The entrance is taking shape!
Out of what was once a jungle of overgrown garden, a driveway is formed and landscaping begins. The building, erected last year is being painted and trimmed. Its beginning to take shape... slowly but surely!
revisiting a favourite project in 2013
I love revisiting favourite projects.
So luckily for me, a beautiful property that I worked on some years ago is in need of some final touches.
I met the owners when the house was at its inception and worked with them closely through its planning and design stages. Throughout the build I designed many interior elements; from the overall interior style, to the colour pallet and details including the kitchen, hardware and all hard finishes.
Five years on the house is still in immaculate condition and revisiting it, I'm proud to say, it still looks as fresh as it did when the build was complete. Clearly, it has timeless style.
The kitchen, seen here, is now complete with some stunning furniture that I designed alongside the owners. We sourced the leather and bronze studs and had the chairs made. The dining table is also bespoke and made of walnut.
I'm now addressing the entire house, sourcing furniture, art and accessories to complete the home.
A new project at home...
After a lot of planning, I have decided thats its time to begin a new project at home. The foundations are in place. The concept is fresh, new and crisp! I'm looking forward to it!
I will reveal more as time goes on, and on completion, I hope it will be enjoyed by many. Aesthetically, it will combine my traditional design style with some new and original concepts. I hope it will be very special.
Stay tuned for more insights into this, I will upload more images as things progress.
Back to work at last!
After a very busy December leading into a non stop festive season and new years, I joined my family on a vacation in the pacific islands. The weather was sublime as we sailed around New Caledonia and some of its neighbouring islands. I saw some truly idyllic landscapes, including some of the whitest sands and bluest water I have ever seen. With little to do but relax and soak up the sun, it wasn't hard to fall into a much slower pace of living!
I'm now making plans however, on my last few nights at sea, for getting home and getting back to work!
I'll be completing some residential projects that l began last year and beginning some exciting new ones as well. I'll also be commencing work on a commercial assignment for a new cafe/restaurant opening in 2013 - I'm really looking forward to this! I have workshops planned in a fresh new format, (the dates for these will be released soon) and I have been asked to begin discussions on a second book, so I'll be travelling, writing and photographing, when I get some spare time!
Of course, I'm also looking forward to new enquiries from you on any of my services, so please email anytime to discuss this or to arrange an appointment.
I hope you have all had a great start to 2013. I look forward to keeping in touch with you throughout the year.
Speak soon,
Justin.
Work Continues
One of my current projects involves the renovation of a beautiful farmhouse on Victorias picturesque Mornington Peninsula. The farmhouse exterior is lovely; with charming architectural details and great proportions, however, the house was built in the early 80's, and it needs an update.... a timeless one.
I have an overall long term plan, and my clients and I have broken this down into sections. The bathrooms - seen here - are the first rooms to be transformed. While doing so I am keeping a definite vision of how the entire house will eventually look.
It must flow, it must be harmonious!
I have designed some very intricate tile work, and luckily we have had a very good tiler! We have used handmade Italian white linen tiles (130x65) with matching caps and pencils, which will be finished with white grout. And, we have used the most amazing "timber" porcelain floor tile that I have ever seen!
A tall Victorian skirting board will complete this room, along with some beautiful wall lighting, a vintage chandelier and tap ware by Perrin & Rowe.
2013 Workshops
For those who have been asking, the answer is 'yes' - there will be more workshops in 2013. Most likely the first saturday in March, May, July, October and December. Dates will be released soon! Please email your interest.
John Lewis U.K. Christmas Catologue
Following their major order earlier in the year, John Lewis department stores in the United Kingdom have featured "Country Style & Design" on page one of their 2012 Christmas catalogue. There are only three books featured this year, so I am very pleased that they have chosen mine! Thank you John Lewis... and Merry Christmas!
MINTARO
I was fortunate enough today to visit a very grand lady! "Mintaro" in Monegeetta, Victoria. A few weeks ago I had heard of the upcoming sale of this magnificent, yet derelict property. As I was visiting new clients in nearby Chintin this morning, I couldn't resist attending.
Designed by James Gall of Frognall and Noorilim fame for Captain Robert Gardiner (great grandfather of ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann), Mintaro has been variously described in references to being “a small replica of Melbourne’s Government House” to “that crumbling mansion on the road to Romsey.”
I had spoken with a few friends, who were in the know, and I had been warned that the mansion was in a very bad way. The last owner, a descendant of the properties founders, had lived there as a recluse as the once stately architecture literally crumbled around him.
He was eccentric and a hoarder - the ball room housed his collection of vintage cars, in various states of repair and another downstairs room was filled with sixteen pianos, waiting to be restored... one day! He refused to admit that the building was slowly falling apart, as leaking roofs weakened the framework and footings, causing major cracks and shifts in the structure and the beautiful architectural details.
Today, however, after a major clean up, the proud building stood tall, ready to be viewed, in all its crumbling glory.
A day in the garden...
Today, Sunday, has been spent in the garden. It's a long weekend in Victoria; it's spring racing, Melbourne Cup weekend. We've taken some time out to catch up on some home maintenance.
Everything grows at such a fast pace at this time of the year. I love the lush green foliage that appears before our eyes, but the upkeep is relentless. Still, after a day clipping, trimming, snipping and mowing, the end result makes it all worthwhile.
...and Hudson, posing for the camera!
Styling for Christmas
A little early, yes, but it was necessary timing for an editorial due out in December. Christmas at home came early for me this year, if only temporarily, in the form of a photo shoot for a Christmas decorating story. The editorial will be out in early December and will feature five designers at home with their Christmas 'style'. As usual, mine has a traditional monochromatic scheme mixed up with a fair dollop of eclectic flair. What do you think?
Work progressing in Hawthorn
It's always exciting seeing a project taking shape. My clients home in Hawthorn is doing just that. We are finally seeing the rooms of the house in a defined state, as plaster is working its way through the entire house...
MEDIA IN OCTOBER
October 2012 is bursting with media editorial for Justin Bishop Style & Design. In Country Style magazine, there is a six page decorator special on my home, design style and interior ideas. Also featuring a product guide on how to get "the look". It has been written and edited by Melbourne editor Virginia Imhoff.
In Melbourne Home Design & Living, editor Lara Bailey writes about my new book "Country Style & Design". She also explores my design philosophies and captures the essence of what I believe is true country style.
Also, in Australian House & Garden, my home is featured along side tips by other Australian architects and interior designers on how to make your home "Street Wise", offering tips on improving the street appeal of your property.
