How to inject a space with personality
Teleisha Thomas
May 2024Interior Decorator, Alessandra Smith of Alessandra Smith Design is an emerging interior decorator in Melbourne, focused on the curation of furniture, lighting, art and objects in high-end residential projects.
We visited Alessandra at Elwood Residence, a recently completed project in Melbourne’s bayside with thoughtful, layered interiors that are both timeless and soulful. Here, Alessandra takes us through how to inject a space with personality.
A sitting room should reflect your unique style, so don’t be afraid to experiment in this space to add character and charm.
Confident use of colour
Pick a colour palette and stick to it. Think about how you want the room to feel and use colour as a way of cultivating an emotion. In Elwood Residence, our clients were unafraid of breaking the rules and therefore we have opted for a dark, moody hue and extended the colour on each of the walls and onto the ceiling for a beautiful immersive effect.
Art and objects
Showcase pieces that you’ve collected and that are meaningful to you. Art and objects are personal choices that help to tell the story of you and your family. They can spark conversation and help to create a space that feels truly unique. In this room, we have included several vintage pieces that our client has collected over time, each with their own story and background.
Mixing materials
To really pack a punch in a space, I recommend incorporating a variety of contrasting materials. Soft, hard, shiny, matte, tactile and everything in between. In this room, we have mixed a number of metals – brass and chrome, two different marbles, and smoked glass, along with velvet and timber. Mixing materials adds interest and you really appreciate the tactility of a material when you see it in contrast to its opposite.
Incorporate vintage pieces
Vintage objects carry with them a beautiful patina and add a sense of rich history to a space. I love to mix them with contemporary pieces for a timeless and sophisticated result. In this room, we have the Sesann sofa designed in 1970 by Gianfranco Frattini and the 70s Alky armchairs which were re-upholstered in a modern patterned fabric.
Photography by Shannon McGrath
Alessandra Smith Design offers interior decorating for residential projects, encompassing home or colour consultations, art and object curation, or a full design service. If you would like to speak to Alessandra about your next design project, visit her website to book a consult.
