We delve into the art of elevating interiors, by levelling up our living spaces with a few key pieces that alleviate a complete redesign.
Produced in partnership with
Exceptional craftsmanship has always been a passion for
As a self-confessed maximalist and with a keen eye for style, Fiona is a strong advocate for storied brands. “Storytelling has always driven me,” Fiona says. “There are many products out there worthy of notice but those made by individuals that embody the love and time put into them, resonate with me regardless of the period they were created,” she adds.
Residing in Sydney’s northern beaches, Fiona has a strong affinity for design that adds meaning to the everyday living experience. She believes in prioritising lasting quality with our everyday items to interact with them in a more pleasurable way. “While trends capture the expression of the time, in an age of overproduction, I prefer to source based on soul,” Fiona says. “Those items deliver the most value for me, and I’ve been in the industry long enough to see how they are appreciated over time.”
Lighting
One of the most powerful ways to refine a room is with lighting. Fiona maintains, “Lighting is a most effective way to transform a space. Beyond the function of illumination, many lights are also sculptural design objects.” In this way, Fiona says they deliver both a functional and aesthetic investment. A combination of
“Among my favourite pendants, and actually installed over my own dining table is the
transformative lighting:
Soft Furnishing
Drawn to luscious textiles and rich colours, Fiona says soft furnishings are some of the smallest investments you can make to create an impact well above the outlay. “For this reason, they’re a favourite with stylists, who we’ve seen make magic with a few simple
The other point to note with soft furnishings and textiles is their relationship with light. “Watching that interplay adds a wonderful element to an interior,” Fiona says. “The light captures the differences in the fibres and woven textures, adding exponentially to the visual appeal; especially with jacquard weaves. With printed fabrics, the visual is all about the pattern, but it is with jacquard that the magic happens.”
As a firm believer in quality, Fiona recommends cushions with down and feather filling. “Cushions should be for snuggling in to, not just for dressing the sofa,” adding, “the
For Fiona, a throw that is large enough to cover your toes is essential. She believes it should be designed for living, not purely decorative. “And robust enough that your child or pet can snuggle with you without fear of ruining it,” she adds. Fiona recommends the knitted intricacy and mastery of the
Fiona also suggests a high-quality floor rug. “
statement soft furnishings:
Accessories
Fiona believes no interior story is ever really finished. “As we evolve, our spaces change with us. Home accessories offer a beautiful way to honour stories over time,” Fiona reflects. This is why she says Spence & Lyda has always invested in the pursuit of pieces that showcase outstanding craftsmanship, beauty and meaning.
As accessories are deeply personal pieces, Fiona suggests considering your daily rituals and elevating them with items that bring sensory pleasure. “For this reason, I always recommend
Fiona recommends
As a firm believer, our homes are not just for show, Fiona understands we need them to feel just as indulgent as they appear. By adding the right, quality elements reflective of our individual lifestyles she says we can build powerful moments of pleasure and meaning in our homes, with good design. “I derive real joy from the things I’ve collected that enrich my every day,” she adds.
enhancing daily rituals:
The post