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…

NEARING THE FINISH LINE

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!

A lawn meet at badminton

Art of Dining... Developing a concept

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

“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.

Scented Candles

We are very excited to announce the delivery of our first scented candle range.

We have worked with one of Australia's best candle makers, in perfecting this range, selecting the best ingredients; the best wax and the best scents. 

Beautifully packaged, the candles reflect our design ethos, in timeless, traditional and elegant style. Fragrances include Leather and Wood, Lemon Verbena, Blackcurrant and Rose.

Delivery will be in time for Christmas this year. We will proudly unveil the finished product soon.

MONTICELLO

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.

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DECORATING A CHRISTMAS TREE

Decorating a Christmas tree takes a little more thought than simply rehashing the same old ornaments  year after year.

While I'm all for tradition and using favourite heirloom decorations, I like to keep things fresh by editing my collection and adding new items each year.

I like to blend my tree with my house interior. A Christmas tree should be fun and make a statement, but a tasteful tree that harmonises with the interior of your home is often best.

Here are some tips that I follow when decorating Christmas trees. 

LIGHTS

Before you start to add decorations, you must first light up your tree.

Create a beautiful glow with the following tips on stringing lights on a Christmas tree.

•   For every foot, average 100 lights. So if you have a six-foot tree, you’ll probably need 600 lights. 

•   Before you start, plug in the lights to checks if all the bulbs are working. Leave them on while you work to see them easily as  you position them on the tree.

•   Starting at the bottom, string your lights around and through the tree in a random fashion. Try to avoid any obvious pattern or spiral; you want the lights to look natural. Place some lights deeper into the branches and place some closer to the front to create depth. 

•   A “dead zone” of lights occurs when you connect one string of lights to another. Hide any unsightly connections by pushing them deep into the branches. 

•   If your lights aren’t hanging exactly where you want them, wrap some fine floral wire around the cord and branch to hold it in place. Bend the loose ends of the wire towards the back of the tree out of sight and out of reach.

•   If you have a real tree with a branch that’s drooping or unattractive, simply remove it by clipping it from behind with a pair of florist shears. Use florist wire, again, to manoeuvre other branches into even positions.

 DECORATIONS

Before you even start thinking about placing ornaments on the tree, lay out what you have and take stock. There may be some that you can replace to update the theme of this year's tree. Once you've condensed your collection and started decorating, make sure you keep stepping back to look at your work. 

I always work with ornaments in colours that blend with my interior. Obviously for me this means, nuetral monochromatic chocolate and cream tones. 

If I were to add a colour it would be a colour that already exists in my home, possibly a deep antique red or gold. 

THE TREE

When it comes to decorating the tree I often use this formula:

“For every foot of tree there should be 10 ornaments. Within each foot there should be five basic ornaments, three accent ornaments and two theme ornaments. The basic ornaments complement the overall theme in colour but are basic in shape. The accent ornaments are basic shapes that go with the theme. And finally, the theme ornaments can be more decorative.”

Your tree decorations, as with all the other elements, i.e. table setting gifts and wreathes should work together.  Repeat the same colours, texture and styles that you have used in other areas of your home. If you have no stand out elements to work with, create a theme that works with what you have and continue it through all your decorative treatments.

I also like using existing ornamental pieces from my interior, such as cut crystal decanters or rusty urns, combined with my Christmas decorations to help blend everything in with my interior for a tasteful result.

Here are some trees and decorations that I find inspirational in recent years...

CHRISTMAS TREES

For many, a Christmas tree is the most important Christmas decoration.

Whatever your tastes there is a large variety of Christmas trees available, from traditional to contemporary,  highly decorated to quite plain. The biggest decision for many people, however,  is… real or fake?

In my family, I have traditionally leant towards a real tree. I grew up with one and it was a family tradition to choose and purchase the tree in early December each year. Whenever I smell a real tree it brings back the memories of my childhood Christmas. In recent years as technology has developed to the point of producing incredibly realistic faux trees, I have occasionaly been tempted by the artificial variety, however my obsession for the authentic always draws me back.

Of course, real Christmas trees require more planning and care than an artificial tree - they need to be purchased wisely, transported and cared for before being discarded thoughtfully after December 25.

Make sure you follow these tips before splurging on a live Christmas tree this year:

Measure the space

Before you go shopping or hunting for that "perfect tree," you'll need to decide where it will fit in your home. Once a spot is chosen be sure to measure the ceiling height and the width of that space. You will also need to measure your front door width and any other narrow spaces the tree needs to get through before you take it to the required space. 

Choosing the right real Christmas tree

You want a tree that offers some space between branches for decorations as well as sturdy branches tohold heavier ornaments. The tree looks better when ornaments hang straight. To test a tree, take an unbreakable ornament with you and hang it on several branches to see if there is room for it to hang straight.

How can you tell if a tree is fresh? The needles should look shiny, green, and fresh -- not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch. Once you are home, saw off at least 2cm from the bottom of the trunk so the tree will begin to soak up water immediately. Your tree should stand perfectly vertical. 

Securing the tree

There are all types of tree stands you can buy, but most people try to cobble together a heavy bucket or pot that will hold up the tree. The taller the tree, the bigger diameter of the trunk and the sturdier the stand needs to be. Australia doesn't have a wide variety of live tree stands on the market, but the best will have some water which the tree can absorb over the Christmas summer to keep it looking fresh. Place a plastic or other waterproof covering on the floor where your tree will stand so you don't ruin the carpet or get watermarks. If you have a very large tree or are worried about it tipping over, you could attach the tree stand to a large, flat piece of plywood to broaden the base of the tree, give it stability and further protect the floor.

How to care for your real Christmas tree

Live trees need to be replenished with water to keep them fresh and stop the leaves dropping off, in much the same way you need to keep cut flowers in vases of water. The trees tend to absorb more water in the first week or so after being cut. Place the real Christmas tree in a stand that can hold at least 4 litres of water. If the water drops below the trunk, the trunk may seal itself and not be able to absorb water. Place the tree away from sunlit windows, television sets and other heat sources as they will dry out your tree prematurely. If properly cared for your real Christmas tree should last at least 4-6 weeks before drying out and turning brown.