Lisa Burdus
When commencing a home design project, start with a scaled furniture layout, suggests interior designer Lisa Burdus. And include rugs, art or fabrics you want to keep — these can provide clues on the direction you should take. “I like to use a few existing pieces that people have brought with them along the way, whether it’s art or furniture,” Lisa says. One of Lisa’s favourite decorating devices is to use lamps. “They can transform a corner as well as add ambience,” Lisa says. She also believes in using vintage pieces when possible. “They add history, soul and character to an otherwise ‘new’ room. There is enough stuff on the planet already, so why add to it?” The Vault in Sydney’s Rosebery and Lydie du Bray Antiques in Braemar, NSW, are two of her favourite sources. Lisa’s top tip is to determine your kitchen layout with a number of key considerations “such as access for plumbing and electricity, the best flow for working in the space.” One of her favourite additions to include in a cooking zone, if space allows, is a kitchen table as well as an island. “It adds warmth, another texture to the room and is practical,” she explains. For fabrics, Lisa recommends Tigger Hall Fabrics. For flooring, she likes Tuscan Casina Sisal from International Floorcoverings Australia. “Floors are an important element and are always considered at the start, while wall colour I leave until last,” she says. “I choose all the other elements and then decide what colour or texture is needed to bring it all together.” For walls, Lisa recommends Dulux Natural White and Dulux Beige Royal or Senate if you want to introduce colour. 0409 489 225; lisaburdus.com.au