Interior Designer Brendan Wong has over twenty year’s industry experience working throughout Australia, London and Paris. Based in Sydney, Brendan is the principal of his award-winning, boutique interior design studio, Brendan Wong Design working with clients both nationally and abroad.
We love Brendan’s sophisticated, elegant and luxury interiors and were happy when he agreed to answer a few questions about his work.
Above: Brendan Wong from Brendan Wong Design
Above: East House by Brendan Wong Design
Does your studio have a particular focus?
We focus on residential projects for clients who value refined and unique interiors. There is a high degree of customisation to our work, both in the built and decorative aspects.
How would you describe your design style?
A client once described my style as like champagne: smooth, refined with just the right amount of fizz. I do tend create interiors that are resolved and lean towards "contemporary formal". Everything has its place and each element has a relationship, directly or indirectly, to the other.
Above: Billiard room in Sydney's North Shore by Brendan Wong Design
Above: East House (left) and Inner City Apartment (right) by Brendan Wong Design
How would you describe your approach to design?
It's important to spend the time in early stages to really understand the client, their lifestyle and their brief. I believe the best results come when you're being responsive to that- and then taking it to the next level to deliver something beyond what they had imagined, that actually propels them forward to fully embrace their new environment.
Do you have any hard and fast rules when it comes to your interior projects?
Clarity of planning is imperative: no amount of visual trickery can disguise poorly considered planning so getting that right is important. Otherwise, it's all about balance, to keep the eye meandering across the room, discovering more detail. Particularly with large open plan living, it's important that you're not distracted by a huge television!
What is your current favourite Mokum fabric?
Mokum's ‘Fan’ is a bold geometric with Asian influences. The purely monochromatic colourways cleverly allow the pattern to be the hero of the textile.
Above: Fan from the Tribal collection by Mokum
Who/what has been the biggest influence on your work to date?
I do love the work of American artist and set designer Tony Duquette. His work is layered with pattern, texture and intrigue. His ability to bravely mix seemingly disparate elements is masterful and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Above: The living room from Tony Duquette's house in Los Angeles, now a museum, called Dawnridge. (Image source: www.tonyduquette.com).
What trends for 2016 have got you inspired?
The colour Blush is becoming more prominent. Deeper tones have a moodier and sophisticated edge but still reference the classic provenance. It’s a great accent to monochromatic or pale interiors.
What's next? Any exciting projects you can tell us about?
I'm currently working on a lighting collection to be launched later this year, featuring glamorous materials including cut glass, brass, marquetry and ceramic. It's a different design approach when conceptualising products versus actual interiors. Without the constraints of a site or building, the opportunity to explore creatively is unlimited.
Above: Bayside House by Brendan Wong Design
Above: Sydney Skyhome by Brendan Wong Design
To see more of Brendan's work, you can visit his website here.
