A tribute to a master - Stuart Rattle

There is no doubt that Stuart Rattle was a master of his craft. 

His work was elegant, timeless and utterly sophisticated. Clearly, it was of a superbly  international standard. He approached his creative endeavours with a gentle sensitivity; Rather than showcasing his own style, a priority for many designers, he focused on his clients needs. He managed to highlight their lifestyles and capture their personalities. The results were sympathetic, calming and reflective.

We saw this sensitive and thoughtful style in his personal character also. Perhaps this is why his untimely passing this week was so unsettling; the tragic circumstances that have unfolded do not reflect his gentle demeanour. Personally, I admired Stuart from afar. Only meeting him on a few occasions. Still, the sense off loss is immense.

Looking at his work now, I am inspired by his classic style. Scale, proportion, colour and elegance transcend design trends to construct beautiful and timeless spaces. We are fortunate to have images of his work as a reminder of his creativity.

Here, I think, are some of the very best.

RIP Stuart Rattle

An incredible sense of loss this week, at the news of the passing of Stuart Rattle. From my days as a fledgling design student, in my early twenties, I have long admired his sense of style, his creative endeavours and his business acumen. As an acquaintance over the years, and more recently, as a fellow interior designer, I wish our paths had crossed more often. He has left us far too soon. Although he achieved so much, I'm sure his best was yet to come. Not only was he one of the most polished and professional interior designers that I have known, he was a true gentleman. A great loss to Melbourne. So, so sad. RIP.

Christmas Giftwrapping

Gift wrapping, love it or hate it. It is a traditional task that we are compelled to tackle when giving gifts. At Christmas time the task is at its peak, as the work load multiplies by the number of gifts that we plan to give, and by the increasing expectation to produce a 'designer' style gift wrap, worthy of a magazine editorial. 

Most retailers offer a gift wrapping service at Christmas time, a blessing for those who are time poor or who feel that they lack the finesse to complete the job themselves.

However, with a little technical know how, a dash of design inspiration and some positive thinking, you can create some show stopping results yourself; rivaling the work of entertaining experts, Carolyne Roehm and Martha Stewart!

Here are some of my wrapping favourites, that have inspired me over the last twelve months.

Creative inspiration

Revisiting the work of a master. When I was first introduced to the films of legendary film maker Peter Greenaway, (The cook, the theif, his wife and her lover - 1993) my life changed forever! I was mesmorised by his creativity, it was exciting and inspirational. He borrowed historical imagery and classical design elements and reinvented them in his work. 

I instantly appreciated his creative process and I began to reference historical images in my work also.  I allowed it to inspire me.

I developed my style by taking stock of this inspiration. 

Promotions

New promotional postcard - October 2013

STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN # 2

TRADITIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN

Traditional interior design is typically evocative of classic European decor. Hallmarks of this style generally include deep wood tones, architectural details, and elegant furnishings. This style is quite versatile and can be combined with other interior elements to create a unique look in a room.

One of the most important facets of traditional interior design is the silhouette, also called the line, of the furnishings. Wing-backed chairs, claw footed tables, and curved furniture pieces that hearken back to the 18th and 19th centuries are examples of this. Common models for such traditional furniture are pieces attributed to the Queen Anne or Chippendale styles. Antiques are also often integrated into this design style, but many companies sell new pieces that mimic the lines of the old.

Architectural embellishments are widely used in traditional interior design. These can include elaborate moldings, beveled wood paneling, and intricate tile and wood floor patterns. Arches, columns, and built-in cabinetry are also frequent features of this type of design.

Rich wood tones are another key element in traditional interior design. Dark woods like cherry, maple, and mahogany are typically used in furniture pieces of this style. These are often carved and lacquered to give them a luxurious, elegant feel. Wood floors are also considered a standard for this decor, although tile and carpet are often used as well.

The Blackwood Sassafras

As many of you may know, I have opened a 'retreat' on my property in Sassafras.

The Blackwood Sassafras - www.theblackwoodsassafras.com.au - is an exclusive hideaway, carefully set in a private location with the Sassafras village at its doorstep.

I have thoroughly enjoyed designing the one bedroom studio with my partner. It mirrors the original house, with whitewashed timber lining boards and dark stained flooring. It is filled with a collection of beautiful furniture and accessories. The luxury bathroom and kitchenette is styled with my signature white on white tiles with classic architectural detailing.

It is a showcase for my classic interior style.

For inquiries and reservations please visit contact us through the website... http://theblackwoodsassafras.com.au/contacttheblackwoodsassafras/

POSTCARDS

Many Thanks to Rebecca Judd and her team at "Postcards" Channel 9. A great interview and a pleasure to be featured on your show.

STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN # 1

CLASSIC INTERIOR DESIGN

Classic interiors are derived from Greek and Roman design. This type of interior design is based upon order, balance, and perfect harmony. Classical design does not include any modern elements or current influences. Instead, classic interior design is steeped in tradition. 

Studied by the likes of Italian master architect Andrea Palladio and then by classically inspired seventeenth century Scottish designers John and Robert Adam (my hero's), classic design, for me, is perfection.

Classically designed rooms often contain large focal points. A large fireplace, a grand table, or an impressive staircase are good examples of this. Once a point has been chosen as the focus of a room, all other items within the room are placed in order to enhance the look of the chosen focal point. This will give the room its strength.

Another important element behind a classically designed room is the creation of perfect symmetry. If a classically designed room were to be sliced down the middle, one side of a room would perfectly reflect the other. (just as we see in the human form, for example). Everything from the lighting, to the way pictures are placed, to the furniture layouts, to the interior architecture should be immaculate and perfectly balanced.

Designex with Serena elise of White chalk Interiors

A quick interview with Serena Elise of White Chalk Interiors. At Designex Melbourne 2013

Justin Bishop Collection at Designex Melbourne 2013

Designex Melbourne 2013 was a great experience. Not only did we launch the inception of the Justin Bishop Home Collection, we also met a number of businesses in the interior industry with a like minded passion for our classic, traditional home styling.

I was personally thrilled with the response to the range. Decorators throughout Australia have purchased the core of the collection, the JB Classic Textures Fabric Line to stock within their own stores and have placed orders for furniture, wallpaper and lighting collections.

Details of the entire range, including individual fabrics and furniture will be available online over the next few weeks. Lighting and wallpaper books will be available in August.

I look forward to offering the collection to you.

designex 2013

The Justin Bishop Home Collection was released at Designex in Melbourne over the last few days. We were thrilled with the response and I am looking forward to offering you the collection as it develops over the next few weeks.

Influenced by the subtle elegance of classic country living, the Collection reflects the gracious, traditional interior style that I love.  I have bought together a range of items that I truly believe in.  Featuring natural textures and subdued colours the collection is uncomplicated and timeless.