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.

2019 THE YEAR AHEAD

I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas, New Years & holiday season.
After a break, our office is open again this week and I am looking forward to a busy and exciting year.

Three properties from my 2018 worksheets will be completed over the coming months. These include a magnificent Hamptons inspired property in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs, a classic French style bayside home (with bold use of colour!) and a traditionally English beachside cottage.

The finished properties will be revealed soon!

I will also be showing you the first look at three new interior projects beginning this year, including two new Melbourne builds and the restoration of a Victorian homestead in country New South Wales.

Of course, interior design remains at the heart of my business.
I'm always happy to receive enquiries regarding my services on any project, no matter how big or small.

As things get busier, we are integrating new customer relations systems designed to enrich and streamline our client/project presentation experience.

As a client, you will soon be able to access up to the minute creative and technical information on your projects, as works progress.

Our aim is to make your interior design experience as effortless and stress free for you as possible.

I hope you have all had a great start to 2019,
I look forward to keeping in touch with you throughout the year.

Best wishes,

Airstreams

After spending my summer holidays on the NSW coast, soaking up the sun and atmosphere in Byron Bay and the central coast, I was reminded of my journal entry from a few years back; ‘Airstreams’ - and all their cool, sophisticated glory!

In 1931, Airstream began with Wally Byam’s dream: to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car and create first-class accommodations anywhere.

When it comes to Airstream trailers, I am totally smitten. I dream of the day that I own one myself. It could be a second home, an office or vehicle for luxury travel. It would be custom designed, new or old with a classic, refurbished interior and a gleaming, metallic shell. The shinier, the better. 

Dreaming of your own polished aluminum quarters? Here are some classic midcentury examples that have been inventively restored and put to use as hotel rooms, guest houses, home offices, and in a few cases travel vehicles.

Above: A 1952 model renovated by a yacht interior designer functions as a hotel room at The Hotel Daniel in Vienna.

Above: One of many restored Airstreams seen on Vintage Seekers via Design Sponge.

Above: Landscape architect Andreas Stavropoulos transformed a 1959 Airstream trailer into a fully functioning office.

Above: The accommodations at Atlantic Byron Bay resort include this fully equipped Airstream imported from America.

Above: In Albany, California, just north of Berkeley, is Flowerland nursery with a trailer coffee shop featured on Gardenista.

Above: Vancouver's Le Marché St. George café and grocery crew often picnic and camp out of their 1969 Airstream Land Yacht.

Above: A 1965 Airstream Safari recast by Area 63 Productions and interior designer Caroline Brandesfor rent on her property in Big Sur, California.

RALPH LAUREN - APARTMENT NO. ONE

A look back at one of Ralph Lauren’s sumptuous iconic home collections… “Apartment No. One”

“Classic furniture shapes and timeless menswear references by colour and sheen, creating a world of smart sophisticated style for the modern Duke and duchess.”

A current project...

A current project is nearing completion in Melbourne. We are thrilled with the detailing! Our clients sophisticated yet eclectic tastes have pushed the interior in a stunning direction… with bold use of colour!

The timeless architecture by Christopher Doyle Architects, is the perfect back drop for our interior input.

We can’t wait for the final outcome.

Como By Design

Spring has well and truly sprung in Melbourne!

The weather is warming and its the perfect time to experience all the exciting spring events happening in our beautiful city.
One event that I am personally looking forward to is 'Como by Design'  an interior designer showhouse taking place in Melbourne's beloved Como House in South Yarra.

Following in the footsteps of renowned international showhouse projects, twenty-five Melbourne-based designers will transform and reimagine the historic Como House into a rich and sumptuous space...

...and I am honoured to be taking part!

A vision of things to come, using elements from the past. Our concept rendering for our Butlers Pantry at Como by Design... @comobydesign @nationaltrustvic #comobydesign #nationaltrustvic #interiordesign #interiordesignmelbourne #tuxedo #blacktie #blackvelvet #oak #antiquebrass #sisal #drinkstrolley #moetchandon

Ralph Lauren, Madison Avenue

New York, New York.

Recently, I spent ten days in the most amazing city in the world, New York. 

It had been several years since my last visit, and big cities of course change. But New York was just as wonderfully vibrant and full of life as I remembered it.

Some shots below, from the first few days of the trip....

Flatiron District

Supreme Court, Madison Avenue.

Macy’s Department Store

Brownstones in the Upper East Side.

Inside the NYPL (New York Public Library)

New York Stock Echange and Wall Street

Como by Design

'Como by Design’ is an exciting interior design event to be held in Melbournes Historic Como House, in October this year. A selection of Melbournes best interior designers will each transform a room, within the walls of this superb property, showcasing their signature design style. Justin Bishop will be transforming the Butlers Pantry and Scullery into a sumptuous space, using influences gathered from his recent travels! Please follow @comobydesign to be kept in the loop about this very special event.

Como by Design - Crn Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC - 19-21 October 2018.

www.comobydesign.com