The Creative Type
Sydney interior-design duo Jacinta Woods and Sonia Warner.
Sonia: When I was a child, a family day out often involved visiting display-home villages. I remember lots of burgundy cabinetry teamed with ice-grey laminate benchtops, terracotta pots filled with pampas grass... This ‘cutting-edge’ design inspired our own home and ignited my love and appreciation of residential design.
Jacinta: My parents, three brothers and two sisters were all extremely bright but creatively challenged. I was the black sheep who wanted to explore colour and style rather than study for exams. My wonderful mum had no passion for interiors or craft herself, but she always encouraged me. She even turned a blind eye to me painting my room three times a year as my style developed!
J: Every day in the studio is different. Our industry and clients are ever-changing, so we have to be flexible. But we always meet our deadlines! Music is a must – custom playlists or great movie soundtracks are favourites.
S: We opened our business in 2007, just as the Global Financial Crisis hit. Most thought we were insane to launch a new business in uncertain times. We took on all sorts of jobs to keep us afloat. Many personal sacrifices were made, but the biggest challenge was staying positive and focused, while delivering beautiful honest design. Having the utmost respect for each other helped!
J: Before having my son, the business was my baby. Since then, I have had to learn how to become a manager/creative consultant/business owner all over again. Letting go of control was hard but we’ve hired great staff.
S: Design is my passion as well as my profession so it can be a struggle to switch off at times. My three children certainly provide a needed distraction from work, but now that they are teenagers, they’re pretty self-sufficient. Date nights and long walks with my husband are essential to remaining calm and connected – as is a good espresso!
J: Flexibility is key to achieving work/life balance. I can pop off to Pilates or spend with my family and not feel guilty about doing so as I might stay up and work until midnight if needed. Our clients appreciate the option of evening meetings or weekend visits too.
S: What nourishes my creativity? The colour palette of a landscape; hotel and restaurant interiors; intriguing conversations and design blogs such as Est Living and The Design Files. The floral arrangements by the very talented German florist Mary Lennox. New fabrics and architectural finishes. I adore magazines – there is something very satisfying about turning a page rather than scrolling or swiping.
S: Design-wise, I admire those who have perfected minimalism, such as Conrad Architects and Studio Esteta. Jeff Trotter Design, floral designer Mary Lennox and my colleague and muse, Jacinta
Woods. There’s much to admire about Australian family-owned businesses such as Fanuli, Zuster and Jardan too. Their ethics and ability to constantly inspire are to be commended.
J: Locally, I love the work of Tribe Studio Architects – it’s effortless and quirky yet balanced. Favourite international designers include Studio McGee, Norm Architects and Sophie Paterson Interiors.
S: Fashion-wise, my style varies with my mood. Some days it’s retro-inspired pieces, puff-sleeved tops with tiered maxi skirts or vintage finds with head scarfs. Other days, it’s classic ensembles. Basically whatever catches my eye. But no matter what I wear, bold earrings are essential.
J: I would say my fashion sense is fairly classic with hints of glamour. I love a structured Scanlan Theodore crepe knit dress with embellished ankle boots. Must-haves are a Hermès bracelet, Prada handbag, a great Ted Baker camel coat and Valentino studded flats. I’m a huge fan of animal prints – it always sneaks into my wardrobe.
S: Nothing is more luxurious than a great new scent. My latest purchase is called Nerosa, by Laboratorio Olfattivo. The top notes of clove, saffron and nutmeg are truly delicious!
J: True luxury for me would be booking into a fabulous hotel – The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, for example. Browse the shops and visit the spa by day, drinks by the pool in the evening and dinner and dancing until late.
S: Milan is my dream destination, especially during the city’s annual Design Week. For me, it’s the perfect blend of cutting-edge and historical. Santorini is next on my wish list.
J: A few years back we did a road trip from LA to Palm Springs. We stopped at places like Santa Barbara, Carmel, Big Sur, Napa and Sonoma. Ending in Palm Springs sated my appetite for Modernism; Carmel is beautifully quaint.
S: We have been so grateful to this point to have diverse clientele, which enables us to explore and implement many aspects and genres of design. You will never see the same interior repeated. As well as private homes, our portfolio includes private hospitals, restaurants, fashion boutiques, dental surgeries and wine bars. Our dream commission would be a boutique hotel – adding that to our portfolio would be amazing.