Project in Review: Grace Interior Designs
Grace Interior Designs provides practical solutions and beautiful interiors without compromising on functionality. Specialising in residential, hospitality and accommodation interiors, they believe design should be accessible, and everyone deserves to live, work and play in a beautiful space.
Bluethumb’s Interior Designer, Alexandra Guglielmino, worked with Grace Interior Designs’ Founding Director, Trish Khoury, to transform an Airbnb in South Yarra, Victoria. The result of this working partnership is nothing short of luxurious. We spoke with Trish about her experience working with Bluethumb and the overall design outcome. Continue reading to discover the spectacular results photographed by Lisbeth Grosmann, and click the images to shop artists’ featured in this project.
The Brief
The design goal for this Airbnb in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb was to convert a standard one-bedroom apartment into a high-end, Instagrammable Airbnb. “The client wanted the apartment to be chic and provide guests with a luxurious stay—a combination of the comforts of home and the indulgence of a hotel experience,” said Trish.
This Airbnb in South Yarra boasts a bright, playful and inviting space.
As Melbourne is Australia’s food and fashion capital, the interior needed to reflect the surrounding environment’s energy. Full of art, colour and engaging vignettes, the overall aim was to create a comfortable space for travellers to get ready and venture out to see Melbourne’s tourist destinations and then kick back and relax in the evening.
Two of Emma Whitelaw’s prints were selected – their shapes, patterns, and colours pair perfectly with the chosen decor.
An avid art lover, Trish discovered Bluethumb at an art fair and has since attended exhibitions and referred clients to the online gallery. For this project, the client came to Trish with a selection of artworks they had found whilst browsing Bluethumb’s website. “We selected pieces that would just come alive through photography and stand out on the Airbnb platform,” said Trish, describing the ordering process as “easy and straightforward.”
This artful Airbnb will attract travellers looking to book accommodation in Melbourne, Victoria.
The Process
“As an Interior Designer, it’s important for me to work with suppliers that value the client relationship and provide timely, courteous and professional customer service to myself and my clients, which Bluethumb does,” said Trish.
A challenge arose during this project when the piece originally intended for the dining room was sold. “It was beloved by the client, so learning that the piece had sold meant pivoting without compromising. Thankfully the artist had other suitable pieces we could choose from,” she said.
A commissioned piece by Laura Thomas satisfies the preference of artwork for this space at the desired size.
The Outcome
Trish said the outcome of this project exceeded expectations. “Often, art plays a secondary role in the interior design process, but it was front and centre for this project. So having such a huge range on the Bluethumb platform was integral to the project.”
“My client and I had a wide range to select the right piece at the right size, orientation and price. The artworks we chose perfectly achieve the goal of creating a fun and interesting space, full of individual vignettes that come together as a whole, cohesive interior design.”
Rollercoaster by Emma Whitelaw catches the eye and draws the Airbnb guest into the relaxing lounge nook.
The selected artworks include shapes, patterns and colours that compliment the project’s styling and bold accent colours. “We see floral patterns in the art, which is amplified with plants and artificial foliage throughout the space. Geometric patterns are also found in the wallpaper and cushions,” said Trish.
“For this project, my favourite Bluethumb artwork is A Love Everlasting by Belinda Nadwie, which was used for the bedroom,” she said. “Given that this was an accommodation design project, the artwork in the bedroom had to be large and visually striking enough to jump out at potential guests searching for a suitable place on the Airbnb platform.”
The artwork’s palette and depth of texture stood out to Trish and informed the selection of the stunning bedside tables. Their shell inlay perfectly mimics the enchanting flecks of colour in Belinda’s painting, creating a harmonious look and feel.
Bordered by bold blue walls, Belinda’s artwork is the focal point of this room.
“Bluethumb will remain one of Grace Interior Designs’ top art suppliers for Australian art. The site’s sheer variety and easy navigation enable the efficient selection of art that suits the client’s budget and vision and our interior design direction and approach.”
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Love this story – and the ART! So well done, and with such individuality.