Comfort and calm

For interior designer Melissa Merrin, feeling good in your space is just as important as how it looks. hears more.

Melissa Merrin says that when it comes to interiors, it’s about creating balance – it’s as much about feeling good in your space as it is about a chic appearance. In her own home, the co-director of Lume Design tries to capture a feeling of calmness and comfort, and it’s a design ethos that she strives to take to her work. Merrin began her business in 2009 then joined forces with husband Jeff in 2018, who specialises in joinery and lighting and with whom she shared many clients. Relocating to a combined studio in 2018 was a natural progression and their recently bought home is just a stroll away.

What is your personal style and how does that differ from the work you do?

As an interior designer, I enjoy and appreciate lots of different styles of design. For us, at home, we like to have a space that feels restful and inviting. We also love being surrounded by pieces, furniture and art that tells the story of who we are.

Lume Design tries not to have a signature style or look. We believe each project should be designed for our clients’ brief and lifestyle, while complementing the architecture of the home.

What’s your top advice for people wanting to work with an interior designer?

Communication is crucial for a successful project. It’s imperative that your designer knows your narrative – how you will use the space and what you place fundamental importance on. Ideally, have your interior designer on board in the initial design concepts with the architect. They also have to trust their interior designer and have an open mind.

What trends and styles are most often requested?

Liveable, comfortable, calming interiors and spaces that make you feel good.

What we are seeing is that clients are less inclined to being guided by a trend, instead preferring to be guided by body and mind to create an interior that is comfortable, calming and liveable.

What are some valuable lessons you have learnt?

We have learnt to be flexible. Deadlines and project schedules can be challenging to manage at times. Projects can be moving targets and are subject to delays and other factors outside of your control. It’s not something you can always plan for so at the time you just need to juggle the workload to ensure projects stay on track.

What is your design ethos?

As much as possible we like to work collaboratively with everyone involved with the project, including architects, builders, landscape designers and the many others required to make a project happen. We are all about designing complete environments for our clients that are timeless, considered and unique while focusing on quality, detail and durability.

What kind of look never goes out of style?

A space that heightens the senses – a space that not only looks good but feels good too.

Examples of Jeff and Melissa’s work, from top: natural materials, in this case oak, marble and stone add warmth to a dramatic yet zenlike monochrome interior; minimal furnishings in this kitchen/dining area are actually robust enough to withstand children, dogs and everyday life; the wardrobe area in a master suite combines comfort and function; a client’s kitchen in Banks Peninsula, using white finger tiles and V-groove cabinetry punctuated by simple black handles has a Scandinavian simplicity.