Spring greening
’Tis the season to refresh and repurpose, says Melissa Penfold.
SPRING IS A TIME to embrace a future full of interior design possibilities. To make our home a sanctuary on every level – a place that re ects our taste and style – is to surround ourselves with objects rich in character, craftsmanship, patina and originality. We have selected a mix of furniture, art and objects in a broad spectrum of provenance, style and era. Simply move things around to give an old room a fresh look and it will cost you far less than an overhaul. Hero an antique for a va-va-voom effect and the results can bedazzle and be a sustainable addition. EMOTIONAL CALL In the pandemic – one of the toughest challenges of our generation – our needs are tied to our emotions, which are in uenced by our surrounds. Beyond rest, it is an emotive interior that prevails in a time of anxiety. The best homes are ones that are comfortable, richly textured and well put together. CARBON CREDITS Now is a whole different moment with awareness of sustainability, and the whole circular vision of people wanting to reuse and repurpose things. Scouring local online auctions for the right antique or vintage piece can make your space unlike anyone else’s. The appeal of buying such pieces is that nothing needs to be produced. They have a better carbon footprint, add instant presence and re ect your interests and sense of beauty. Seek marble-top consoles, copper pans, art, commodes, elm bookcases, glassware,
Georgian tables, Louis XVI-style armchairs and porcelain. Add your touch such as by updating an antique chair in contemporary fabric for a unique look. OWN GOAL Shop your own house for inexpensive, utilitarian things you love which shine when displayed well. Mass everyday objects with an eye to aesthetics such as curvaceous Danish mills or hang a collection of wooden cutting boards or wicker trays on a wall, which can also be used whenever you need them. INSTANT HIT Mimic handcrafted collectibles using natural elements as seen in galleries. From branches to beach stones glued onto paper or driftwood sculptures, this is a zero-cost way to bring nature indoors. Put it under a glass dome to add cachet. OPEN STORAGE Adding new shelves to your space can make a big difference. Free up some visual real estate and opt for shorter shelves – an easy way to make your space more functional without it feeling cluttered. DECK THE WALLS Move a piece of art that brings you joy into the room where you’re spending most of your time. And, if you have some china you love, take it out of hiding and show it off on shelves.
EXPRESS IT Display sentimental items to make a space your own: a moodboard with photos and cards, a piece from a special holiday or a drawing you love. Whether you’re picking a new lamp or adding an extension, ask how it meets your needs and expresses who you are.
The kitchen at Wollumbi Estate in the NSW Southern Highlands, from Melissa’s new Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress.com ‘Luca Boho’ $90/50x50cm, livingbydesign.net.au ‘Yufka’ grazing $120, livingbydesign.net.au Chrome POA, lawsons.com.au Cast on stand after Antonio Canova, POA, lawsons. com.au ‘Bijou’ linen in Oatmeal, from $78, blindsonline.com.au Wollumbi Estate master bedroom, from Melissa’s Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress.com Chinese porcelain $900, thevaultsydney.com ‘Maxim’
$649/queen, livingbydesign.net.au ‘Levede’ $54, harveynorman.com.au FontanaArte
POA, nicholasandalistair.com Wollumbi Estate hallway, from Melissa’s Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress. com ‘Paloma’ $169/large, domayne.com.au French art deco Champagne bucket, POA, lawsons.com.au