INTERIORS

STYLE MASTERS

Interior designers are sharing their knowledge in classes that cater to homeowners wanting to create their own beautiful spaces

Interior designer Thomas Hamel in his showroom in Sydney’s Surry Hills, and Megan Morton, founder of the The School, above right Design LIBBY MOFFETt BOB BARKER The concept of a stylish day out is taking on new meaning as a growing number of Australia’s design and style maestros throw open the doors of their homes and studios for bespoke masterclasses. Offering a rare insight into the work and ideas of industry leaders, the classes also feature beautiful settings and gourmet meals, creating a memorable experience for style enthusiasts. Acclaimed interior designer Thomas Hamel, who will hold his first class in his new Sydney studio this month, says the trend towards masterclasses follows growing interest in interior design imagery on social media platforms, as well as a year of COVID isolation that has made people more houseproud. “It started with Facebook, but then it was Pinterest and Instagram – there are so many ways of researching interiors nowadays, but you’re not getting an explanation,” he says. “You’re just seeing pictures and you’re wondering ‘how do I achieve this?’, so (classes) go into more depth.” Geared towards design professionals and limited to 15 participants, Hamel’s masterclass will discuss global and local design trends, with participants enjoying a lunch with the designer before exploring his extensive library of international materials and fabrics. In Brisbane, interior design queen Anna Spiro is preparing to host a series of intimate eight-person workshops and lunches in her new Art Deco apartment in New Farm this year. It follows the success of her first masterclass in 2018, which “went nuts”. Spiro says participants include homeowners and trainee designers who are keen to understand her work and seek her input on their own plans. “I just love to help people learn how to do things beautifully,” says Spiro, who’s also considering hosting a workshop in Melbourne, where she’s opened a new office. “I think these days are about offering people another perspective. I think people want to learn and want to have a lovely day with NIKKI SHORT like-minded people who have an interest in their home. It’s just growing our mind and our experiences,” Spiro says. Interior stylist Steve Cordony says he was overwhelmed with the feedback from his inaugural masterclasses, held at his central NSW property, Rosedale Farm, last October, and is planning up to 10 classes this year.

Above: Photographer Abbie Melle (left) and stylist Georgia Ashdown. Right: Interior stylist Steve Cordony at his home, Rosedale Farm

TOM FERGUSON

While Cordony’s Instagram styling stories proved very popular during last year’s COVID lockdowns, he says the masterclasses enabled him to create a bespoke experience for participants and share more of his knowledge in real time.

Cordony explained the renovation of his Georgian homestead and staged multiple styling demonstrations during his classes, while also hosting a long lunch in Rosedale’s garden as well as a champagne and cheese session in the afternoon.

“There was beautiful food, scents and music – it was a 360-degree sensory experience,” he says. “I wanted to give people as much as possible to take away from it in terms of knowledge, but also to take away that they had a great day.”

Stylist Megan Morton launched her styling school in 2012 after witnessing the popularity of her “how-to” styling stories in magazines.

“I thought it would be nice to have a group of people in the room who all want to learn the same thing and we could really delve deep on things that go beyond the Pinterest page,” Morton says.

Nine years on, she runs regular classes on the science of styling as well as conducting international style-focused trips. She will offer four one-day classes in Sydney and Melbourne this year, each featuring a “delicious lunch” as well as seven hours of learning.

Morton says that while a stylist’s knowledge was once regarded as consisting of “trade secrets”, she welcomes the growing number of masterclasses and says they will enable quality information to rise to the top. “The more people talk about style, the more it normalises it,” she says.

Magazine photographer Abbie Melle says she was encouraged to launch her first workshops with friend and stylist Georgia Ashdown in October last year following growing demand from her Instagram followers. Six more classes are slated for 2021.

Held at Bunya House in NSW’s Southern Highlands, the inaugural oneday masterclasses attracted people wanting to pursue a career in styling and photography, as well as those simply keen to indulge in a retreat.

“There was a lot of beauty in the day, which I think people were craving and enjoyed,” Melle says.

All measurements are internal and approximate. This plan is a sketch for illustration.

Margate, Hobart Tasmania

55 Esplanade 4 4 8

$2.85 Million Inspection by Appointment Agents Hans Waldhoff 0419 124 867 Martin Waldhoff 0422 426 065

Unrivalled waterfront property with sweeping panoramic views over North West Bay and just 20 minutes south of Hobart.

This absolute waterfront position offers seamless access to the beautiful waterways of Southern Tasmania with the picturesque D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island on your doorstep. It is a paradise for the boating enthusiast, featuring a private jetty, with its own floating pontoon, two moorings and a power boat included. A sleek, contemporary residence from acclaimed Tasmanian designer Mark Linardi, designed with clean, fluid lines and a close connection to the outdoors. A northerly aspect with walls of glass framing the uninterrupted water views from the spacious open plan kitchen and living areas with high calibre fixtures & fittings. Wonderful functional automation throughout, presents low maintenance living, along with the sense of effortless luxury. With four bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, the master bedroom also features a large dressing room, a study or fifth bedroom with stunning views, media/cinema room, wine cellar, a water’s edge outdoor entertainment area with it’s own BBQ kitchen. In addition there is garaging for three cars along with ample storage.

All this and more from this exceptional private waterfront retreat.

The Enchanted Garden

61 - 63 Grange Road, Toorak

Designed by Drew Cole Architects on a sprawling 4236sqm of land, this 6 year old generously proportioned solid brick home with lift, comprises multiple formal and informal living rooms, four bedrooms, fi ve bathrooms, study, separate home offi ce, six car basement garage, gym, cinema, cellar, second basement/studio and high tech features. The luxurious parents’ suite includes a fi tted dressing room and marble ensuite. Unforgettable enchanted garden provides a show-stopping introduction to this magnifi cent family estate in iconic Toorak location close to the village. Featuring a swimming pool and tennis court, large garden pavilion for all-year entertaining and rolling lawns with orchard.

grange-road.com

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Closing Friday 19th March

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By Private Appointment Only Contact

Sean Cussell 0425 787 979 Marcus Heron 0422 822 995