Happy New Year, I hope you all had a lovely break. I spent a relaxing time on the Mornington Peninsula hosting friends and family, eating way too much and bingeing on The Crown on Netflix (loved it!).
It is great to be back and in my new showroom and studio space. The last 6 months of 2023 were a bit of a whirlwind and I’m still getting used to driving to work but I’m loving being surrounded by all of my favourite things and having a dedicated space to meet clients.
I thought I would share with you some of the before and afters of how the space looked when I signed the lease to when I opened the doors, it is quite a transformation.
Exterior:
The first thing to go were the mismatched green tiles on the facade. Might have worked for the previous tenants but I had other plans!
I replaced the tiles with render and a decorative moulding. I painted the exterior navy and grey. Signage features the navy and duck egg colours of my logo.
Showroom:
The first section of the space is my retail showroom where I have on display my bone inlay range, accessories, furniture, artwork and general styling pieces.
It was a big blank canvas but I could see potential. The high ceilings were perfect for the pendant lighting I had in mind too.
I lined the brick walls with plaster and then installed the wainscoting panelling below. The grasscloth striped wallpaper provided the perfect backdrop. It adds pattern without looking too busy against the wall sconces and revolving artwork. I wanted to create a cosy sitting room where clients can view some of my favourite seating and furniture in situ.
Custom designed joinery showcases my range of homewares, accessories and candles, lit by the beautiful Montauk Cabinet Maker’s Picture Lights. I covered the floorboards with a neutral and cosy sisal carpet.
To add more interest and softness between the two sections of the showroom, I installed a curtain with detailed trim and tie back.
The second section of the showroom featured a very bare fireplace that was ripe for an overhaul.
I added a mantle and continued the wallpaper and panelling from the front section. A stunning Montauk Lighting Talia Chandelier is the show stopper, surrounded by some of my favourite furniture and accessories.
I am thrilled to have a beautiful selection of Montauk Lighting wall lights and pendants on display. Clients can visit my showroom to see some of the stunning Visual Comfort lighting in person, including brands such as Ralph Lauren, Aerin Lauder and Kate Spade.
Office:
The property ticked a lot of my ‘must have’ boxes, including separate rooms that I could decorate individually to showcase a range of looks. This smaller space is perfect for my office.
The navy leopard print wallpaper is one of my favourite things. It is complemented by a beautiful Ralph Lauren Riley navy leather and brass pendant (from Montauk Lighting). I continued the sisal and wainscoting throughout.
And this is the pretty view back into the showroom from my desk.
From the office there is a small hallway where I have installed a textured vinyl wallpaper and hung a Darlana Pendant (also from Montauk Lighting). It’s the perfect spot for a gorgeous Carolyne Hallum canvas.
Bathroom:
The bathroom had very few redeeming features. White, bland but somewhat clean with good natural light.
Of course I saw the opportunity for some colour and pattern! I installed a fun Chinoiserie wallpaper and a soft checked Roman blind. Tapware and accessories in a Tiger Bronze finish from Meir elevate the space along with the beautiful flush mount Jacqueline Chandelier.
Studio:
I was very excited about this space…. a dedicated room to meet clients, store all my samples and fabrics and conduct presentation meetings.
The vinyl textured wallpaper continued into this space along with custom joinery designed to hold all my sampling and fabrics. I am just waiting on two of these beautiful pendants to hang above the island and finish the space.
The room is softened with a pink ikat curtain fabric and custom painted green rod.
My showroom is open on Tuesdays or by appointment so feel free to pop in or send me a message ([email protected]) and I can make sure someone is there to show you around.
Belinda XO