Projects | Vanilla Palms
What was your must have piece or feature within the space? I didn’t have one must have piece of furniture, rather a mix of natural and raw timbers and lots and lots of white! But if I had to really think about it, I think our white composite decking is what helped set the style for our outdoor area and created a continuous indoor/outdoor flow that so many Australians strive for because we spend so much time outdoors with the glorious warm weather we have almost all year round.
Your key principals when creating your visual story? I worked for the QLD division of Metricon Homes for 7 years as an Interior Designer and Home Décor Consultant and when helping clients select all their Internal and External finishes, I would get them to start with the flooring and work their way up. I would suggest for them to see the hard furnishings such as flooring, walls, tiles, carpets and cabinetry as the canvas to their home – keeping it neutral and light. Then bring in the other elements such as colour and texture with their furnishings such as lounges, rugs, furniture, lighting and décor pieces. I stuck to this rule when designing our home renovation and because the neutral canvas is there, I can swap pieces in and out easily and it’s as if it always was.
How have you used lighting? Why these pieces, what is their purpose? What mood do they help create? In my Interior Design study I learnt about the importance of ‘Task Lighting’ in areas where it’s important like the kitchen and bathrooms etc. but I’ve been a sucker for mood lighting since forever! For ceiling lights my go-to has been downlights as they are great for task lighting and visually don’t take away for my feature pendants and lamps. Come night time when I just want to relax, I switch on a lamp and it instantly creates that relaxed vibe and helps me wind down.
What do you hope people will feel when in the space? What was it designed for? I think overall I want people to feel welcome, calm and almost as though they are on holiday. Personally my home has always been my sanctuary – something I inherited from my mother. I wanted a home that was not only aesthetically pleasing but functional for a young family of 4. I know we aren’t supposed to be materialistic but having a beautiful home and being surrounded by beautiful décor is what makes my soul sing and I appreciate everything I have and that I can share it with others too.
Favourite lighting collective piece/s? That’s easy! 1. The Natural Indonesian Pendant – Absolutely stunning and perfect for coastal, Hampton and bohemian interiors. 2. Open Weave Concrete Rattan Table Lamp (have this beauty on my bedside table) 3. Eclectic Palm Tree Antique Brass Table Lamp (used this in a styled shoot and my god, even more beautiful and impressive in real life!
Who are you following? Your three favorited Instagram accounts? I follow mostly furniture and décor accounts and picking my top 3 isn’t easy!
Gosh, I would have to say Melbourne based @barefootgypsyhomewares for their globally sourced handmade homewares. I die and go to heaven every time they post on Instagram!
@threebirdsrenovations because transformation is where my heart is and these birds are the Queens of it! And probably where my obsession for WHITE EVERYTHING came from. Ha ha
Lastly I would have to say @uniqwacollections as they are completely like no other furniture designer and their styling is second to none.
What Blogs are you reading? I find it hard to commit to subscribing to blogs but I only follow people I’m inspired by so when I see them post about a new blog, I’ll follow the link and have a squiz! I really enjoyed your blog post about Interior Coastal Style in June.