LOOK SMART
We all have that one friend or associate who is always immaculately turned out, with beautifully coordinated shoes and handbag, manicured nails and perfect hair. As someone who might tick off a couple of the above over the course of a week, but rarely all in one moment, my first thought on encountering Ms Immaculate is generally ‘Where do you find the time?’. The second is: ‘I wonder if your home is styled in a similar vein?’
This issue has a decorating focus, as warranted by the seasonal urge to layer up our homes. It goes some way towards supporting the wardrobe-interiors link.
Brett Mickan, a Sydney interior designer with an eye-popping collection of suits and blazers in beautiful shades, walks us through the warehouse conversion he and his partner Nick English call home (p40). “I strive to make my interiors about the inhabitants,” says Brett, “as though you have gathered all your favourite things, put them together and somehow they all sit comfortably.” In Brett and Nick’s case, colour and pattern are a big part of the picture. “Begin with a balance of large blocks of similar colour tones,” says Brett. “You can then introduce any accent you like as long as you balance the colour and texture around the space.”
In transitioning an ’80s Sydney project home to a comfortable and personality-filled family home, Lisa Burdus set about layering old and new, brave paint hues and brightly patterned fabrics, thrilling the owners in the process. “This room is a bit like good make-up,” says owner Sophie, describing her dramatic yet dignified study (p87). “It’s complex but so well done that it looks effortless.”
The wardrobe of Brisbane interior designer Rowena Cornwell’s client,
Leanne, was a big driver when it came to influencing the style of her home renovation and interiors makeover (p96). “Leanne’s style is evident in the clothes she wears – classic and tailored, often with a twist,” says Rowena. “To reflect that same aesthetic in her home we chose an elegant, tonal palette of neutrals, charcoal and navy, with pops of aquamarine. The fabrics are finely woven and soft to the touch, and they layer up beautifully.”
Simple tweaks can still bring brilliant results. Reupholster a chair, change up some cushions; hang a dazzling artwork (read about the stunning painting on our cover p194); carve out a personal nook within an open-plan room (p175); or assemble favourite objects on a shelf or table, to enjoy every time you pass by. “Creating spaces that show curated collections expresses individuality and slows down the ageing process because the mix blurs the date of installation,” advises Brett Mickan. We’re all ears!