Editor’s Letter
#BELLEMAGAZINE
Contagious optimism – how I love these words! I was reading the story of the incredible Melbourne home ( p150), in which the husband was describing the sorry state of the house when he and his wife purchased it. It didn’t deter them as they had a grand plan – and clearly loads of patience – and he said that one of the themes by which they live their lives is through contagious optimism. Despite some critical setbacks, including the untimely death of their interior designer Stuart Rattle and the wife being diagnosed with a serious illness, the couple did not waver from their initial vision and finally completed their outstanding home with interior designer Thomas Hamel who injected his charming form of style and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to the winners of the Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2017 – Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich of SJB. The pair, and their team, had a very big year with myriad projects entered in the awards – taking out the Best Hospitality Design Interior for 12-Micron at Sydney’s Barangaroo and the ultimate gong – Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year. It’s the sophisticated and assured Australian sensibility that SJB has brought to its work that has earned the team global recognition.
Speaking of international inspiration I was fortunate to visit this year’s Salone del Mobile where there was an abundance of creative confidence. I am constantly amazed at how the whole of Milan gets behind the event and welcomes the huge influx of design-hungry visitors – from the fashion stores, who add some interior design cred to their window displays, to the taxi drivers, who are charming and know where everything is! The Italians really have perfected the mix of flair, fashion, food, fun and family so it’s no wonder even the simplest things look good in Milan. Take the visual merchandising – so much comes down to a well-executed strong idea – windows don’t have to be expensive, just fabulous and ever-changing.
There was a big Australian presence in Milan and I was lucky enough to travel with Eric Matthews who creates wonderful things for Hermès in Sydney, and the Fanuli team who are the sole Australian distributors of the elegant Flexform marque. Apart from soaking up the dynamic design offerings we indulged in some delicious cuisine and vino whenever the opportunity arose! Thank you to design expert David Harrison and photographer Craig Wall who did the heavy lifting to bring you back the best people and trends – see our report ( p59).
Closer to home our luxurious country boltholes ( p115) illustrate that visionary architecture and interior style aren’t confined to the city limits and creative enthusiasm is well and truly alive outside our metropolises. I hope you find this issue’s inspiration infectious and the impetus for your virtual drawing boards!