“Have you ever wondered what Di is passionate about – here are 10 things that top her list!!!”
10 Things I Love
Where Has The Year Gone?
Hello again,
Happy Christmas to you – doesn’t that sound a bit peculiar, I’m sure it is closer to June. Even the young’ns are saying this year went fast, so it must be true.
We’re well and truly in our new studio now, can’t believe it’s nearly been a year since we camped over here, keeping the business going, without any of our clients noticing that we were all working from two trestle tables on the factory floor for a few weeks using my mobile to make contact with the outside world. No air-con and no luxuries, like a kitchen.
Di sitting in her office! Wow, look at the place now!
Good news is that I won HIA Commercial Interior Design 2016 for the building, so that makes me feel very happy to know that some other people think it is a nice building too. The Resident Hero team (our kitchens and furniture division) loves the new place and we are about to take delivery of a new, amazing edgebander to take the place of the old one. I am sure most of you are not excited about this acquisition, but the superb quality of the workmanship from this new machine will make a great difference to the finish of our cabinetry.
Just before I went to Paris and Italy I was awarded Professional Businesswoman of the Year for the HIA at a fabulous lunch at Victoria Park Golf Club in Brisbane. It was a huge shock and I thought I was going to faint. Apparently I spoke on stage, but I have no memory of it at all. We have recently been awarded another gong from the HIA, Best Interior Design 2016 for a beautiful apartment that we did on the Brisbane riverbank. Last Friday I was told that the house that we recently finished in New Zealand was awarded House of the Year New Zealand, so we just can’t believe all this is happening!
New Zealand Project
Our projects are so diverse it is amazing to think that all these very different jobs come out of such a tiny little studio in Noosaville, but we are still working on properties in New Zealand, a large commercial project in country Victoria, which will continue for at least a year or two, medical practices, some amazing houses and more major renovations of apartments.
I was sent some feedback yesterday from a huge interior design-forecasting exhibition in Europe and it was great to see (yet again) that we are not only flowing with the rest of the design world on a global platform, but we remain innovative (and Australian) in our approach to design here. I personally don’t like trends (might have mentioned that before) because they tend to be just that – a trend. However, there is nothing more boring that just sticking to the same-old, same-old, so we do actually include popular colours and finishes into our projects to keep them current.
I hope you have a great break over the summer and have time to spend with everyone you love. Please keep in touch and remember that we’re always here if you need anything.
It Has Been A While!
Hello to you –
It has been a long while since I have written, but this year seems to have accelerated more than any other year before. We have been flat-chat for the past few months finishing off our new factory and studio complex, whilst still working on several projects, some of them all-consuming for the whole team.
We still have to add to the rather sparse landscaping around the property, but I have managed to keep the flower garden on the roof deck alive (that’s a feat in itself). Having all three companies together (Resident Hero Custom Furniture, Kitchens by Resident Hero and Di Henshall Interior Design) is fantastic. The logistical nightmare of having three separate entities all in different locations was unsustainable, so this move, just for that result, has been worth it.
We’ve got a couple of new team members, Juliette Curry (graduate B.Int.Design QUT) and Tia Rowed, who is our new design team assistant. She runs non-stop all day, so at least she can say she’s not bored. Juliette, originally from the Gold Coast, has dived into Noosa life and has worked with me on some pretty major projects already, including a couple of medical practices, which I absolutely love doing. This is a phenomenon, because I can’t stand anything to do with medical “things”, but designing for doctors and dentists is a joy – they are so appreciative and adventurous, which is very refreshing!
I just got back from Europe. I was in Paris for a few days, where I represented the Design Institute of Australia, as the Australian delegate, at an international design symposium in Paris. Fifteen countries were represented and the idea is to join like-minded bodies/organisations from all over the world together to strengthen global relations furthering good design and design education. It was a huge thrill to be asked to represent Australia and for twenty minutes or so I felt like a VIP.
I also spent a few days in Italy, where I found an amazing second-hand shop in Tuscany that was more like a huge warehouse of everything you can possibly imagine – including light fittings and lamps. Many of you would know that I have an incurable obsession with collecting lamps and lights from all over the world, with never an idea of where I’m supposed to put them when I get back. So, I spotted, from a thousand paces, a pendant light from the 60s (love that decade) and bought it back with me, dissembled into five separate pieces and carried (very carefully!) back in my cabin luggage. I’m going to hang it in our new reception area, even though our electrician said it is impossible to get electricity to where I want to put it – but he’s always negative like that, so I just ignored him.
Many of the projects we are doing at the moment are major renovations, basically reinventions of houses/apartments that have good bones, but basically nothing else to redeem them. The framework is good, but the execution doesn’t suit the lifestyle or the personalities of our clients, so that’s where we step in. We have been working on a particular, huge house for a few months now and I would doubt anyone will recognise it when we’ve finished. The clients are totally delighted with the emerging transformation and I can’t wait to see them move back in and thoroughly enjoy what we’ve created for a long and happy future.
When I was in Paris I visited the Maison et Objets exposition, which I’ve been to many times before,and it is always good to see that we are not wildly different (or behind) in trends and technology. I saw a lot of what you could call BLING – shiny gold, shiny chrome and shiny copper in lighting, furniture and objets d’art. This would indicate that the design world thinks we are in an upward swing, because you definitely don’t see this trend when we’re in a recession, so here’s hoping the BLING continues! Digital printing has exploded into so many different applications now, it is mind-blowing to see some of the printing that is possible now, both in fabrics, laminates, porcelain and also wallcoverings. I’ve always been a huge fan of wallpaper and am totally excited and amazed at some of the printing that is available. Wallpaper (don’t cringe all you people over sixty!) is and always has been the best way to transform a room/space in less than a day that can literally turn a blank canvas into an art form – don’t dismiss the idea!
Until next time, please keep in touch – we’re always here.
Di Henshall FDIA MBIID
Design Director
Licensed Builder
Accredited Designer DIA
Di is Full Steam Ahead!
The lowdown on looking good
Timely Trends Hard To Pick
Redecorate or Rebuild?
Do you love where you live and want to stay put, but your home is looking a bit rough around the edges? Maybe it’s time to redecorate, renovate or start from scratch and rebuild?
With so many things to consider – design, logistics, budget and building restrictions, to name a few, the best way to come up with a decision is to prepare a pros and cons list.
Start off by asking what it is that could change in your existing home. Can the Kitchen be opened up to create more light, space and ventilation? Do the bedrooms feel lifeless and bathrooms outdated? Does the living room need a new lease on life? If you are nodding to any of the above, then consider redecoration. However, teenage kids may need more room to study, a larger entertaining area or guest rooms to support a busy social life, this could mean looking at something of a larger scale. Once a ‘wish list’ has been established it will be an easy way to gauge the scale of the project.
Setting a budget is the first step in determining the size of the project to be undertaken. Redecorating can provide more flexibility on the budget as the design work can be prepared in stages with a lenient deadline. If opting for a rebuild, moving into other accommodation for the duration of the build will have to be taken into consideration. This means factoring in costs for renting, moving and storage…or staying with the in-laws.
Your current home will determined what modifications or additions are realistically achievable. If deciding to renovate- be aware of council restrictions, dealing with the red- tape of your local council can sometime be rather tedious. Ask our advice, as hidden faulty electrical wiring, structural issues or termites can turn into a renovation nightmare. This could be a fantastic adventure as long as you plan carefully and seek out professionals to help you through the journey.
HI HO HI HO – it’s off to bed we go
Your bedroom is your retreat from the rest of the world. This room, above all, should be regarded as the inner sanctum, the place where you can feel relaxed, comfortable and safe. Bedrooms are essentially night rooms, where we retire at the end of the day to unwind and rest.
Your retreat from the world should be beautiful, luxurious, romantic (even for confirmed singles) and feel great. I am a big fan of white sheets – boring to some, I know, but there is nothing nicer than smooth, white sheets and pillow cases to lie on at the end of a pretty hectic day. The best part a
bout using white linen is that it can be dressed up and changed very easily depending on your mood. Bed end runners and cushions are a cheap and easy way to add a bit of something to an otherwise neutral scheme.
Lighting is the MOST important thing in a bedroom. It creates ambience and in a bedroom that is very necessary. Lighting almost never needs to be bright in a bedroom – it should be soothing and gentle. However, most people like to read in bed, which requires more practical lighting – at the right height to allow reading sitting up in bed. There are some really good wall lights that are adjustable so you can tilt them away or towards you. Look for table lamps that have adjustable levels of light output, a brilliant solution. Consider wall lights or position ceiling lights round the perimeter of the room for general bedroom lighting instead of the usual central ceiling light.
Ventilation and airflow in bedrooms is vital – it is better to have a ceiling fan for airflow rather than air-conditioning. A gently moving ceiling fan, positioned right over the bed will make life more comfortable – please note, ceiling fans need to be positioned over the bed to be totally efficient. Opening windows each day will help to keep the bedroom fresh and ventilated – even for a short time in inclement weather is a good idea.
Clutter is the enemy of any household, but a cluttered bedroom is the worst sin of all – you cannot possibly relax your mind and your body in a messy, overstuffed room – the message here is sort it out, chuck i
t out, give it away, hang it up, fold it up, store it. This will then give you the space and freedom to add your own personal touches, photographs, trinkets, whatever, without them competing for attention with things that truly don’t belong in there.
A beautiful bedroom can enhance your life.
The outdoors beckon – Noosa Today
The days are getting longer and the sun hotter – this can only mean one thing. Summer is just around the corner – time to dust off your outdoor entertaining area that was neglected during our cool winter months.
Whether you have a rooftop terrace or a waterfront garden, you should make your outdoor area an extension of your living space, an extension of your lounge, where you can sit with friends and family and enjoy this amazing climate.
Make it Comfortable
Your outdoor living space should get as much consideration as your indoor living space. Would you put a plastic table with wooden benches in your living area? Comfortable seating will encourage you to spend more time in the great outdoors.
Clever lighting
Avoid overhead lighting where possible- they are harsh and casts shadows. Indirect lighting, such as gentle lights amongst trees and plants adds to the ambience and looks sensational. Adding a dimmer switch on outdoor lighting is a great idea to control the mood.
Sun Protection
With so many umbrella configurations and awnings around, you are sure to find the perfect one to protect you from the harsh Queensland sun. Remember they should always be adjustable to allow you to move them at will. If unsure, seek expert advice.
Outdoor mats
Great for turning an outdoor space into a proper room. Similar to indoor living, having a rug anchors the space and creates a central focus to the room. The added advantage of having an outdoor rug is that is helps to keep the deck/tiles/pavers clean and is easy underfoot.
Candles
Candles not only add to the ambiance but also look brilliant. Flameless candles are the latest and greatest. But if you are a lover of tradition flame candles make sure you put them in a jar or vase (votive) that is high enough to stop air movement from blowing them out. Careful placement is a must – avoid putting candles near anything flammable and don’t forget to blow them out!
Colour and Life
Although most gardens have them, it’s a nice idea to have some extra potted plants or flowers close by to add colour and life. Cushions are a great way of adding bright and vibrant colours to your outdoor areas.
Just remember your outdoor space is just as important as your indoor space. So when entertaining spend some time styling the space before guests turn up – sweep the area, light the candles, place the pot plants and fluff up the cushions.
Here’s to another brilliant summer – Happy entertaining