CREATIVE HOME
130 Textile artist Tammy Kanat is a dream weaver.
Textile artist Tammy Kanat is inspired by nature to create a home and workspace full of light, colour and pieces of dreams.
WHAT HAS INFORMED AND INSPIRED YOUR INTERIORS STYLE? HAS THIS E VOLVED OVER TIME? Nature has played a major role. Fresh greenery in my house is essential. I like to surround myself with plants and owers to bring the outdoors in and create a calm home and inspiring work environment. Our home is designed around “a lifestyle” approach rather than a speci c interior style. My goal is to create an ambience of warmth, creativity, and comfort. There is an abundance of colour in paintings, cushions, weavings, rugs, and objects. Beautiful objects from around the world create a balanced and harmonious energy. Styling our home is very satisfying, a freedom of expression, an interpretation of our family and lifestyle. It is an ongoing and evolving journey that I love and am looking forward to continuing for many years.
IS YOUR HOME A SANCTUARY OR DOES IT DOUBLE AS A WORK SPACE? I am fortunate to have my workspace at home. We renovated and extended five years ago and designed an area called the ‘Retreat’. It is a beautiful light-filled space that looks over the garden and it has a peaceful and creative energy. I think my work plays a major role in helping to create the colourful, artistic and peaceful haven we live in.
WHAT INITIALLY APPE ALED TO YO U AB O UT THE SPACE? D ID REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT ALTER ATIONS? We were initially drawn to the property with its north-facing aspect. Our love of nature and light is re ected in the design. When we renovated our goal was to have as many rooms as possible overlooking the garden to let nature and light stream through the windows. Great natural light is so important when I am working.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES? I have so many pieces that have a story it is hard to choose. Pia Wüstenberg’s ‘Stacking Vessels’ from Germany are a beautiful combination of glass, ceramic and wood. The ‘Knot’ cushions by DesignbyUmemi from Iceland are the perfect accessory on my sofas. I love the timeless design of my vintage Cadrys rug and my Patricia Urquiola rug with its soft colours and chunky textiles. We also have a Valerie Sparks work, a composition of nature and history.
WHERE DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME IN YOUR HOME? The ‘Retreat’. Over the years this space has evolved into my creative workspace during the day and at night our place to catch up over
a cup of herbal tea. I am surrounded by colourful textured yarns, hand-woven woollen blankets and tapestry weavings.
IS T HERE A PARTICULAR PERIOD OR STYLE THAT A PPEALS TO YOU? Frank Lloyd Wright and his modern approach.
WHAT COULDN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? My family, friends, time to create and design, art, colour and textiles.
IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE IN MELBOURNE, WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU LIVE? I could live in the Australian bush, the romance of living in the countryside appeals to me. The fresh air and peaceful surroundings are very attractive, but my roots are in the city. Melbourne has such a great lifestyle, a perfect place to raise a family, great restaurants, fabulous coffee and lots of incredible galleries and entertainment. WHICH DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS OR INTERIOR DESIGNERS D O YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? As well as Frank Lloyd Wright and his ideas of organic architecture and holistic approach where all aspects of the building are considered, I admire Diana Vreeland, a fashion icon ahead of her time. Axel Vervoordt is another of my favourite designers. I love his philosophy of linking lifestyle and home design.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS AND DO YOU COLLECT ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? I have an eclectic mix of art throughout the house. Some of my favourite artists are John Olsen, Gustav Klimt, Sonia Delaunay and Charles Blackman.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? An exciting collaboration with Cadrys – there will be a sneak peek at the DenFair in June and the rugs will be launched in August. I am also developing a range of artistic outdoor furniture for William Dangar for Robert Plumb for spring summer 2016.
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND YOUR WORK? IS THIS REFLECTED IN YOUR HOME? I like my work to be unique and authentic. Weaving projects a mood and this is re ected in my home. I buy things because I love them, I never think about where I am going to put them, I just know they will nd a spot. When it comes to designing or creating I follow my instincts to produce something that feels right. I am very visual and I’m always taking note of my surroundings – this is re ected in my work and my home.