Get the most out of your visit to Decor + Design and the Australian International Fair (AIFF) in 2022 by joining James Treble for an insightful tour around the show, which will give you ideas on how to adapt standout, forward-thinking products from selected exhibitors – in a way that’s perfect for Australian homes.
The 50-minute tour will focus on cleverly using exhibitor products for longevity and sustainability, plus practical design tips from one of the most in-demand designers in the business. Register here as a trade visitor and book your place!
The Polymath of the Australian Design World!
The charming, award-winning interior designer is also a TV presenter and writer, with over 25 years’ experience in the building and design industry.
James is well known for various roles on Australian TV over the past 10 years, including six years as the resident Interior Design expert on the popular program The Living Room. James is currently a presenter of Open Homes Australia and the host of Renovate or Rebuild, both for the 9 network.
James Treble on Channel 10’s The Living Room. Image: jamestreble.com
In the lead up to the show in July, we asked the in-demand designer some questions to uncover his inspirations.
How would you define the ‘James Treble aesthetic’?
Ha, what a question! Well, it’s definitely a fusion of styles rather than one clear statement. I love mid century modern but I also love the relaxed aesthetic of coastal homes that have a Mediterranean influence, with a sprinkling of Moroccan pattern and room layout thrown into the mix!
Palm Springs inspiration via Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s ‘Villa Grigio’. Image: Tim Street-Porter
I find myself using the term ‘new century modern’ to describe the modern take on the MCM design period, and ‘global traveler’ to represent the global fusion, creating my two key Interior Design phrases! This may sound a little mixed, but to me it sounds perfect.
What’s one design rule you live by?
This has evolved over time, as I used to be all about ‘less is more’ and then ‘more Is more’, as both of these can still be true in the right space. However recently, especially due to the many ways the pandemic impacted our lives, I now focus on ‘practical design’ as my design ethos!
We have all been forced to question the necessity of our purchases – i.e. where do the things we buy come from. The spaces we create and live in still need to look great, but they especially need to be practical, in both design and material selection.
Which artist or designer from history would you choose to be in isolation with?
Artist Sandro Nocentini. Image: Saatchi Art
I actually isolated with a very talented painter and sculptor, my Sulman Prize winning partner Sandro Nocentini, so our walls are always filled with colours, stories and inspiration! If I needed to add another, it would have to be Philippe Starck! I was stopped in my tracks seeing him at a coffee shop in Milan a few years ago, so much so that I uncharacteristically left him alone, instead of walking up to touch him!! His ability to fuse creativity between both product and spatial design shows what a true creative visionary he is!
Why is interior design important for the world right now?
Great design has the power to create spaces that suit our individual needs. More than simply ‘beautiful looking spaces’ they need to function well, be practical to use, maintain and allow us all to exist in them in a positive way. This allows us all to blossom and grow instead of being slaves in maintaining them.
“Through good interior design practices we can turn our homes – and those of our clients – into the nurturing and inspiring spaces they should be, allowing them to reflect the story of those who live there.”
The theme of the 18th edition of Decor + Design and the Australian International Furniture Fair is ‘Aurora Australis’; reflecting the new dawn in Australian design after the challenging environment of the past few years. Join us in Melbourne, 14 – 17 July 2022, for a true celebration of Australian design!
Follow James on Instagram @designerjamestreble