Author: Jane Valentine

Evoking a sense of solidity

15 15 June, 2021
A building that sits strongly, yet with a respectful nod to its surroundings. Tucked on the edge of the CBD amongst significant heritage buildings and homes.
 
Ronald Young & Co Builders’ new office space, architecturally designed by BYA Architects, required a considered approach. An approach that acknowledged not just the newly designed structure, but also the residential properties surrounding it. We selected materials, textures, and colours that created a professional, contemporary feel; reflective of Ronald Young’s long-standing reputation.
 
The branding and exterior finishes needed to be sophisticated and to complement the neighboring architecture, such as the striking Goulburn Street Housing by Cumulus, that sits alongside. We chose to hone in on tones that would exist robustly, and yet also evoke a sense of solidity, referencing the foundational role that Ronald Young & Co Builders continues to play in creating homes that are an integral part of Hobart’s built fabric.
 
Client / Ronald Young & Co Builders
Architecture / BYA Architects
Exterior Scheme / Valentine interiors + design
Photography / Loic Le Guilly
 
 
 
 
 
 

Conforming to trends: You may as well just tick a bunch of boxes.

11 11 May, 2021

Is design becoming a series of boxes to tick, where the way space is assembled responds not to its time and place but instead to dated conventions that no longer truly resonate with client needs? At what point did design simply become a matter of choosing a trend and ticking boxes, with no correlation or responsiveness to the context and the intended function. As designers, we must ask ourselves, have we applied our expert knowledge to its full potential? Have we paused and listened with an unbiased tone to what our clients need from us?

Of course, having constraints to work within is important, because it is within these that good design functions. But effective constraints are the ones that consider ergonomics and anthropometrics, they are the ones that consider inclusivity, spatial function, and the site, so that project delivers on all levels, not just superficially. Constraints should not be what inhibits us from designing, they must not be a series of boxes to tick, that reference trends rather than the key requirements given to us. We must learn to work within the scope of each project while also pushing ourselves and our designs to be more responsive to individual client needs, not wants. 

Imagine designing without limitation by refusing to partake in trends, ones that are picked from a preconceived shelf of what a space should be as opposed to what it could be. Imagine always applying an integrative approach, one that values the opinions of key experts in the field, by allowing them to be present in the initial stage of the project so that questions can be asked, and solutions offered. Because only by pausing, adapting, and really listening to our client and individual experts can we create truly individual, meaningful, and compelling spaces. 

Valentine interiors + design. 

 

Inclusive and integrated design

24 24 April, 2021
Duncan Meerding, who is legally blind with less than 5% of his sight remaining, is best known for his exceptionally designed and built timber light pieces. Our site visit to his studio was not only an incredible opportunity to see first-hand the processes behind his practice, but also allowed a conversation about the ways we can better design for all.
 
 
In our studio, we are always expanding our knowledge and expertise to gain a deeper understanding of user experience.
 
We recently wrote an article on luminance contrast requirements in commercial projects and how it is crucial to understand these to design spaces that are not just compelling but that are inclusive for all that will use them. It was a privilege meeting Duncan Meerding and his team at their studio as a result of this piece, a conversation sparked from a mutual passion about inclusive and integrated design practices.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Commercial projects require discipline.

9 9 April, 2021
Commercial projects require discipline. The discipline to understand regulations and restrictions. The discipline to manage risk. The discipline to extensively research and adhere to standards. The discipline to work within restraints.
 
As teachers of commercial interior design and its application in hospitality and retail and as qualified and accredited designers, we both understand best design practice, current regulations and how to implement these for ergonomics and anthropometrics. We study spatial planning and we study people. We take an integrated approach, knowing when to involve our wider specialist team of experts and consultants.
 
We listen and we respond creating a disciplined solution that spans well beyond the obvious.
 
Photo / Jane Valentine + Claire Bramich (Valentine interiors + design)
 
 
 
 

Seafaring twist!

9 9 April, 2021
Twin boys deserve a special room.
 
With a location close to the ocean, it only felt right to respond with a seafaring twist.
 
Deep tones of navy float behind the spotted eagle ray, while timber detailing in the bespoke furniture provides an imaginary escape…in tandem of course!
 
Photography / Loic Le Guilly
 

Emotionally connected to a home

9 9 April, 2021
Being emotionally connected to a home is at the core of most interior briefs.
This delightful space focuses on the family hub. Feeling good, enjoying the space and smiling at your surrounds.
 
We were able to achieve this by working closely with our client. Together, we have created an artistic expression, telling a story, moving through the chapters, one room at a time.
 
Photography / Loic Le Guilly
 
 
 
 
 

A lucid quality

9 9 April, 2021
Our design was informed by the necessity of a bath within the family home. The space was small and the spatial layout needed careful consideration.
 
Listening, along with methodical planning allowed us to create a design that enhanced the flow and layout substantially. By utilising smart cabinetry and material selections, the end result was a room that felt expansive with an inviting lucid quality.
 
Design / Valentine Interiors
Photography / Loic Le Guilly
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Classic contemporary style

9 9 April, 2021
A classic contemporary style requiring careful thought and consideration.
 
Harmony has been achieved through proportion, scale and understanding our client needs.
 
Paring back, curvaceous forms and being respectful of tradition with a fresh approach.
 
Design / Valentine Interiors
Photography / Loic Le Guilly
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Welcome Naomi Doedens

22 22 March, 2021
We are very excited to welcome Naomi Doedens to our Valentine team!
 
Naomi is an interior designer with a strong background in commercial design, where her most recent role involved designing temporary installations and spaces for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The fast-paced world of events requires a strong creative flair, an excellent work ethic, and an ability to think on your feet, all of which Naomi brings to the Valentine team.
 
A First Class honours graduate from the RMIT Bachelor of Interior Design, Naomi was nominated by the university for the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA), a program for the most exceptional students.