Welcome to the Dramatic Fusion Design Blog. I invite you to experience my ideas on how to combine unlikely elements into your personal spaces for interior design that brings comfort and style to your life.
I just returned from the Sydney Interior Design Show. This was my first trip Down Under and it certainly won’t be my last.
Maureen and Tim enjoying the view
Australia has an interesting mix of European and Asian influences. Their style is at the heart of Dramatic Fusion. No one would ever dare confuse an Aussie with a Brit. Over the course of that country’s history, the people have developed their own interior decorating style. They have a casual culture that celebrates the outdoors. Australians like to orient their spaces to take advantage of their beautiful gardens. They like simple, practical, clean-lined furnishings with punches of color.
I found this especially true from a modern dining and bar stool company called Out There Furniture www.outtherefurniture.com. They were showcasing some interesting contemporary, colorful chairs. So many of my design clients in Northern Virginia talk about creating eating spaces that mimic their busy lifestyles where family members come in and out and grab quick meals. This often means setting one or two places at a high kitchen counter. Out There’s barstool designs have given me some great ideas on how to make these small, essential “fast-food” places a design element in a lot of homes.
A fresh view of the Sydney Opera House from the front
This was my first time attending this three-day show and I was surprised how small it was compared to design shows I’ve been to in the USA. It was about 50% furniture and 50% accessories. But good things do come in small packages, and I found some gems. One company, Dynasty, makes luxurious lambskin rugs and throw blankets in different shapes and sizes. These rugs are plush with a silky soft feel and pure, white pile. I immediately started to think how the texture and color could soften an austere formal space or add a bit of luxury to an already cozy room. And right now with spring on the cold side here in Northern Virginia a luxurious blanket sounds great.
My final shout out from the show goes to a an interesting wallpaper line called KGD Designs www.kgdesigns.com.au. I really liked many of the contemporary, traditional, Asian and Moroccan designs they use. Their blend of East-West influences speaks to the mixture of cultures that make up Australia.
We took dozens of photos in Sydney but here are some that inspire me to design and remind me that we can bring so much of the world into our homes.
This bold abstract room-sized mural isn't afraid to own the space
My interior design style is certainly influenced by my travels. And while it may not be reasonable (but not impossible) to order bar stools from Australia for my interior design clients in Virginia and in Arizona, there is a lot that I can learn from these companies.
Heading West – Southwest
Before long I’ll be heading to Arizona to my other interior design studio and I’ll be packing some East Coast elements for my clients there. You can create a lot of design fun if you pay attention to details. For instance, draperies and traditional window treatments are less popular in the Southwest as everyone is afraid of blocking out the light. I feel draperies serve to frame the amazing desert views rather than blocking them. For one client I started with an “East Coast” design of a simple cornice board but I made it “Western” by adding silver and turquoise. I’ve also taken this same idea and have covered cornice boards with ultra suede fabric and have added nail heads and sliced turquoise stones. The finished look enhances the architecture of the home, softens the windows, and certainly doesn’t block the desert light.
I’ll return with some Southwest inspired ideas that translate especially well for sun rooms. But until then, take a look at these sites I’ve listed and see how some of these ideas from Down Under could freshen up or completely change one of your already decorated rooms.
And the next time you’re on the road, stop at an art gallery, flea market, garden center, or boutique and check out the local products. You may find a great treasure that will remind you of your travels and add a bit of dramatic fusion to your home.
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