(design*sponge.guest blog) shannon fricke

Here is the latest instalment from the design*sponge guest blog post I did last year. To see the original post, go here.

Burst of inspiration: Shannon Fricke

Editor of interior books Colour and Space (Murdoch Books); also interior stylist, writer and TV presenter – phew!

How and why did you start working as an interior stylist? I grew up with a mother who had a passion for both fashion and interior decorating. I watched her from the time that I was a small child creating beautiful ensembles and interiors - although her creations came to bare on a very tight budget. From this, I learnt that when you create from the heart and with your individuality in mind, first and foremost, you can create a style that is all your own. Being able to do this gives people such confidence and it’s this that inspired my foray into interior decorating. Firstly with my own home, and then other peoples’ - for television, magazine articles and my books. What I hope is that through my work, people will feel a sense of confidence to be able to create for themselves.

What lessons have you learnt along the way? That when you take the time to stop and reflect on the things that you love, then the creativity will come.

What’s your favourite decorating style? I don’t follow one particular style - every house you live in and then every different stage of your life requires a different decorating response. There’s nothing that I love more than walking into somebody’s house and being surprised by the elements that they’ve thrown together. I think it tells you so much about a person.

What’s the most common mistake people make when decorating their home? It’s a missed opportunity when people slavishly follow trends. In my view, the home is like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled in. You can create and folly to your heart’s content in your home and the only people to know are those that you invite in. It’s such a safe and lovely place to express yourself.

Where do you look to for inspiration? I’m inspired mostly by people and their experiences - I love to hear the stories of other peoples’ lives. And then there is my own life and travels: my family, the countryside that I live in, my garden, my horses, overseas trips - basically everything!

Who inspires you? People who live a fulfilled life - that follow their passions and their heart.

What did you want to achieve with the Colour and Space books? I hope the books offer the tools that people need to build their decorating confidence so they can create a home that they love living in.

How did you go about sourcing the images? My good friend and brilliant photographer Prue Ruscoe and I sourced and photographed the houses that appear in the book. We even traveled to New York for a couple.

How has your own personal interior style developed? In two ways since I’ve had my children. The first is that I’ve built in triple the amount of storage that I used to have - to hide all the stuff! The second is the colour palette that I’ve used - I’ve ditched the crazy oranges and reds for a quieter palette of greens and blues. The last thing that I need with two energetic kids in tow is more crazy energy.

How would you describe your home? Exactly the place I want to be.

Photography Prue Ruscoe

(design.inspiration) matthew chan

If you're in the midst of renovations or one day would like to build your dream home then I suggest you take a look at the website of architect Matthew Chan. He creates real homes that are sophisticated yet livable. The Mountain Villa - I'm there! (Okay, maybe that one's not so real.) And as a recovering perfectionist, what Matthew says here has real resonance for me: "Make every project your best project as you are always judged by your lowest mark."

Which five words best describe you? Determined, adaptable, optimistic, competitive, quirky.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I worked in a merchant bank as a courier at age 15, but I decided quite early on that instead of finance I should pursue a more creative profession - I ended up studying architecture at uni + haven't looked back since.
What’s your proudest achievement? We just won a commission for an installation to be exhibited in the Sydney Laneways By George project to be held over the summer, which I am pretty proud of. Otherwise finishing my masters degree in the Netherlands was quite an achievement for me.
What’s been your best decision? Starting my own design studio - having the Independence to call my own shots is more valuable than anything to me.
Who inspires you? My crazy parents who are completing advanced degrees when most people are well retired and winding down; maybe Miguel Indurain, a Spanish cyclist who won the Tour de France 5 times in the early 90s.
What are you passionate about? I love the outdoors + spend all of my spare time thinking of how I can escape the city + get out into the mountains, ocean or bush. I'm also into cool bicycles and have quite the collection. I love my food and am definitely led by my appetite. Of course, I am passionate about my work first and foremost, but its the other things which make life a bit more colorful and feed my energy.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? 1. you have to begin as you would like to finish. 2. make every project your best project as you are always judged by your lowest mark. Question everything + take nothing for granted + maybe learning to ride a bike as a kid.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Ghengis Khan.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Building my next masterpiece and then the one after that. Riding across the Pyrenees, traversing the silk road by bicycle.
What are you reading? The plague of fantasies by Slavoj Zizek, a philosopher from Slovenia, I learnt of from the recent architectural conference.

Images courtesy of Matthew Chan

(interiors.inspiration) diane bergeron

Diane Bergeron epitomises much of what I want to be as a creative person. She has impeccable taste. Great style. And Grace. All in an old-fashioned (think the movie greats of yesteryear) meets modern way. Diane is the sweetest person you could meet. Well, that's the impression I got when we chatted at the Australian International Furniture Fair earlier this year. And you can judge her taste and style for yourself by visiting her beautiful website and blog.

Which five words best describe you? Passionate. Creative. Outrageously Optimistic. Enthusiastic.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? A lemonade stand at age 7. In my early 20s I had a vintage clothing store on Martha’s Vineyard and waited tables in NYC. Since then, I’ve moved around a lot… always doing interiors in Montreal, Miami, New York and now here to stay in Melbourne where I set up a showroom importing all my favourite American Fabrics.
What’s your proudest achievement? I have two. My daughters Annis & Coco.
What’s been your best decision? Moving To Australia.
Who inspires you? Charlotte Gainsbourg & Annie Hall.
What are you passionate about? Food. Music. Shoes.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Trust your instincts and follow your heart.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I have a dream dinner party guest list… Lillian Hellman, Elizabeth David, Barak Obama, Diana Vreeland, Nancy Mitford, Woody Allen, Dorothy Draper, Slim Aarons, Spalding Grey and Robert Rauschenberg.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Do the interior design for a boutique hotel.
What are you reading? Villages by John Updike. The latest New Yorker Magazine.

Images courtesy of Diane Bergeron

(shop.inspiration) empire vintage

More Lyn Gardener love today. Here are some inspiring photos of her shop Empire Vintage in Melbourne's Albert Park.

Images courtesy of Lyn Gardener

(interiors.inspiration) lyn gardener

If you've spent anytime with me recently you'll know that I haven't stopped talking and dreaming about Lyn Gardener's feature in the latest Vogue Living. I love everything about it. The sofas in the living room. The industrial lights. The bedlinen. Everything. But, perhaps, what impresses me the most is that the English-inspired space is quite a departure from Lyn's well-known shabby chic, vintage look, which has been featured in many magazines, including Real Living. When I was talking to Real Living's style director Jason Grant about the new-look Daylesford house - where you can book to stay! - he told me that he met Lyn at the start of his career and that she was just as amazing then as she is now. I had to find out more about. (Oh, and keep an eye out the next day or two as I'll be posting more interior eye candy.)

Which five words best describe you? Passionate, creative, dedicated, caring, a little over energetic!
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was working as a secretary at Levis Strauss but I quickly moved into a visual merchandising role, setting up all their concept stores around Australia... purchasing props, from all around the country and making sure the stores were absolutely perfect for opening day! I was there for 12 years and loved every minute of working for such a large corporate company.
What’s your proudest achievement? I have many, some are really small, but still just as important to me! Opening my own store 15 years ago and still going strong, all of my interior decorating work, particularly my latest project The White House Daylesford, having my homes over the years featured in books and magazines around the world.
What’s been your best decision? To step out on my own and achieve everything I have so far!
Who inspires you? People all around me, artists, decorators, stylists, creative people.
What are you passionate about? Everyday things... watching my dog run around in the park chasing birds with his forever wagging tail, time that is spent with my friends/family, the next project I will be decorating, travel, dinners, my home, enjoying life to the fullest and the list goes on and on and on.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? To relax... it has taken me a long time to actually learn how to sit and just take the time to do nothing.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My list would change daily, but let's start with Coco Chanel.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? So many dreams, build up my interior business, continue to travel each and every year, perhaps another country house, a book... opening up another business? I never stop thinking of new ideas.....
What are you reading? Mainly interior books/magazines... and most recently a little book by Pia Jane Bijkerk, PARIS:made by hand.

Images courtesy of Lyn Gardener

(shop.inspiration) filly's stable

Oh, it must be time to go to Melbourne again. I've just finished interviewing the cutest store in Lorne (well, it's about two hours' drive from the city) for an upcoming feature in real living and now I'm drooling over the wares at Filly's Stable. The shop is the creative work of Lauren Nicholls and Lena Mendez.

Which five words best describe you?
Lauren: Open, creative, energetic, funny, cool
Lena: Caring, Great business woman, savvy, innovative, fun.

What was your first job and what path have you taken since then?
Lauren: my first Job was at a Pet shop, from there I worked at Sports girl and my love for retail grew from there
Lena: I worked on the Shop floor at Jigsaw

What’s your proudest achievement?
Lauren: my proudest achievement would have to be my family and my business
Lana: Getting to do what I love, being a mum, and a successful business woman

What’s been your best decision?
Lauren: Expanding the Business- initially we just had Filly and Mare and then we opened Fillys Stable.
Lena: to be 'ballsie within business'- taking risks.

Who inspires you?
Lauren: My inner circle of friends and family
Lena: My partner- friends, family and kids

What are you passionate about?
Lauren: Creating and sourcing product- and creating outfits from head to toe!
Lena: 'change'

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt?
Lauren: follow your dreams, don’t let anyone stop you.
Lena: 'everything happens for a reason, I know its cliché but its so true'

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet?
Lauren: Little Britton characters
Lena: Prince

What dream do you still want to fulfil?
Lauren: to become 'global hunter gatherers'
Lena: A Green Pony concept store.

What are you reading?
Lauren: a crappy 'page turner'
Lena: Maya Angelou

Images courtesy of Fillys' Stable

(fashion.inspiration) alexi freeman

Oooh, I'm excited. Which is a good way to be on cold, Sydney winter morning. I've found another fashion label that I love. This is no small achievement. I'm very fussy when it comes to clothes. I like pieces that are feminine but fashionable, and prefer if they're not high street because I have a phobia about seeing someone wearing the exact same thing I've got on. Slightly neurotic, perhaps. But that's me. So I'm over the moon that Bernie Alibrando of Walk To Art (who I interviewed here) has introduced me to the talents of Alexi Freeman. He's amazing. And he's going places. As The Vine reports, "His drawings have impressed DKNY's head of design Jane Chung, who, when he was 21, told him she'd never seen anything like it. He also impressed Tourism Victoria this year, who have commissioned a uniform from him as part of their campaign to push Victoria as our country's capital of style and design."

Which five words best describe you? Curious, sporty, vivacious, driven, aesthete .
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was as an artist. I then went on to work as an acrobat, a costume designer, a fashion designer (for men), a printmaker and finally I have settled on fashion design for women.
What’s your proudest achievement? Winning the Caulfield Classic Style People's Choice Award.
What’s been your best decision? Starting a fashion label.
Who inspires you? Women.
What are you passionate about? Designing beautiful clothes.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? That nothing truly satisfying comes without hard work.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Isabella Blow.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? In the short term, my dream is to open an ALEXI FREEMAN boutique in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
What are you reading? Remembrance of Things Past Volume I by Marcel Proust.

Images courtesy of Alexi Freeman via The Vine

(design.inspiration) jacqueline wallace

The latest issue of real living magazine went on sale Monday and one of the products that I featured was RedBerry Design. I came across Jacqueline Wallace's designs at the jam-packed-full-of-goodies Finders Keepers markets at Carriageworks in Darlington a little while ago. Here is more about this creative Sydneysider.

Which five words best describe you? Friendly, enthusiastic, motivated, energetic, funluvin.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? McDonalds – only to support me through my design degree. I have been in design my whole life in some form or another (apart from McDonalds) and intend to do so for the rest of my life, in some form or another.
What’s your proudest achievement? Getting paid for doing something I love.
What’s been your best decision? To by a house and create a perfect studio of the back of it.
Who inspires you? New undiscovered creative’s and my family
What are you passionate about? Holidays to anywhere and daydreaming up new creative things to make.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Do what you want in life but remember that mother knows best!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Charles Carmel Cardona – my Pop, I hear he was a fantastic man.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Having a house where I can see the sand and the ocean from my bedroom window.
What are you reading? Memoirs of a Geisha... again.
Images courtesy of RedBerry Design

(art.inspiration) adriane strampp

On the weekend I went to the opening of Adriane Strampp's art exhibition at the Eva Breuer Art Dealer gallery in Woollahra. Her home has been shot for real living and I LOVE it, so knew that her artwork would be to my palette. Looking at Adriane's current works is like watching the morning fog lift over a forest scene. Well worth seeing.

Which five words best describe you? Optimistic, creative, clumsy, stubborn, compassionate.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job (age 6) was selling boxes of Chiclets chewing gum in Mexico. I think I sold one box (to my dad) and ate the rest. I dabbled with cooking, and textile designs, but after art school I was picked up by a Sydney gallery and never looked back. I am lucky enough to be represented by several galleries. What’s your proudest achievement? My house, I deigned the renovations (it was an empty factory space when I bought it), and was very ‘hands-on’ during the building process. I learnt a lot about building, and want to do it again!
What’s been your best decision? To trust my instincts, things usually go wrong when I haven’t.
Who inspires you? My friends and family, and my university supervisor Nick, who is a beautiful artist and mentor.
What are you passionate about? Food! I love cooking, and am passionate about keeping it fresh, simple and seasonal. On the weekends I shop at the market and enjoy cooking for friends.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? There are very few decisions in life that are fatal.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I’m female, I’m single – that would have to be George Clooney!
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Lots! I’d like to spend a year in New York, a year in Italy, and a year in Paris. I’d also like to have a show in Berlin, Rome, and London.
What are you reading? A lot – on everything from aesthetics and philosophy, to cooking. I love the Movida cookbook.

Images courtesy of Adriane Strampp and Eva Breuer Art Dealer

(design*sponge.guest blog) jodie fried

Here is the latest instalment from the design*sponge guest blog I did last year. The original post is here and more about Jodie and her work is here and here. Enjoy!

Creators – sneak peak into their design world

There’s so much to say and so little space, so today I’m going to give you a sneak peak into the design worlds behind some of my favourite products. For more about these amazing women visit Daily Imprint.

Burst of inspiration: Jodie Fried, Bholu

The story behind Bholu is inspiring enough – then you see and feel the product!

How and why did you start Bholu? Bholu was born after I had been living in India for a couple of years. I went there on a scholarship to work as a set and costume designer for a traditional Indian dance company and fell in love with the country and its people. After a devastating 2001 earthquake, I went to assist aid for a village in the desert region of Kutchchh. During this time I experienced amazing hospitality and became particularly close with the women, whose beautiful traditional embroidery is only really used for their own clothing. Immediately I thought I have to do something with this. A few years later, I went back with my designs and gave the samples to village women to see what would happen. I achieved some amazing results. The women laughed at the lack of sophistication of my designs and thought their “Bholu” could do better! (Bholu meaning a small child, often a term of endearment to a grandchild.) The name stuck and Bholu was born!

What are your favourite pieces from the range? I adore the toys - the result of a collaboration with the children in the slum communities. I designed them from their drawings, trying to be as accurate as possible to capture the awkward and childlike way children interpret their imagination. A lot of the creatures have quirky anatomy which makes them undefinable as a particular animal. Adults love them just as much the kids.

Images courtesy of Bholu