by the countries of the so-called "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs. The indigenous brilliance of local craftspeople has made Persian carpets one of the most sought after works of art in the world. 

A rug design can be described by the way the ornaments are arranged within the pile. One basic design may dominate the entire field, or the surface may be covered by a pattern of repeating figures.

In areas with traditional, time-honoured local designs, such as the Persian nomad tribes, the weaver is able to work from memory, as the specific patterns are part of the family or tribal tradition. This is usually sufficient for less elaborate, mostly rectilinear designs. For more elaborate, especially curvilinear designs, the patterns are carefully drawn to scale in the proper colours on graph paper. The resulting design plan is termed a "cartoon". The weaver weaves a knot for each square on the scale paper, which allows for an accurate rendition of even the most complex designs. Designs have changed little through centuries of weaving.

Carpet weaving still plays a major part in the economy of modern Iran. Modern production is characterized by the revival of traditional dyeing with natural dyes, the reintroduction of traditional tribal patterns, but also by the invention of modern and innovative designs, woven in the centuries-old technique. Hand-woven Persian carpets and rugs have been regarded as objects of high artistic and utilitarian value and prestige since the first time they were mentioned by ancient Greek writers.

There is always a place for Persian rugs in my interior schemes. They blend so well with my design style and add an authentic layer of character and beauty!

FROM MY DESK 03

A month of colour

It is true that I’m usually not a fan of colour.

I love my natural hues. White, cream, stone, putty, taupe, chocolate and occasionally, antique gold! It's not that I'm scared of using strong colour, I just prefer the timelessness of neutral texture; aged patinas and other natural finishes.

It, therefore, came as a shock when I was faced with using colour in a recent project. I was challenged with the idea of it, but, unperturbed I looked forward to exploring the unknown. I dusted off my colour atlas and got to work.

What I discovered was that in moderation, colour can be stunning! It doesn't need to be bright and overdone, colour can be elegant and classic when used with restraint. Simple, minimal use of colour can add another layer of sophistication to a scheme. I used beautiful dusty navy and blues, grey violets and deep antique red, colours that have a timeless appeal, especially when used against a chalky white backdrop.

The results have woken me from a neutral slumber, and are keeping me wide awake. 

While I still find my neutral schemes harmonious and calming, the occasional addition of colour will probably be more evident in my designing future!

Stay tuned!
 

FROM MY DESK 02

The year in motion

As my year gathers momentum, I find myself with a busy work calendar in February. There are new residential projects, product development, and a new interior design workshop series is scheduled. It's full steam ahead!

Of course, we all know that Australia has had a challenging start to 2020. We have seen ongoing bushfires and recent floods causing further damage to our eastern states. It has created a shift in our priorities as we look outside our lives to offer help to those in need.

As a result, I continue with my design services, albeit with more gratitude and humility. I am grateful to be working on a number of projects, both big and small and to be establishing lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, artisans and suppliers. I take nothing for granted.

Some say interior design is unnecessary, but I disagree. It is a welcome distraction and an important part of our home environment. Living in a well-executed interior design scheme can be beneficial to our lifestyles and good for the soul.

I continue to focus on this notion in the hope that I'm creating long-lasting, sustainable and worthwhile design, that can be enjoyed by others, for years to come.

DESIGN ADVICE 02

Create a clear vision!

From years of experience, I believe the most efficient way to begin an interior design project is to establish exactly how you want your finished product to look, before you begin!

Creating an absolutely clear image of your finished home in detail (in your mind, or preferably on paper) will keep you on a steady path throughout your renovation, restoration or new build.

It’s not uncommon to get distracted by irrelevant trends, or by taking advice from others who may not understand what you are trying to achieve. You can be pushed in the wrong direction, which can lead to confusion and costly mistakes. You can end up wasting time and money, holding up builders and other trades and causing unnecessary amounts of stress!
 
A major part of my role as a designer is to guide a project from start to finish, working not only on design with my clients but also on communication with architects, builders and site managers. It’s so important that I specify exactly what is required prior to a build. I provide numerous detailed schedules, from construction through to furnishings, ahead of time, to avoid hold-ups and to get the job done.
 
Of course, there will be questions along the way, and sometimes changes are unavoidable, however, by keeping the focus on the end vision,  decisions can be made quickly and efficiently, to keep the job moving.

I'm happy to offer interior design advice before you begin your next project. Please don't hesitate to contact me.

PRODUCT REVIEW 02

Handpainted Wallpaper

I have been lucky enough to work with hand-painted wallpapers on various projects over the years. Used in moderation, they can add a luxurious level of design to an interior scheme. 

Chinoiserie wall-coverings are probably my favourite. Designs traditionally painted in Asia, are these days often produced in Europe and North America,  where eastern designs are given a western spin. Scenes of old India, with classic architectural references, are wonderful, as are botanic scenes of China and Japan featuring plants and animals, alongside lush garden ornamentation.

While I prefer muted, monochromatic tones with just a hint of colour, I do appreciate more vibrant designs, with rich use of watercolour and gouache.

'De Gournay', 'Gracie' and 'Griffon & Wong' are traditional suppliers of hand-painted pieces. Their online galleries are well worth a look!

I am currently researching a piece for a residential project. Below are some favourites…