Q&A | Lynne Bradley Interiors

When I’m in bed at night I move through the rooms of my projects in my mind. I have a notebook where I jot down ‘ah ha’ thoughts so I can get to work on solving the design puzzle the next day – creating a design that is truly unique, tailored to each client, and transcends time is very exciting. I am continually evolving and refining my design aesthetic; each project presents an opportunity to share my passion for problem solving and deliver an inspired design that is inclusive and improves the way they live. Making people feel happy, nurtured, and comfortable while triggering a nostalgic memory is a core motivation of my work.

For me, interior design is an organised artform that people live in. My inspirations are infinite and are gathered from nature, travel, architecture, fashion, history, the arts, and my clients. I am passionate about incorporating the work of artisans and emerging artists, as well as embracing new technology.

That being said, inspiration is a subliminal part of my every day. I don’t commence a project deciding that it will be inspired by any one thing, instead I spend time on site absorbing what is unique to the space and to my clients – the orientation and views, natural light, neighbouring properties, the type of architecture, along with who and how my clients live there. I assess the roadblocks – everyone has them – and mentally set about solving the puzzles presented. I often resolve layouts and make design decisions during my first meeting but need to resort to my design process to visually communicate the solutions. Sometimes my clients request a particular style or set of design aspirations which are whole-heartedly heard and respected, but I tend to infer these rather than take a literal path as I prefer to curate a unique design that fits each client like a glove.

Including sentimental or nostalgic pieces that don’t fit or work, adversity to risk-taking and pushing outside their comfort zone, selecting a design style label that may not suit the home, budgets, trust, and being influenced by friends and family who may not be coming from an informed place.

Oh my goodness – this is a tough question. I sewed with my mother from a very young age and we both collected textiles and trims. I don’t have as much time to sew these days, but my love of textiles continues and if I see a fabric that inspires me, I have to have it and will find a way to use it in some shape or form. Textiles trigger memories and tell a story for me and James Dunlop and Mokum curate textile collections that inspire me in this way. I am drawn to embroidery, linen, and wool but really, I love to use all manner of textiles, often in contrast with each other. I am drawn to this brand for its commitment to sustainability, reliability, nod to the past and commitment to the future, and creativity.

From Mokum I am currently obsessed with Alpaca Velvet, Abstraction, Elemental, and the entire Royal Menagerie collection, and from James Dunlop: Fleece, Staunch, Alpine, and Entwine.

I don’t like describing favourites because it feels like it doesn’t allow for change. Colour brings me great joy and fulfils a function for the space and application for my projects. I have often been asked what my favourite colour is for a car and my answer is always that the shape and people driving it dictate the best solution. I feel the same way with colour palettes for everything, however, I do love contrast so you will see neutrals teamed with bold colours and a variety of patterns and textures. Currently I am working on a palette that includes a dirty lavender, mustard, bronze, sage green, and aubergine. It’s fun to surprise!

I LOVE wallpaper, it can transform a bland space into one that is bold, arresting, and oozes personality. It can be applied to walls, ceilings, or joinery panels depending on the effect you want to create or your budget and can also obscure difficult lines and junctions. Wallpaper can make a statement by adding a sense of arrival and a touch of depth and drama by playing on scale, and if there isn’t much of a budget for art, wallpaper is a wonderful way to bring artistry to a project.

I use colour and pattern to make a space recede or advance; to make a room feel bigger, smaller, wider, taller, warmer, cooler, quiet, or vibrant. If you surround yourself with interesting patterns and colours it makes your brain work differently; I feel like the conductor of an orchestra curating this harmony.

I have wallpapered my studio in La Palma colour Sepia by Mokum to give the illusion of depth and scale, I love the way the vinyl is embossed with a linen texture and is so very durable in a commercial setting. Many of my clients have retained negative associations with wallpapers from childhood, so I chose a large, bold pattern to emphasise how it transforms a space and feels really comfortable. And although this stunning paper is an artwork in itself, we have completed the space with art and mirrors to create a layered design.

Explore more of Lynne's work at lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au and @lbinteriors