Interior Design Year 1, Semester 1 down - the review.

Wow. First semester is over, I have definately passed (not sure how well though, my GPA is 5 - highest being 7 - not bad). Having said that, the individual marks aren't out yet, I'll let you know!

What can I say other than that I am so glad to be in a university such as this! This is not an average design degree, much of first semester involved art (practical and theory) lessons to ensure that every junior designer has a background in various themes in art history, it may sound slightly disjointed to the idea of interior design but in reality, where else will our inspiration come from?

Perhaps one of the most valuable moments of last semester was my 'Design Camp' in week 6. While yes, there was inevitably an arbitrary amount of 'team building' exercises, we learnt a lot about co-operating with people you may not necessarily get a long with (I suppose in any artistic related field there's bound to be a few different temperaments!), but the more interesting element was that there was a large focus on design ethics and sustainability, including having a lecture by none other than Mr. Tony Fry (if you haven't heard of him, read his book Design ethics and sustainability, there is some real inspiration out there). It was wonderful to hear that there were active thinkers out there trying to preserve our Earth. I hope that by the time I graduate sustainable designing will be a high priority to everyone.

Aside from this, I am now proficient in drawing (perspective, freehand, live), rendering, modeling and (would you believe?) I even passed web design, meaning I can use illustrator, dreamweaver and photoshop (given the amount of work I put in, this interdisciplinary talent had better have its uses!). I am also officially an art theory nerd with my highest grade so far (1% off a high distinction, criminal!) going to my Modernism and Postmodernism assignments.

In my next post I want to get a little bit  more interactive with you all, I'll provide details of of first assignment for interior design and take you through my processes. Any critique or compliment would be highly regarded, my thanks in advance!

Until then, x.

Quick Fix

Hello one and all.

So, a quick update. I am at uni, and learning so much my head feels like it will explode! But, I adore my course, and each day I grow more and more sure that I belong in this industry.

The bad part of this is that I am so, so, so busy. And getting re-accustomed to assignments is not easy! So, I leave you with a beautiful picture of Miesian architecture (just finished an essay on him by the way, interesting kinda guy) in the hope you see some inspiration.

I'll get back to you with more interior things come June.

Bought to you by the wonderful http://www.flickr.com/photos/anneh632/

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Honey, I'm home!

I have to admit, I pride myself slightly on coming up with blog-posts, usernames or catch phrases that have multiple entendres attached. The title to this blogpost is no different. ;)

Firstly:
Yes! I'm home! After 2 years off uni, I've travelled to Europe, picked up a Frenchman, discovered South East Asia for myself and endured landing in a tropical storm and am now, resting in my hometown. My lovely Frenchman and I have just started renting a gorgeous (inspiring!) little place in Brisbane, and I start uni on the 28th! I'm looking forward to this, Interior design has been such a passion of mine, and, in just 3 years I'll be getting a degree that makes us official!

Secondly:
Something that I love, and don't see enough in the humid climate of sub-tropical Queensland. A softly lit table, warm and welcoming, the smell of rosemary, beef and hot potatoes roasting away. Sharing a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe, watching terrible French Christmas movies you don't totally understand, but have to watch just for the fun of it.

I was lucky enough to spend last Christmas in Toulouse with my partner and his family. His mother is a total sweetheart, and created a winter wonderland for us all.

The soft lighting (homemade, might I add) sets the simple, homely colour palate off. Isn't the painting (done by an uncle) lit beautifully?

I remember walking in to the room and at first thinking how traditional it all was in comparison to the white, simple interiors back home - where a barbecue in the garden was more Christmas-sy than sitting inside watching candles flicker and snow fall.

But it's not completely true in this instance. The house is warm and friendly (the walls are all painted a soft yellow or off white) and the decorations are not tartan, woollen or rich pine (as one would probably expect to see at a traditional European Christmas). Why not look below?

It wasn't all about tradition though. Little silver angels and baubles hovered off modern, minimal white branches. A globe of soft light set off the yellow tones of the wall, and created a magical atmosphere. 

I love Madame O's use of simple lighting to give a warmth to something that could quite possibly appear cold and bleak. For someone who doesn't get to experience this side of Christmas so often, it opened my heart completely, the warmth is simply infectious. I can't get enough. When I start my course, I will make sure that this sort of lighting features heavily, it's subtle, and yet, so powerful.

I hope you all had a wonderful festive season and are ready for more frequent posting! I sense a big learning curve about to happen in my life. And besides, aren't you excited to see my cute little abode once I've dressed it all up?!

xo

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What makes you tick?

For me? At the moment, it's windows. Today, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time in at least three days. It was a lovely moment, possibly my favourite weather. The temperature is cold enough to make your lips crack and your cheeks flush, but the sun is shining, which is very warming to the soul. I find peace and comfort in my morning tea as I watch the snow melt and the birds fly about.

On days like these I force myself to get out and embrace London, but I get the most spectacular view from my window, and I don't have to deal with the runny nose.

Winter sun in Bethnal Green (messy room, apologies)

Even with the fairly unimpressive window size, I love how the light floods in to my room, illuminating the slightly dull cream/beige in the most charming way, it is warm and nostalgic, like the perfect cup of tea. So suited to London, so suited to it's climate, letting the beauty of nature in without compromising your comfort, that's what the window should be about. Note how the window is framed and held together with a small bolt, I think this is adorable, again, it is nostalgic and simple, not detracting from the view, and adding an atmosphere to the room (however it is not in the least practical when a strong, arctic wind is blowing)!

Inspiration for windows:

Let the nature in, the light.

It doesn't constantly have to be modern, let it adjust to the room and it's aura.

(I am not one for unusual shapes or textures). Simplicity is key, to coin the bauhaus phrase, form should follow function. The window's purpose is to let in light, to lift the room, if you're lucky, to frame a picture.

Well, Hello there

Thank you for stumbling upon my little blog. My name is Rebecca, and I am a young Interior Design enthusiast. The purpose of this blog is to not only document what inspires me in this field, but also to talk about why it does that, and perhaps to forge relations with potential co-workers.

Next year I begin my 3 year course in Interior design at one of Australia's top design universities, Griffith. From now until the completion of my course, I aim to post my projects, my experiences, my inspiration and whatever motivates me to continue in this direction. Ambitious? Maybe. But I am more than passionate enough to see this through.

It is my greatest hope that this blog will act as an element of my 'portfolio', in order to establish myself in the Interior design industry and create opportunities for myself within this field, after all, my career objective is to become an interior designer of international reputation, and we all have to start somewhere. Equally important though, is that my passion is 'out there', and that I can perhaps inspire my peers. Your feedback would be more than valuable to me, I will appreciate and take on board every word. Thanks in advance.