The Creative Type Léo Terrando.
Interior designer and director of Melbourne design studio SJB Interiors shares some of the highlights on his design journey.
Everyone in my family is involved in either the construction industry, interior decoration or art and crafts. Having that around me certainly influenced my decision to pursue a career in interior design. My dad used to take me with him to construction sites and I remember listening to him and his clients discussing issues, and I would imagine how I would resolve the problem. Occasionally they asked for my opinion and it happened that from time to time, they liked my suggestion. I also spent a lot of time with Dad in his workshop, where he would build things, design or draw.
When I’m not designing, I love to get out in the garden. Vegetables are the latest addition to my patch but I always keep an eye out for new indoor plants to add to my collection. I love them because they extend the perception of being outside and stave off any feelings of claustrophobia.
Becoming a director of SJB Interiors was a big change. I made a lot of sacrifices to reach to this position and then had to learn to navigate an environment with more pressure and responsibilities. It has
been challenging but also extremely interesting and rewarding.
I always look at the environment I’m in to see if there is anyway I can make it better. I find the whole design and construction process greatly satisfying.
A balanced lifestyle is very important to me. It needs to be 50/50 work and play, and routine is key. Every morning, I stretch and meditate before going surfing. I also spend a lot of time cooking and going to markets for fresh, clean, healthy food.
Simply talking to people fires my creativity, especially those long, meandering conversations. It’s one of my favourite things to do when I’m travelling. I also love watching movies, but the most important thing for me is surfing in the morning while watching the sunrise.
Which designers do I admire? Italian architect Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) is my favourite designer of all time. Carlo’s son Tobia and Tobia’s wife Afra – a powerhouse design duo since the 1950s – are incredible too.
As for my own design plans, I think I would like to design a vineyard estate with its own accommodation.
I’m currently reading What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney. It’s a fascinating exploration of human evolution. I usually read The Economist over breakfast too.
I’m a big fan of Italian furniture. The Polygonon oval table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa designed for B&B Italia in 1984 would work very well in my dining room.
I would say I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to fashion. I usually wear European brands – mostly Marithe François Girbaud and Lanvin.
But my favourite fashion designer is Yves Saint Laurent. What can I say, I’m French!
To me, true luxury is having choice. For example, when I travel, I love to stay in really inexpensive accommodation. I admit that they are often dirty or a bit rundown, but they are usually in incredible locations. I think it gives me a sense of cultural authencity. That said, I enjoy staying in more upmarket boutique-style places because the design factor can be very unique.
I travel frequently but Bells Beach [about 100 kilometres from Melbourne], where I live, is my favourite place in the world. Further afield, I went to Mexico for the first time last year and it was by far the best trip I have ever experienced. The culture is so rich and diverse, and I’d say that the food on offer is my preferred in the world – after Melbourne, of course. The Mexican people are incredible and the vibe is really cool. There is something truly mystical about the country. When I first arrived, I stayed at Ignacia Guest House, a boutique place in the Roma Norte area of Mexico City, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. I don’t usually book accommodation in advance, so the surprise factor was even greater.
Locally, there’s lots of choice when it comes to cafes and restaurants. Near my Melbourne office, I love popping into French bistros for lunch – Frederic or the French Brasserie are frequent haunts. A wine bar such as Bellota, the Carlton Wine Room or Marion are great for dinner. At home on the Surf Coast, my preferred dining spot is Torquay Larder. It has the best cakes ever! # SJB Interiors; sjb.com.au.